Chapter 4

When I returned to my office, the first thing I did was submit my resignation.

Although I had lost the competition for Head of Potion Research at Blackthorn Pack's research institute, my work had already attracted the attention of several other research centers.

A while ago, I had received an invitation from the Silvermoon Research Center in the Northern Territory.

They were offering me an independent laboratory and far better research conditions.

Originally, I had hesitated.

After all, Caleb was at Blackthorn Pack. That was where my home was.

But now, I didn't want to hesitate anymore.

I opened the email and replied.

【I accept your offer. I can start earlier if needed.】

Less than five minutes later, they responded.

【Welcome aboard. We'll make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.】

Looking at the screen, I finally smiled for the first time in days.

Then I began packing my personal belongings from the laboratory.

I had spent countless days and nights here over the past three years.

My experimental records, research notes, and the potion samples I had personally formulated were carefully packed into boxes, one by one.

As I finished, I noticed a photograph tucked into the corner of my desk.

In it, Caleb had his arm around my shoulders, wearing a carefree smile.

It had been taken shortly after we discovered we were fated mates.

He had once held my hand and solemnly promised me:

"Serena, once our marking ceremony is over, I'll let every wolf know that you're the only Luna I'll ever have."

I had believed him.

I had even worked hard to learn about Pack affairs and potion research, hoping to become someone who could stand beside him as an equal.

But now, I finally understood that he wasn't worth all that effort.

I threw the photograph into the trash.

At three that afternoon, my resignation was officially approved.

The HR manager looked at me in surprise.

"Serena, are you absolutely sure? Given your abilities, the institute would be happy to offer you another position, even if you didn't get this one."

"Thank you, but there's no need."

I calmly signed the final document.

The manager didn't try to persuade me again. He simply let out a sigh.

As I left the research institute, I glanced back at the familiar building.

From now on, none of this had anything to do with me.

I took a cab back to the apartment and started packing.

The wardrobe was filled with clothes Caleb had bought me. The drawers held all kinds of keepsakes he'd given me over the years.

I didn't take any of them.

And there was the ring symbolizing our bond as fated mates.

I took it off and placed it in a small box.

Then I called the Elders.

"Hello. I'd like to check how much longer it will take to process my request to cancel the marking ceremony."

The person on the other end checked the records.

"Miss Serena, your application has entered its final review stage. If there are no complications, it should be officially approved today."

"All right. Thank you."

After hanging up, I continued packing.

My phone rang.

It was Caleb.

I stared at the screen but didn't answer.

A few seconds later, a message appeared.

【I got us a table at seven. Stop sulking, I’ll come get you.】

Another message followed immediately.

【Elise isn't in a good mood today. I need to spend some time with her first. Get yourself ready.】

I didn't reply.

By the time I zipped up my final suitcase, dusk had settled over the city.

The apartment was so quiet that the only sound was the ticking of the clock.

I looked around one last time, making sure I hadn't left behind anything important.

Then I picked up my phone and deleted every reminder related to Caleb.

At exactly seven, I walked out of the apartment, pulling my suitcase behind me.

At that very moment, Caleb was sitting in Elise's apartment.

She was hugging a cushion, looking at him with a wounded expression.

"Caleb, do you think Serena hates me? She didn't say a single word to me in the conference room today."

Caleb frowned.

"Don't overthink it. She's just in a bad mood."

"But the position of Head of Potion Research was supposed to be hers..."

"That's enough."

Caleb rubbed his forehead.

"I've already promised you. I'm not going to let you feel wronged."

Just then, his phone suddenly rang.

The caller ID showed the Elders' office.

Caleb answered casually.

"What is it?"

The Elder's voice came through, stern and serious.

"Caleb, your fated mate, Serena, has officially canceled your marking ceremony."

The smile vanished from Caleb's face.

"What did you say?"