Endure

Delilah moved into the Alpha wing the very next morning.

With no announcement or explanation from Finn.

I learned about it the way everyone else did—through whispers that followed me like shadows.

“She’s back where she belongs.”

“The Alpha looks whole again.”

“The Moon Goddess must have made a mistake.”

Each word landed like a stone in my heart.

I stood in the corridor outside the Alpha wing, staring at the closed doors that had once felt forbidden to me. Finn had never invited me inside—not even after the Moon Goddess marked me as his mate. He said it was complicated. He said he needed space.

Now Delilah had his chambers. I turned away before my weakness could show.

But she found me that afternoon. I was sorting herbs in the healer’s garden when her scent drifted toward me—sweet, floral, laced with something sharp beneath. She approached softly, as if afraid of startling prey.

“You must be tired,” Delilah said gently. “After everything.”

I didn’t look up. “What do you want?”

She smiled. I felt it without seeing it.

“I want peace,” she replied. “Between us.” I finally faced her.

Up close, she looked fragile—too fragile. Pale skin. Downcast eyes. A faint tremor in her hands. Anyone would believe she was harmless.

“I never meant to come between you and Finn,” she continued. “I swear it. If I had known the Moon Goddess would choose you…”

Her voice cracked perfectly. “I would have stayed away.”

Something inside me twisted. “You didn’t,” I said quietly.

Her eyes flickered—just for a second. “No,” she agreed softly. “I didn’t.”

Then she stepped closer, lowering her voice. “But you understand, don’t you? He loved me first.”

The words slid under my skin like poison.

“He’s confused,” she went on. “Hurt. He needs time. And until he’s ready… it would be cruel of you to force him.”

Force him?. As if I had asked for anything at all.

“I’m not forcing him,” I said. “I’m waiting.”

Her smile widened. “Good,” she said. “That’s exactly what he said you would do.”

That night, Finn summoned me.

I stood before him in the Alpha hall, the bond between us taut and aching. He didn’t ask how I was. Didn’t offer a seat either.

“Delilah is still unwell,” he said. “She’s sensitive to certain foods. You’re a healer. I want you to prepare her meals.”

My breath caught. “You want me to serve her?”

His eyes hardened. “Watch your tone, i am still your Alpha.”

I lowered my gaze. “Of course.”

“Good,” he said curtly. “Avoid tension. The pack is already uneasy.”

I wanted to ask him if he noticed the tension tearing me apart...Tearing us further apart?. I didn’t.

Serving Delilah became my punishment. Every meal. Every tea. Every remedy for an illnessthat wasn't there.

She watched me closely as I worked, her gaze sharp beneath her softness. Sometimes she flinched when she ate, pressing a hand to her stomach, letting out soft cries of discomfort.

Finn hovered at her side, concern etched into every line of his face.

“She’s been poisoned once,” he said to me quietly one evening. “Before she disappeared.” I stilled.

“Be careful,” he added. “For her sake.” The warning was clear.

Later that night, I stood alone in the garden beneath the open window of Finn’s chamber,  clutching my aching chest as the mate bond throbbed painfully while soft moaning sounds drifts into my ears.

“I’m enduring,” I whispered to the Moon Goddess. “Just like he asked.”

The wind didn’t answer and I stood up to leave.

I caught a swift movement at the window and i rised my head to seen, Delilah stood there—one hand resting possessively on her stomach, her smile slow and victorious while Finn ravage her body. Suppressing my tears, I hurry off.

The game had begun.