Mag-log inThird Person's POVBy mid-October, the L.A. air had finally begun to cool.Trista was finishing up a treatment report when her parents called, sounding ecstatic. They had found the perfect place.During her lunch break, she rushed over to meet them.It was a high-end complex in the heart of the city—a ground-floor duplex with massive front and back yards.But when Trista saw the price tag, her internal alarm bells went off.The quote was significantly lower than the market value for the neighborhood.She pulled her parents aside outside the sales office, her voice a sharp whisper. "Mom, Dad, something's wrong. A price this low means either the foundation is rotting or the title is dirty. We can't take it.""Don't talk nonsense!" Ulva interrupted. "This is a prime location. It's fully furnished and no one's ever lived here. I've sniffed every corner—the scent is clean."Trista stood her ground. "Meat bones don't just fall from the sky. A move-in-ready place this far below market value?
Third Person's POVHoward nodded, satisfied. "Until Cassian officially seals a mating bond, we cannot lower our guard around that low-life rogue.""You're right, Dad," Wilmot added, his tone lethal. "An Alpha of Ironthorn mating with a rogue like her? It's an insult to our bloodline."Alaina sat nearby, gracefully sipping her coffee, but a seed of doubt was growing in her mind."Did my son really call off the temple ceremony because of Samantha? Or is there something else?"Howard turned to Alaina with a direct order. "Set it up. As soon as Cassian is back from his trip, invite Mrs. Porter and Rowena over. From now on, I want you socializing with them frequently."Howard's intention to find a replacement bride was crystal clear.Alaina gave a non-committal nod. "I'll see what I can arrange."She didn't argue, but she had no intention of following through.Rowena was young, ruthless, and her ambition rivaled any male Alpha.She was a shark in the boardroom, but she'd be a nightmare as
Third Person's POVCassian stared at her, his eyes flashing with the territorial hunger of a beast guarding its kill. "I bought it back to give to you.""I don't want it!" Trista blurted out. It was a reflex.She wasn't about to forget how much it hurt the first time; she wasn't touching his expensive gifts again."Since you paid for it, it's yours," Trista said, taking a steadying breath."Once I finish my internship and make enough money, I'll buy it back from you myself. Just don't hike up the price when the time comes."Cassian gave her an unreadable look that eventually dissolved into a helpless sigh."Fine. I'll keep it safe for you. Whenever you want the Silverlight legacy back, it's yours."They stood by the car in a quiet standoff.On the outside, Trista looked perfectly calm, but inside, she was scoffing.She knew exactly which was more important: the cane or her life.Seeing she wouldn't budge on the jewelry, Cassian didn't push. He took a calculated step back.He closed th
Third Person's POVTrista stood there, letting out a silent, exhausted sigh.It felt like the entire world was trying to matchmake her and Cassian.To any outsider who didn't know the truth, her choice to jilt him at the altar probably looked like the ultimate act of self-destruction.Cassian looked up from his paperwork, catching Trista hesitating a few feet away.He stood up immediately to meet her, naturally taking her bag and pulling out her chair with practiced chivalry.Trista didn't sit right away. She scanned the restaurant like she was looking for an ambush. "Where are Alaina and Wynn?"Cassian's dark eyes locked onto her. "You're the one who keeps saying we've been childhood friends for twenty years," he said, his voice dropping an octave. "Can't you just sit down and have a peaceful lunch with me without my mother and sister as a buffer?"Since he put it that way, Trista decided to be the bigger person and sat down.After ordering her meal, she handed him the menu.Cassian
Third Person's POVIt was closing in on midnight when Fred stepped out of the elevator, humming to himself.He looked up and nearly had a heart attack—Cassian was leaning against his apartment door, dressed in a dark silk robe, staring at him with a gaze that could peel paint.The sight was so creepy Fred actually clutched his chest. "Jesus! You're gonna give me a stroke. Why are you lurking outside my place in the middle of the night? Are you losing it?""I couldn't sleep. Wanted to grab a drink," Cassian said flatly.Fred unlocked the door, and the two headed inside.Fred grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the cabinet. "The ceremony is canceled, and you're so relaxed you moved back in next door to me? What's the play here?"Cassian stood in the center of the living room, his eyes scanning every inch of the place like a radar, looking for any trace that Trista had been there.Fred watched him, feeling his skin crawl. "What, are you hunting for a burglar?"They locked eyes for a second
Third Person's POVTrista didn't hold back. She had one knee on the sofa cushion, pinning Fred's arms behind the backrest and looking down at him with a lethal, toothy grin. "Finally caught you!"She started wailing on his shoulders and back—no pulled punches here. "Just for your 'best bud,' you lied to me? You even used my brother's trust! Do you even have a conscience?!"Fred knew he was in the wrong and kept his hands up to protect his face. "I messed up, Trista! I swear, never again! Mercy!"Seeing his sincere—and slightly panicked—apology, Trista finally patted her hands clean and let him go.Fred rubbed his aching shoulders and immediately whipped out his phone, using the front camera to fix his messy slicked-back hair. "I've told you a thousand times," he complained, "don't hit the face, and definitely don't manhandle an Alpha's head like that!"Trista rolled her eyes, helping him straighten his crooked collar. "What, did you want me to bite your ass like a couple of wild anima
Third Person's POVIn the Ironthorn house study that night, only a single wall lamp was on.Cassian walked in, wearing his pajamas. He still carried the cool dampness of the night after his shower. He immediately noticed the stack of papers resting in the center of the desk.It was the Moon Goddess
Third Person's POVThe revolving door of the Royal Healing Institute's clinic tower slowly released figures. The silver-leaf purification pattern on the doorframe still faintly glowed.Samantha clutched her bag and cautiously descended the steps.She looked up, meeting Cassian's profile—his face wa
Cassian's POVTrista looked up at me, her voice steady with an almost cruel politeness. "I'll be staying at my parents' house for a while. I will repay the money as soon as possible, and then apply for the termination of the mating contract at the Stone Circle. If you have any concerns, think them
Trista's POVBack home, Ulva changed the sheets on the guest bed and found a fresh duvet cover. Randolph left with a grocery bag to buy food.I forced my breath to its steadies level. I helped my mother fold the blanket and tidy the closet, letting the physical labor suppress the noise in my head.







