THE LAST THING THEY TOOK

Aria POV

I woke up to the familiar scent of Mira's cabin filling my senses. My eyes adjusted slowly to the dim light filtering through the small window. The bed beneath me was soft, a stark contrast to the cold stone floor I had collapsed on.

"Aria?"

I turned to see Mira entering the cabin, her eyes red and swollen with tears. She rushed to my side, wrapping her arms around me in a fierce embrace.

"I am so glad you are alive," she whispered, her voice trembling.

I remained still. My body was numb. My heart was shattered. And my wolf, the other half of my soul, was silent. She had retreated somewhere deep inside me, refusing to come out, refusing to acknowledge the world I had been thrown into.

I looked down at myself, noticing the soft blankets covering me. "How long was I out?"

"Two days." Mira pulled back, pressing a warm, damp cloth to my forehead. "Logan immediately marked Natalia in front of everyone. She is already Luna."

I nodded. "And Elias?"

Mira's expression faltered. She sighed heavily, her hands pausing.

"He's not here anymore. I went to see him before he left. He gave me a few bags of coins to give you. To start a new life somewhere else."

I chuckled dryly. "I'm not Luna anymore. Why does he keep bothering?"

I sat up slowly, my body aching. Mira pressed a bowl of soup into my hands, and I ate mechanically.

Mira studied my face. Her eyes narrowed. "You are so oblivious as always."

I blinked. "What do you mean?"

She set her hands on her hips. "Isn't it obvious? Elias likes you. He has for years. That is why he does all of this. That is why he risked everything to defend you."

I froze. The spoon hovered mid-air. "Likes me?"

Mira nodded, rolling her eyes. "You were so blind. I swear I could feel him daydreaming about always rutting you."

I blushed. A spark of color returned to my pale cheeks. "Hey, that is inappropriate."

Mira sighed. Her expression softened. "I am just telling you. Maybe you should consider living with Elias. He would take care of you."

I looked away. "I don't like him like that. And I am tired of romance. I just got rejected and tossed out by my mate. Who would want a barren woman?"

"Aria..." she murmured, reaching for my hand.

I pulled away. I set the empty bowl aside.

"I can't stay here anymore. I need to go get my things from Logan's estate. And then..."

I didn't know what came after that. I only knew I couldn't remain here.

Mira stood quickly. Her eyes blazed with protective fury.

"Let me help. Who knows what that bitch Natalia has done with your things?"

I smiled sadly. I shook my head.

"No, stay here. You have your own family to worry about. I will send word sometime."

I walked toward the door and paused at the threshold.

"Thank you," I whispered.

She nodded. "Be careful, Aria. And if you want a place to stay, I'm available."

I nodded and stepped out of the cabin.

---

I arrived at Logan's estate and made my way to my chambers. I brought out my bag and began packing. One by one, I folded my clothes and placed them inside.

Once I was done, I went to my work station. I picked up the herbs and potions I had been working on. I organized them carefully.

Then my eyes landed on my papers. My research. The long list of documents I had made on winter rot, a disease plaguing the northern region.

I picked up one of the papers and read through my old notes.

A reluctant smile came to my face.

This severing was a blessing in disguise. Logan had refused to let me go north to study the disease. He said it would take me away from my duties.

But now I was free.

I could start working on it seriously.

But first, I needed approval from the Lycan King. The northern region was his main territory. If I wanted to study the disease there, I needed his permission.

So once I found a place to settle, I needed to write a letter to him.

I finished packing and went downstairs.

In the main parlor, I saw Victor and Natalia eating.

Natalia was dressed in the Luna robe, while Victor wore expensive clothes. They were already bossing the staff around as if they owned the place.

"Is this what you call a meal?" Victor snapped.

He picked up his plate and threw the food at the omega standing beside the table. The food splattered across her face and clothes. She stood there silently, her head lowered.

I felt bad for her.

Natalia didn't even bother to stop her brother. She simply continued combing through her hair.

"I need a proper spa day soon," she said, checking the ends of her hair.

I decided to ignore them. Soon enough, Logan would regret his actions. By then, I would have found a cure or made progress with my research. I would be valuable to the King.

And Logan would see my worth.

But as I walked toward the door, Victor and Natalia noticed me.

"What are you doing here?" Victor asked.

I looked away. "Just packing."

I tried to walk past them. Natalia's voice stopped me.

"And you're going with that?"

I turned. She smiled sweetly. Her eyes were cold.

"That stuff belongs to Logan. All those little experiments of yours are to remain here."

I froze. I clutched the bag tighter. "This is my research. It belongs to me."

"They are Logan's property." Natalia's voice was flat. "You should be grateful we are letting you leave with your life."

I felt anger rising. "Be careful. As Luna now, you cannot go around threatening-"

Natalia scoffed. "You'd better watch your mouth. You're below me now. You should be lucky Logan decided not to kick you out of the pack. Now drop those things back."

"Natalia." Victor stepped forward. "Let her take it. It's cheaper if we have her around to cure these diseases instead of paying someone else."

I blinked, shocked by Victor's words.

I guess he does have a brain in him.

Natalia huffed. "Fine. But she's not staying in this estate."

"I am not planning on staying either way," I spat.

Natalia's eyes narrowed.

Then she smirked. "Oh, really?"

I frowned. Before I could respond, the front door slammed open.

We all turned.

There stood the Lycan King's soldiers. Their armor gleamed. Their faces were cold.

My blood ran cold.

What were they doing here?