Chapter 3

A week ago, I was attacked by a rogue while I was out. I survived, but I was left with injuries all over my body.

During that week in the hospital, Sebastian only dropped by to check on me now and then before leaving with the excuse that he had work.

So while I had been fighting for my life, he was busy planning a trip with another woman.

Three days later, Sebastian came home. Unlike before, I didn't help him out of his coat or bring him water.

After he settled in, he looked at the empty dining table and frowned.

"Why didn't you make dinner?"

"You came home too late. I already ate," I replied.

His frown deepened.

"I just got back from a three-day business trip, and you couldn't even make me dinner? What kind of Luna does that?"

"The housekeeper can cook for you."

"Chloe, what the hell's gotten into you these past few days?" he demanded.

"Every time I text you, you're cold. I ask what you want, and you won't tell me. And now you won't even cook for me.

"And now you won't even cook."

"You seemed to eat just fine while you were away," I replied, my voice icy.

He paused for a moment, then something seemed to dawn on him.

"So that's what this is about. You're jealous because Vivian and I went on that trip together.

"How many times do I have to tell you? She's my Beta. There's nothing between us except work. Stop being so unreasonable."

Just work?

If that were true, why would he give her a moonstone necklace?

Why did he forget our anniversary because of her?

He could lie to everyone else if he wanted, but he shouldn't lie to himself.

I stood up, not wanting to argue anymore.

"It's late. I'm going to bed. If you're hungry, help yourself to whatever's in the kitchen."

I walked back to my room without looking back.

Over the next few days, I was busy packing my things, while Sebastian worked late almost every night.

We barely spoke.

There had never been many things of mine in this house, so Sebastian didn't notice anything missing.

He simply thought I'd finally become more obedient, more understanding.

It pleased him.

What he didn't realize was that my obedience was born of detachment.

In less than two days, I would be gone.

At dinner, he suddenly said, "Vivian played a huge role in landing this deal with the other pack, so we're throwing her a celebration party. You should come with us."

I paused mid-bite.

"Why would I go?"

"I'm the Alpha, and you're the Luna. If we both attend, it'll show how highly we regard Vivian. She'll be honoured."

So my presence was just there to make someone else look good.

"Fine. I'll go."

I just wanted to see for myself what was so special about this Beta.

When the party began, Vivian was wearing a couture evening gown with the moonstone necklace Sebastian had given her around her neck.

Under the crystal chandelier, it shone so brightly it stung my eyes.

At the party, everyone crowded around Vivian like she was the center of the universe.

They chatted and laughed, talking about things I couldn't follow. I never got the chance to say a word. It was as if I were invisible.

It wasn't until the party was nearly over that Vivian finally walked toward me.

"Luna, don't you take good care of Alpha?

"His stomach's been acting up again. The doctor said it's because he hasn't been eating breakfast regularly. Sebastian is the Alpha of this pack. If anything happened to him, we'd all be heartbroken."

She did not attempt to hide the reproach in her voice.

The room fell silent.

I took a sip of my champagne. "He's not a child. Does he really need me to make sure he eats breakfast?"

Vivian blinked, her eyes immediately welling with tears. "No, I wasn't blaming you. I'm just worried about the Alpha."

"You don't need to worry about his health..."

Before I could finish, Sebastian stepped between us, his face dark.

"Chloe, are you done? It's one thing to act like this at home, but did you really have to embarrass me in front of everyone?

"Vivian was only worried about my health. Do you expect her to be as cold and indifferent as you?"

I stood up and picked up my bag from the table.

"I'm tired. I'm leaving."

I pushed open the doors without a shred of hesitation.

This was the first time I hadn't swallowed my pride just to please Sebastian.

And it would be the last.

Because in one day, I would be gone forever.