Chapter 4

Everyone thought I was obedient, sensible, and completely incapable of leaving Killian's side.

So my bonding ceremony could be given away casually, and my gown could be taken away at any time. Even the bridal home that originally belonged to me could be handed over on a whim.

The next morning, Killian sent a text message:

Zane told me you went to the estate last night.

Daisy is only staying there temporarily. Don't get jealous over something so small.

A few minutes later, another one came:

I am free this morning.

Didn't we agree to visit Mrs. B after the ceremony?

Mrs. B was my very first mentor in the fashion industry. She was one of the most senior designers in the werewolf community, and one of the very few veterans recognized by the human fashion circles as well.

Seven years ago, she was the first to tell me that I should not spend my whole life ghost-designing for Daisy under the guise of so-called family interests. I should put my own name, Freya, on my work.

She used to admire Killian a lot.

She said that an Alpha who was willing to wait downstairs at my studio until midnight just to walk me home could not possibly lack love for me in his heart.

I stared at the screen and did not reply.

Eventually, I changed clothes and went to her studio alone.

It was not because I still had any expectations left for Killian in my heart. It was just to give these seven years of blind devotion a dignified conclusion.

When I sat across from Mrs. B, she had prepared espresso and warm croissants. A slender velvet gift box sat next to the tray.

"Where is Killian?"

"Probably stuck in traffic."

Mrs. B smiled.

"The first time he accompanied you here, his scent was as fierce as an Alpha who had just finished fighting a territorial war. I thought to myself back then, you were truly crazy. How did you dare to love a wolf like that?"

She adjusted her silk scarf.

"Later, I saw him leaning against his car, waiting in the rain for four hours just for you. When you finally came downstairs, he wrapped his own jacket around your shoulders and shielded you from the downpour all the way to the car."

"Right at that moment, I felt that perhaps this cold-blooded Alpha had a heart after all."

I lowered my eyelashes, hiding the emotions deep in my eyes.

Killian still had not shown up. An hour later, his phone call finally came through.

The background noise was chaotic, mixed with Daisy's terrified whimpers.

"Freya, are you there?"

"I'm sorry. A rogue's scent drifted over the border. Daisy got spooked and locked herself in the bathroom."

His voice held uncontrollable worry.

"I cannot step away right now. Apologize to Mrs. B for me. We will go visit her together next time."

I said nothing. I only heard Daisy sobbing and calling his name on the other end of the line, "Killian, I am so scared..."

"I am here." His tone was soft, a side he had never revealed in front of me.

Then he turned his head and spoke to me through the phone.

"Freya, don't throw a tantrum. Not today."

"Daisy is a wreck. I am in no mood to deal with your drama right now."

The call was hung up. Mrs. B looked at me.

"What is wrong, child?"

I gripped my coffee cup tightly. A tear I had been holding back slipped out uncontrollably.

"Mrs. B, I do not want Killian anymore."

She did not ask why. She merely pushed that velvet gift box in front of me.

I opened it. Inside was a leather measuring tape, its edges worn shiny by time, though the markings were still clear.

"In my youth, I measured half the werewolf nobility with this," she said. "I had planned to give it to you on the day you became Luna."

I closed the box and smiled. "Giving it to me now works just as well."

After leaving Mrs. B's workshop, I did not return to the Pack territory. Instead, I headed straight for the central train station.

Three days ago, a top-tier independent haute couture studio in Nova City had sent me an email. They had accepted my application for a resident designer position. A private apartment and studio had already been arranged.

At that time, I still had not decided whether to go. But now, there was absolutely no need for hesitation.

While I waited for the train, I opened the family group chat.

Killian had just uploaded a video.

Daisy was curled up on the velvet sofa in the estate, wrapped in the cashmere shawl I had custom-ordered, holding a cup of hot soup in her hands.

Killian sat behind her, running his broad hands through her hair, using his Alpha aura to soothe her.

The caption read:

Hoping the storm passes soon. Praying her wolf can sleep through the night.

My mother commented below: Killian is truly a responsible Alpha. Entrusting Daisy to him puts our minds at ease.

My aunt added: This is what a real family looks like.

I stared at those words, reading them one by one, and then exited the group chat.

I deleted Killian. Blocked my relatives. And severed my Mind-link to the family pack.

Finally, I pulled out my SIM card and tossed it straight into the trash can on the platform.

The station intercom announced the boarding call for the train to Nova City.

Carrying a single, lonely suitcase, I stepped onto the train.

At eight o'clock that night, Killian finally pulled himself away from Daisy and drove to my old studio.

He was carrying a box of blueberry crepes in his hand, thinking it was still my favorite dessert.

He pushed the door open, and his Alpha scent instantly flooded the room.

"Freya, I am here to apologize."

The studio was pitch black and completely empty.

The sketches from my bridal collection had been torn from the walls. Half the storage cabinets were wide open, the shelves bare.

Killian froze in the doorway. The dessert box slipped from his fingers and shattered on the floor.