LILA Another day to fight with Blaise had arrived, and I found myself at a loss for what to do. Meeting him today was unusually early, and I couldn't help but wonder about the reason behind it. I followed the guards quietly, assessing my own resolve. Blaise was like a god in terms of his looks; why did he have to be so attractive? When we reached his chamber, the guard knocked gently on the door and waited. "Come in," his voice boomed from inside. The guard gestured with his head for me to enter. I pushed the door open slowly and stepped inside. The sight that met my eyes almost made me cry out. Cassie sat in a chair with sealed lips, tears streaming down her face, while Blaise circled her with a shimmering sword. I took a cautious step forward, but he swiftly aimed the sword at me, halting my steps. "Please," the word escaped my lips before I knew it. "I should make you feel as much heartache as you have caused me," he murmured, weighing the sword. "Your brother attempted to

BLAISE I stormed into my study, shrouded in a robe that one of my men had provided, my anger blazing like wildfire. Leo and the other warriors trailed silently behind me and stood with their hands clutched behind their backs. It was unthinkable that my pack had been attacked tonight. Who had the audacity to penetrate my pack and launch an assault? My frustration was not only directed to the intruders, but it extended to the warriors for letting their guard down and allowing the security system to be breached. My only consolation was that we had pursued the rogues to the borders, chasing them until they disappeared into the distance. But we managed to capture one of them, who would soon reveal the identity of their leader. Frustration coursed through me, and I repeatedly pounded my fist on the table, cursing. The men in the room trembled under the weight of my anger, as I paced back and forth in front of my desk, my thoughts racing. "How was the security system compromised

LILA I couldn't believe it. Of all people, I was destined to be mated to Blaise—a man I was forbidden to even associate with. How was this even possible? It all made sense to me now. The connection I feel towards him. How did the moon goddess even orchestrate such cruel irony? Out of all the women in Crescent Hill Pack, why did it have to be me? He was the very reason I was orphaned, the root cause of my grief. This mating was an abomination that couldn't be allowed to happen. I was sure he didn't want me either. A shiver crawled up my spine as thunder rumbled in the distance, and lightning flashed across the sky. I gazed up at the darkening clouds, knowing I couldn't stay here when the rain came. I easily caught a cold when drenched in rain, and it was always a terrible ordeal. My skin tensed as I felt the first few drops of drizzle tap against my forehead. I squirmed against the tree, but Blaise had tied me securely to it. As the drizzle continued, I searched for him in panic.

BLAISE I woke up before Lila did the next morning, quietly slipping out of bed in hopes of not disturbing her. She had fallen asleep only a few hours ago. As much as I hated to admit it, she was growing on me, and I couldn't keep resisting. The way she had fallen asleep in my arms last night felt like something out of a dream, a dream I wanted to avoid at all costs. There was certainly no happily ever after for Lila and me, even if the wolf bond played its part in this. There was no way I would live with her, knowing she had a connection to the death of my Luna and pup. Could I truly share my life with someone linked, however indirectly, to their untimely demise? Maybe the best thing to do was to let her go. I would forget about the heirs I wanted from her, reject her, and send her away from my pack, far away from here so I wouldn't have to see her anymore. That seemed to be the only remedy because it was becoming increasingly difficult to stay mad at her. Apart from the g

LILA It had been three days since I revealed my intention to escape to Erick, despite his reluctance to support my plan, he had lent a helping hand in gathering the necessities for my escape. Surprisingly, fate seemed to align with my desires when Alpha Blaise decided to host an unexpected ball for the pack. The reason behind his decision remained a mystery, but the timing couldn't have been more perfect. As the pack gathered inside, revelling in merriment, I saw my opportunity to slip away unnoticed. By the time they realised I was gone, I would be well on my way across the seas. The sleep inducer I had carried with me, had become unnecessary, but I kept it hidden within my dress, just in case. The servants buzzed around the kitchen, busy with preparations for the event. To avoid arousing suspicion, I lingered, assisting with various small tasks. My hope was to seize the moment to sprinkle the sleep-inducing powder into the large pot of stew simmering over an open flame.