Chapter 3

3.

"Kael, is this what you want too?"

I looked at the fresh claiming mark on Seraphina’s neck. It belonged to Kael.

My heart felt like it was being pierced by a thousand silver needles. It hurt until I was numb.

This moonstone amulet was the token of our bond.

Years ago, in the gem markets of the Northwest, it was how we met.

The night we formed our bond, Kael wove the cord from wolf sinew with his own hands and tied the charm I carved around my neck.

He swore an oath of eternity.

I knew Seraphina wanted it. She had asked Kael for it more than once, and he had always refused.

But this time, he looked away.

His eyes were full of hesitation and guilt.

"Elara..."

"Fine."

I let out a scoff.

I ripped the amulet from my neck and tossed it into Seraphina’s hands.

Watching her put it on with a triumphant look, I spoke with heavy sarcasm.

"It suits you."

Then, under Kael’s shocked gaze, I picked up my son and walked away without looking back.

Back at our guest villa, Finn’s tears finally fell.

I endured the heartache and held his small hands.

"Finn, if Mommy wants to take you home, would you go with me?"

He cried harder.

"Mom, do we have to go?"

"Yes, Finn. The Alpha and his pack don’t welcome us. Do you want to call your dad 'Alpha' for the rest of your life?"

I held back my own tears and looked at him gently.

I was selfish. I wanted him to belong only to me.

Finn hugged a wooden carving of a wolf tightly. It was the birthday gift Kael gave him last year.

"Mom, can I spend my birthday with him one last time?"

The child was stubborn. He refused to change how he saw his father.

I closed my eyes, pulled him into my arms, and nodded.

"Okay."

...

February 12th. Finn’s birthday.

I had reminded Kael two days in advance.

This might be the last birthday father and son would spend together. I wanted Finn to have his wish.

On the day of, Finn got up early.

He put on his little suit and asked nervously, "Mom, Father is coming to my party, right?"

"He will."

I comforted my son and sent a text to Kael.

Finn is waiting for you.

After the message was sent, there was silence. No reply.

My son lowered his head, his small fingers twisting the ribbon of the cake box.

"He’s not coming, is he?"

After a while, as if making up his mind, he comforted himself.

"It’s okay. The Alpha is busy. We shouldn’t bother him."

"Mom, let’s eat cake."

This was the first time Finn called Kael "Alpha."

He seemed to be accepting the fact that his father didn’t care about him.

But his trembling lips and red-rimmed eyes exposed his sorrow.

Watching my son pretend to be strong ignited a fire in my chest.

It burned so hot it hurt.

I picked up my phone and opened the chat with Kael.

Are you so obsessed with Seraphina that you can’t spare a single minute for your own son’s birthday?

My finger hovered over the send button.

Just then, a new message popped up.

Come to the main house.