Chapter 3

3.

Kaelen had given her many pieces of jewelry over the past five years. She could tell at a glance that this bracelet and last night's moonstone necklace were carved from the same rare piece of moon jade―they were a set.

Seraphina's lips curled into a sarcastic smile.

"Miss Raina, your family must love you very much."

Kaelen and Liam had split a complete set of matching gifts, giving one half to her and the other to Raina.

Just like their hearts―split in two.

Raina beamed, her eyes curving into crescents.

"Yes, they do. They always say they love me the most, that they spoil me like I'm their own little cub."

Perhaps worried she'd figure something out, Kaelen and Liam fussed over her for the rest of the trip.

She coughed lightly, and Kaelen immediately draped his coat over her shoulders in concern, then poured warm water from the thermos and held it to her lips.

Liam took the scarf from his own neck and wrapped it around hers with the air of a little adult, reminding her to stay warm.

But Seraphina had no desire to touch items saturated with another she-wolf's scent. She simply said she wanted to go back to the villa to rest and walked away.

Kaelen and Liam exchanged a look, and both chose to return with her.

It wasn't until evening that Kaelen's phone rang.

He quickly silenced it and glanced at Seraphina, who was lying motionless on the bed, before letting out a sigh of relief.

Raina's name flashed on the screen. Liam tugged on Kaelen's sleeve, whispering.

"Dad, I want to see Auntie Raina."

Kaelen quickly put a finger to his lips. The father and son exchanged another look before tiptoeing out of the room.

The moment the door clicked shut, Seraphina opened her eyes, threw on a robe, and followed them.

They hurried to Raina's quarters.

The second the door opened, Raina threw herself into Kaelen's arms, her voice laced with grievance.

"Kaelen, you're finally here. I was so scared being all alone in the territory today."

"I don't expect to be with you 24/7 like the Luna, but can't you at least spare two hours for me every day?"

As she spoke, Raina looked up at Kaelen with her large, pleading doe eyes.

Kaelen was powerless against her tears. His heart softened the moment he saw them, and he pulled her into a comforting embrace.

"Two hours? How is that enough? My son and I will stay with you all night."

Liam chimed in to explain.

"Auntie Raina, Dad and I came as soon as Mama fell asleep. We really missed you too."

Raina looked touched, but then her expression fell as if she remembered something.

"Actually, I was cold today, too. But you only had eyes for the Luna. And the scarf and thermos I prepared especially for you…"

Worried she was upset, Liam rushed over and took her hand.

"Don't be sad, Auntie Raina. It was our fault. I'll warm you up. My hands are much warmer than a scarf."

Kaelen playfully tapped her nose.

"You're such a little jealous thing. Getting worked up over something so small? I knew you didn't get to ski your fill in Switzerland, so I picked this place especially for you. Isn't that enough?"

Raina tilted her head up and planted a quick kiss on his lips.

"Thank you, my Alpha."

Kaelen's eyes darkened instantly. He cupped the back of her head, and their lips met in a passionate French kiss.

Liam covered his eyes and ran into the room.

"Whoa, I don't wanna be a third wheel!"

It was a long moment before Kaelen broke the kiss. Raina, her face flushed, lightly tapped his chest.

"Liam was just here."

Kaelen captured her hand and brought it to his lips.

"What's there to be afraid of? It's not like he hasn't seen it before."

He then wrapped an arm around her waist, took Liam's hand, and led them into the room, closing the door behind them…

Behind a nearby pillar, tears streamed down Seraphina's face.

Even though she already knew of their betrayal, witnessing it firsthand was a pain that pierced her to the bone. Every word became a sharp blade, stabbing her heart into a thousand pieces.

The so-called "make-up anniversary" was just an excuse to satisfy Raina's desire for more fun.

Seraphina sank to the ground, clutching her chest as their words from last night echoed in her ears.

I won't let you leave me.

But Kaelen, Liam… I've already decided. I'm leaving you.