Chapter 2

2.

The poisonous obsidian charm wasn't enough to make me completely give up on Seraphina.

Her years of supposed devotion to me were known to everyone in the pack. How could I suddenly believe it was all a performance, a sacrifice she made to clear the way for Caspian?

But two days ago, when I accidentally knocked over a silk-lined box near her desk, I could no longer lie to myself.

It was Seraphina's most prized possession, kept right within her reach. It was clear she touched and looked at it every single day.

The box was labeled "Husband," but it wasn't a gift for me. It wasn't even on the list of our wedding assets.

A silver dagger lay quietly inside, its hilt intricately carved with lilies.

The lily is a symbol of purity, usually favored by omegas and gentlemen, not something a female warrior like Seraphina would naturally pursue.

Everyone in the Silver Ridge Territory knew that Caspian, the Alpha Luna's favorite toy, loved lilies more than life itself.

My face turned pale instantly. The pain in my stomach was nothing compared to the agony in my heart.

Only one thought became clear in my mind.

"Seraphina, let's end this bond."

I dragged my exhausted body to the desk and wrote the Severance Decree, stroke by stroke.

Memories of the past years flashed before my eyes, and many things that didn't make sense before suddenly had answers.

On our wedding day, I gave her a dowry that stretched for miles. It was the same day the Alpha Luna officially took Caspian into her harem.

When I lifted her bridal veil, a tear fell from her eye. "Callum, I've finally married you."

I thought they were tears of joy. Now I knew they were tears of a broken heart.

Last year, at the Alpha Luna's birthday feast, a stray animal startled both me and Caspian, and we both fell into the lake.

I have been terrified of water since I was a pup. Seraphina knew this better than anyone. Yet, she dove into the water without hesitation and pulled Caspian out first.

Later, she held my hand and explained, "Caspian belongs to the Alpha Luna. Saving him was just a way to show my loyalty to our leader."

But the way she looked at Caspian back then... it was clearly overflowing with tenderness.

I had soaked in that freezing water for too long and grew very ill, taking three months to recover.

Looking back, the signs were always there.

I was just too stupid, allowing myself to be blinded by a dream I couldn't wake up from.

Fortunately, it wasn't too late yet.

I stopped writing and carefully folded the Severance Decree, tucking it into a small cabinet by the bed.

In about a month, it would be the Dowager Duchess's birthday. She had always been kind to me. I decided to wait until her celebration was over before I officially left Seraphina.