Chapter 2

2.

I stayed at the house until 3:00 AM.

Declan didn't come back.

I didn't cry. Strangely, after making the decision, that heart-wrenching pain vanished. It was replaced by a strange numbness, as if someone had injected anesthesia directly into my chest.

My wolf curled up in the corner of my consciousness, silent. She was tired, too. We were both tired.

I opened my phone and scrolled through the pack's social circle.

@SilverCrestTea: Tonight’s ceremony was a bust again lol. How many times is this? I’ve lost count.

@BetaTrashTalk: Sienna is for real pathetic. Being walked like a dog for five years and still won't let go? Where is the dignity?

@PackQueenWannabe: Honestly, if my husband treated me like that, I would have left ages ago. What is she after? The Alpha's money? But the Alpha doesn't even spend money on her hahaha.

@KylieRaine: Thank you everyone for your concern ?? Sorry for scaring you all tonight ?? Someone rushed to be by my side when I was at my lowest, reminding me that there is still warmth in this world...

Below the text was a photo.

Under the moonlight, she was snuggled into a man's embrace. The man's arm was wrapped tightly around her waist, his chin resting on the top of her head.

Even in silhouette, I recognized Declan.

I stared at that photo for a long time.

Five years ago, when the first ceremony was canceled, Declan held me exactly like that.

He had said, "Baby, I'm sorry, I really had no choice. Kylie got into an accident, I had to go. But I swear, I will make it up to you. I will give you the grandest marking ceremony in the world, letting everyone know you are my Luna."

Back then, his eyes were full of me.

Back then, when he said 'I love you,' I believed he meant it.

Back then, I thought if I just waited a little longer, endured a little more, everything would be okay.

When did I start becoming like this?

I used to be top of the class at the Council Training Camp. My combat scores were two ranks higher than Declan's. The instructors said I was a once-in-a-century prodigy, that I would become the strongest female warrior on the continent.

Then Declan appeared.

He said he loved me. He said he wanted to build a family with me. He said every time he saw me on the podium, he felt insecure, like he wasn't good enough for me.

He said, "Sienna, can you... maybe not be so outstanding? It puts a lot of pressure on me."

He said, "I know it's selfish, but... I want you to stay by my side. Be my Luna. Manage the pack's internal affairs for me. Let me be the one who protects you, okay?"

I believed him.

I gave up the opportunity for advanced Council studies. I quit the elite training camp. I moved into his house, learned to cook, do laundry, clean, and learned to smile appropriately at all pack gatherings, nod, and be a perfect "Luna-to-be."

Then he started despising me for having no career.

"Look at Kylie," he would say. "She's a woman too, yet she trains ten hours a day. She just won the regional championship last month. And you? Besides waiting at home for me, what can you actually do?"

My wolf growled low inside me.

"He asked us to give it up," she said. "He was the one who said he wanted us to stay home."

I knew.

But what was the use? The ship had sailed. The water was spilled. I had lost my prime training years, lost the Council's recommendation letters, lost every opportunity to prove my worth.

The only thing I had left was Declan.

That was probably why I refused to let go.

Because if I lost him too, I would truly have nothing.

I tossed my phone aside and started packing.

I didn't take much. The clothes, jewelry, and bags Declan bought me―I didn't want a single one. Those were indulgence vouchers for his guilt, not gifts.

I only took my own things: a few old T-shirts, a pair of running shoes, and a small bag with my ID and bank cards.

And a ring.

That was from five years ago, the day we confirmed our mate bond, placed on my finger by Declan himself.

"This ring represents my promise," he had said. "No matter what happens, I will always choose you."

I slid the ring off my finger and placed it on the nightstand.

The sound of the lock clicking came from the door.

Declan was back.

He reeked of alcohol, stumbling into the bedroom and flopping onto the bed.

"You're not asleep?" he mumbled, eyes barely open. "What time is it?"

"Three," I said.

"Oh." He let out a drunken burp. "Kylie is stable. Nothing major, just a bad mood. I had a few drinks with her."

I didn't speak.

He seemed to finally notice the suitcase by my hand.

"What are you doing?" He frowned. "Why are you packing in the middle of the night?"

"I'm leaving," I said. "We're done."

Silence.

Then Declan laughed, laughing as if he’d heard the world’s biggest joke.

"Come on," he said. "You say this after every fight, and then what? A week later, aren't you back here begging?"

"This time is different."

"How is it different?" He rolled his eyes. "Sienna, I'm really tired. Can you stop causing drama? I know you won't leave. Where would you go without me? You have no job, no money, no skills―"

"I applied for a classified mission with the Council," I interrupted. "Commander Ryker has already approved it."

Declan's smile froze on his face.

"...What?"

"I'm leaving tomorrow," I said. "I'll be gone for a while. Maybe a long while. Maybe forever."

"Are you joking?" His voice suddenly became sharp. "You think I'd believe that? Do you know who Ryker is? He's Council high command. Why would he bother with someone like―"

"He was my mentor," I said calmly. "Five years ago, before I quit the Council for you, he was my direct instructor."

Declan looked like he'd been slapped.

He stared, his mouth opening and closing, opening and closing, unable to form a single word.

"You―" he finally squeezed out. "Why did you never tell me?"

"You never asked," I said. "You only knew that I had 'no skills,' 'no talent,' and was 'nothing without you.' You never once thought to ask who I really was, or what kind of past I had."

"I―"

"Don't bother explaining." I picked up my suitcase. "Goodbye, Declan. I wish you and Kylie happiness."

I walked toward the door.

He didn't chase after me.