But Hailey’s arrival had changed everything. Lenora had been the one to welcome her, to draw her in. And in return, Hailey had taken the two people who once swore to never leave her side.
The sting of betrayal twisted into resolve. The arranged mateship wasn’t just survival anymore. It was her way out.
Night had already settled when Lenora shut her bedroom door and slid earplugs into her ears, cutting off the laughter and music that pulsed from the celebration below. Her decision was made—she would return and accept the bond with the Alpha chosen for her. Still, she couldn’t just vanish overnight. Responsibilities tied her to Nightveil Pack, and she needed to quietly put everything in order before she could leave without raising suspicion.
Her gaze drifted to the tall window, beyond which the forest stretched endlessly past the pack’s borders. Hours later, once her work was done, she leaned back, removed the earplugs, and let the stillness embrace her.
Then her phone buzzed. A message from Hailey.
“Why don’t you ever like my stories?”
Seconds later, another followed.
“Oops, that wasn’t meant for you. Please don’t be upset?”