I backed away from the door, my movements careful and silent. The last thing I wanted was for them to know I’d overheard. My tears blurred my vision as I stumbled down the hallway, the once-beautiful estate now feeling like a prison.

When I reached the grand staircase, I paused, wiping my face. I needed to leave. Staying here, pretending this was my life, was no longer an option.

“This is over now,” I whispered to myself, my voice steady despite the chaos inside me.

I descended the staircase, ignoring the curious glances of the pack members who noticed my pale face and red-rimmed eyes. I didn’t care what they thought. I didn’t care about the banquet or the titles or the expectations.

Right now... I need a plan.

I just needed to escape this hell!

Cestia’s POV

I AM SUCH A BIG FOOL.

I made my way swiftly to my room in the strangely still royal hallways. A harsh reminder of the life I was leaving behind was the faint reverberation of the banquet's music and laughter. The realisation of what I was doing hit me suddenly, causing my hands to shake as I unlocked my room's door.

“Damn it! I wished I never trusted him!”