I listened as their footsteps grew fainter along the corridor. I crumpled to the cold floor, my heart feeling like it was being squeezed in my chest. The truth hit me then, I hadn't been cursed by the Moon Goddess.
I'd been cursed by my own foolish heart.
—--------------
“Ariana James, you stand before the pack to face judgment for your crimes,” one of the werewolf council declared loudly across the pack clearing. "Tonight, the Moon Goddess shall bear witness to your punishment."
The crowd shouted both happy and angry sounds, and I could feel how much they hated me.
I kept my gaze fixed on Owen, silently pleading for him to keep his promise. But when our eyes met, I saw no love or regret. I only saw emptiness, it was obvious he didn't care at all.
Owen raised his hand and the crowd fell silent. "Stop the execution," he commanded firmly. The murmurs died down as everyone turned to him in confusion.
"Owen," one of the council members said cautiously, "the judgment has been passed. Execution is—"
"I have a different punishment in mind," Owen cut in, smiling in a way that made me feel cold all over.