Lavender’s jaw tightened, her grip on the pen firm. “That’s why I’m asking for your help. Train me to become a true healer wolf. I want to be strong enough to reject him officially, without needing his consent.”
Dahlia’s eyes widened slightly, then she smiled. “You’ve made up your mind, haven’t you? Very well. I’ll help you. But it won’t be easy, Lavender. You’ll need to pour your heart and soul into this.”
“I’ve already lost everything,” Lavender said quietly, looking down at the accomplished form in her hand. “There’s nothing left to lose. Except myself. And I won’t let that happen.”
Her aunt nodded, placing a hand on Lavender’s shoulder. “Then let’s get to work.”
When Lavender got home, the maids were cleaning when she saw Cedar. The sight of Cedar looking toward the kitchen, where Fern was assisting with cleanup, made her stomach turn. The soft smile on his lips, the way his eyes lingered—it twisted the knife already lodged in her heart.
“We need to talk,” Lavender said, stepping into his line of sight and blocking his view of the kitchen.
Cedar hesitated but nodded. “Let’s go to my office.”