Once everything was packed, I left the pack house, ignoring the stares and whispers that followed me. I made my way to the villa Haynes had given me as a wedding gift. It was a beautiful place, nestled in the west part of the Shadowveil territory, well-maintained and elegant. But I had never truly occupied it—after all, my place was supposed to be with him, in the pack house.
But now, as I stood in the doorway of the villa, I realized how much I needed this space. A place away from him, away from Leila.
I spent the night in silence, the villa echoing with the emptiness I felt inside. The bed was soft, the sheets cool against my skin, but I slept fitfully.
The next morning, I found a few messages on my phone, all from Haynes. He had realized I wasn’t at the pack house and was less than pleased.
[What the hell is wrong with you now?]
[I know you’re at the villa I gifted you. Come back when you’ve calmed down. Don’t test my patience, Aeliana.]
I stared at the messages, a strange sense of detachment washing over me. His words no longer held the power to hurt me like they once did. Instead, they felt…empty. Meaningless.