Episode 10
I stared at Damien, startled by his sudden appearance. I hadn’t told him anything about our pack lands, yet here he was. How had he even found me? He must have paid someone to get the information.
Was that why he called last night?
But wondering about his methods wouldn’t change the situation.
“Why should I go back with you?” I asked, giving him a confused look. “This is where I live.”
“Of course, you did Thalia. But this is your parent’s house. It is different from us.”
I nodded in understanding which also made him smile. He reached out his hand, still holding the boquet. I accepted it, but instead of reeling in with the sweetness like usual, I threw it to the side. I made sure to throw it harshly, untangling the ribbon tying it together.
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“Of course, it is different from us,” I said, chuckling as I look at his paling face. “This place is where I belong, where everyone loves ME. While in our house, no, your den. Is it really for me, Damien?”
st ma
metho
uration
Thalia, what are you talking about,” he fidgetingly stepped forward, wanting to touch my hand, but I took a step back.
Stop avoiding me!”
- a. But
‘I am tired, Damien,” I said. My expression
is almost about to break. “I know you know
what I mean. Don’t play dumb on me.”
- jk. His feelings for Kaia had always been
glaringly obvious, clear as the full moon on
cloudless night. Anyone who cared to
ook could see it. Even his closest friends vould joke about their connection, despite 1gnowing that I was supposed to be his hedmate.
rent it
I acc
the “hey would casually call me a stand–in, a
ΤΡΙΤΗ
untar
ubstitute, as if it were nothing.
At first, it didn’t bother me. Damien still
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ve
Episode 10
showed me affection, and I told myself it. didn’t matter if his gestures were meant for someone else. After all, I was the one by his side, the one benefiting from his care and attention.
But then Kaia returned. And with her presence, Damien‘ s focus shifted so naturally, so completely, that it left no room for doubt. Kaia was his true north, the one his heart instinctively sought out.
So why was he here? Now that Kaia was back, wouldn’t letting me go be the easiest choice for him? Why chase me
across foreign borders, refusing to let me
move on?
ses “Thalia,” he began, his voice trembling
ne slightly, “You got it all wrong. Kaia is just a
friend of mine, nothing else.”
“Sure, you guys are,” I shook my head,
se feeling tired. “Let’s just break up now. Let’s
impart ways peacefully.”
the I turn around, about to get inside, but he
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force his way and took my hand to pull me back. I could feel both of his hands
trembling, feeling the sweat soaking in his clothes. From the looks, I could tell that he is worried. I would feel happy if it was before, but what is its use now?
Maybe today he would kneel in front me, begging. But the next day, he may be in Kaia’s den again, spending the nights, doing whatever they want. I don’t want to live a life like that.
I don’t want to be neglected like a rag.
Taking a deep breath, I continued, “I‘ m getting married, Damien.”
His head snapped up, his eyes wide with disbelief.
“My parents found me a mate, someone who is noble and worthy of my status. So, please, don‘ t come looking for me again. Let me go.”
“No.” The word came out like a growl, raw and unrestrained. Damien grabbed my
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wrists. His grip was firm, almost desperate.
“Thalia, I already apologize and told you I was wrong.” He pleaded, his voice, breaking. “I could not live without you.”
Tears shimmered in his eyes as he continued, “These past few days have been unbearable. I couldn’t eat,
couldn’t sleep. I even called your brother in the middle of the night, begging to know where you were. I was going insane not knowing if I’d lost you forever.”
“Please,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “After everything we‘ ve shared, all those years together–can you really just walk away?”
I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head.
“Damien, those seven years–ask yourself: while I was by your side, who were you thinking about? When you looked at me, who did you really see?”
I pulled my hands free from his grip, feeling a deep disgust churn in my
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stomach.
As I packed my things before leaving him, I began to notice the little details I had overlooked for years. Almost everything he had chosen for me. Clothes, jewelry, even my hairstyle, echoed Kaia‘ s taste. I had never looked like her, but I resembled her just enough for him to mold me into her shadow.
The realization hit like a punch to the gut, but it also solidified my resolve.
Finally, I managed to step back, shaking off Damien‘ s grasp entirely. My movement was too forceful, and I stumbled, losing my balance. Just as I was about to hit the
ground, a strong hand caught me.
