A small twitch pulled at her lips as she told me, “That would make you richer than your uncles combined.”
“I’m not asking,” I said as I stood.
“Even if you never admit it, I’m the real daughter. Gwyneth is the illegitimate one my father brought home.”
My voice cracked, but I still spoke.
“If I’m going to bind my body and soul to a man who may never care for me, all to save this dying pack, then I will be paid … for every year you let me suffer.”
“You ungrateful little-”
“Ungrateful?”
I let out a small, shaky laugh.
“I grew up in the servants’ rooms, cleaning floors on my knees. As for Gwyneth? She was the one who showed up to every party. Don’t talk to me about gratitude.”
I turned toward the door but paused.
“One more thing,” I said, forcing the words out.
“Reassign Gareth to Gwyneth.”
“That warrior?” my grandmother asked. “The one you protected when your father tried to whip him? The one you refused to let be punished, even starving yourself for four days?”
She gave a short, amused laugh.
“I thought you were in love with him, even though he treated you like trash.”
Tears pressed against my eyes.
“I thought so too.”
After that, I walked out.
Three days ago, a drunken night had taken me to Gareth’s room. One moment I was confessing my feelings, and the next we were sharing a burning kiss.
And at my weakest moment, I gave him everything. My love, my trust, and even my virginity. But I woke up alone in a cold bed, my body aching and my heart full of hope.
Gareth Greywind stood by the mirror, already dressed in his armor, calm and cold, like nothing had happened.
“Now that you’re awake, get dressed and leave. You shouldn’t be in my room.” His voice cut through the air like a blade.
That was it.
No warmth. No concern. Not even a simple “Are you okay?”
I pushed myself up, my heart breaking piece by piece.
“Gareth … I told you I love-”
“Love?” He turned slowly, his shoulders tense, his eyes empty.
“Last night was a mistake, Lady Freya Silverfang. A drunken mistake. Don’t start a drama.”
His cold words stabbed deeper than anything I had ever experienced. My legs were shaking as I stood. Walking toward him felt like stepping on sharp glass.
“Was it nothing to you?” I whispered, reaching out with trembling fingers.
He didn’t even look at me.
“You stayed by my side for three years. You held me when no one else did. You remembered my birthday when even my pack forgot-”