Do not come look for me. This is the last time you will ever see me as the woman who loved you. The next time we meet, Magnus, I will not be your wife.

I will be your downfall.

—Astrid.

I slid my wedding ring off my finger and placed it on top of the letter. It gleamed under the dim candlelight, a final mockery of the love I once thought was real.

Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my bag and slipped through the shadows of the house. My heart pounded as I reached the back entrance, my mind racing with the knowledge that if I was caught, Magnus would never let me go.

I stepped outside into the freezing night, and just as I was about to take another step toward my freedom—

"Going somewhere, Astrid?"

My blood ran cold.

I turned slowly, and there he was. Magnus stood in the doorway, his silver eyes gleaming like a predator who had just caught his prey. His shirt was disheveled, his hair a mess—clear signs of the betrayal he had just committed. Yet, despite everything, his expression held no guilt.

My pulse thundered in my ears. "Move," I said, my voice devoid of emotion.

But Magnus didn't move. Instead, he tilted his head, his sharp gaze raking over me. "Why are you leaving in the middle of the night?" His voice was low, almost dangerous.

"Because I don’t belong here," I replied. "Not anymore."

Magnus's expression darkened. "Who told you that?"

I let out a bitter laugh. "You did. Over and over again, every time you chose her over me."

His jaw clenched, and for the first time, I saw something flicker in his eyes. Guilt? Regret? It didn't matter anymore.

"I'm done, Magnus," I whispered. "You can keep Ingrid, keep your lies. But you will never see me again."

I turned to leave, but before I could take another step, a strong hand gripped my wrist, pulling me back with force.

"I'm not letting you go." His voice was firm, possessive.

A new kind of rage ignited inside me. I yanked my hand free, my eyes burning into him. "You don’t have a choice."

Magnus exhaled sharply, his patience thinning. "Why are you acting like this? What happened while I was away?"

I nearly laughed. He still thought I was the same naive girl who would crumble under his touch, the same foolish mate who would believe his lies. Not anymore.

"Nothing happened, Magnus," I said coldly. "I just opened my eyes."

His brows furrowed. "Astrid, if something is wrong, just tell me. I—"