She smiled faintly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. The battle was won, but the wounds ran deeper than she could heal. She turned back to Cedar. “This will be the last kindness I give to this pack. I’ve done my part. Now, I’m leaving.”
His eyes widened. “Lavender, wait. Please don't leave me. The pack needs you. I need you."
Lavender felt the sting of his words cut deep into her chest. Her eyes burned with unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall. She had fought so hard for this pack, for him, and yet he only saw her as a tool.
"I gave everything I had to this pack, and to you, and it was never enough. But I’m not your tool, Cedar. I’m not your decoration. I’m done. And I'm leaving."
