I clenched my phone so hard it creaked. She was weaving her web so skillfully, tying Nicho to her in every visible way. When I had been by his side, Nicho had done the same—posting little moments of us training, running patrols, or sharing laughs around the campfire. Back then, it had felt like the bond between us was unshakable. Now, I was just a shadow in his past, and Selena stood where I once had, basking in the glow of his attention.
I exited the chat and blocked the notifications. My decision to move forward felt right, even as a pang of loss clawed at my chest. Shaking off the ache, I stepped into the cabin that had been my home for so long. Eight years—an eternity in werewolf years—was packed into this space. Memories clung to every corner, every crack in the wood. But tonight, I will leave them behind.
My wolf whined softly as I started packing my things, and my gaze landed on the large leather-bound book sitting on the coffee table. It was our “album,” a tradition Nicho had insisted on. Each photo inside captured a moment from the years we’d spent together—his promise to give me 9,999 memories before making me his Luna. He’d said he wanted me to choose him, not because of the mate bond, but because of his devotion.
The album was nearly full, with only one blank page left. But all those promises now felt hollow, shattered by the way he had drifted into Selena’s arms. My wolf growled again, a mixture of sadness and anger that mirrored my own feelings.
I picked up the album and carried it outside to the clearing where the pack often held bonfires. The moonlight illuminated the open space as I crouched to build a small fire. When the flames took hold, I placed the album on the kindling and watched it burn, the edges curling and blackening. Smoke rose into the air, carrying away years of love, promises, and heartache.
Nicho arrived moments later, his scent hitting me before I saw him—pine and something uniquely his. He froze at the edge of the clearing, his eyes locking on the burning album. Panic was instantly etched on his face as he sprinted forward.
“What are you doing?” he roared, his Alpha command rippling through the night air.
I didn’t flinch. His authority had lost its hold on me.