My sister… my mate… they had been lying to me all along.
Navielle had once been with Razen. Then she left the pack to train in distant lands, where she met Keegan and became his mate.
Razen was shattered when she left. And in that pain, he turned to me. What began as quiet talks under the moon slowly turned into something more. Moons later, he said he loved me. A winter after that, we were mated.
I never knew it was all false. Even after seven winters, his heart still belonged to her. I was nothing more than a stand in, someone he would cast aside once he could take her back.
The bathing room door opened, and Razen stepped out with a cloth around his waist. His eyes held concern as he looked at me.
“Are you sure you are alright?”
I forced a smile, though it never reached my eyes.
“I am fine, Razzy.”
Nivella's POV
When I called his nickname, his body eased at once, as if all was normal again.
His eyes softened as he walked toward me. He bent down to kiss me, but I turned my face slightly, letting his lips brush my cheek instead.
“I’m tired,” I said quietly, pulling the covers over myself. “It has been a long day.”
Razen’s expression stiffened for a moment, then he forced a small smile. “Of course. You should rest.”
There was a hint of annoyance in his eyes, but he said nothing more.
His crystal communicator buzzed again. He picked it up quickly, and the irritation on his face vanished, replaced by a bright smile as he replied.
The moment he finished, he got up from the bed and began dressing in a rush. “Something came up in the pack,” he said, not meeting my eyes. “I will be back in a few hours.”
“Of course. Take your time,” I answered calmly.
Razen looked at me, clearly surprised.
Before, I would have complained about him leaving late at night for sudden pack matters. Now I was telling him to go without question.
His crystal communicator buzzed once more. He shook off his confusion and hurried out.
“I love you,” he muttered as he left.
“And I hate you,” I whispered under my breath.
***
When I woke the next morning, Razen had not returned. He most likely stayed at Navielle’s place. But it no longer mattered to me.
I prepared for my visit to the healer’s hall.
As I sat on the bed inside the healing chamber, my heart tightened painfully. Could I really go through with this?
The healer stood beside me.
“Are you sure about this, Lady Nivella?” she asked gently.