A pot of rare spirit orchids rested on a carved stand. I tilted my wrist and poured every drop of the herbal soup I had spent three hours brewing into the soil.
At that moment, Marisel appeared. She was wearing the gown I once treasured, now cut apart and ruined.
She watched me empty the flask, a small satisfied smile forming on her lips.
"Rayya, Damon just told me the Alpha’s chamber gets the best light. He said it would help me recover faster. He wants me to move in tonight. You should start packing your things."
The Alpha’s chamber… I had lived there for five winters. Every part of it carried memories of Damon and me.
I looked at her proud expression and gave a small nod.
"Alright. I will pack now."
I walked into the room. I didn’t take the jewelry. I also didn’t take the fine clothes he had given me. I only picked up a simple black bag.
Inside, I placed a few clothes and my identity papers when my crystal communicator vibrated.
A message from my brother appeared.
[Rayya, we have started clearing all traces of the name Rayya Greymoss.]
I closed the bag and walked out. Then I moved into the farthest guest room in the estate.
It was rarely used, mostly for storage. The air was damp and cold.
I placed the bag on the narrow bed and didn’thing else.
Twelve hours.
That was all I needed before I could leave.
***
By evening, heavy snow began to fall across the territory.
Damon returned from the pack council meeting, bringing the cold with him. He stepped into the hall and looked around. His brows tightened at once.
A servant spoke carefully.
"Alpha, Luna Rayya moved to the storage room in the north wing today."
His face darkened. He strode down the hall and kicked the door open. The sound echoed loudly through the quiet house.
I was sitting by the bed, watching the snow outside.
I turned to look at him.
He walked in quickly, his eyes scanning the room before stopping on the worn bag beside me.
"What are you doing?" His voice was sharp. "Marisel only asked for the main room. Who told you to come here? Are you trying to make me feel guilty?"
I stood and faced him.
"All the other rooms are filled with her things. This one was empty. It makes no difference to me where I stay."
My calm tone made him angrier.
He grabbed my wrist tightly. My sleeve was pulled back, revealing the long scar on my arm.