I forced myself up, my body shaking and every breath burning with pain. With trembling fingers, I pulled out my crystal-comm and made the call.
When the call connected, Calder’s attendant answered, voice steady and respectful.
“Luna Lunessa?”
I swallowed. “Have my grandmother and father been relocated to the safehold?”
“Yes,” he replied. “Everything proceeded according to your instructions. They’re secure.”
“…Good.” My voice barely existed.
I ended the call. My eyes stung, but not a single tear fell.
Seconds later, my crystal-comm buzzed. My Wolf-law-speaker.
A photo of the severance contract—the pack’s equivalent of a divorce—appeared on the screen.
Two names carved in lunar ink.
Mine. Draven’s.
A message followed:
[It’s finalized.]
I stared for a long moment, then forwarded it to Draven’s mother. My message was only two words: Ninety-nine million.
The crystal-comm rang instantly. Her voice brimmed with satisfaction.
“Excellent. I’ll have the treasurer transfer the full sum now. Lunessa, you’ve finally made the wise choice. Take the credits—and stay far from Draven.”
I looked at the screen as the payment notification flashed. My chest felt like an empty cavern.
“Mm,” I murmured, ending the call and blocking her.
I limped toward the gates of the territory, using the wall for balance.
***
Two hours later, the roar of a skyship echoed overhead.
I leaned back in my seat, pulled up the image of the severance contract one last time, sent it to Draven—then blocked him as well.
[Draven, this is my last gift to you.]
[From this moment on— the mountains stand high, the rivers run long and even in life or death… our paths will never cross again.]
