I shoved open the mansion doors, dragging my weak body—and stopped cold.
Lilith was sprawled on the couch like she owned it.
Caden sat beside her, feeding her soup by hand.
At the sound, he looked up fast.
“You’re back?”
He set the bowl down, finally catching the ghosted-out look on my face.
“What happened to you? You look sick.”
He had no idea I’d been poisoned. No clue I nearly died.
I didn’t flinch. “Just a cycle flare.”
He nodded.
“Good. As long as you’re fine.”
I dipped my head, ready to leave, but Caden blocked me.
“Brielle, you upset Lilith the other day. It stressed the pup. She’s not mad, so no need to apologize—just cook her something nutrient-rich to make up for it.”
I froze.
This was the same guy who used to stop me from lifting a finger—wouldn’t even let me pour my own water.
Still, I nodded and headed for the kitchen.
When I came back with the meal, he was already carrying Lilith out the door.
“Her belly’s acting up. I’m taking her to the healing center.”
Then they were gone. Just like that.
I set the food down without a word and went straight to my room.
Started packing.
Everything that was mine—I took. What I couldn’t take? I trashed.
Once the bags were lined up, I pulled out everything tied to Caden.
The love letters in his handwriting. The rare gems. The pelts.
The custom mate ring he designed just for me.
All proof he once loved me
