Chapter 4

I picked up the insulated flask and walked to the end of the hallway.

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.

Three winters ago, I had blocked an attack meant for him. A blade had gone straight through my arm. I almost died that day.

He looked at the scar. There was no care in his eyes.

Only annoyance.

"Do you show this scar every day to remind me I owe you?"

"Marisel is sensitive. She saw it earlier and was frightened. She could not even eat after that."

"From tomorrow, you will wear long sleeves inside this house. If you cannot do that, then go stay at the gatehouse outside. Don’t appear in front of her."

Every word was cold and cutting. He was trying to provoke me. Waiting for me to break, to argue or beg.

But I felt nothing.

I pulled my hand free and picked up my bag.

"Alright. I will move to the gatehouse now."

I stepped past him and walked toward the door.

Damon lost control. My calmness only made him angrier.

He chased after me, grabbed the bag from my hand, and threw open the front door.

Cold wind and snow rushed inside. He threw my bag into the snow outside and pointed into the storm.

"Rayya, since you like acting like this, then leave! Don’t come back!"

"I want to see how long someone like you survives out there without me!"

I stood at the door in a thin sweater. The cold wind cut against my skin.

I looked at my bag lying in the snow. Without hesitation, I stepped outside.

One step. Then another. I walked into the storm. I didn’t look back.

Behind me, the door slammed shut. The sound echoed through the night.

I bent down, picked up my bag, and brushed off the snow.

My crystal communicator lit up. It was a call from my brother.

"Rayya, the Wolfhart convoy has entered Ravencrest. I will reach you in half an hour. I am taking you home."