Love's End, Freedom's Start

"Sebastian!" I screamed as I entered his office. I was clutching my stomach. When I left the manor, the pain started to increase. I don't know if it is because of my illness or because of the baby. I am scared to lose my child, to lose myself.

Sebastian, sitting on the swivel chair, hurriedly went to me.

"Help," that's the only thing I said before I lost consciousness.

I woke up feeling lightheaded. When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the white ceiling. My hands automatically went to my stomach.

"Don't worry, your baby is fine, Luna."

My eyes went to Sebastian, who was sitting beside my bed. I breathed a sigh of relief. I know that I don't have much time left. But I'd like to believe that there will be a miracle. That maybe one day, my baby and I will survive.

Sebastian held my hand, "Luna..."

I smiled bitterly, "I am dying. Is it a week?" I scoffed angrily. "Why did the deity give me a chance of being pregnant? Yet, I only have weeks to live. Am I being punished, Sebastian?"

Sebastian had been my friend since we were kids. When our family left the town, I was hurt knowing I would leave my friend behind. And when my parents died, I had to go back to town. That's when I met Blake and fell in love with him. Even when I married Blake, Sebastian remained my friend. Although sometimes, I

have to avoid Sebastian due to Blake's request that he isn't comfortable with Sebastian being my friend.

Sebastian squeezed my hand, trying to comfort me. "I have a way, Luna."

My heart pounded.

"But this isn't easy to do and should be done."

My forehead creased, "What do you mean?"

Sebastian shut his eyes as he breathed a sigh, "This is forbidden magic, Luna. This has been buried for centuries."

"Don't tell me..." I trailed off. My eyes widened in disbelief.

Sebastian nodded, "This is black magic, Luna. But this is the only way for you to live."

"No," I firmly said and shook my head.

"Please... Luna. I can't lose you again. I lost my best friend for years, and I can't afford to lose you again," Sebastian pleaded.

"But Sebastian, you told me that this is forbidden magic!"

"Yeah. But I don't care as long as you live. It will be fine, I will be fine."

My throat went dry. I don't know what to say. I stared at Sebastian intently.

He squeezed my hand gently again. "For you to be able to live again. We must find a new host for your soul-"

"What?" I asked frantically. "How about my baby? I don't want to lose my child, Sebastian!"

"The fetus's soul will also be transferred. I already did my research, Luna. For the past few days, I've been trying to find ways to help you. When we were kids, I promised you that I would protect you, right? And now I am doing my best to help you."

"Why are you doing this?"

He gently smiled, "Because you're my best friend. And you deserve all the world could offer, Luna."

Sebastian was always there. He would help me without asking for anything in return. Even if Blake's rude to him, he would just shrug it off. He has been nothing but the best. While my mate couldn't be with me when I needed him the most. He wouldn't go against his morals just to help me. But Sebastian will and will always be my soulmate.

A tear escaped my eyes.

"Why are you crying? Are you in pain?"

And I cried harder. I cried like a kid all night. Thinking and asking God why my life became like this. All I ever did was love Blake more than myself. Sebastian never left my side even until I fell asleep. I woke up the next morning feeling a little lightheaded. I haven't agreed with Sebastian's plan. Without Sebastian knowing, I decided to go home.

When I arrived at the manor, everything felt heavy. I went upstairs, heading to our bedroom. Every step I took felt heavy. My heart is pounding crazy. I could hear giggles inside our bedroom. And it dawned on me, that the familiar voices talking inside made me want to throw up.

"Blake, stop it!" Viviene said between her giggles. "When will your mate be home?"

"She isn't my mate, Viviene."

"Well, in the eyes of our elders. She is legally your mate," Viviene's voice laced with annoyance.

"Stop pouting, Vivi. You know that you are my only mate. Luna's just a tool for me. She's the reason why the elders chose me. But soon she will die. And after that, you will become the Luna of our pack. The elders won't oppose my decisions anymore because I have solidified my position as the Alpha of our pack. No one will oppose you if you become my mate."

"I hope she will die sooner," Viviene said.

I took a step back. My stomach churned. I wanted to push the door and attack them. But who am I kidding? My constitution is weak. I don't have the power to attack them. I love Blake with all that I have, but right now? I want to kill him with my bare hands. He betrayed me and deceived me. He even knew I was dying, yet he wanted me to die sooner.