Once Broken, Twice Claimed

Her green eyes widened. “What did you say?”

Colt chuckled softly. “I missed gazing into those green eyes. But your stay in this hell pack, it dulled their shine.”

Eleanor blinked, uncertain. “How did you even know what’s happening here? How did you know Sadie isn’t really my sister?”

Colt brushed his thumb gently over her knuckles. “When you care for someone, you do whatever it takes to protect them. I have my ways, Eleanor. I’ve always kept an eye on you.”

Her breath caught.

“Even after all these years... you still care?”

“I never stopped.” He lifted their joined hands and pressed a warm kiss to her knuckles. “You once told me… if I came back and you were still single, I should marry you. So—are you ready?”

“C-Colt...” His words hit her harder than she expected. That old promise—they’d made it as young dreamers, back when the world felt kinder. She never thought he’d remember, let alone still mean it.

It unraveled her defenses. And underneath her disbelief… hope flickered to life.

She took a shaky breath. “Can you give me a week?”

Colt frowned. “Why wait a week, Elle? You could leave with me now. You don’t need to bring anything.”

“I’m waiting for our anniversary. I want to give him something before I go.”

Colt studied her face for a long moment. Then he nodded, quiet understanding in his eyes.

—

That night, Eleanor stayed in the guest room. Not by choice, but Amiel had insisted on it. He claimed Sadie needed supervision because of her burn.

As she reread the separation scroll, Eleanor’s thoughts drifted to what he had told her weeks ago:

‘I’m actually doing you a favor, Eleanor. Since you’re blind, you obviously can’t care for Sadie. So I will. This is your fault. I’m moving her closer to me so your parents won’t see her wound and blame you. I’m saving you from their anger.’

She hadn’t argued. She had no strength left for it. And so, she moved into the room Amiel chose.

It used to be meant for their child.

But Amiel had barely touched her—only once, in a drunken haze. That night, he'd been passionate. The next morning, cold and distant. Civil.

The child conceived from that night was gone—lost in a rogue attack just a month ago.

Now, all she could do was wait. Colt would come. He promised.

That thought made her smile.

A knock echoed at the door, and Eleanor quickly hid the papers.

Then Amiel barged in.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, playing the part of the blind woman, her gaze unfocused.

“Why not? This is my house,” he said, walking up and seizing her jaw. “Are you entertaining another man, Eleanor?”

She recoiled. “What are you talking about?”

“That Alpha Colt. He pulled you from the dining hall and whispered to you. What did he say?”

Eleanor gave a bitter chuckle. “Why do you care? Do I ever ask about your lovers? Your wife is alive and well, but your bed’s already shared with another woman.”

Amiel flinched but quickly waved it off. “Whatever. Be ready tomorrow. We’re attending the Moonlight Accord.”

“Why me? I can’t even see. Bring Sadie.”

“I could. She’s more useful in every way. But your parents are arriving, and she needs to welcome them.”

“I’ll just humiliate you.”

“You’ll represent our family. Just behave. Don’t embarrass me.”

He left. Her hands trembled.

—

At the Moonlight Accord, nobles swarmed Amiel with greetings and praises.

He leaned toward Eleanor. “Just smile and sit still. Pretend you’re not blind. I won’t let them know I have a useless Luna.”

She sat in silence, her face blank.

Then, she caught a faint mindlink between Sadie and Amiel. I’m here, love.

Amiel straightened. “Where?”

Sadie: In front of the ladies’ washroom.

He glanced at Eleanor. His warmth vanished, replaced with frost.

“I need to speak with some alphas. Stay here. Don’t speak to anyone. Behave.”

Eleanor nodded wordlessly.

Moments later, she spotted Amiel—hand in hand with Sadie—introducing her as his wife.

Eleanor went still. Numb. Her thoughts froze. Her world seemed to tilt, yet her body didn’t move. She simply watched as her soul cracked further.

A noble approached and asked about her.

“She’s my wife’s sister,” Amiel replied smoothly. “She had no one to care for her, so we took her in.”

The nobles praised him. “How noble of you, Alpha. A rare man, indeed.”

He’s doing more than that, Eleanor thought bitterly.

Feeling like an outsider in her own life, she slipped away and found the comfort room. She splashed water on her face, trying to catch her breath.

Then a voice sneered behind her.

Sadie kicked Eleanor’s cane. “So bold of you to show up. Aren’t you afraid of getting lost?”

“I won’t let my condition stop me,” Eleanor muttered, keeping her focus on the basin.

Sadie leaned close, her voice venomous. “You think you still have a life? You’re nothing. No one would miss you if you vanished.”

Eleanor was too exhausted to argue. Her muscles ached. Her spirit felt frayed. She needed to conserve what little strength she had left.

Without a word, she turned to the door, reaching for her cane. Her hand gripped the cold metal tightly.

"You don’t get to ignore me!" Sadie shrieked.

She shoved Eleanor hard against the wall, grabbed a fistful of her hair, and yanked it back violently.

Eleanor winced, her scalp burning. “What do you want from me?”

Sadie’s lips twisted into a cruel smile, her teeth clenched. “I like seeing you like this. Weak. Broken.”

Eleanor fought back, grabbing Sadie’s wrist. “You’re scared of me. That’s why you keep trying to crush me.”

“You wish!” Sadie growled. She drove her foot into Eleanor’s ribs.

Pain exploded through her. Her body folded.

"You stay here where you belong!" Sadie snapped. Then stormed out, slamming the door and locking it with a loud, final bang.

Eleanor collapsed to the floor, bleeding, dizzy. Her mouth opened to scream, but only a ragged breath escaped.

Then a loud crash echoed through the tiled walls and the door burst open.

A tall figure stormed in. Tousled dark hair. Jaw clenched. Blue-grey eyes blazing.

"Colt?" she rasped.

The man knelt beside her, face shadowed with worry. “No, Elle,” he whispered, gathering her into his arms. “I’m Cal. I’ve got you now.”