Ten Years of Lies, One Final Goodbye

Sitara’s POV

It hurt knowing, that Alpha Zach Ashford, the man I gave ten years of my life to, had no intention of marrying me.

I stayed in his pack for a decade, clinging to his empty promises—that I was his chosen mate, that he loved me, that I’d be his Luna. But all those words meant nothing the moment she arrived.

Hazel Frowley.

She came clutching a letter from her father, begging Zach to shelter her temporarily because the Crescent Pack had been attacked. She wasn’t safe. From that day on, Zach’s attention shifted entirely to her, as if I no longer existed.

After returning to the pack's healer, I called my parents. I never thought I would still be alive.

“Ma, I agree to marry the mate you've chosen for me,” I said.

I sighed heavily, the memory two days ago clawing at my mind,

It was the Moon Festival, a celebration Zach and I always shared together. But now, with Hazel in the picture, I’d become nothing more than a shadow. I remember the glass of wine he handed me that night, his expression devoid of the warmth it once held.

“Drink this, Sitara. Don’t embarrass me in front of the Werewolf King’s council,” he muttered, shoving the glass into my hands.

The moment I brought it to my nose, I smelled it. Berries. The sickly-sweet scent made my stomach turn.

“Zach, I—”

“Just drink it,” he snapped, already turning his attention back to Hazel, who was laughing softly, her voice like nails scraping against my ears.

Berries. He’d chosen a wine made from the one thing that could kill me—all because she liked it. And because I loved him so much, because I wanted to support him even if it cost me my life, I drank it.

The wine burned my throat immediately. My lips began to swell, my chest tightening as my airways constricted. I tried to breathe, but every gasp felt like swallowing glass.

The music played on, the beat of drums and the strumming of guitars—the music Hazel loved.

Through blurry vision, I stumbled toward Zach. My wolf howled in agony, feeling my pain as if it were her own. I saw him standing with Hazel, her small arms wrapped around his. They laughed together, looking more like a mated pair than I ever had with him.

“Zach...” I managed to whisper.

He glanced at me briefly, then turned his attention back to Hazel.

“No more wine, Hazel. You’re already tipsy,” he said gently, his voice filled with concern. The way he looked at her… it was the way he used to look at me.

Pain sliced through me, sharper than the reaction coursing through my body.

“Alpha Zach... I’m not feeling well,” I choked out, the taste of blood pooling in my mouth. My hands clutched at my throat as I struggled to breathe. “Please… take me to the healer. I—”

“Sitara, what—”

Zach took one step toward me, but then Hazel whimpered.

“My stomach hurts, Alpha Zach! It hurts so much!” she cried.

Zach’s attention snapped to her instantly. Without hesitation, he scooped her into his arms as if she were made of glass.

“Hazel, what’s wrong? Tell me,” he murmured, his voice tender.

I watched helplessly as he cradled her, his eyes filled with worry. My vision blurred further as tears spilled from my eyes. My wolf whimpered, her spirit breaking alongside mine.

“Alpha Zach!” I called out, my voice barely a rasp.

The room went quiet, all eyes on me. Zach turned, irritation flashing in his gaze.

“What do you want, Sitara?” he snapped. “Can’t you see Hazel needs a healer? Stop being so jealous. Stop pretending like you’re dying.”

Jealous? Pretending?

The words hit me harder than any physical blow.

Blood dripped from my lips as my legs buckled beneath me. I swayed, barely able to stand. You would rather let me die than save me, Zach. You said you loved me… but I hate you. I hate you so much.

As the world around me faded to black. Will I die here?