His Forged Death, My Freedom

As soon as we arrived at the medical center, Seraphina was taken for a series of examinations.

Finally, the healer returned and said, “Congratulations, Ms. Thorne. You are one month pregnant. However, her body is under a great deal of stress. She'll need extra care to ensure the pregnancy remains viable.”

Seraphina was pregnant?

I stood there, stunned, while Damien’s face lit up with elation.

He grasped Seraphina's hands tightly, exclaiming, “This is incredible! We're finally having a pup, Seraphina!”

Seraphina looked equally happy. “Thank you, Kaelan.”

Watching them share their intimate moment, jealousy, sharp and bitter, twisted in my gut.

Damien had once showered me with such deep love, but now, he gave it all to another woman.

“There's one more thing,” the healer said. “The patient requires a transfusion of rare 'True Blood' to stabilize the pup's life force, and I'm afraid the pack's reserves are insufficient. Does anyone here possess 'True Blood' from an ancient lineage? It would be best to transfer some to the patient.”

At the healer's words, Damien’s head snapped toward me. “You have 'True Blood,' Elara. Please, help Seraphina.”

I was taken aback.

I never expected him to make such a request.

“I…”

Damien cut me off. “Elara, I know this is a big ask, but Seraphina is weak. If she doesn't get this energy infusion soon, both she and the pack's heir will be in danger. Please, save her! I'm begging you! I'll compensate you with anything.”

Seeing the desperate plea in his eyes, my heart filled with bitterness.

He once cherished me with all his heart, but now, he was asking me to give up my precious bloodline for another woman's child.

How ironic.

But in the end, I agreed.

After all, a life was growing in Seraphina's womb.

Giving up a little 'True Blood' was a small price to pay.

What broke my heart was his betrayal.

“Alright. I'll do it.”

Surprise flickered across his face, as if he hadn't expected me to agree so easily.

“Thank you, Elara! You're so selfless!”

He looked at me gratefully.

I caught a flicker of guilt in his eyes, but what difference did it make?

I had already lost all faith in him.

I lay on a bed in the medical center as the healer inserted an energy-channeling needle into my arm.

Watching my life essence flow out of my body, my heart was as cold as ice.

The last time I lay here was after a battle with rogue werewolves.

Damien had frantically carried me in.

Just before my treatment, he held my hand, his eyes filled with tears as he said, “My love, I swear I will never let you suffer again.”

And now, he had shattered that promise with his own hands.

After giving the 'True Blood,' I went home alone.

The house was empty, my presence the only sign of life.

Damien was still at the medical center, keeping Seraphina company.

It was as if he had completely forgotten about me.

A few days later, Seraphina was discharged.

Damien brought her home and took meticulous care of her. He wouldn't even let her pour a glass of water for herself.

He also told all the neighbors that he was going to be a father, reveling in a joy that wasn't rightfully his.

Seeing their happiness, a familiar ache throbbed in my chest.

I had dreamed countless times of having a pup with Damien, fantasizing about the three of us sharing a happy life. Now, that dream was nothing but ash.

To thank me, Seraphina suggested taking me to dinner.

“Thank you so much, Elara. If it weren't for you, the pup and I might not have made it,” Seraphina said, holding my hand.

On her wrist was a moonflower bracelet Damien had woven to please her.

I forced a smile and replied, “Of course. I'm glad I could help.”

After we got to the restaurant, Damien took the menu and ordered some calming herbal tea and all of Seraphina's favorite foods.

He spent the entire meal doting on her, as if I wasn't even there.

Not wanting to see their loving display, I kept my head down, focusing on my food to avoid watching them.

Suddenly, my throat closed up. A searing heat tore through me, my skin prickling as if on fire. I gasped for air before collapsing to the floor.

My vision went black.

Damien had ordered it because Seraphina liked it, completely forgetting my fatal allergy to the herb.

Damien's head snapped toward me, his eyes wide with alarm. He rushed to my side, helping me up.

However, Seraphina clutched her stomach and cried out, “Kaelan! My stomach hurts so much...”

At her cry, Damien dropped me, scrambling to her side. “What's wrong, Seraphina? Are you feeling unwell?”

He held her and left without a second thought.

I watched them go, a new kind of fissure cracking open in my chest.

Just before I lost consciousness, I heard the footsteps of the pack guards.

When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying in a stark bed at the medical center.

There was no one beside me.

All I saw were the healing runes silently glowing around me.

Neither Damien nor Seraphina had come to see me.

It was as if I didn't exist at all.