His Forged Death, My Freedom

I checked myself out of the hospital.

As soon as I reached the entrance of the medical center, I saw Damien.

His arm was wrapped protectively around Seraphina, his focus entirely on her.

When he saw me, a flicker of guilt crossed his face before he masked it. “Elara, you're discharged?” he asked.

I nodded without a word.

He spared me a single glance before his attention returned to Seraphina.

“Be careful, Seraphina. Don't fall.”

Hearing his gentle, concerned voice, a bitter pang of jealousy struck me.

He used to care for me like that, but now, Seraphina was the only one he cared about.

Not wanting to see them anymore, I turned and walked away.

As I returned home, I passed some pack members and overheard their conversation.

“Alpha Kaelan is such a good mate. Ever since Seraphina got pregnant, he's been so attentive!”

“Poor Elara, though. Lost her mate so young, and now she’s all alone. Did you hear she nearly died?”

My nose stung with the threat of tears.

They were right.

The moment Damien decided to deceive me, I lost my mate.

That night, Damien suddenly returned.

He placed some restorative herbs on the table and said, “Elara, I bought these for you.”

I thanked him stiffly, but my heart remained a block of ice.

His concern felt like a hollow gesture now.

Suddenly, the world went black as I collapsed, the combined weakness from the blood donation and allergic reaction finally overwhelming me.

I wasn't sure how long I was unconscious.

When I woke up, I was back in the medical center.

Relief flooded Damien’s face.

He rushed over and hugged me tightly, exclaiming, “Elara! You're finally awake! I'm so happy!”

His voice cracked with emotion.

I could feel his body trembling.

I started to speak, but he cupped my face, his lips descending toward mine.

I pushed him away, my gaze cold. “Be careful, Kaelan.”

He froze. “What did you call me?”

Panic flared in his eyes before he stammered, “I'm sorry, Elara. I... I was confused. I thought you were Seraphina.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he fled the room.

Of course, I knew he wasn't confused.

He was just pretending.

Watching him flee, the last shred of hope in my heart crumbled to dust.

The man I once loved so deeply was now a complete stranger.

After returning home, I lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Suddenly, my communicator vibrated.

It was my mother.

“Elara, I'm sending someone to pick you up in three days. Are you ready?” my mother asked with concern. “We've prepared a room for you. We're just waiting for you to come back.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “I miss you guys so much too. Yes, I'm almost ready. I can leave in three days.”

Just as I cut the communication, the bedroom door suddenly opened.

Damien strode in, furious. “What's this about leaving? Where are you going?”

I frowned and ignored him, but he snatched my communicator, his Alpha command lacing his voice. “Were you contacting those outsiders again? How many times have I told you not to associate with werewolves of unknown origin?”

Snatching the communicator back, I finally snapped. “What right do you have to order me around? I'm not your property! You've kept me confined to the pack lands ever since I got back from the hospital.”

“You won't let me work or even see my friends! How far are you going to push me?”

Damien was taken aback.

A flash of panic crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. “Elara, I'm doing this for your own good. You haven't fully recovered. What if you faint outside again?”

I retorted coldly, “You don't need to worry about me. You should be worrying about Seraphina. As for me, my mate is dead, and I have the right to live my own life!”

Damien stared at me, a mixture of conflict and disappointment clouding his eyes.

After a long silence, he left.

I collapsed onto the floor, silent sobs wracking my body.

That night, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Suddenly, my bedroom door burst open, and a tall figure stumbled in—it was Damien.

He reeked of alcohol, clearly drunk.

He fumbled his way to the bed, held my hand tightly, and said, “I love you, Elara. I really love you. Don't leave me, okay?”

His voice was choked with emotion.

I could feel the warmth of his hand.

However, I yanked my hand from his grasp and stared at him coldly. “You're drunk.”

He shook his head, his eyes hazy. “No, I'm not drunk. Do you have any idea how much I love you, Elara?”

“From the moment I left on my mission, I couldn't stop thinking about you. Every day, my wolf howled to return to your side.”

“But I had no choice. Seraphina is pregnant. I couldn't just abandon her. Can you forgive me, Elara, please? After she has the baby, I will...”

He trailed off and began to lean in, his hot breath fanning across my lips, trying to kiss me.

I shoved him away and shouted, “Kaelan! Snap out of it! I'm Elara, not Seraphina!”

Just then, footsteps sounded at the door, and Seraphina appeared in the doorway.

The moment she saw us, her expression twisted into a mask of fury.

I quickly composed myself and explained, “Kaelan is drunk, Seraphina. I think he mistook me for you.”

“You should take him back to your room.”

Seraphina didn't speak.

She shot me a cold glare and then helped Damien away.