Chapter 44

The morning sun cast golden rays through the sheer curtains of Lillian's bedroom, stirring her awake. She stretched languidly, her muscles still sore from yesterday's training session with Professor Montclair. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted up from the kitchen, making her stomach growl.

Downstairs, the mansion was already bustling with activity. Giselle, the head maid, directed the staff with quiet efficiency while Lucien, the flirtatious head chef, hummed a French tune as he prepared breakfast. Lillian smiled at the familiar chaos—it was comforting, in a way.

She found Donovan in the dining room, his dark eyes scanning the morning papers. He barely glanced up when she entered, his expression unreadable. The tension between them was palpable, a silent reminder of their broken bond.

"Morning," she murmured, sliding into her seat.

Donovan grunted in response, flipping a page with unnecessary force.

Sebastian strode in then, his presence commanding the room's attention. His gaze flickered between them before settling on Lillian. "Sleep well?"

She nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah. You?"

Before he could answer, Oliver burst into the room, his face alight with excitement. "Papa! Look what I found!" He held up a small, polished stone, its surface shimmering under the light.

Sebastian chuckled, ruffling his son's hair. "A moonstone. Where did you find this?"

"Near the garden! Beatrice said it's lucky!"

Lillian's heart warmed at the mention of her best friend. Beatrice had always had a way with children, and Oliver adored her.

The moment was shattered when Victoria entered, her cold gaze sweeping over them. "Father," she said stiffly, ignoring Lillian entirely. "We need to discuss the upcoming council meeting."

Sebastian sighed, setting down his coffee. "Later, Victoria. Let's enjoy breakfast first."

But Victoria wasn't one to be deterred. "It's urgent. The Darkmoon pack is making moves again."

Lillian stiffened. The Darkmoon pack—Alpha Maximilian's pack—had been a thorn in their side for months.

Sebastian's expression darkened. "Fine. My study. Five minutes."

As he left, the air in the room grew heavier. Donovan finally looked up, his lips curling into a smirk. "Trouble in paradise?"

Lillian ignored him, focusing on her food. But inside, her mind raced. If the Darkmoon pack was stirring, it could only mean one thing—war was coming.

And she wasn't sure she was ready.

The sorrow in my father's gaze was unmistakable as he listened to my desperate words about my mother. It shattered me to see him like this—trapped, unable to wrap his arms around her, to soothe her pain the way he always had. He used to tell me stories of their first meeting, how the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew. His wolf hadn’t even needed to confirm it—she was his fated mate, his other half. Their love was a constant presence in my life, a warmth I carried with me even now.

He lifted his arms, revealing the silver cuffs clamped around his wrists. My stomach twisted at the sight of the angry burns marring his skin. Silver was poison to our kind, a cruel barrier severing the bond between werewolves and their wolves.

"I can't reach her," my father murmured, his voice thick with grief. "The silver blocks me from feeling her. Mates aren’t meant to be separated like this. Her wolf must be in agony, and it’s dragging her down with it." His jaw clenched. "If I could do anything—" He cut himself off, shaking his head. "Just be there for her, Lillian. Remind her she’s loved."

I nodded, blinking back tears.

I couldn’t tell him the truth—that every time I tried to speak to my mother, all she wanted to discuss was Donovan and how I’d disrespected him. I couldn’t confess that my own fated mate was engaged to another woman, that the only way he’d help our family was if I became his mistress and abandoned my education.

The thought alone made me sick.

My father was suffering enough. He didn’t need my burdens piled on top of his.

"I love you, Dad," I whispered instead, forcing a fragile smile. "I miss you every day."

His expression softened. "I love you too, Lillian."

His fingers twitched toward mine where they rested on the table, but the guard cleared his throat sharply.

"No touching."

My father exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "How are you holding up? How’s school?"

I chewed my lip. I ached to tell him about my new job, to confide in someone. But Sebastian’s contract bound me to silence.

"School’s good," I lied. "I even got a tutoring job. The pay isn’t bad. I’m saving up—for you."

His smile was sad. "Don’t waste your money on me. Besides, I doubt tutoring wages will cover what I owe."

I swallowed hard. If only he knew exactly how much I was earning—and why.

"Time’s up," the guard announced.

My father stood, his gaze heavy with regret. "Tell your mother I love her. That I’ll see her soon." He hesitated. "I’m sorry I can’t do more."

Tears spilled free before I could stop them. I swiped them away with the back of my hand, watching as they led him away.

And just like that, I was alone again.

"I will," I promised her, my voice barely above a whisper. "Take care of yourself."

He gave me one last sorrowful smile before the guard yanked him away. Moments later, another guard appeared to escort me out of the building. I murmured my thanks, but he barely glanced at me before turning on his heel.

With a heavy sigh, I stepped outside—only to freeze at the sight of a familiar figure waiting at the bottom of the steps. Leaning against a sleek pink Porsche 718 Boxster, Victoria Blackwood watched me with an unreadable expression.

I didn’t know much about cars, but even I recognized the latest model. And of course, the custom license plate—VICTORIA—left no doubt about who owned it.

"Hey," she called as I descended the last step. "Like it? Just picked it up this morning."

"It’s stunning," I admitted, forcing a polite smile. "But… why are you still here?" I had assumed she’d be long gone by now.

She shrugged, twirling her keys around her finger. "You have tutoring today, right?"

I nodded cautiously.

"Let me give you a ride," she offered, gesturing to the car. "We can get to know each other better."

The suggestion twisted my stomach into knots. Spending time with the woman my mate was marrying? No, thank you. But refusing would only make things awkward—and I really didn’t want to waste money on a ride if I didn’t have to.

"That’s… kind of you," I said finally. "Thank you, Victoria."

She grinned and practically skipped to the driver’s side. I slid into the passenger seat, immediately enveloped by the scent of expensive leather and her floral perfume. Every inch of the car screamed luxury—just like her.

And I had no doubt Sebastian had been the one to buy it for her.