Chapter 96

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood’s sprawling estate. Below, the gardens stretched in meticulous perfection, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her.

She tightened her grip on the railing, her knuckles turning white. Last night’s confrontation with Donovan still burned in her mind—his cold dismissal, Evelyn’s smug smirk, the way he had so easily discarded their past.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

“Lillian?” Beatrice’s voice was tentative as she peeked through the half-open door. “You’ve been out here for hours. Are you okay?”

Lillian forced a smile. “Just needed some air.”

Beatrice hesitated before stepping closer. “I heard what happened. That bastard doesn’t deserve you.”

Lillian exhaled sharply. “It’s not about deserving. It’s about choices. And he made his.”

The door creaked again, and this time, Sebastian himself appeared, his towering frame casting a shadow across the balcony. His silver eyes flickered with something unreadable.

“We need to talk,” he said, his voice low and commanding.

Beatrice shot Lillian a sympathetic glance before slipping away, leaving them alone.

Sebastian didn’t waste time. “Donovan’s been spotted near the northern border. He’s not just here for you—he’s making moves against the pack.”

Lillian’s pulse spiked. “What?”

“He’s gathering allies. And if he succeeds, this won’t end well for any of us.”

She swallowed hard. “What do you want me to do?”

Sebastian’s gaze bore into hers. “I need you to be ready. Because when the time comes, you’ll have to face him—not as his ex-mate, but as my Luna.”

The weight of his words settled over her like a cloak. This wasn’t just about heartbreak anymore. It was war.

And Lillian would be damned if she let Donovan walk away unscathed.

Victoria lifted her gaze to meet mine, studying me intently for what felt like an eternity. Her piercing blue eyes searched for any hint of deception, as if she could unravel the truth just by staring long enough.

"Really?" she finally breathed, her voice laced with cautious hope.

"Absolutely," I reassured her, offering a small smile. "And let’s be honest—your father would have my head if I stepped out of line."

A smirk tugged at her lips before she shrugged, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "He is ridiculously overprotective," she admitted with a sigh. "But I just don’t understand Donovan lately. He’s so… distant. Unreadable."

"From what I remember, he’s always been like that," I said carefully. "Don’t take it personally, Victoria. He loves you. He chose you."

Something in my words must have struck a chord because her expression softened, a genuine smile finally breaking through. She nodded, some of the weight visibly lifting from her.

The waitress arrived with our meals, and we fell into easy conversation as we ate. But despite the lighthearted chatter, guilt gnawed at me. Lying to her about my past with Donovan—about the fact that he didn’t truly love her—left a bitter taste in my mouth. He was using her, and when she found out, it would shatter her.

As dinner ended, Victoria suddenly grabbed my arm before I could push through the front door.

"Let’s go out the back," she whispered, mischief dancing in her eyes.

I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because the guards are out front, and I want just a little more freedom before they herd me back into my gilded cage," she said, peeking toward the entrance. "Come on, let’s take a walk."

I didn’t argue. We slipped out the back door, weaving through a grimy alley until we emerged onto the street. In the distance, Frederick’s car and the guards’ vehicle were still parked near the restaurant’s front entrance. Victoria spotted them too, and with a shared grin, we bolted in the opposite direction.

Laughter bubbled up as we ran, the thrill of rebellion making me feel like a teenager sneaking out past curfew. Victoria was giggling too, both of us breathless and clutching our sides as we rounded a corner. I leaned against the brick wall of a nearby building, certain we’d put enough distance between us and the guards to catch our breath.

"We can’t avoid them forever," I chuckled.

"I know," she sighed, still grinning. "But it was fun while it lasted."

I looped my arm through hers. "I get it. Maybe we can do this again sometime?"

Her face lit up like I’d just handed her the moon. "Really?"

I had to admit—I liked spending time with her. She was warm, uncomplicated, effortlessly lovable. No wonder Donovan wanted her and not me. It wasn’t just her status—it was her. And she deserved so much better than him.

I hated lying to her. Every word of reassurance felt like another betrayal. Gavin was wrong to keep the truth from her.

"Come on," she said, tugging me forward. "Let’s head back before they send out a search party."

I followed, but with each step, my resolve wavered. I needed to tell her the truth—Gavin’s warnings be damned.

Just as I opened my mouth to speak, a white van screeched to a halt beside us. The doors flew open, and masked men poured out, surrounding us in seconds.

Their sickly-sweet cologne mixed with something metallic—wolfsbane? My muscles tensed, falling into a defensive stance, but the odds were impossible. One against so many.

Victoria’s face paled. She opened her mouth to scream—

Then collapsed as a syringe plunged into her neck.

"Victoria!" I lunged for her, but a sharp sting pierced my own skin. Strong arms caught me as the world blurred, then faded to black.