On our first mating anniversary, I watched my Alpha, Kael, claim another she-wolf in a transparent room while the nobles around him already knew about his betrayal.
Then I discovered the truth behind our marriage: for years, Kael's love, loyalty, and obsession had belonged to Lyra. I had never been his chosen mate—only the woman who believed his lies.
Even after an accident left me hurt, Kael ignored my calls while staying by Lyra's side. At a noble gathering, Lyra publicly mocked the child I had lost, and Kael once again failed to stand up for me.
So I stopped waiting for his love. I accepted the Artisan Trials, chose my own future, and walked away from the home and bond that had kept me trapped.
By the time Kael realized I was truly leaving, I was already riding toward the Trials—and this time, I wasn't just leaving. I was starting a war.
