Eight
Sitara POV
Curious from who it came from, I took the box and began unwrapping it.
The sapphire necklace glimmered under the light, its intricate gold chain woven with delicate craftsmanship. My fingers lightly brushed over the gem as I unfolded the letter that came with it.
I hope you love this sapphire necklace. It belonged to my mother, and she wanted the Luna of our pack to wear it on her wedding day. I know it will look perfect on you. I’ll be expecting to see you wear it.
Yours truly,
Sylvian Dierksheide
A small, genuine smile tugged at my lips, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. It wasn‘ t the value of the necklace that touched me, but the thought behind it.
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Fight
en with all the expensive jewelry Zach had given me in the past, none of them had ever held this kind of meaning.
The necklace came from Sylvian’s mother —a former Luna. It symbolized family, tradition, and acceptance. When Zach‘ s mother was alive, she never gave me anything but cold indifference.
“I met Sylvian’s mother,” my mom said gently, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “She’s such a lovely woman— gracious and kind. She’s so excited to meet you, Sitara. I know you’ll be in good hands with them.”
I turned to my mom, feeling the tightness in my chest loosen slightly. For the first time, it felt like I could breathe again.
“Thank you, Ma. For choosing someone better for me than I ever chose for myself.”
Her eyes softened, and her lips pressed into a small smile. “It’s our fault, Sitara. We filled your head with the hope that your
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fated mate would bring you happiness, just as mine did with your father.”
I sighed and carefully placed the necklace. back in its box. “No, Ma. It’s not your fault. I stayed because I was so blinded by love that I ignored the truth. I wasted my time on someone who never truly valued me.”
“And now you‘ ve shown your strength by leaving him,” she said proudly.
“You’ve chosen a better future, my daughter. You deserve that.”
Three days before the wedding, and I hadn’t met Sylvian yet–something about waiting until the wedding day felt… right. Maybe it was better that way, not knowing what he looked like, not overthinking how we’d interact. My parents vouched for him, and for now, that was enough.
As I sat in my room, flipping through some wedding arrangements to distract myself, my phone rang. I frowned at the
unfamiliar number. Was it Zach again?
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Against my better judgment, I answered.
“Sitara…” Hazel’s voice was trembling, the sound of her sniffles unmistakable.
“Please… I–I’m so sorry. Come back to the pack, please. Zach is kicking me out. He doesn’t want me there anymore.”
I froze, my grip on the phone tightening, Her words grated on my nerves. What was this? A pity party?
“Stop with the drama, Hazel,” I said coldly.
“No, I mean it!” she cried. “He’s furious, Sitara! Ever since you left, he‘
S
been unbearable. He blames me says it’s my fault you walked away. And now…” Her voice cracked. “Now he’s
demanding I leave the pack. He’s thrown me out!”
I let out a bitter laugh, my lips curling in disbelief. “You‘ re asking me for help now? After all the lies, the humiliation? You’ve got some nerve, Hazel.”
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“I know!” she sobbed, desperation dripping from her words. “I know I don‘ t deserve it, but please… I have nowhere else to go. My father doesn’t want me back, not after what I did. If I go back to my old pack, they’ll kill me for treason. Please, Sitara. I don’t want to be a rogue. I’ll do anything. I’ll kneel before you and beg for forgiveness. I’ll be your servant if you want–just please, don’t let me be packless!”
I clenched my jaw, her pathetic pleas grating on my nerves. She had the audacity to beg after tearing me down for so long?
“Sitara,” she continued, her voice breaking, “I know you hate me, and I deserve it. But you‘ re a good person. You‘ re compassionate. Zach will listen to you. He loves you, not me. I was stupid to think I could take your place.”
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Nine
Nine
