hapter 22
Every word Theron spoke echoed Cyrene’s heart. She turned to Valdrin one last time. “Do you
understand now?”
“What’s broken cannot be mended. What’s shattered cannot be whole.”
“If you truly honor her memory, raise your pup well. Give her that much, at least.”
Young Ash remained her only tie to the past – the pup she’d carried beneath her heart for nine moons. But even that bond wasn’t enough to drag her back into darkness. Her new life beckoned,
free from old chains.
Taking Theron’s arm, she left Valdrin behind.
By the dessert table, she hesitated. “Don’t you want to ask me anything?”
Theron calmly selected her favorite sweet moon–cake. “You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”
“Forcing truth serves no one. I trust you.” He offered the cake with solemn sincerity. “When you wish to share your story, I’ll listen.”
Cyrene accepted the cake, noting how he remembered her preferences.
“Theron,” she said suddenly, “let’s complete our mate–bond.”
Their ceremony was set quickly. Each step took Cyrene further from her past life.
Meanwhile, Winter’s pack withered in grief. Though healed, Winter found no joy. Their den remained heavy with sorrow, their mother often lost in memories, clutching Ravenna’s old belongings.
Their mother spent hours in
venna’s old chamber, tending the few possessions left behind. Most had been taken when they’d banished her, the rest thrown away in anger. Now their mother had restored everything, recreating the chamber as if Ravenna might return any moment.
Winter watched, bitter jealousy burning. Why did death earn Ravenna all the love she’d craved?
“Mother,” Winter called softly, “please eat something.”
“Leave me.”
Winter fell to her knees, tears flowing. “Mother, blame me! It’s my fault, but please don’t harm yourself. I wronged sister, but you must eat-”
Their mother struck her. “Yes, it IS your fault!”
Her howl shook the den. “Without you, my Ravenna would live!”
Winter touched her stinging face, disbelieving. Their mother had never struck her before. Now she ‘did it for that worthless-
“How dare you?” Winter snarled through tears. “I didn’t perform the ritual! I didn’t take her heart! Didn’t you always say her strength in the womb weakened me? She owed me this heart! Aren’t I your beloved daughter? Why do you strike me for that worthless-”
Their mother choked on rage.
Their father burst in, catching their mother as she swayed. He kicked Winter aside. “Ungrateful pup!”
“We spoiled you rotten. Whatever Ravenna’s faults, she was your blood sister. She died for you- how dare you speak such poison!”
