EVELARA

"Are you sure about it, Eve?" Selene's soft tone broke the engraved silence that had landed upon us once I uttered my decision.

"Never been so sure," I muttered, sipping my black coffee.

Selene Duskbane, my childhood best friend, is also one of the most esteemed divorce attorneys in the city. People from various packs seek her expertise for complex cases, and before those, my situation is quite straightforward.

Keeping the coffee mug on the table, I looked her in the eyes, "and as soon as possible." I added.

She watched me carefully; there was still disbelief in those eyes, which only made me even more bitter. It wasn't her fault, though; it was me who had given Callum priority over my own wishes and career.

"I see," she finally leaned on the chair, seemingly relaxed. "And-What about Alex? Won't he be caught in the middle of everything?"

As soon as the name was mentioned, my heart trembled violently. They say every choice has consequences, and in my choice, it's Alexander Brooksbane, my five-year-old son.

Selene sighed at my silence, "Look, one thing you must prepare for yourself: if you walk out, you'll lose Alex as well, because very obviously the Alpha or his family wouldn't give up on him."

"So, I am asking you again, will you be able to accept it? Once you walk out of his life, it would be -Lauren."

Those words hit me like a sharp dagger, scraping my soul. But the truth was, this decision didn't come just in a day.

Six months ago, Lauren Veyra returned from overseas, and since then everything had changed. My husband, who was still settling around me, stopped caring for me even at the bare minimum. My son followed his father's footsteps and became too intimate with her, so that at times, he would only stay with her. And my in-laws?-Well, to them, I never mattered even before Lauren's arrival, yet somehow her arrival made it worse. She's dearer to them than their own daughter.

And a month ago, in the event of the winter solstice, it broke me completely when I was admitted to the hospital due to restless work, and neither my husband nor my son cared. Instead, they were too busy with their sweetheart to even see my calls...

'Best time ever with my loved ones!'-the status with photos Lauren had uploaded had featured on my feeds the entire night. They looked like the happiest family while I was just an outward trash.

"What is wrong with you, Eve? How can you be so careless?" Callum had shouted upon knowing the day after my absence. "You even disturbed me with your calls!"

"Or is it all just your excuse!?" He had looked at me suspiciously, as if I was trying to ruin his fun.

"Mom, you're too nauseating!" My son also followed his father. "You just don't want me to have fun! Auntie Lauren is more fun! I want her more!"...

I didn't say a word, only swallowed the ache quietly. And it wasn't new. Each time the issue had turned worse, freezing my heart bit by bit.

"I'm certain of my decision, Selene," I said calmly. After everything, nothing was really left in my heart but ice, and today had sealed the deal completely.

"Okay, if that's what you want." She touched my hand. "No matter what your decision is, you'll always have me beside you. And low key, I always felt you deserved way better than that spineless species!"

"I know," I softly smiled. Selene is the only person I trust with my life. She had been with me through thick and thin.

"Let's have dinner then!" She rose to her feet. "I'll order all the junk tonight and spoil ourselves!"

"Sure!" Chucking lightly, I shook my head.

The night with my best friend was very relaxed; I couldn't remember the last time I relaxed. More than work in the hospital, I had to do chores for my husband and son. I never complained, though; I always did everything for them by heart, yet they never cared. Now, I have finally realised how to spend time on myself.

I only called home once, and from the servant I learned Alex had chosen to stay with his father in the hospital.

I didn't say anything and slowly hung up.

Later at night, a new story popped up in my feed- 'The medicine heals the body, but family heals the heart.' Below was the selfie of Lauren, Callum and Alex, all beaming with smiles as though the complete family.

The comments section was exploding.

'Wow! Congratulations!'

'What a perfect match!'

'Such a sweet family!'

'A match made in heaven!'-This particular comment only twitched the corner of my lips. So true, what a match.

I didn't feel anger or pain anymore; it was only sourness that felt more bitter than any medicine.

The next morning, Selene put the papers before me. I glanced at them-'Severing Contract' was enough to burn down my soul, yet the contempt was cold enough to mend the burning.

"Here, your way to freedom. Once you sign it, all you need to do is, utter the words of severance and it'll be done."

"I will." I nodded.

She hugged me, tighter than usual. "Never hesitate to reach out, Eve, I am always with you."

I hugged her back, her words were the antiseptic in my severely wounded soul.

Once I reached the hospital, the couple was the talk of the town. Everyone was gossiping about how beautiful they looked.

I only smirked as I unhesitatingly walked into the private hall of the Alpha and his sugary love.

Right before the door, Kael was standing along with a few warriors.

"Luna!" He was startled at my presence and they all bowed.

'Bowing, huh? Even a child could tell how fake it looks.' Dravara spoke, for the first time since last night. She had blocked herself after witnessing the infidelity of her mate.

I didn't call them out, though; I only walked past them and just as I was about to enter, I froze as the muffled words rang out in my ears, perfect and clear.

"Auntie Lauren, you're so good! Unlike my mom! Mom is annoying!" Alex's childish whine spread across the air, bleeding my wounds once again.

Dravara, staying in the dark corner, was weeping silently.

"Alex, don't say that, your mother will be hurt if she knew." It seemed that Lauren's gentle words were a playful attempt at a scolding, though she was far from it.

"No!" Alex cried out. "I want you as my mother! Can I call you mom?"

Those words of my son were nothing but strikes of lashes to all the sacrifices I had made for the past five years.

My fingers clutched against the envelope in my hand, 'fine sweetheart, if that's what you want.' I murmured in my head.

"Callum, look what he's saying." Her voice is a sweet complaint, clearly not meant. "You should stop him, otherwise-otherwise Eve will again misunderstand me. I-I didn't mean any of it." Her tone dropped as though she's sad.

"Hey pretty, don't waste your tears over such stupid matters. He's just a kid, he states what he feels, unlike us adults-sometimes, we're forced by fate..."

And for the first time, I felt what it feels like to be blown away. The storm within me heightened, and Dravara growled in deep anguish. The bond between mates was already hanging by a thread; just one stumbling step, and it would completely break.

'Do it!' Dravara snarled, fuming. 'End this, Evelara. If you hesitate, I will!'...

That was the last thread of patience for me as well. Without wasting a single second, I pushed open the door and entered without any early sign.

Three of them were startled; their gazes shot up. Alex was so meek in my presence that he quickly hid behind Lauren, "Mom, no, no, I won't go with you!"

A cold chuckle slipped my lips, "Don't worry, pup, I'm not here to take you away."

He blinked, surprised, "re-really?"

"Of course!" I agreed.

"Then why are you here?" Callum's voice darkened with doubt. "A new healer has already taken your place, so what?" His eyes narrowed, "Don't tell me you're here to spy on us, do you?"

His words suddenly didn't affect me anymore, they felt like mumbling nonsense only.

With a calm smile, I shook my head, "No, Alpha Callum, I am here to give you this." I said, throwing the envelope toward him, which he caught immediately.

His brows frowned deeply, "What's this?"

My lips curved deeper, "Well, something that'll make you so happy, something that won't force you anymore..."

EVELARA

Callum's brows squinted in doubt. Tearing open the envelope, he saw the paper, and instantly his face clouded.

"What's this Callum?" Curious, Lauren hurried over to Callum, limping, yet it couldn't hold her curiosity. On her way, she left Alex who almost followed her like a lost puppy, again grabbing her dress.

The bile of bitterness only rose within me, and here I hadn't let him go away from my sight even for a second. Look at him now-Like father, like son.

"Wha-what is this?" Callum's eyes widened.

"Severing agreement, Callum. I'm divorcing you." I stated.

"What!?" Lauren shot back, her eyes were wide, her mouth covered with her palm, stumbling back directly onto Callum, who unhesitatingly circled her waist. Perfect acting. Yet, under that blue gaze, I could see the victorious smirk.

"Wh-y!" Her throat shook. "Eve, i-is it because of me?" Her tears turned blurry as though she were in grave pain.

"I'm truly sorry, I-I didn't." She shook her head like an innocent child. "I never meant this to happen."

At this point, I felt too annoyed to even endure. "Are you done, Lauren?" I asked, rubbing my temple. "I actually have no time for this drama."

She froze, her eyes burned for a flicker of a second before she started crying even harder. And my son gave me a hard look, clearly accusing me of making his favourite woman cry.

"Bullshit!" Callum suddenly roared out, throwing the paper on the floor.

"What's wrong with you, Evelara? Have you gone mad? Out of senses? Are you not done with your stupid games yet? How long are you gonna keep playing!?" He roared out, and if the room wasn't entirely soundproof, the entire pack would have heard by then.

I slightly rubbed my ear, and gave him a disapproving look, "Oh, of course, I didn't intend to play, not anymore. That is why I am leaving. After divorce-" I paused and gazed at the three of them, "you'll have your perfect little family."

"No, Eve!" Lauren shook her head. "Don't do this to Callum! I-is it because of the post last night? I'm sorry! I was just emotional! I promise, I'll not bother you anymore and delete the post!"

She slowly moved toward me, showing her utmost concern that was all wrapped in fakeness.

"He never did anything wrong to you, Eve. Why are you being so harsh to them?"

"Oh!" I raised a brow. "How did you know he never did anything wrong? Were you spying on us?"

She stiffened and didn't realize what she had just said. When she couldn't find anything to retort, she chose her favourite weapon and started crying hard, cursing herself.

"Enough of this nonsense!" Callum barked out. "Go home, Eve, and I'll deal with you later! Stop creating a scene over such a small matter!" He commanded.

Dravara stirred within me at the command, even though she didn't want to. Her knees buckled, but not mine. I didn't step back. And even though my bond was burning and knees trembling, I gazed at him in the eye, "That's never gonna happen, Alpha Callum Brooksbane. My decision is final. This divorce is on."

He looked shocked and didn't expect this. His eyes grew wider at my resistance, his nose flared as his pride was crushing down under my feet. "Stop being a nuisance!" His teeth cluttered in rage, "don't forget your position, Eve, you're insulting it and so is this pack. You're being a disgrace!" He spat.

Those words only added more to my insult, yet I didn't let them coil me. "Position?" I couldn't help but laugh out bitterly. "What position? The one except for a few people no one knows?"

He went rigid. He stared at me as though he was slapped on the face. My smirk deepened, "don't be ridiculous, Callum, no one except for a few people knows me as your Luna. So, I'm not disgracing anyone." My tone was at this point light and unbothered.

"Besides, with her post everyone sort of declares her a Luna, so if anyone would truly disgrace you, it would be her, am I right, Miss Veyra?" I gazed at her.

She gasped audibly, as if she had never seen anything more sinful, but those eyes-they didn't even bother hiding anything anymore.

Callum stared at me, his eyes had turned completely cold, disbelief written all over with his pride shattered. He was as if lost in thoughts.

But evil never goes silent, does it? And soon, his lips twitched into an evil smirk, "So you want a divorce, huh? Fine then!" This time, his pride spoke.

"No, Callum!" Lauren held his arm, "Don't do this! What are you doing? She is your wife, your mate!"

"Oh, don't worry, Ren, she doesn't know this world at all. She'll just crawl back to me at the end of the day." His voice was laced with arrogance, and confidence oozed from his eyes.

Too proud that he didn't even bother saying those words right before me.

I didn't react though, time would tell. Therefore, I only tilted my head with a loose smile. "We shall see, Alpha Callum Brooksbane."

"See? Eh?" He gave me a nasty sneer. "You will crawl on your knees and beg me."

"Fine!" I exclaimed lightly, "as I have said, we shall see. Now, sign the paper, Alpha."

His eyes reddened with fury, he picked up the paper and scribbled his name on it before throwing it at me.

"No!" Lauren gave a dramatic cry as I grabbed the flying paper with confidence.

His eyes burned at me, "I, Alpha Callum-"

Dravara growled, although in pain, her eyes never stopped glowing, 'do it!' She roared.

And I did- "I, Evelara Stormrune, the luna of Silverfang, reject you, Alpha Callum Brooksbane as my mate and husband. May this Severing Contract be the witness of our bond breaking." I uttered those words before him, quick and breathless.

A loud howl echoed within, probably breaking the barrier of the soundproof system of the room. So much so that Kael and the warriors hurried their way in.

Callum grabbed his chest, falling to his knees. His face was red and breathless.

"Callum!"

"Dad!" Both Alex and Lauren rushed beside him, including Kael and his warriors, who looked confused and terrified.

I, on the other hand, stood with my head held high. My eyes were burning; the moonlight dissipated to silver ashes as our mate mark burned violently.

Dravara howled within my head, and my heart twisted to the point that I saw black before my eyes. However, I didn't move at all.

I endured the agonizing anguish, and honestly, it didn't burn me more than the betrayal of my husband and son did.

Seeing the arrogant man on his knees gave me a twisted sense of satisfaction.

"Evelara!" His burning red gaze met mine. He was panting hard, those eyes-they intended to kill.

I swallowed the bile in my throat, the corner of my lips twitched, "See, now you're free, Callum Brooksbane."

Then, my gaze fell on Alex, who looked scared as his eyes went from me to his father. He looked utterly confused, and at that moment I really wanted to hold him close to my heart. Perhaps a one last hug, yet-the way he had gripped and coiled within Lauren, I knew that there was no hope for me with him, and so I gave up.

Without a word, I turned around, and walked out of the suffocating room.

"Evelara! I'll make you crawl back toward me! You'll kiss my feet you fucking bitch!..." Callum's pathetic growl faded behind me as I walked away.

Finally, I stepped out of the hospital. It is a bright, sunny day.

I inhaled a deep breath, and for the first time in five years, the air felt so fresh and energetic. Even though my limbs were giving up and my soul was burning, I didn't feel a single moment of regret.

"Finally, the new beginning." I closed my eyes, feeling the fresh air.

Maybe, this is what they call freedom and now, I own it.

EVELARA

"Are you sure about this, Eve?" Selene's soft voice rolled out as I was packing my bags.

I looked up at her. She was standing on the other side of the bed, holding her favourite coffee mug where her coffee had perhaps turned cold by now.

Her expression was calm, but her eyes betrayed her worry.

"I mean, you can stay here with me, right?" She suggested, her lips trembling with hesitation. "Make your career while ignoring those-ungrateful pigs."

Sigh-she's reluctant to let me leave the pack and be away from her. Zipping my bag, I went toward her, keeping the coffee mug aside. I held her hands. "If there's anyone to call family, that's you for me, Selene. You've always been my greatest support, and I know you'll always support me no matter what. But this time, I must leave," I said with surety.

A soft sigh slipped from her lips, her gaze lowered, "I-I'm just worried for you." She murmured.

Honestly, I know her concerns. Since I have stepped into the skirts of the Shadowfang Pack, I have never stepped outside. My entire life grew here with few people around, until those same people decided to claw out my soul.

Without a word, I pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry about me. I'll always be in touch with you. Besides, you've already arranged my stay in the city."

I've decided to leave for the capital of the Kingdom and pursue my career there with a new beginning. while Selene, through her connections, had kindly arranged accommodation for me, and the savings I have accumulated over the past five years would, in fact, sustain me for several years, I am uncertain about how to begin. Nonetheless, I am optimistic that a path will reveal itself to me.

Selene hugged me tightly. "I'll miss you bitch."

As our emotional moment carried on, a sudden call broke the ambience. It was my Dean and mother-like mentor, Healer Rebecca Duskbane.

I received the call, only to- "how dare you decide to leave without even informing me!? You little ungrateful brat!" And I got scolded.

I chuckled softly; even in her scolding lies her care and warmth. "I was about to visit you before leaving."

"Whatever! I'm very disappointed! Come to my office right now!" She snapped at me and hung up.

"Wow, you'll have a long class dude," Selene muttered in amusement.

"Well, it seems so."

After a while, I stood before her office with a tight heart. I wasn't scared about the scolding I was about to get, but it's the goodbye I fear that's awaiting me after that.

Inhaling a deep breath, I knocked on the door before pushing the door open and going inside. Dean was sitting behind her desk, her brows furrowed over a few reports of the patients.

She glanced up at me, and her brows furrowed even more tightly. Immediately she stood up from her seat and stormed toward me.

Oh no, here she comes.

I expected a motherly beating, but-she pulled me into a tight hug, almost melting me immediately.

"Thank Goddess, you didn't leave." Then breaking the hug, she crossed her arms, back to her dean mode. "How can you just leave like that, girl? Did you not even bother about this old Dean once?" She sounded pretty upset.

"It's not what you think. It happened all of a sudden." I tried to explain. "I would have visited you anyway."

Her eyes squinted, and then her arms dropped to her sides. Sighing, she held my hands. "It was a shock to me when Sister Carol handed me your resignation. How did it happen? How did-your mate agree?" She looked unsettled at the last question.

A very few people knew about my marriage to Callum, and one of them was her. However, although Callum was the Alpha of the pack, she never really liked him, and certainly not as my mate. She never said it too clearly, but her actions and expressions had given it away.

I smiled at her, holding her hands tightly, "I don't need his agreement anymore. I've walked out of that bond. I rejected him."

"What!?" She gasped out, her eyes turned wide, "Really? Yo-you rejected him!? The-" She swallowed down her tone, and whispered, "the Alpha?"

"Yes, I did." I gave a firm nod.

She stared at me for a few seconds and then pulled me into a deeper hug, "Oh my Goddess! Finally, you've made the best decision! I've always known he's the biggest barrier in your life!" Her excitement knew no bounds at the moment.

I couldn't help but chuckle.

Breaking the embrace, she watched me with her glinting eyes. "This means you're completely able to take up the offer!"

"Offer?" I raised a brow, slightly confused.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention." She steadied herself, turning back her Dean mode and went to her desk. She picked up a paper and came to me again.

"A few days earlier, the city hall arranged for a Healer's programme all over the kingdom. The seat was open for only five candidates."

I remember this and I had an urge to apply as well after Dean informed me, but at that time, I was blinded by Callum and Alex, thus the opportunity was missed.

A bitter bile rose into my throat. What a pathetic fool I was.

"However," Dean continued, "even though you denied, I have applied for you and-"

My jaw dropped. She applied for me!?

"-And you've been selected."

As her words rolled out, I stood like a statue. "What?" My tone shook, barely a whisper.

Dean's lips curled softly, "Yes, Eve, you've been selected to join the program. I was hesitant to tell you because I knew you would reject it. Still, I thought about speaking after returning from my last conference, but as I returned, I heard that you're leaving, and trust me, I couldn't be happier with that news."

"Dean." My voice choked with emotions and I embraced her tightly this time. "I'm so grateful I've met you!"

She caressed my back, "Yeah, yeah, I know. But now, don't be late! Tomorrow is the last date to join the program! You must leave today!"

Tears spilt down my face as I nodded with a grin, "I. I won't disappoint you," I promised and dropped a kiss on her chubby cheeks before hurrying out..

Half an hour later, I stood before the taxi as the driver helped put my suitcase inside.

Clutching the invitation paper in my hand, I glanced at it. My name was written in bold words. I still couldn't believe my eyes that it was actually happening!

Seems, Goddess truly wants me to start over. Perhaps a better one.

"Finally," Selene spoke, her worry had dissipated a lot once she had learned about my selection. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Yeah, finally." I muttered. Removing my gaze from the paper, I turned to her and hugged her for the last time.

"You've carried too much for too long. Go. and take the world by storm." She said.

"I'll miss you so much, bitch." I whispered.

"I know and I'll sue you if you don't!" Her voice choked, yet she tried her best to hide it.

"Keep your heart strong, Eve. And don't let anyone dim your fire." Those were her last words.

After bidding farewell to Selene, I looked around at the place I grew up. And then, with a heavy heart and a broken soul, I entered the cab.

As the cab drove far away from the familiar entrance of Shadowfang Pack, Dravara's presence hummed through my consciousness as she padded around in my mind.

Dravara flickered behind my vision, her fluffy tail brushing her spine. 'Dreams. finally yours to chase.'

With a final glance at the city skyline, I nodded with a whisper, "New dreams, new life, a new beginning, and certainly, no man." I vowed determinedly.

At that moment, I wished I knew that a much bigger and more intense storm was waiting ahead for me in the city centre; perhaps I would have changed my mind.