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.

EVELARA

'Whoa-If this is the centre of Valtherion, we've missed enough with that piece of shit!' I gasped within my head, as I stared at the huge building of the Royal Healer's institute.

'Wow, weren't you too late to express your emotions?' Dravara narrowed her eyes, 'You were wiping just a while ago!'

I gave her a sheepish smile, 'Well, new beginning, new emotions!'

She just rolled her eyes and lay flat on the back of my mind. I pulled my suitcase, entering the huge double gate of the institute.

I looked in awe, my breath catching at the tremendous beauty. This was the healer's institute I had dreamt of since childhood -no, since the first time I had ever set a bone or used herbs for an injured warrior back in Shadowfang.

My mentor's voice lingered in my head: "The capital is more than just buildings and prestige. It'll show if your gift is meant for the world, or if you'll let it fade away quietly."

Even a few days earlier, I would have faded away my cherished dreams, but now-not anymore. It seems betrayal has opened a door for me to live my own dreams.

"Okay, let's find a way to the reception area. Need to settle in the girls' quarter." Muttering, I pulled my suitcase with me.

Although Selene had already arranged accommodation for me, I cancelled it once I accepted the invitation to the Royal Institution. They also offer accommodation for the new interns.

It was actually easy to find a way to the reception. The huge, luxurious area was open, and a neatly dressed woman stood behind the desk.

Having verified my ID and invitation, she then provided me with the key to my room. It is a shared room with another candidate, which I found to be perfectly acceptable.

"Thanks," and then I went to the girls' quarters. Although the institute was quite huge, the sections were perfectly defined, so it didn't take me long to find the quarter and my room. Besides, the nurses here were all quite helpful.

When I reached my room, the other girl had not arrived yet. 'I hope she arrives soon because today's the last day.'

'Hopefully.' Dravara muttered, sounding a bit off.

'What's wrong?' I raised a brow.

She leaned on the back of my mind, 'I don't know, but-something will happen I feel.'

'What?' I asked, frowning, walking out of the room and walking toward the garden.

'Not quite sure, but. Hey, stop!' She suddenly stirred, snapping at me.

I almost stumbled at her sudden screech, but somehow balanced myself and stood straight.

'What the hell!?!' I glared at her.

'Don't get lost in their marble and flowers. Wolves hide sharper teeth here than in Shadowfang.' She warned me.

'.....' Seriously?

'And how do you know?' I hissed at her. 'We just came here!'

She only shrugged, 'This is the city centre, Eve, you must be careful and don't get lost. I was just warning you.'

'Yeah?' My lips curved into a faint smirk. 'Paranoia suits you, Dravara. But let me have this one.'

She only shook her head but said nothing, seemingly again fallen into worry-no, it was more like deep thought.

'Good!' Muttering, I stepped into the beautiful garden.

I passed rows of carefully arranged medicinal plants. Belladonna beside night-blooming violets, wolfsbane kept carefully under wards.

I knelt to brush my fingers over a cluster of silverbloom petals, rare and potent in cleansing wounds. For a moment, my heart swelled with quiet triumph.

Yet, my peace didn't last long, when a shattered, gagging noise cut through the silence.

And then-a child's strangled gasp.

What's going on?

My head whipped toward the far corner of the garden. A little boy was clutching at his throat, his fair complexion turned red, and his eyes were wide with terror as he collapsed to his knees.

A polished entourage of black-suited bulky men surged around him instantly, but none touched him. They barked orders, fumbled, panicked, and were highly useless!

What the bloody!-

My eyes flashed, my healing instincts growled within and I moved faster than I knew. My steps were practised, I'm well practised with high-profile emergencies and surgeries.

"Move!" I almost barked with a sharp tone when one of the guards barred my path, his hand raised to stop me.

"This area is restricted," he growled, towering over me.

The little kid was still gagging and he was giving me his theories, this guy gotta be kidding me! What are they? Paid killers!?

"Then undo it, unless you want him dead!" My tone pierced the air and seemingly knocked some sense into him as well.

His stance faltered, and a different type of fear flashed across his face as though his life was at stake. It only angered me more.

"Move away!" I shoved past him and dropped to my knees before the boy, noting at once the bluish tinge to his lips, the rigid panic in his little body.

He was losing his breath and more than harm, it panicked him. And panic attacks are bloody life-threatening!

"Shh, I've got you," I murmured, my voice steady as I tilted his chin up slightly. "Open for me, sweetheart. Just one breath." I coaxed him.

I pressed my fingers gently against his throat, and invisible heat hummed from my palms. 'Dravara.' One silent call and her eyes glowed for a split second, pushing a sliver of power through my veins.

With a steady hand, I carefully dislodged the piece of fruit which was stuck in his vital cord. The boy then began to convulse, followed by a violent cough, and finally, he cried out as air filled his lungs once more.

Thank the Goddess!

Relief swelled through me as I steadied him by carefully holding his back, cautious so he didn't feel unwanted or sudden pressure in his spine, and slowly I rubbed circles on his back. "There kid, you're alright. Just breathe."

He didn't fuss around like usual children. And slowly, followed my words as though he had been strictly trained for that.

When he finally lifted his gaze, wide silver-grey eyes met mine, and yet they were the mirror of another's. Something flashed, or perhaps a glimpse of someone that immediately dissipated.

Dravara stirred within, and I blinked. That shade-it's very rare and somewhat familiar, though I had never seen it before.

However, I didn't have enough time to ponder when-

A chill fell around the garden. All the 'men in black' now lowered their heads as though their God had appeared. The same fear that reminded them of death shadowed their faces.

'What's going on?' I muttered within.

'Not good.' Dravara frowned, she was too vigilant.

And then, I felt a presence behind. A strong scent of pine, wood and power hit my nostrils, forcing me to turn around. And, I froze.

It's a man. Tall, broad-shouldered, with hair as black as the midnight sky streaked faintly with silver. His steel-grey eyes burned through me as if he were looking right into my soul.

Without asking I knew this guy was related to the boy. Well, the resemblance is undeniable. But what struck me the most was that the very few people nearby were also lowering their heads in his presence, except-me.

He didn't utter a single word; his gaze lingered on my hands for a while before he stretched his hand to the little boy. Although the man was tremblingly cold, the boy seemed to find warmth in him and immediately melted.

His eyes again turned to me, swelling my inner soul with a strange sensation.

"You saved him." His tone fell, it was deep, dark and mercilessly cold.

I rose slowly, stretching my hand toward the kid. For some reason, he let go of his and hugged my waist. My heart warmed up, a flicker of ache coiled within as he reminded me of Alex. If only he had treated me this way once.

Swallowing the tight knot in my throat, I

smoothed his hair, ignoring the frost in his guardian's tone. "He's fine now. Next time, don't let your guards waste time."

The boy stifled a giggle and the guards stiffened. Well, they deserve that much.

Despite this, the man's expression remained unchanged, although a hint of something unsettling seemed to appear in his eyes. With deliberate movements, he retrieved a black card with silver edges from his inner pocket and extended it to me, conveying an air of authority.

"Take this."

I blinked at it, then at him. "What is it?" I was so damn confused.

"The price of your work," he said flatly. "You did your part. Now accept and leave."

Eh! I, with wide eyes stared at him and then at the card. Did he just treat me that way? What the-!?

The first day in the main city, and I already encountered a man like Callum. Wow, seems like the world is full of his kind.

'Is he stupid!?' Dravara growled.

Anger and insult flushed within me, yet I used my practised cold and calm smile. Then, I looked up at him, directly staring in those heart-ripping eyes that almost shattered me, yet I didn't give up.

Having a glance at it, a bitter smile twitched against my lips. "If that's how you repay care in Valtherion, then I pity your kingdom, Mr."

A murmur of shock rippled through the guards as if I had committed a crime. Yet, I didn't care. I only squeezed the boy's hand gently before letting go. "Be careful next time, little man," I whispered with a smile meant only for him.

The child's silver eyes widened, his lips trembled. He seemed to have words to speak, but then he chose not to and nodded like the most obedient.

I truly felt bad for the boy; it seems like his guardian was not really fit to be a guardian. And the saddest part, I can't even do anything.

Sighing once I stood straight and without sparing a single glance at the stupid, arrogant man, I turned around and walked away.

Never letting a man walk over me ever again.

--------

If she had turned around for once, she could have seen how his gaze stayed fixed on her retreating figure, his jaw tight, his fingers curling around the rejected card, and no one dared to breathe, yet-amidst the darkness of cold those silver eyes flashed with a flicker of interest for a woman for the first time in his 33 years of life.

Oh, and his introduction?-well, he's the man who is feared, abided and respected by the entire Valtherion-the Alpha Supreme, Lucien Virek.