The corridors of the Blackthorn estate buzzed with whispers, sharp and biting.
Romilda moved quietly, carrying a basket of freshly folded linens, careful not to draw attention. But then she heard it.
Lisa's voice, honeyed, loud, and poisonous.
"Did you hear?" Lisa called, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I'm Martin's mate. The future Luna of this pack. Finally, the Alpha's heir has someone worthy beside him!"
A ripple of murmurs swept the hall. Wolves glanced at Romilda as if she were already fading into the shadows behind her.
Romilda froze. Her hands clenched around the basket. "What… is she saying?"
Lisa stepped closer, smile sharp as a blade. "And that's right, Romilda. You were rejected by him because you're worthless, weak… and now you're nothing but an obstacle, that I'll crush you once I stand as Luna.
You'll kneel before me and you'll learn your place."
Two of Lisa's friends grabbed Romilda by the arms, forcing her down onto the polished floor. Humiliation burned like fire, her pulse thundered, yet she refused to break.
"I… I won't kneel," Romilda whispered, voice trembling but steady.
"Oh, you will," Lisa hissed, leaning close. "Or I'll make sure you regret every breath you take while I rise."
Romilda's jaw tightened. She could feel the faint hum of power beneath her skin, her wolf stirring, hungry and restless—but she forced it down. Not here. Not now.
The commotion drew Henry's attention. He didn't glance at Romilda. His sharp gaze locked on Lisa, filled with hurt and disbelief.
He waited till evening time and followed her as she walked alone later, the evening shadows swallowing the corridors.
Finally, he stepped out from behind a pillar, blocking her path.
Lisa froze. Her smile faltered. "What...what are you doing? Are you stalking me?" she snapped, voice a mix of annoyance and fear.
Henry's eyes were sharp, unflinching. "I heard what you said. About being Martin's mate… the future Luna. Why would you accept that? He's not yours!"
Lisa's smile twisted, venom creeping in. "And what's wrong with that?" she purred. "He's stronger and smarter than you. With him, I'll get power, fame, respect… all the things you'll never give me."
Henry's jaw tightened. "You… you don't even care about him. You only want what he can give you."
He swallowed hard, the betrayal cutting deep. "I… I think I'm starting to regret listening to you when you told me we should keep our bond a secret."
Lisa's eyes flickered fear mingling with irritation. "If you tell anyone… if you even whisper a word about this… I swear, I'll reject you."
She shoved him roughly. "Get out of my way! And stay out of my business!"
Henry stayed where he was, shoulders slumped, betrayal and hurt sinking deep into his bones. He had lost her long before tonight. And he knew it.
Meanwhile
Romilda moved through the kitchen, scrubbing the endless stacks of dishes, her hands raw from the chores. The morning sun spilled through the windows, catching the dust in golden streaks.
She tried to block out everything else rrom her mind, the whispers, laughter, judgment, but it wasn't easy.
A shadow fell across the doorway.
"Romilda."
She froze. Her jaw tightened. "How many times do I have to tell you to leave me alone, Martin?" she snapped, voice sharp as steel.
Martin's golden eyes softened, but his expression remained tense. "I just… I wanted to tell you something."
Romilda spun toward him, arms crossed, heat curling in her chest. "If it's your approval about Lisa being your new mate, then I've heard it all. Congratulations."
"What? No!" Martin's eyes widened, panic flickering. "I never said that I've made Lisa my mate. It's… it's just her spreading lies...it fake rumors!"
Romilda's hands clenched. "Even if it's fake, I still don't want to talk to you."
Martin's voice dropped, urgent. "Romilda… it wasn't my choice to reject you."
She froze, eyes narrowing. "Then… why? Why did you go along with it?"
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched into his every movement. "Because… my father threatened me. He said if I accepted you, he wouldn't make me Alpha. I… I was scared. I had no choice but to reject you."
Romilda's chest tightened, her hands trembling. "All this hatred… from your father. From you. Why? What did I ever do to deserve this?"
Martin stepped closer, voice low, desperate. "Romilda… please. Just hear me. Let me explain. Meet me… by the riverside. Alone."
Her wolf growled beneath her skin, alerting her to caution. But… a part of her wanted answers.
She hesitated, measuring her pride against the promise of truth. Finally, she nodded, voice quiet but steady. "Fine. I'll meet you. But… don't think I'm forgiving you."
Martin's shoulders sagged with relief. "I don't expect you to… I just want you to listen."
Romilda gave a small, wary nod. Then, without another word, Romilda turned back to the sink, gripping the edge so tightly her knuckles turned white. The weight in her chest refused to ease.
Martin stood there for a moment longer, watching her. He could tell she wasn't ready to forgive him, Not yet.
"I'll… I'll see you by the riverside," he said quietly.
She didn't answer. Didn't look at him.
Martin nodded to himself and stepped back, forcing his feet to move. He left the room without another word, the door closing softly behind him.
But despite the ache in his chest, a small sense of relief settled in.
She hadn't forgiven him, but she had agreed to meet him and for now, that was enough.