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Ever since we were kids, I, like everyone else in the pack, had harbored a crush on the future Alpha. But not everyone's feelings matched the depth of mine. We barely exchanged words—just that one accidental collision—and yet, he never seemed to notice me, even though I couldn't help but stare at him endlessly. He consumed my thoughts like a wildfire. Maybe it was obsessive, but no matter what I tried, I couldn't stop daydreaming about him. Sure, I might have been pretty, but no one ever mentioned it. I liked school, had friends, but I was never remarkable. Not like his stunning, naturally blonde, statuesque girlfriend who held everyone's gaze for most of high school. She knew exactly how to captivate a room. That all changed the summer after I turned eighteen, right after graduation. On the morning of my birthday, before my parents woke up to begin our tradition of making far too many pancakes and binge-watching movies to recover from the late-night celebrations, I decided to take a walk past the training grounds. Then I caught a scent—something mouthwatering, but also soothing, almost hypnotic. It reminded me of the woods after a fresh rain, even though the sky was clear and had been for days. There, blocking my path, stood Noah—the future Alpha. My throat went dry. His dark brown hair clung to his forehead in damp strands, and his matching brown eyes shimmered, flickering to an intense midnight black. "Mine," he growled low and possessive. Suddenly, a storm of butterflies erupted inside me; my entire body buzzed, rooted in stunned disbelief. I couldn't believe it. Everything I'd ever dreamed of, every secret fantasy I'd never dared speak aloud, was happening right then. That day, he claimed me—completely and irrevocably. From that moment on, my world orbited him even more than before. It's been over a year now, and I still can't fully grasp that he's mine—only mine. Things aren't perfect. We're both scrambling to master the roles we're about to inherit in just a few months, when he officially steps into his position as Alpha at twenty-one. When that happens, I'll stand proudly by his side as his Luna. Still, it sometimes feels unreal. I look at him the same way I did in the cafeteria—filled with longing and desire—the difference now is he meets my gaze with the same intensity. "Switch the forks. You know this, Wren." Naomi, the current Luna and Noah's mother, chided me sharply. My lessons in becoming a Luna mostly involved planning parties, memorizing the names and faces of influential members from other packs, learning to balance warmth with stoicism, and daydreaming about Noah. Honestly, I struggled with everything except the last. All the beige shades looked identical to me; I wasn't even sure there was more than one color of peach. "Sorry, Luna," I muttered, catching Naomi's stern glare. No mumbling allowed. "Luna, Wren." Jason, Noah's future Gamma, entered the room. "Claire's here and wants to see you." "Wonderful," Naomi said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. My stomach sank. Claire—Noah's high school girlfriend? She was supposed to be at college. "You can finish the setup, right?" Naomi asked me. I nodded. "Of course, Luna." I smiled, though my heart twisted with curiosity and, probably, misplaced dread. "I'll help," Jason offered, grabbing the tray of silverware from Naomi. "Thanks," I whispered as she left the room. "This is torture," he joked. "I couldn't agree more," I replied. "I'd rather have back-to-back training than sit through another Luna lesson." Although I wasn't a regular in training sessions, I sometimes joined in. But after mating with Noah and becoming his future Luna, I was required to stop completely. "Wren, someone I want you to meet." Naomi appeared at the door. Moments later, Claire herself strolled in. Her gaze flicked over the place settings before landing on me. Chapter 2 "Jason." Claire's lips curved into a dazzling smile, flashing pearly white teeth. Her naturally blonde hair was perfectly curled, and she stood tall and confident in a sleek red dress that looked better suited for a party than this formal gathering. Black stilettos accentuated her long, golden legs. "Nice to see you; it's been too long," Jason returned the smile, glancing between us. "How's college?" "Fine." She waved her manicured hand dismissively. "But Costo Valley is so boring. There's hardly anything to do." Costo Valley rang a faint bell, but I couldn't place why. "Claire, I don't think you've met Wren formally yet—Noah's mate," Jason said, making the introduction I'd been waiting for from Naomi. Claire's bright smile faltered briefly, replaced by a tight-lipped expression as she appraised me. I tucked some wavy black hair behind my ear, forcing myself to hold her gaze and not stare down at the simple white cotton dress I wore. Suddenly, I felt painfully underdressed in my own home. "No, we haven't." Claire extended her hand but didn't move closer. I closed the gap and shook it firmly. "It's a pleasure." I forced a polite smile. "Noah and I are honored by your visit. I hope you're staying for his birthday?" I kept my tone calm, despite the urge to claw at her perfectly lined eyes for reasons I didn't understand. His 21st birthday party was only days away, and I'd poured myself into every detail of its planning. I wanted her to see I was competent, even if I didn't look as stunning in a mini skirt. But what was I really trying to prove? My skills in party planning? Even thinking about it felt dull. "Of course," she replied smoothly. My stomach twisted into knots—but wasn't that the answer I was hoping for? "I look forward to getting to know you better." I held my ground, smiling steadily. "Likewise." Her smile was cold, devoid of warmth. "Wren, is it?" I nodded. "I think your soup and dessert spoons are swapped," Claire remarked, eyes flicking to the table. "So they are," Naomi tutted, stepping in. "Thanks for pointing that out, Claire." She ushered Claire out, their heads close together as they whispered and laughed. I sank into a chair, groaning. "Very un-Luna of you," Jason teased. "But your act was impressive." I glared at him. "Was it that obvious?" "Yeah." He shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck, that telltale sign of trying to soften the blow. Jason and Isaac—the future Beta—had become my friends over the past year, but I'd developed a particular fondness for Jason almost immediately. I was surprised at how accepting they were. I wasn't like the usual girls they hung out with. But in the last year, as future pack leaders, we'd done almost everything together, living in the packhouse. I moved in the night after Noah marked and mated me. The memory still sent shivers of pleasure down my spine. I was overwhelmed with disbelief that the man I'd dreamed of most of my life was finally claiming me—exploring my body with his tongue and hands, then— "Wren?" Jason's voice pulled me from my reverie. "Hm?" "I asked if you wanted anything else after we swap the spoons." I shook my head and bit my lip, holding back questions about Claire. Thinking about her made my stomach drop, a sharp pain like my lungs had been emptied of air and filled with lead. I knew my jealousy was irrational. Their relationship had ended long before I found out I was Noah's mate. I didn't steal him from her. Even if I did, I was his mate now; she was just an ex. "Are you okay?" Jason's expression was filled with concern. "Yeah, of course." I tried to breathe through the ache. "Don't worry about Claire. She acts like that around new people." "Sure." I tried to dismiss it. "I'm going to find Noah." I pushed myself up despite the jealousy simmering inside me. I hurried through the hall, hoping to catch my mate in his father's office—Alpha Harvey's office—before he dashed off to his next commitment. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind, between his birthday and our impending takeover of the pack leadership. We barely saw each other. I knew seeing him, feeling his touch, would ease this firestorm inside me, this frantic, heated sensation that flooded my body like glowing embers. I'd felt it before—not jealousy but stress when Noah was away. I guess it was normal for mates to react so viscerally to each other's absence. Then I remembered where I'd heard of Costo Valley before—Noah had a conference there a month ago, in a park I couldn't recall the name of. Or maybe he hadn't told me. I really needed to get better at remembering all these details. I rounded the corner toward the heavy, dark wooden door of his father's office, soon to be his. Suddenly, I heard noises from behind it—a thumping sound, a growl, a sharp moan, and muffled voices, as if stifled. I blushed, startled. Alpha Harvey and Luna Naomi weren't overly affectionate in public, but they were destined mates. It was natural. I quietly turned away, wanting to give them privacy. "Noah, Noah." The soft moan came again, replaced by heavy, muffled panting. I froze, every nerve ending alive with electricity. A cold sweat coated my skin as dread settled in my gut. I must have misheard. I reached out with trembling hands for the doorknob—it was unlocked, which made my stomach twist. Did I really want to see this? I cracked the door open just enough to confirm nothing was amiss. But Noah stood there, his back to me. I knew every contour of his body, how his muscles flexed and tensed when he was—when he was—deep inside me. Long, golden legs still wrapped around his waist, black stilettos dangling from them. "Fuck," he grunted—a clear sign he was close. He was moments away from finishing with Claire. Chapter 3 I was utterly lost on what to do next. Every instinct screamed at me to run away and shout until my voice broke, yet my body refused to obey. Would confronting them in that very moment be better—or only make everything worse? I longed to hear him justify how he could betray me like this. I wanted him to feel the weight of guilt, hoping it might dull my burning anger. I needed him to experience regret so that the sharp sting of betrayal might lessen. An explanation was all I craved—to somehow wash away the shock and the aching pain consuming me. Before I could even gather my thoughts, he turned around, pulling his pants up—and saw me standing there. They both did. He froze in place, calling out my name, while she simply offered me a lazy, smug smile. And then, I ran. — — — — — “Wren, damn it, Wren.” He chased me as I slammed the bedroom door shut, diving beneath the covers, desperate to hide. “Wren.” He threw the door wide open just as tears streamed down my face. I couldn’t think clearly. I couldn’t begin to process what I was feeling. All I could do was feel—and every emotion I had was wrong, twisted, unbearable. The mattress shifted as he sat beside me, his hand resting gently on my back. “I—I,” he stammered, “I don’t know what to say.” I waited, aching for him to continue. As much as I wanted to scream and rage, part of me desperately wanted him to beg for my forgiveness. I needed his words—some kind of explanation to make this nightmare okay. After a few silent moments, the warm weight of his hand slipped away. “I’ll talk to you when you calm down,” he sighed, and I felt the bed move as he got up. Was he really going to leave me? The creak of the door opening and closing answered that question for me. The hollow emptiness inside my chest tore even wider, making it impossible to breathe. But he never returned. — — — — — I don’t know when sleep claimed me, but when I awoke, he was lying beside me in bed. Relief washed over me in a sudden rush—though I wasn’t sure why. I curled into the broad warmth of his back, letting the steady heat of his body lull me back toward the abyss I had fallen into. — — — — — He rose before I did, the dull ache in my chest threatening to split me apart again. But he had come back. For me. I slipped into the shower, running a brush through my tangled hair. My pale green eyes looked unusually bright, stark against the red rims from crying. I grimaced at my reflection—there was no hiding the devastation I’d endured all day and night. Following the faint murmur of voices, I paused at the breakfast room door—and my stomach dropped. I hurried past the open doorway, praying no one would notice me. “Wren, honey?” The voice stopped me dead in my tracks as I clenched and unclenched my fists. I lingered just inside the frame, unwilling to sit with that bitch. Luna Naomi and Claire appeared completely at ease, sharing a relaxed breakfast together. It was just the two of them. “I’m sorry, I can’t join you.” I forced a smile, hoping it passed as genuine. “I have—” “Oh, your appointment, yes,” Luna Natalia replied warmly. I actually had forgotten about that doctor’s visit. I nodded and turned without glancing at Claire. I knew looking at her would unleash a tidal wave of rage. How dare she sit here in my home after what she did with my mate? My mind was consumed by fury as I made my way to the pack clinic. Suddenly, two strong hands wrapped around me, momentarily stunning me before his familiar scent surrounded me. “Come here.” He pulled me into an empty room and locked the door behind us. I couldn’t stop trembling. Hot tears welled up in my eyes. “Why?” I demanded before he could speak. I shook my head, letting tears pour freely down my face—deliberately refusing to wipe them away. I wanted him to see the damage he had done. “I, uh,” he said, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. He was usually quick with words, but now he seemed lost. “It shouldn’t have happened like that. It shouldn’t have. I’m so sorry. You don’t deserve any of this.” His deep chocolate eyes pinned me where I stood. Despite myself, my stomach flipped. “I want her gone,” I insisted. Chapter 4 “Wren,” he breathed, “I can’t.” “You can. She can come to your party, but she’s not allowed to stay here.” I summoned the Luna tone I had been practicing—a voice of authority and steel. I assumed that was why she was here this morning—staying in a guest room at the pack house. “Okay.” He lowered his head, then leaned down to press his mouth to mine. His lips barely brushed against mine, and my breath caught, a surge of desire rushing through me. His kiss was restrained but hungry, and he drew me closer. I was engulfed by the spark and warmth of our mate bond. In his arms, I felt loose and free. I couldn’t remember the last time he kissed me like this outside of our intimate moments—if it had ever happened at all. He pulled away, and I raised a hand to my swollen lips, dizzy from the effect he still had on me. “What now?” I whispered. He ran a hand through his dark hair. “I’m sorry. I don’t even know. With everything happening… I don’t feel like myself.” Not exactly an explanation, but I wanted to believe him. Wren, are you still coming to your appointment? The doctor’s voice came through our mind link. “I have to go.” I paused, studying him. “To an appointment. We can talk later.” He nodded, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear, and I melted under his touch. “I’m sorry—that wasn’t fair to you,” he murmured. I nodded, fighting back tears that once again sprang to my eyes. “I forgive you.” The words felt strange as they left my lips. I wasn’t sure he even deserved forgiveness yet. I wanted more groveling from him—but more than that, I didn’t want to lose him. My lifelong love, the mate destined to be mine. This was just a mistake we would overcome. It would make us stronger, intensifying our love. I could endure the pain—there was no other choice. — — — — — “Well, Luna.” The middle-aged doctor who always seemed bubbly and full of life sat across from me at her desk. “Er, Wren. Sorry,” she corrected herself with a smile. I liked the title—it filled me with pride. To serve and protect the pack I loved, the one I grew up in alongside the man I had always loved but never thought I could have. The title felt like a bond I hadn’t realized I needed… until yesterday. “It’s okay, Dr. Lily,” I said, smiling. “I’ll have to get used to it soon.” “Very soon.” Her eyes sparkled as she flipped through my charts. They widened slightly, then the smile returned. “Very soon, you’ll be called something else.” My brow furrowed. “What?” “Congratulations, Luna. You’re going to be a mother.” I froze in place, letting the words sink in. Looking down at my stomach, I laughed—a laugh of disbelief and joy. We wanted this. I wanted this. And now it was happening. A baby. We were going to have a baby. I rubbed my stomach gently. There was a life growing inside me. Tears pricked my eyes, but now for a different reason. “Really?” I whispered. “Yes.” The doctor’s smile grew. “Just a few weeks along. I’d say about five or six weeks—that’s why it didn’t show last time you were here. It must have happened just days ago. I want you to come back next week so we can do a proper scan, maybe with Noah. Okay?” I nodded, unable to stop smiling even though my cheeks ached. “Thank you.” Joy flooded through me. Everything felt right again. Better than right. Perfect. — — — — — After leaving the clinic, I clutched the papers confirming my pregnancy close to my heart. I wanted nothing more than to tell him—it would be the perfect birthday present. Though his birthday was tomorrow, the party was tonight—I figured it was close enough. When I walked into the packhouse, the atmosphere was completely different than when I left. The air was charged with energy, and people bustled about. Omegas darted around with vases and platters of food, careful not to drop a single thing. I didn’t understand. Everything had been set weeks ago. Decisions had already been made. Luna Naomi nearly collided with me—or maybe I almost bumped into her. “Oh.” Her eyes widened as she saw me. I shoved the papers into my pocket. “We’ve had a change. I’m glad you’re here.” Her words caught me off guard. She seemed genuinely pleased to take charge herself, saying it took her far less time than when I was involved. “What can I do?” I asked with a genuine smile. I was happy she needed me. “I told the omegas to redo the table settings in the dining hall. They’re cleaning it again now, but I need you to supervise them, make sure they’re doing it perfectly.” She handed me a clipboard and tapped the attached color swatches. “We’re changing everything?” I looked down at the swatches—they were completely different from what we’d finalized weeks ago. “Yes. The prince is coming.” She waved her hand dismissively. I fought back a laugh. A prince? “What do you mean?” “Have you not been paying attention in your studies, Wrenia?” Her brown eyes locked on mine. I flinched inwardly at the use of my full name. “I have. And the royal family stopped holding power a century ago,” I countered. She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose like I was giving her a headache. “They don’t hold power really, yes. But he is the leader of our territory; he represents us. They are still powerful—naturally—and we respect them and their bloodline,” she explained. “Alpha Darius, the prince, has told us he’ll attend this evening. I’ve met him once. Of course, he’s invited to all our pack events, but usually he declines or sends a representative.” I nodded but still didn’t understand. If he didn’t truly have power over us, why all the fuss—and, oh God, the fancy china I definitely shattered last time. “If you have any questions, link me. This has to be perfect.” She turned and walked away, her heels clicking sharply on the floor. I sighed, reviewing all the changes. At least I wouldn’t have to set out the silverware—just oversee the process. This would help keep my mind off the memory of Claire’s toned legs wrapped around my mate. Anger flared again. That was in the past. The recent past, but still past. I would focus on the future. I patted my pocket, feeling the confirmation from the doctor. The future—and this baby—were all that mattered now. — — — — — The afternoon dragged on but was over before I knew it. Dusk settled beyond the tall dining room windows, and I yawned, silently cursing myself for not asking if I was allowed coffee. I’d seen it a lot in movies, but I wasn’t sure how it affected us wolves. “Wren, what are you still doing here?” Luna Natalia slipped inside, her hair and makeup perfect for the evening, though she hadn’t changed yet. “I was just finishing up. We only have a few more centerpieces for the smaller tables.” “I’ll handle that. Go get ready. It’s about to start.” She grabbed the clipboard from my hand, and I let her. If I left before it was done, I knew I’d get in trouble. No matter what I did, it was always wrong—and I’d come to accept that. I would be Luna in a few months, and I hoped the hold she had on me would lessen. Significantly. I hoped. Chapter 5 After a quick shower, I stepped into the sleek, silver gown that clung to my curves like it was tailored just for me. The color—Noah’s favorite—had been a point of debate in my mind all afternoon. I’d kept a few other dresses from the collection Luna Naomi had sent over for this occasion, but ultimately, I wanted to be seen tonight. The gown featured delicate straps and a plunging back, leaving me exposed in ways I wasn’t entirely comfortable with. I wasn’t sure if I was dressing for the woman I was—or the one I was trying to become. A soft knock echoed against the door, and my heart jumped as I reached for the sleek black gift box resting on the vanity—the one holding the pregnancy test results. “Can I come in?” asked a voice I knew even better than Noah’s. I opened the door to find my mother standing there. “Oh, Wren,” she breathed, her eyes sweeping over me. “You look breathtaking.” “Come on in.” I stepped aside with a smile. “I figured you might need a hand, with Leah out of town and all.” She gestured toward the vanity, and I nodded, settling into the chair. Leah had been my closest confidante since middle school, the kind of best friend who felt more like a sister. Every summer, her family took an extended vacation, and though I missed her tonight more than I cared to admit, I understood how much those trips meant to her. She’d be back in a few weeks, and I’d have plenty to tell her when she returned. I glanced down at my stomach, unable to keep from smiling. But Noah would be the first to know. Even before Mom. The urge to shout it from the rooftops was suffocating. “Thanks,” I murmured as my mom began curling sections of my hair. I stayed as still as I could, trying to steady my hand while I lined my eyes and dabbed on shimmering eyeshadow that matched the silver of my dress. I wasn’t half as good at it as Leah, but tonight wasn’t about perfection—it was about Noah. And I doubted anyone would even glance at my makeup once they saw the way I looked for him. “There we go,” she said, brushing out the curls until they settled in soft waves. My hair had a bit of a natural bend to it, but her touch gave it elegance. “One last thing.” She opened a velvet box she’d brought with her. “I know tonight is about Noah, but you’re on the verge of becoming Luna. Your father and I… we couldn’t be prouder.” She took out a delicate white gold hair comb, sparkling with tiny diamonds and deep blue sapphires. “Grandma’s?” I asked, reaching out to touch it, my hand pausing midair. She nodded. “And now it’s yours.” I watched in the mirror as she pinned back a section of my curls, tucking the heirloom into place. “You’re absolutely radiant,” she whispered, resting her head on my shoulder before pressing a kiss to my temple. “Thank you,” I said, leaning into the warmth of her affection. “Now, let’s not be late. The mate of the guest of honor can’t exactly arrive after things have started,” she teased, slipping seamlessly into her Luna voice. I grabbed a sheer shawl from the closet and draped it over my bare arms and back. It made the dress feel a bit more modest, a bit more like me. “I’ll see you in there,” she said, heading off toward the grand dining hall. I, on the other hand, made my way to meet Noah and his parents in his father’s office. “You’re stunning,” Noah said as he curled my hand around his arm. “But maybe showing a bit too much skin for a Luna-to-be.” It wasn’t a compliment—not really. More like a reprimand, dressed up in a whisper. “I thought…” I trailed off, not even sure what I thought. That I looked the part? That he’d appreciate me putting in the effort for him? I felt foolish now. “There’s a fine line between classy and slutty,” he murmured, brushing his lips against my ear. I shivered from the contact, doing my best to drown the sting of his words in the warmth of his touch. Together, we entered the dining hall, flanked by his parents. The room stood to greet the future Alpha with a round of applause. Despite everything, I felt a surge of pride walking in beside him. We glided between the tables until we reached the long table reserved for ranked members and honored guests. I moved to sit at his right, like I always had. “Shift over one,” he whispered. “What?” My seat had never changed. “The prince is joining us,” he said coolly, pulling the chair out so I could move. I stood, sliding into the next seat without protest. I reached for a flute of champagne out of habit but stopped short. I wasn’t drinking tonight—not with our baby growing inside me. The speeches began, but the seat between us remained empty. He didn’t motion for me to return, didn’t offer a smile or a glance. I drifted into my thoughts, only snapping out of it when Luna Naomi gave me a pointed look and whispered my name. Right. I stood just as the prince took the chair between us. He glanced my way, and I nodded politely before looking past him to Noah. That’s when Claire entered. Chapter 6 The man beside me may have said something, but I didn’t hear a word. My entire focus narrowed on Claire as she strode toward the table, her body hugged tight in a strapless black dress that flared dramatically with each step. Her lips were painted in a bold, blood-red hue, and her confidence was a spectacle all on its own. She greeted the man next to me with a sugary smile before directing a gleaming grin my way—her teeth bright, fake, and far too perfect. I returned a smirk disguised as a smile, thinking of what was hidden inside the little black box. That news would strip the grin off her face in an instant. “The future Luna looks exquisite,” the man said, nodding after Claire. “She’s not the future Luna,” I said, my voice tight as I clenched my fork. “Oh—I didn’t mean—” “I am,” I snapped, fixing him with a glare. His pale blue eyes blinked in surprise, then softened as he looked at me more carefully. “I meant no offense.” I didn’t respond. My attention was glued to Claire as she leaned across the table and whispered something in Noah’s ear. His eyes widened briefly before a slow smile crept across his lips. What the hell was that? He knew exactly how this would look, how it would make me feel. My hand twitched toward the mind-link, ready to confront him, when the man beside me broke the silence. “I’ve always hated events like these. Too formal. Too fake.” “What would you prefer instead?” I asked, eyes still locked on Noah. “Something small. Something real. Just the people who actually matter.” I nodded slowly. “Now that sounds like heaven. But not exactly on-brand for ranked members and their obsession with appearances. The Lunas would probably collapse from sheer boredom.” He let out a laugh—a real one, loud and warm. It drew Noah’s attention, along with his parents’. I smiled at them like nothing was wrong. Claire finally stopped parading at the head of the table, only to loop around and settle in beside Noah. People literally shifted their seats so he could make room for her. Anger surged through me like a wave crashing against the shore. The audacity of it. Of her. Of him. What the hell was he thinking? Maybe he was just being polite. Maybe. But this? This crossed the line. The man next to me eventually excused himself, offering polite apologies to Noah and his parents. Most of the other guests filtered out soon after, leaving behind only the ranked members and a few stragglers—my parents among them. Claire leaned in close to Noah, smiling at him like they shared some inside joke. Every fiber of me wanted to slap that smile off her face. But instead, I handed him the gift. “I wanted to give this to you earlier, but…” I trailed off with a shrug, biting my lip. He took the box, curiosity flickering across his face as he opened it and pulled out the slip of paper. My stomach twisted with nerves and joy, butterflies swarming as I waited for his reaction. This was something we’d both longed for. And now, here it was—proof of a baby. The Moon Goddess herself had timed it perfectly. A child to carry on the Alpha line, arriving just months before our official ascension. “Wren?” His voice caught, and for a second, I saw emotion flash in his eyes—something like hurt—before his face hardened. “I wish you’d told me in private,” he said, jaw clenched. The excitement in my chest began to crumble. What did it matter if no one else knew yet? He hadn’t even made an announcement. Then he stood. “I, Noah Henderson, future Alpha of the Azure Hollow Pack, reject you, Wrenia Barnes, as my mate and future Luna.” I didn’t understand the words. But my body did. Pain burst through me like a wildfire, our bond tearing apart at the seams. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t move. It was as if my blood had been replaced with fire. This wasn’t heartbreak. This was death. My vision dimmed as darkness swallowed everything whole.