Chapter 4

I stumbled out, clutching the heavy cardboard box, walking aimlessly. The wind whipped icy snowflakes against my face, but I barely felt them. I staggered several times, almost falling. Just as my vision started to blur, a few attendants approached. My hands suddenly felt lighter. I looked up. A Rolls Royce stood before me. The attendants gently guided me inside. "Miss Fletcher, Alpha Bellamy sent us to fetch you," the lead attendant bowed respectfully. "Please, get in. It's bitterly cold out." The car stopped before a lakeside villa. Maids led me down a corridor lined with thick wool carpets. The bathroom was already filled with warm water scented with rose petals. An elegant dinner was laid out on the round table in the bedroom, accompanied by a slice of my favorite honey chestnut cake. He remembered. After all these years. Beside it lay a note on parchment, in Will's handwriting: "Knew you'd need space tonight. Had your favorite meal and rose bath prepared. Informed your mother you are safe and well. Rest easy. I'll have everything ready for tomorrow." I sat at the table, staring at the cake. Suddenly, I covered my face and wept silently. So this was what it felt like to be truly cherished. No need to strive, no need to explain. He simply remembered everything about you. I don't know how long I cried before my mother called. "Dearest, are you alright now?" I wiped my tears, my voice hoarse. "I'm fine." "That Will… he seems to be taking good care of you," she sighed. "But… are you truly certain about this?" I looked out at the falling snow, resolve solidifying within me. "Yes. I'm certain." "Ronald… he isn't worthy. The Frost Moon Pack's honor… cannot be tarnished because of me." I used to think that loving someone meant I could swallow my pride and make concessions. But this ceremony—we’d spent weeks preparing for it with such care. And yet, he left me here all alone, just to tend to someone else. After exchanging a few more words with mother, I hung up. A text notification chimed. From Ronald. "Louisa, I'm sorry. Today was poorly handled." "Where are you? Can we meet? About tomorrow's ceremony… I need to talk to you." Reading those words, a bitter taste filled my mouth. He finally remembered me? The snow fell thick and fast in the deep night. I pulled my coat tighter as I stood by the agreed-upon lakeside. Ronald's figure appeared in the distance. Snowflakes dusted his thick lashes. His nose was straight, jawline sharp as if carved. He was still the vision that had once made countless girls' hearts flutter. No wonder I'd loved him for so long. But the eyes that once held warmth when they looked at me… now seemed utterly devoid of meaning. "Lula, I apologize for today." I gave a noncommittal hum. "What's so important?" I couldn't even muster the energy for politeness. I needed to end things clearly before the ceremony with Will tomorrow. "Lula, I know you're angry, but I had no choice." He frowned, his tone tinged with self-pity. "Elizabeth has always been afraid of pain. Today's injury was serious. I couldn't just abandon her. You've always been understanding. You won't make this difficult for me, right?" "As for tomorrow's ceremony…" I cut him off. "Tomorrow's ceremony won't be happening." Ronald's eyes lit up instantly, his voice betraying relief. "Lula, I knew you'd understand! You think it's too rushed too, right? Actually, I wanted to suggest we postpone…" My heart clenched as if grabbed by an invisible fist, a dull ache spreading. Looking at his utterly oblivious expression, I suddenly found it all absurdly funny. I had thought Ronald was genuinely apologizing, ready to make amends. But… I'd overestimated him yet again. He stepped forward, perhaps intending to embrace me like before. I sidestepped. "Actually, there's something else I wanted to ask." He seemed oblivious to my distance, continuing as if nothing was wrong. "Elizabeth has a weak constitution. This hand injury will take a long time to heal. The healer mentioned… your Frost Moon Pack's 'Frostmoon Marrow' has miraculous healing properties…" Frostmoon Marrow? I was stunned. Then, as if hearing the most ludicrous joke, I burst out laughing. That was our pack's most sacred treasure! Forged from the marrow of century-old ice crystals beneath the northern glaciers, fused with the lifeblood of generations of Frost Moon Alphas! Only three vials existed in the entire pack, reserved for warriors on the brink of death! Ronald seemed confused by my laughter, then smiled tentatively himself. He reached out to take my hand. "Lula, you're wonderful. I knew you'd agree. So, could you do me this favor? Could you bring it to me tomorrow?" Always. It was always like this. Taking my devotion for granted. I violently wrenched my hand away. "Ronald, have you lost your mind?!" "The Frostmoon Marrow is the foundation our pack has guarded for a century! It's for saving lives!" "What is Elizabeth, that you dare suggest she's worthy of it?"