Page 5
Story: Moonlit Betrayal
Anastasia clung to him, sobbing as if she’d done nothing wrong. “I was just trying to be there for you after Zane died, Lyra. Why would you push me like that?”
Zane whipped his head towards me, his eyes filled with rage. “Lyra, please apologise to your sister-in-law.” Now!”
I gave a hollow smile, my heart reduced to ash.
While holding Zane’s gaze, I asked slowly and deliberately, “Zane, tell the truth. Are you the real Dorian?”
Zane fell silent; his lips parted, but no words came out, as if something was choking him.
Anastasia seizes the opportunity, pressing against him with practiced delicacy. “Dorian, my stomach hurts. Will you take me back to my room?”
Zane scooped her into his arms and turned to me with a heavy expression. “I’m sorry, Lyra.” I will leave you alone now. Anastasia needs me. As to your question… “I’ll respond another time.”
His eyes were full of reluctance, pity, and even guilt, but he still turned away, took Anastasia with him, and left me behind. As I watched them go, my heart ripped in half.
I checked my phone and saw Ryker’s message, “The car’s here.”
I took a deep breath and tried to gather myself before moving to the desk, where I grabbed a pen and paper and began writing a letter.
After sliding it into the nightstand drawer, I turned to the wardrobe and reached for my favourite white dress, which I slipped on before noticing my reflection. My face was deathly pale, and my eyes were sunken.
I forced a dry, humourless smile before leaving my room, and as soon as I opened the door, I saw Zane just a few steps away.
Lyra, I apologise for what happened earlier, but you shouldn’t have treated Anastasia that way. She was simply trying to help—”
I smiled and cut him off: “I’m fine. She is your mate. I understand why you would defend her. I think I’ll take a walk. “You should stay with Anastasia.”
He paused, conflict on his face. “Lyra, the thing is… “She and I…”
I held my breath and waited; if he had simply said it, I would have forgiven him.
But then his expression became dull. “Never mind. Forget I said anything. Go clear your mind, okay? Just take care. I put $50,000 in your account. Get yourself some nice jewellery, a dress, whatever you want. You’re carrying a puppy, so keep your spirits up.”
I nodded, pushed him aside, and walked towards the door.
Zane watched me leave, his eyes flickering with confusion, but he didn’t sense anything wrong, instead calling out, “Come back soon, Lyra.” I will have the maid prepare your favourite dishes.”
I smiled faintly, “Alright.”
The warmth drained from my face as I turned away; this was my final goodbye to Zane; I’d vanish from his world, leaving him and Anastasia together.
I left the house and climbed into the car Ryker had sent for me. Through the window, I took one last look back at the pack, which had been nothing but lies and betrayal.
As the car drove away, I closed my eyes and finally allowed myself to cry.
Zane whipped his head towards me, his eyes filled with rage. “Lyra, please apologise to your sister-in-law.” Now!”
I gave a hollow smile, my heart reduced to ash.
While holding Zane’s gaze, I asked slowly and deliberately, “Zane, tell the truth. Are you the real Dorian?”
Zane fell silent; his lips parted, but no words came out, as if something was choking him.
Anastasia seizes the opportunity, pressing against him with practiced delicacy. “Dorian, my stomach hurts. Will you take me back to my room?”
Zane scooped her into his arms and turned to me with a heavy expression. “I’m sorry, Lyra.” I will leave you alone now. Anastasia needs me. As to your question… “I’ll respond another time.”
His eyes were full of reluctance, pity, and even guilt, but he still turned away, took Anastasia with him, and left me behind. As I watched them go, my heart ripped in half.
I checked my phone and saw Ryker’s message, “The car’s here.”
I took a deep breath and tried to gather myself before moving to the desk, where I grabbed a pen and paper and began writing a letter.
After sliding it into the nightstand drawer, I turned to the wardrobe and reached for my favourite white dress, which I slipped on before noticing my reflection. My face was deathly pale, and my eyes were sunken.
I forced a dry, humourless smile before leaving my room, and as soon as I opened the door, I saw Zane just a few steps away.
Lyra, I apologise for what happened earlier, but you shouldn’t have treated Anastasia that way. She was simply trying to help—”
I smiled and cut him off: “I’m fine. She is your mate. I understand why you would defend her. I think I’ll take a walk. “You should stay with Anastasia.”
He paused, conflict on his face. “Lyra, the thing is… “She and I…”
I held my breath and waited; if he had simply said it, I would have forgiven him.
But then his expression became dull. “Never mind. Forget I said anything. Go clear your mind, okay? Just take care. I put $50,000 in your account. Get yourself some nice jewellery, a dress, whatever you want. You’re carrying a puppy, so keep your spirits up.”
I nodded, pushed him aside, and walked towards the door.
Zane watched me leave, his eyes flickering with confusion, but he didn’t sense anything wrong, instead calling out, “Come back soon, Lyra.” I will have the maid prepare your favourite dishes.”
I smiled faintly, “Alright.”
The warmth drained from my face as I turned away; this was my final goodbye to Zane; I’d vanish from his world, leaving him and Anastasia together.
I left the house and climbed into the car Ryker had sent for me. Through the window, I took one last look back at the pack, which had been nothing but lies and betrayal.
As the car drove away, I closed my eyes and finally allowed myself to cry.