Chapter 3

On the third day after the miscarriage, Cassian came to the estate.

Several attendants followed behind him, carrying trays of jewelry, gowns, and a saddle.

I recognized some of them.

The black pearl brooch had been pinned on me by the old Luna of Ravencroft herself on the day I married into the pack.

The dark red cashmere shawl had been draped over my shoulders by Cassian on my birthday.

And the saddle had once belonged to my favorite chestnut horse.

Before I married into Ravencroft, I used to ride her along the forest roads near Moonridge for hours.

Later, Cassian said the Luna of Ravencroft ought to be dignified and should not always be thinking about leaving the territory alone.

Soon after, the stable keys were no longer given to me.

Cassian glanced at me. His tone was unusually gentle.

“Sable is moving into the estate in a few days. Give these things to her first.”

I nodded.

“Fine.”

“She’s used to being free outside. A lot of things here won’t suit her.”

“Fine.”

“She likes that horse.”

“Fine.”

He stared at me for a long time, then suddenly laughed.

“And Sable has agreed. She’s willing to officially remain by my side as one of my mates.”

I nodded.

“Congratulations.”

Cassian seemed to be waiting for me to lose my temper.

Waiting for me to demand answers.

Waiting for me to sweep every tray in front of me onto the floor.

But I only said calmly, “Then soon, the entire North will know how important she is to you.”

The amusement in his eyes faded.

At last, he said only, “Take care of yourself.”

After he left, two attendants whispered in the corridor.

“Miss Ashcroft really is something. For her, the Alpha doesn’t even care about the old pack rules anymore.”

“I heard he’s holding a grand mate celebration for her at the private estate in Moonridge. After that day, who would still dare call her a secret lover?”

The other attendant lowered her voice.

“Come to think of it, Luna used to love going out too.”

“But after the bond ceremony, the Alpha kept saying she didn’t act like the Luna of Ravencroft and wouldn’t let her go anywhere.”

She paused.

“Now Miss Ashcroft does the same things, and he thinks it’s charming.”

I lay with my eyes open, staring at the ceiling.

The celebration would be at Moonridge.

Not at the Ravencroft estate.

That meant that on that day, I would finally have a chance to leave.

I called Maeve over.

“On the day of the celebration, prepare clothes I can move in.”

Maeve’s eyes reddened.

“Is Luna finally going to fight for herself?”

I nodded.

“Yes.”

Let them think that.

I did not want Cassian to turn back to me.

I wanted to vanish from this estate that day.

And from Cassian’s world.

A maid was rechecking the measurements for my dress when Cassian walked in.

He came to my side and suddenly reached out to smooth my sleeve.

“This color suits you.”

Footsteps sounded outside the door.

Sable stood at the entrance. Her gaze swept across the room before settling back on me.

She smiled.

“The Ravencroft estate really is lovely. Cassian said I can choose my own room.”

She laughed lightly.

“I don’t really like the other rooms.”

“Only Lenora’s feels comfortable enough.”

The maid’s expression changed slightly.

Sable seemed to realize only then that she had spoken out of turn.

She turned to Cassian.

“I didn’t mean to take anything from Lenora.”

“Forget I said anything. I can sleep in the stables if that makes everyone happier.”

Cassian was silent for a moment before looking at me.

“Lenora, Sable won’t be staying at the estate often. Why don’t you…”

I smiled faintly.

“Fine.”

“She can have the room.”

Both of them froze.

I lowered my head and finished straightening my sleeve.

“After the celebration, I’ll move out.”

I was leaving anyway.

This room no longer mattered.