A scream shattered the dawn quiet.
Scott and I were standing at the entrance of Skyfall Ridge, about to climb together. The urgent cry for help made Scott tense up instantly.
“Joanna?” he said, looking back sharply.
A disheveled female werewolf stumbled towards us; it was Joanna’s second-in-command, Melissa.
“Alpha! It’s terrible! Miss Joanna is breaking down! Her wolf is about to lose complete control!” Melissa cried, tears in her eyes. “She found out you chose a human mate, and her mental strength completely shattered!”
Scott’s face changed instantly. “Where is she?”
“The family territory…”
Scott didn’t even glance at me before turning to leave. After three steps, he stopped and said without looking back, “Wait for me.”
Then he disappeared into the forest.
I stood there, shaking my head with a bitter smile. Same as always, Scott. For ten years, you’ve always put Joanna first.
Back at my temporary quarters, I took out the items hidden under my pillow—a fake ID and a bus ticket to leave the pack lands. The bus was scheduled for eight o’clock tonight, heading to a coastal town five hundred miles away.
A small note fell out from under the ticket—”Ticket confirmed, window seat. Safe travels, Elena.” It was signed by the Old Shaman.
He knew I was leaving. He always knew everything.
I took a deep breath. It was time to face the hardest part.
The atmosphere in the Elder Council Hall was solemn. I stood before Scott’s parents, feeling their cold stares.
“You requested a private meeting with us. What is it?” the former Alpha asked coldly.
“I’ve come to say goodbye.” I looked him straight in the eye. “I’m leaving the pack lands tonight, and I will never return.”
Scott’s mother scoffed. “So you’ve finally realized your place? But do you really think the Severing Ceremony can be completed so easily?”
“I’m not here to talk about the Severing Ceremony.” I shook my head. “I’m here to warn you.”
