The Way

Chapter 5

As I stared at Alpha Thorne, my eyes were devoid of any trace of affection, replaced instead by a deep, seething hatred. His brow furrowed in response, clearly unsettled by the intensity of my gaze.

“Aria,” he said, his voice attempting a note of reason, “just do as you’re told, and you can have whatever you want. We can celebrate your son’s birthday, just as you wanted.”

The words felt hollow and mocking. What was the point of such a celebration now that Cassian was gone? My mate had already made his choice clear, prioritizing Morgana over our son. The entire pack knew it–Thorne had always preferred my sister’s company at banquets and public appearances, leaving me isolated and disrespected as Luna of Silverclaw.

Now, with Cassian’s death, he was using the promise of a celebration as a tool to manipulate and coerce me. It was a sickening attempt to lure me back into submission, exploiting my grief for his own

convenience.

I fought to keep the pain from showing on my face as I met his gaze. “No need, Alpha. We’re done. I’m leaving this hellhole, just as you ve always wanted. Enjoy your dream life with Morgana. It seemed my departure was beyond Thorne‘ s comprehension. His sneer betrayed his disbelief. “What? Not coming to me, pretending you need me to play with your son anymore?”

His tone was dripping with scorn, a fact not lost on me. Before I could respond, Morgana interjected, her voice laden with feigned innocence. “Aria, stop deceiving our Alpha. If Cassian were really dying, why would you be here alone?”

I could no longer contain my fury. “Shut up! You have no right to speak of my son.”

Morgana’s face fell, hurt masking her satisfaction. “Alright, I won’t mention him again. Don’t be mad at me, Aria.”

The Alpha’s irritation was palpable as he witnessed my hostility towards Morgana. With a cold chuckle, he pulled out his phone and dialed Beta Yuriel. To ensure I heard every word, he put the call on speaker.

11

“Beta Yuriel,” Thorne said, his voice commanding, “find out where my son is. Bring him to me.” He looked at me with a self–satisfied smirk, as if this action would somehow reassert his control over the situation.

I managed a bitter smile, the dreariness of my situation washing over me.

Beta Yuriel’s voice crackled over the speaker, hesitant but clear. “Alpha… Cassian passed away days ago. It happened the day after you left the territory with Morgana.”

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