chapter 7

Ethan noticed Audrey quietly writing something on her wish note and leaned over, curious. But before he could get a good look, she pulled it away and tucked it out of sight. "If someone else sees it, it won't come true," she said.

He didn't try to peek again. Instead, he gave her hair a gentle ruffle.

"Don't worry, Audrey. Whatever you wished for, it'll happen."

She smiled a little, but didn't reply. Deep down, though, she agreed with him.

Yes. It really will.

By the time Ethan finished scribbling on all the wish bottles he bought, the meteor shower was winding down. Just as they were getting ready to leave, a sudden cry made everyone stop and turn. Lucy had collapsed on the ground, red-eyed and looking like she was about to cry.

"I think I sprained my ankle ... It really hurts ... " she whimpered in that soft, delicate voice Omegas always had.

The crowd quickly swarmed around her. Ethan immediately rushed forward, shoved through everyone, and picked her up in his arms. Then he hurried down the mountain with her.

Audrey didn't follow. She didn't say anything.

Lucy's condition had been stable for a while—her wolf's healing was already kicking in. The injury wasn't serious and should easily heal. But Ethan acted like it was the end of the world.

As the others all focused on Lucy, someone quietly slipped away. They went back up the mountain and handed more money to the wolf witch who had helped them earlier.

"Can you take down the wish bottles we just hung?"

Not long after, Audrey sat alone at the mountaintop, a bunch of those glass bottles resting beside her. One by one, she opened them.

The first one read, "I hope Lucy's future is even better than I can imagine."

The next, "Let Lucy be happy her whole life."

Then, "May the Moon Goddess keep Lucy safe and healthy, and protect her from all pain."

And another, "I pray Lucy is always under the Moon Goddess's care."

...

Her hands began to tremble.

All 99 notes. Every single one had Lucy's name on it. Not a single wish was for her.

Audrey's eyes blurred with tears, but she didn't bother picking up the bottles again. She stood, turned around, and began walking down the trail.

At the foot of the mountain, Ethan was pacing nervously. When he spotted her, he rushed forward and wrapped his arms around her like he'd nearly lost her.

"Where were you? I looked everywhere and couldn't find you!" His voice cracked a little. "I was so scared. Don't disappear on me like that again."

The people around them burst into relieved laughter, teasing to lighten the mood. "We told him there's only one trail back, but he still panicked. That's what being in love does."

"Audrey, you have no idea—he looked like he was about to cry. He's not afraid of anything, but he freaked out when he thought you were gone."

It was as if they were all trying to convince her, See? This is love. He really cares. But Audrey's eyes wandered past them, locking onto Lucy at the back of the crowd.

Her ankle was wrapped up now, and she looked much more relaxed. When she heard everyone praising Ethan's love for Audrey, a small, smug smile crept onto her face.

That little smirk said everything.

Do you hear what they're saying? They think he loves you. But we both know the truth—he's mine.

That hit Audrey hard. A wave of shame rushed through her chest. She forced herself to swallow it down.

It doesn't matter. Soon, all of this will be over.