chapter 8

It wasn't long before Lucy's birthday rolled around. Her parents went all out—renting the fanciest cruise ship their pack had. The place was packed with nobles and elites from the Moonshade Pack, filling the grand hall with glamor and noise.

Even Ethan and Audrey were invited.

No one brought up the fact that it was Audrey's birthday too.

But she was used to being overlooked. When the invitation showed up, Ethan actually paused, looking unsure.

"Isn't it your birthday too? Maybe we shouldn't go."

Audrey could see right through him—he clearly wanted to go but didn't want to upset her. So she made the choice for him.

"It'd look bad if we skipped it. Let's just go."

Ethan didn't hide his relief. He pulled her into a hug, kissed her on the forehead, and promised, "We'll celebrate your birthday properly next year."

Audrey chuckled softly.

Next year? There isn't going to be one. In just a few days, I'll be gone from their lives for good.

At the party, Lucy wore a designer gown and stood like a queen in the middle of it all, soaking in compliment after compliment. Her mother, Gina, held one hand, while her father, Marvin, proudly stood on the other side.

Audrey stayed off to the side, completely ignored, like she didn't even belong to the family.

Jason, who had just returned from a trip, showed up looking sharp. He stood beside Lucy, and together they looked picture-perfect.

Then came gift time. Guests presented their carefully chosen presents, but all eyes were on the ones from her parents and Jason.

The gifts didn't disappoint—diamond jewelry, luxury cars, things only the rich could dream of.

Then Ethan stepped forward with something unexpected—a certificate.

Everyone looked confused until he unfolded it, revealing a photo of a pink and violet nebula sparkling like a painting.

"Lucy," he said, "you already have everything, so I wanted to give you something different. From today, this nebula is yours to name."

People gasped.

"Whoa, that's next level."

"Honestly, Alpha must be trying to impress Audrey by going all out for her sister."

Audrey overheard and clenched her hands.

A nebula? That's not just a fancy gift. It symbolizes a bond—something mates exchange after sealing their connection.

She'd once dreamed of getting that from him. But it was never meant for her.

He didn't give Lucy that because he was trying to be nice to Audrey's sister. It was because Lucy was the one he loved.

Audrey turned away, walking out onto the deck to get some air. The ocean wind tangled her hair, and for a second, the fresh breeze made it easier to breathe.

That was when Lucy appeared.

Her voice was sweet but sharp, like a knife wrapped in ribbon. "So what are you gonna do now, Audrey? Not only did I take Jason, it kinda looks like Ethan's into me too."

Audrey stared at her, stunned. Lucy already has everything—our parents' love, my friends, and both my mates. Why can't she leave me alone? Why keep rubbing it in?

"Why do you keep doing this?" Audrey asked.

Lucy gave a slow smirk, not even trying to hide the malice. "Because I like watching you suffer. And soon, I get to watch it all over again."

Audrey's brows knit together. She was about to ask what Lucy meant, but she never got the chance. Lucy grabbed her wrist and shoved her into the water.

The icy waves hit her all at once, crashing into her nose and mouth. She tried to scream, but it was no use. The cold clung to her like chains, and panic spread through her chest as the ocean dragged her under.

As she tumbled in the waves, she saw someone finally noticing.

Then came the splashes—Marvin, Ethan, and Jason all dove in.

But they didn't swim toward her. They headed straight for Lucy.

On the boat, she could hear Gina shrieking, "Get her! Save Lucy!"

At that moment, Audrey felt it all collapse. Whatever hope she had left and whatever strength she was holding on to were gone.

Her wolf, Lilith, went quiet.

Audrey stopped fighting and let her eyes close as she slowly accepted her fate. But just as she felt herself sinking deeper, she heard someone cutting through the water.

She blinked, barely conscious. And when she saw the face in front of her—she froze.

It was Jason.