Despite everything, I found myself smiling at the memory.
“And look what else I brought.” He pulled out a familiar black box. “Your favorite – Black Forest cake. The one from that little bakery you love.”
The sight of the cake made my stomach turn. How many times had he bought this same cake for Lily? Had he fed it to her too, the way he did in that photo?
“Scarlett?” He stepped closer, concerned. “What’s wrong?”
I looked at the bear in my arms, remembering a promise made long ago.
“Do you remember what I told you?” My voice was barely a whisper. “I said if you ever betrayed me, there would never be a second chance.”
I saw panic flash through his eyes before he quickly masked it. Of course – he thought I couldn’t sense his infidelity without a wolf. He thought his secret was safe.
“Scarlett, my love,” he took my hands in his. “You’re my only Luna, my heart. I would never betray you. I’ll love only you for the rest of my life.”
The lies fell so easily from his lips. Just like they had in the dungeon when he swore to protect me forever.
The next morning, I woke to Lucian gently brushing hair from my face.
“Wake up, my Luna,” he smiled. “I have a surprise for you.”
He’d arranged a grand sacrifice ceremony – meant to pray for my health and our future. My heart sank when I saw Lily among the attendees, but I maintained my composure.
Just before the ceremony began, Lily suddenly collapsed, clutching her stomach.
“The baby!” she cried. “Something’s wrong! It hurts!”
The pack doctor rushed to her side. “She’s been poisoned! We need strong healing magic immediately!”
Lily’s eyes found mine. “Luna Scarlett,” she gasped. “Your ring… I heard it has powerful healing properties. Please… my baby…”
I saw the conflict tear across Lucian’s face. His eyes darted between me and Lily’s stomach, where his child grew.
“Scarlett, no,” he said firmly. “The ring is yours. We’ll find another way.”
“Please,” Lily whimpered. “I can feel the poison spreading…”
“There has to be another solution,” Lucian insisted, his hand covering mine protectively. “That ring is meant to keep you safe.”
I looked at his tormented expression. Even now, he was trying to protect me. But we both knew he couldn’t let his child die.
With trembling fingers, I slipped off the ring that had been keeping me alive. “Take it,” I said softly. “Save the baby.”
“Scarlett-” Lucian started.
“It’s okay,” I cut him off gently. “A child’s life is more important.”
Lily snatched the ring gratefully. The moment it left my finger, I felt the curse’s darkness surge stronger.
I made my excuses and fled home, knowing I couldn’t watch them together any longer.
When my phone buzzed again, I almost ignored it. But something made me look.
It was a video this time. My heart stopped as I pressed play.
Lily and Lucian were entangled on the bed, their bodies melding into one. As he pounded into her, her moans filled the air.
“Oh, Lucian, you’re so good. It’s a good thing you gave me the ring. I hope Scarlett won’t be angry.” Lily gently bit the finger with the ring on it, panting.
“Scarlett is the most considerate. If she knew you were carrying my child, she would certainly give you that, sweetheart.” Lucian pressed his mouth against her breasts.
“That’s good, I was afraid Scarlett would kill me.” Lily hugged his neck.
“Can you not mention Scarlett, baby, come on, get down.” Lucian pulled Lily up.
When her hands caressed my partner’s chest, the ring on her finger sparkled – this ring w
