4#04

4

Aria's Perspective

The remnants of the fire still glowed faintly beneath me as Nicho's fury transformed into what appeared to be remorse. His gaze, so recognizable yet unfamiliar, dulled in the waning moonlight. He tugged at his collar, attempting to reclaim the composed demeanor of an Alpha, but I wasn't deceived. His erratic pulse gave him away, continuing to race uncontrollably.

I dusted the ash from my palms and rose, meeting his eyes. My tone was unwavering, devoid of any affection. "It's alright. I noticed insects, possibly roaches, crawling in the album, so I incinerated it."

Nicho's expression creased as he moved closer, his inner wolf stirring just beneath the surface. "You burned it? That contained a decade of memories! How could you—" His speech faltered as he realized he was snarling.

I stood my ground, arching an eyebrow. "Have you finished?"

The sheer apathy in my voice seemed to affect him more than any insult could. He exhaled forcefully, raking his fingers through his hair. "I apologize. I overreacted," he said, his tone now gentler. "But that album was significant to us. Why didn't you wait for me?"

I released a mirthless chuckle. Us. There was no "us" anymore. Not since he had chosen Selena, the rogue girl reeking of artificial fragrances and feigned tears.

"You've been preoccupied with pack matters—or whatever you've been doing with her. I didn't want to trouble you with something so insignificant."

His wolf growled softly at my words, but I remained unflinching. Let him be angry. I no longer cared.

Nicho inched closer, his voice softening, attempting to win me back. "I've been neglecting you. I'm aware of that. But can't we mend this? Once the pack stabilizes, we'll recreate those photos. We'll fill another album."

There was a time when those words would have melted my resolve. I would have believed him. But not anymore. I couldn't unsee the way he gazed at Selena or forget her scent lingering on his clothes.

"Of course," I replied, my tone flat. "If you genuinely want to make amends, throw me a proper birthday celebration for once."

The request seemed to catch him off guard. For years, my allergies to dairy and certain ingredients had prevented me from enjoying my own parties. And Nicho had always been too "occupied" to arrange anything special.

His eyes flickered with uncertainty, but he nodded. "Certainly. Whatever you desire."

Before he could continue, his phone buzzed. The distinctive tone he used only for Selena. He glanced at the screen, his expression tightening. "It's an urgent pack matter. I'll return soon. Don't wait up."

The lie was so blatant it almost made me laugh. "Go ahead," I said, dismissing him. "I'm accustomed to it."

He paused for a moment, as if wanting to say more, but instead, he turned and left, leaving me alone with the dying embers of our past.

The following morning, the mansion was abuzz with activity. Party planners filled the space, arranging decorations that seemed oddly familiar. By midday, the truth was undeniable—the setup was nearly identical to Selena's birthday party from two months prior.

And then, as if summoned by my thoughts, she arrived. Clad in a form-fitting red dress, her scent permeated the room, an obnoxious blend of vanilla and floral notes that made my wolf recoil.

Selena sauntered over, a smug smile curling her lips. "I hope you appreciate the decorations," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I designed them myself. Thought they'd complement your... taste."

I stared at her, my wolf stirring beneath my skin. My eyes flicked to the necklace she wore—a crescent moon pendant adorned with diamonds. My necklace. The one Nicho had given me on our fifth anniversary but had mysteriously vanished weeks ago.

"A recycled setup for a recycled person," I said coldly. "It suits you."

Her smile faltered, and anger flashed in her eyes. Without another word, she grabbed a crystal ornament from a nearby table and smashed it to the ground. A shard nicked her foot, drawing blood. She gasped dramatically, clutching her ankle.

Before I could react, Nicho stormed into the room, his wolf bristling with rage. "What the hell is happening here?" His sharp gaze landed on Selena's bleeding foot, then on me.

"She—she did this," Selena whimpered, tears welling up. "I was only trying to help, and she—"

The slap came before I even registered anything. My head snapped to the side, a sharp sting blooming across my cheek. My wolf growled low in my chest, but I held her back, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

"Enough!" Nicho roared. "Selena took time out of her day to help with your party, and this is how you repay her? If you don't like it, then do it yourself!"

He didn't wait for a response. Scooping Selena into his arms, he carried her out, leaving me standing alone in the wreckage of what was supposed to be my celebration.

That evening, no one showed up for the party. Not that I expected anyone to. Over the years, Nicho had alienated my friends, replacing them with his allies and sycophants. The pack knew better than to cross him—or his new favorite.

I opened the cake box, cutting a small slice despite the fact that I couldn't eat it. Sticking a single candle into the frosting, I lit it and closed my eyes.

"I wish we never meet again," I whispered before blowing out the flame.

The next morning, I packed my belongings. A single suitcase was all I needed to leave behind the life I'd once cherished. On the way to the airport, I sent Nicho a single message:

"Let's end this here. Don't contact me again. Never in your miserable life."

As the plane took off, I turned off my phone, cutting off the incessant calls from Nicho.