Chapter 25:

By the time I step out of the pack house, the air is still cool, and the sky is painted with deep hues of blue and purple. 

I walk briskly, my body still tense from dinner, my mind replaying every word, every stare, every implication. 

The weight of the evening presses on my shoulders, and I'm grateful for the quiet of the night. 

It's only when I reach the familiar warmth of Cassidy's home that I allow myself to exhale.

The door is unlocked, as it always is, and I step inside. Soft laughter drifts from the living room, and when I turn the corner, I see two people in love.

Cassidy's sit close together on the couch, lost in their own world. Her dad leans in, murmuring something low, and her mom lets out a light, happy giggle. 

The sight makes me pause. It's rare to see moments like this—genuine, unfiltered affection between mates. 

Something tugs inside me, something fragile and distant.

He glances up first. I haven't actually met him in all my times here, so this is the first time we encounter each other.

Recognition flickers across his face. It takes me a second to place him. One of the men from the council meeting, the day Ethan brought me forward.

"Ah, you must be Delilah," he says, his voice deep and steady. "Cass has told us a lot about you."

There's something easy about his voice. Smooth and fatherly.

Before I can respond, her mom beams. "Oh, Lilah dear, you're just in time! You must be starving." She calls for one of the maids. "Warm up some of the leftovers for her."

I don't even try to argue. I'm too hungry. I offer them both a tired smile and murmur a quiet thank you as I settle at the dining table. 

A few minutes later, a plate of food is placed in front of me, and I don't waste time digging in.

Footsteps sound behind me. I glance up just as Cassidy drops into the seat across from me. She doesn't touch any food. She doesn't speak. She just… watches me.

"I thought I'd sleep over tonight," I tell her, waiting for a smile to light up her face.

Nothing happens.

"Are you okay? You seem...pale." 

She doesn't reply to that. She just watches me quietly. There's something in her eyes. The same look I saw while at the garden earlier today.

I raise a brow, swallowing a bite of roasted vegetables. "You're freaking me out, Cass."

No reaction.

I chew slowly, my gaze never leaving her. "Alright, what's wrong?"

Silence.

I put my fork down and push my chair back, moving around the table until I'm crouched in front of her. 

Her lips are pressed into a thin line. Her eyes, usually filled with mischief, are dim, unfocused.

I reach out, brushing my fingers against her cheek. And just like that, she breaks.

A loud, gut-wrenching sob rips from her, and she crumbles. I barely have time to react before she's clutching at me, burying her face in my shoulder, shaking with every breath.

It takes me a second to process, but then I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. "Cass," I whisper, rubbing soothing circles into her back. "Talk to me."

Her grip tightens. "Don't leave," she begs between sobs. "Please, don't leave me."

And then I understand. It's Theo. The possibility of me going back with him–going back to Moonhaven—is eating her alive.

I squeeze my eyes shut, and suddenly, I feel my own tears threatening to spill. I pull back just enough to look at her, cupping her face in my hands. "I'm not going anywhere."

Her lips tremble. "Swear it," she whispers.

I exhale softly and hold up my pinky. "I swear."

She stares at it for a moment, then hiccups out a small, watery giggle before linking her pinky with mine. 

The moment is ridiculous. Silly. But it works. We both let out breathy laughs, still teary, still a mess.

A gentle voice interrupts. "Now what is going on here?"

We turn to see her mom standing near the doorway, her brows slightly raised. She walks over, taking in our puffy eyes and damp cheeks. "Why are you both crying?"

Cassidy wipes at her face and mutters, "Her cousin's here. He wants to take Lilah back to Moonhaven."

The atmosphere shifts. The warmth in her mom's face fades just slightly, replaced by something… unsettled. 

Her expression is unreadable as she turns to me with a brief forced smile."Do what you think is right, dear."

And then, just like that, she walks away.

I stare after her, something cold settling in my stomach. "She isn't too thrilled he's here, I take it?"

Cassidy nods, her voice quiet. "She doesn't like it."

Of course. Anyone that knows of my history in moonhaven wouldn't like that anyone at all from that place is around me and wanting to pull me back into that life.

I let out a slow breath and shift the conversation. "I ran into Eden at dinner."

Cassidy makes a face. "Ugh. That housefly."

I huff a small laugh. "She ran into me, more like. Cornered me in the hall and ordered me to serve the royal family."

She stills. "You're joking."

I shake my head. "I told her Caspian dismissed me, but she didn't care. So, I did it. It's crazy how she dismissed his authority for her sadistic pleasures to make herself feel more important than she actually is."

Her eyes darken. "That's not even the worst part," I continue. "The king recognized me. Asked if I was the one Theo was looking for. When I told him yes, the queen started talking about my mom. About how she knew her. She was about to say something about my mother's mating bond with my father, but Caspian shut her down."

Cassidy doesn't interrupt. She lets me get it all out.

I exhale sharply. "And then Eden, being the absolute nightmare that she is, decided to pick up where the queen left off. Called me human. Mocked my mom for choosing love over rank." I scoff bitterly. "The queen agreed with her."

She rolls her eyes. "Of course she did. That woman is a perfectly groomed viper."

I nod. "Then the king asked if I'd go back with Theo, and the queen chimed in saying I had a higher status there." I shake my head. "Like that's all that matters. Like they don't see me as anything more than a misplaced chess piece."

Her fists clench. "And Caspian?"

"He shut it down. Told everyone to stop worrying about the maid and focus on their food."

Cassidy lets out a short laugh. "He's a real charmer, that one."

I smirk. "Right?"

She sighs, leaning back against her chair. "You know, I hate her."

I blink. "Who?"

"Eden."

I chuckle. "Yeah, duh."

She narrows her eyes. "No, you don't get it. I really hate her."

I grin. "I believe you."

A moment of silence passes before she stretches her arms and announces, "Well, I'm tired."

I smile knowingly. "You're avoiding your emotions again."

"And you're still talking."

I snort, shaking my head. "Fine. Let's call it a night."

She yawns dramatically. "Best idea you've had all day, Lilah."