Scarlett’s POV:
The curse burned through my veins like liquid fire. Without the ring’s protection, I could feel death creeping closer with each breath. My hands trembled as I stared at them, watching the black veins pulse beneath my skin.
I found a silver dagger in the cabinet.One quick slash and it would all be over. No more pain, no more betrayal, no more watching Lucian build a family with another woman.
I raised the silver dagger to my wrist, but suddenly Bobby leaped up, knocking it from my hand. The dagger clattered to the floor as he stood over it, barking frantically.
“Bobby, move,” I whispered, but he planted himself firmly over the dagger, his eyes fixed on me.
He whined, pressing against my legs, and I collapsed to my knees beside him. His warm tongue licked away my tears as he guarded the dagger.
“Why are you stopping me?” I asked him through my sobs. “They get to be happy while I die alone?”
Bobby nudged my hand with his nose, his eyes full of unconditional love. Looking at his loyal face, something inside me shifted.
No. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of my quiet death. If I was going to die, I would make sure Lucian remembered me with every breath he took.
I wanted him to wake up each morning drowning in regret. I wanted his guilt to consume him until he couldn’t look in the mirror without seeing my ghost.
With renewed purpose, I sat at my desk and pulled out fresh paper. This would be my final letter – the one that would haunt him forever. Bobby sat at my feet as I wrote, his steady presence giving me strength.
When I finished, I called Sarah. My best friend arrived within minutes, nearly breaking down my door in her rush to reach me.
“Scarlett!” She gasped when she saw me. “Gods, you look like death! What’s happened to you?”
I handed her the box of letters with trembling hands. “I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything,” she said immediately, then opened the box. Her eyes widened as she read the first few lines of the top letter. “Scarlett… these are about Lucian and Lily?”
“You know?” My voice cracked.
Sarah’s eyes filled with tears. “The whole pack knows. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn’t bear to break your heart.”
“It doesn’t matter now.” I gripped her hands. “After I’m gone, I need you to send these to Lucian. One letter every other day, in order. Will you do that for me?”
“Gone?” She grabbed my shoulders. “What do you mean gone? Scarlett, you’re my best friend. Talk to me!”
“I’m dying, Sarah,” I finally admitted. “I have been for a while now.”
“No,” she shook her head desperately. “We’ll get help. Dr. Kane-”
“There’s no cure.” I touched the black veins on my arm. “This is from a curse I took to save Lucian five years ago. The ring was keeping it at bay, but now…”
“The ring he gave to that witch?” Sarah’s face contorted with fury. “I’ll kill her myself-”
“No.” I squeezed her hand. “Just promise me about the letters. He needs to understand what he’s done. Promise me you’ll send them.”
She clutched the box to her chest, tears streaming down her face. “I promise. But Scarlett… I can’t just let you die.”
I hugged her tightly, memorizing the feeling of her friendship. “You’ve been the best friend anyone could ask for. Thank you for everything.”
After she left, still protesting, I walked through the house that had been my home. Every photo, every memento, every trace of my life with Lucian went into the fireplace.
