Seeing Connor like this, Belinda’s expression flickered with panic. She forced a smile and quickly changed the subject. She said,
“You’re just too kind–hearted. Even though you didn’t love Luna, she was still your mate. It’s only natural that her death would
affect you.
“But I know you’ll move past this soon….because you don’t love Luna.”
Each word was deliberate Calculated.
Like a drowning man clinging to driftwood, Connor seized onto her reassurance. He echoed, “Yes… Yes, you’re right. I don’t love
her. I couldn’t have killed someone I loved.”
After several repetitions, Connor regained his composure. With Belinda by his side, he left the ice chamber and returned to the rhythms of his daily life.
That day, Connor returned to his duties and rode along the pack’s borders with his warriors when a sudden and powerful force crashed down on them–a presence so immense that the air itself seemed to shudder beneath its weight.
His head snapped up.
A group of warriors strode toward him, and at the front, an older werewolf led them. His silver–white fur was streaked with gray, his icy gaze locked onto Connor with seething rage.
“Connor, you bastard!” the old werewolf roared. “You killed Clara!”
A flicker of panic shot through Connor’s golden eyes, but he schooled his features, forcing composure. “Harold? Why have you come back?”
Unlike Connor’s unease, my heart clenched the moment I saw Harold Nunez. Tears welled up in my eyes.
Harold was the current Alpha of the Starlight Pack and had once been my father’s most trusted warrior.
For years, Harold and my father had fought side by side, bound by loyalty and brotherhood. Before my father’s death, he had entrusted Harold with leading the Starlight Pack and with protecting me.
Harold had handed me the Starlight Pack’s sacred symbol–the wolf–spirit bracelet–a public declaration that he would forever follow my command.
After my father’s death, Harold had been my guardian. He had even helped with my wedding, despite his own misgivings. He did many things to help Connor, all for my sake.
Looking at him after so long, I finally noticed how dull his once–vibrant eyes had become. His hands trembled at the mere mention of my name–a sharp pain twisted in my chest.
“I’m sorry, Harold… I never meant for you to suffer because of me.”
