3

For the next three days, Ash did not come back, and I received many messages from Scarlett on my phone. His sexual journey with her was very pleasant, and I could feel it.

I found the loyalty potion and strengthening elixir that Ash had hidden in our home. The Moon Goddess told me that it was an ancient magical potion created by a promiscuous ancient Alpha King.

Drink the loyalty potion to give your partner the illusion that you cannot get an erection, and use the enhancing potion as an antidote. This not only prevents your partner from feeling that you are unfaithful, but also enhances sexual performance.

I find it absurd that, since you have decided to betray, why do you have to go to such great lengths to deceive me.

Tonight is our fifth wedding anniversary celebration.

Ash told me his arrangements and said he would come pick me up.

I attended without enthusiasm.

Before leaving this world, I didn't want Ash to suspect anything unusual. Any change in routine might make him more vigilant, complicating my departure.

As darkness fell, Ash drove us to the pack hall, his hand resting possessively on my thigh.

"Dear Luna, Blessings to you and Alpha forever."

The pack members greeted me in unison, baring their necks in submission. None dared show disrespect to their Alpha's mate.

Ash smiled down at me, eyes glowing with false devotion as he presented his gift.

It was a necklace crafted from his own dominant fang, a sacred symbol among werewolves.

He knelt before me, reverently kissing my hand with lips that had been on Scarlett hours before.

"Little Wolf, I've decided to step down after this territory dispute."

"After this final battle, I want to live a peaceful life with you, just us and our future pups."

The words that would once have made my heart soar now felt like silver daggers.

Ash had always lived dangerously as a stray wolf Alpha, leading our pack through countless bloody battles.

Making him retire and lead a peaceful pack life had been my fervent wish every anniversary for five years.

But now that the wish was about to come true, I felt nothing but hollowness.

I merely glanced at the fang necklace, my hands refusing to touch it.

Then gave a faint smile, "Alright." The word tasted like ash in my mouth.

I would guide them through this final territory battle,

Then close this chapter of our relationship forever, leaving him to wonder why his mate vanished without a trace.

Amidst the festivities, Ash sang our mating song, the one he'd written when we first bonded.

His golden Alpha eyes filled with devotion, as if I was his entire world. The same eyes that watched Scarlett with raw lust.

As the song ended, his phone buzzed with a message. I heard it vibrate against his chest.

Being closest to the door, Ash rose to check it, his movements too eager.

In the dim light, the voices were noisy. I closed my eyes, calmed down, and infiltrated Ash's mind, capturing every word on the text message.

"Alpha, I'm waiting in your office," Scarlett's voice dripped honey and sin.

"Wearing that red lace set you love, with a special surprise. My body's still sore from last time..."

"Little Wolf, I'm going to the office for a moment, I'll be right back. I just remembered that there is an important document that needs to be signed."

Ash was well-practiced at making excuses by now, his lies flowing smooth as silk.

I did not expose his lie, as always I replied, "No problem, go ahead."

The warriors of the pack covered for him, all praising how diligent our alpha is.

They thought I knew nothing and heard nothing.

They turned up the music and whispered among themselves like gossiping pups,

"Alpha and Scarlett are like fire and gasoline, they'll be at it all night."

"That she-wolf is insatiable, hope Alpha can handle her. Did you see the marks on her neck?"

I had no interest in wasting more time in this farce.

I grabbed my bag and silently left the hall, my footsteps soundless on the marble floor.

Passing by his office, I heard Scarlett's seductive voice echo through the door.

"Alpha, are you wearing the fang necklace you gave me last month?"

"Want to put it somewhere more... intimate? I'm already wet for you..."

Ash growled low, cursing "You vixen" before the sounds of ripping fabric filled the air.

What followed were sounds I never wanted to hear, but my cursed abilities forced me to endure.

Walking out into the cold night air, my mind finally cleared of their lustful thoughts.

I wandered aimlessly until reaching the river's edge, where Ash and I had shared our first kiss.

My phone showed 00:00, marking the end of another false anniversary.

"Our new life is coming, Aurora Winters, and will be happy forever after," I whispered to myself, the name feeling foreign now.

I faced the moon, hands clasped in prayer, making my silent wish.

This year's anniversary wish was to leave successfully, to never again have to hear their thoughts.

[Countdown: three days.]