Bitter Memories

Scarlett's POV:

My phone buzzed with a new message. When I opened it, my blood ran cold.

There are a few photos on the screen that Lily sent.

The first photo is of Lucian and her in bed, two naked bodies entangled on the white sheets, like worms. He is lying on top of her, his fingers tangled in her long hair, his lips licking down her neck.

The other photo is of them at an upscale restaurant - Lucian is wearing the blue suit I ironed for him just last week. He is using a fork to feed Lily a piece of chocolate cake. Their gazes are locked intently on each other, both of them smiling intimately.

The third photo made my stomach churn - Lily straddling Lucian on the sofa in his office, her red dress bunched around her waist, his hands on her thighs, his face buried between her breasts. Once, right in this office, I had countless times brought him lunch, and we would sit together on the sofa and share the meal.

My hands trembled so badly I almost dropped the phone. Bobby whined, sensing my distress, and pressed his warm little body against my legs.

The curse seized the opportunity, black magic surging through my veins. I fumbled for my medicine bottle, barely managing to swallow the pills.

Bobby licked my hand as I slid to the floor, waiting for the medicine to take effect. His big brown eyes were full of concern.

Seeing his innocent eyes, my tears couldn't stop falling."I'm okay, little one," I whispered, though we both knew it was a lie.

The front door opened, and I heard Lucian's familiar footsteps. I quickly wiped my eyes and stood, tucking my phone away.

"Scarlett?" His voice was gentle as he entered the study. He stopped short when he saw my face. "Love, you're so pale... What happened?"

I forced a smile. "Just tired."

"No, something's wrong." He crossed the room in two strides, his hands cupping my face. "Tell me what's bothering you, my heart."

The tenderness in his touch nearly broke me. How could he be so gentle with me while betraying me at the same time?

He disappeared for a moment, then returned with something that made my chest tighten - the old stuffed teddy bear he'd given me during our darkest days.

"Remember Mr. Cuddles?" He placed the bear in my arms, his thumb wiping away a tear I hadn't realized had fallen. "He always knew how to make you smile."

"You kept him all this time?" My voice trembled.

"Of course." Lucian pulled me close, his chin resting on my head. "I keep everything that reminds me of us. Of how far we've come together."

I did remember. The memories flooded back unbidden.

We were prisoners then, trapped in the Shadow Pack's dungeons. Lucian would humble himself before the Omega guards, begging them to give me better food.

"Do you remember what you used to do?" I asked softly. "When the food was too hard to eat?"

His laugh rumbled in his chest. "Mr. Cuddles' food critic reviews? 'This gruel is simply divine, darling, aged to perfection in a rustic dungeon ambiance.'"

Despite everything, I found myself smiling at the memory.

"And look what else I brought." He pulled out a familiar black box. "Your favorite - Black Forest cake. The one from that little bakery you love."

The sight of the cake made my stomach turn. How many times had he bought this same cake for Lily? Had he fed it to her too, the way he did in that photo?

"Scarlett?" He stepped closer, concerned. "What's wrong?"

I looked at the bear in my arms, remembering a promise made long ago.

"Do you remember what I told you?" My voice was barely a whisper. "I said if you ever betrayed me, there would never be a second chance."

I saw panic flash through his eyes before he quickly masked it. Of course - he thought I couldn't sense his infidelity without a wolf. He thought his secret was safe.

"Scarlett, my love," he took my hands in his. "You're my only Luna, my heart. I would never betray you. I'll love only you for the rest of my life."

The lies fell so easily from his lips. Just like they had in the dungeon when he swore to protect me forever.

The next morning, I woke to Lucian gently brushing hair from my face.

"Wake up, my Luna," he smiled. "I have a surprise for you."

He'd arranged a grand sacrifice ceremony - meant to pray for my health and our future. My heart sank when I saw Lily among the attendees, but I maintained my composure.

Just before the ceremony began, Lily suddenly collapsed, clutching her stomach.

"The baby!" she cried. "Something's wrong! It hurts!"

The pack doctor rushed to her side. "She's been poisoned! We need strong healing magic immediately!"

Lily's eyes found mine. "Luna Scarlett," she gasped. "Your ring... I heard it has powerful healing properties. Please... my baby..."

I saw the conflict tear across Lucian's face. His eyes darted between me and Lily's stomach, where his child grew.

"Scarlett, no," he said firmly. "The ring is yours. We'll find another way."

"Please," Lily whimpered. "I can feel the poison spreading..."

"There has to be another solution," Lucian insisted, his hand covering mine protectively. "That ring is meant to keep you safe."

I looked at his tormented expression. Even now, he was trying to protect me. But we both knew he couldn't let his child die.

With trembling fingers, I slipped off the ring that had been keeping me alive. "Take it," I said softly. "Save the baby."

"Scarlett-" Lucian started.

"It's okay," I cut him off gently. "A child's life is more important."

Lily snatched the ring gratefully. The moment it left my finger, I felt the curse's darkness surge stronger.

I made my excuses and fled home, knowing I couldn't watch them together any longer.

When my phone buzzed again, I almost ignored it. But something made me look.

It was a video this time. My heart stopped as I pressed play.

Lily and Lucian were entangled on the bed, their bodies melding into one. As he pounded into her, her moans filled the air.

"Oh, Lucian, you're so good. It's a good thing you gave me the ring. I hope Scarlett won't be angry." Lily gently bit the finger with the ring on it, panting.

"Scarlett is the most considerate. If she knew you were carrying my child, she would certainly give you that, sweetheart." Lucian pressed his mouth against her breasts.

"That's good, I was afraid Scarlett would kill me." Lily hugged his neck.

"Can you not mention Scarlett, baby, come on, get down." Lucian pulled Lily up.

When her hands caressed my partner's chest, the ring on her finger sparkled - this ring was meant to protect me, but now it is on the hand of the woman who has destroyed my life.