Mara's PovDays blurred together, I seemed to be trapped in a web of isolation and despair.No one believed me, no one listened to me. Giovanni's whispers had infected the pack, spreading doubts and suspicions like a contagious disease.Even Rhys, my rock, my confidence was absent. His distance felt like a gaping hole in my soul.I paced the empty halls of our home, feeling lost and alone like a ghost haunting the spaces we once shared."I need to talk to you Rhys," I'd told him, My voice trembling with urgency, my eyes pleading for his attention, for him to see that I needed him around.But he'd merely nodded, his eyes distracted, his mind elsewhere."I'll make time for it, Mara," he'd said, his tone reassuring but his actions nonexistent.Make out time? That was weeks ago. Since then, nothing. No confrontation, No reassurance, Just silence.And Giovanni's relentless harassment continued a constant drumbeat of fear and anxiety.I'd tried to confront him again, but he'd merely smiled,
Mara's PovRhys's absence felt like a physical discomfort, a space in my heart that seemed to grow larger with every passing moment.Our marriage had developed tension. The once unbreakable bond between Rhys and me now felt fragile, vulnerable to the whispers of doubt and fear.I couldn't shake the image of Talia's perfume on Rhys, the scent continued lingering in my mind. It haunted me endlessly, giving me visions of Rhys and Talia together.Giovanni's manipulation had succeeded. He'd pushed me into doubting my husband.Rhys's words lingered in my mind "Maybe we shouldn't be together." he'd said.'Had he meant it? Did he truly doubt my trust? I thought.I needed explanations, but Rhys was nowhere to be found.His absence felt like a punishment, a reminder that I was no longer as important as I used to be to him.Rhys would glance at me, his eyes searching, but I'd look away, unable to face the pain.Conversations stalled, silence hanging like a challenge. Our friends noticed the stra
Rhys PovI stood outside our home, my eyes fixed on Mara's retreating figure. Our argument still lingered in my mind, the tension between us was getting out of hand.However, I have to leave Today. For the pack's sake, For our future.I took a deep breath, pushing aside the guilt of leaving home without telling my wife about my journey.Talia waited by the car, her expression sympathetic. "Ready?" she asked.I nodded.We were heading to the Silver Moon pack, seeking their alliance against Giovanni.Talia's skills as a diplomat would be invaluable.As we drove, the silence between us was comfortable, Unlike the tension with Mara."Talia, can I ask you something?" I said, breaking the silence."Of course, Rhys," she replied."What's your true motive for helping me?" I asked.Talia's smile was mysterious. "Let's just say I have my reasons," she said.I had no reason to trust Talia. With what she has done to me in the past I've always known her to be a very mischievous human but in this c
Mara's povI stared at the newspaper, my heart crumbling, shattered into a million pieces. A photo of Rhys and Talia, leaving the silver moon pack's territory together screamed at me from the front page.The caption sliced through me like a knife. "Rhys and Talia, unlikely Allies or something more?""No, this can't be? My mind raced, thoughts crashing against each other."How could he? How could he betray me like this?Our arguments and our unresolved issues flooded my mind. I thought we were working through our problems.I thought we would fix things once the time is rightBut this?This was a punch on my fragile little chest, a slap in my face, a sharp knife pierced deep into my heart and I couldn't breathe, I Couldn't think straight.My vision blurred, tears streaming down my face, betrayal, broken heart, anger.The emotions swirl like a wave. I thought I knew Rhys, but this?This was a stranger. A strange who'd lied to me, deceived me, cheated on me.My body trembled, rage buildin
Rhys POVI pulled into the driveway, exhausted from the trip.Finally home, finally, I'll be able to make things right with Mara.But as I entered the house, a sense of unease crept in within me."Mara?" I called out. But there was no answer, I frowned.Where was she? Where could she be by this time?I searched the house but I couldn't find her.'Maybe she wasn't home, or maybe she must have gone to her friend's place' I thought.But Mara wasn't the type to leave the house without letting anyone know.I checked our bedroom, and there was no sign of Mara and to my greatest shock, Her luggage was gone.A shiver ran down my spine. "Mara?" I called again, louder this time.But only silence replied. Panic set in.No! She wouldn't leave, Not like this, Not without talking to me.Fear gripped my heart. Where was she? Was she safe? Where could she be? The orphanage?The questions consumed my mind. I grabbed my phone and dialed Mara's number.Voicemail, Again, And again. I was so scared that p
Rhys povI couldn't shake off the feeling that Talia was involved in Mara's disappearance.Her manipulations knew no bounds. But what if she'd played me from the start?A sudden memory flashed in my mind.How Talia had approached me with Her offer."I can work as a double spy for you and Giovanni," she'd said."I'll feed him false information while keeping you informed."Her expression was somber. "I have something to tell you, Rhys," she'd said."About Giovanni?" I prompted.Talia nodded. "And my involvement," she saidI gestured for her to continue."It all started months ago," Talia began. "Giovanni approached me, charming and persuasive, He promised me wealth, status, and power.""And you believed him?" I asked.Talia's eyes dropped. "I did. I thought he could offer me more than you could, Rhys."More than I could? The words stung."But then I realized..." Talia's voice trailed off."Realized what?" I asked."That I was just a tool," Talia said, her voice barely above a whisper."
Rhys's PovI was left all alone at home. I paced through the darkness of my bedroom with bottles of Alcohol in both hands.Mara's note echoed in my mind. "I thought our love was stronger.""I thought you loved me." "I was wrong."Talia's words sliced through my haze. "Rhys, I'm here for you."Her hand touched my shoulder. I shrugged it off. "Leave me alone, Talia," I screamed at her."Rhys, please—""Get out!" I roared.Talia's eyes widened. "Rhys, I just want to help.""Help?" I sneered. "You've done enough."My anger boiled over. "You and your games, Your lies, Your manipulations."Talia stepped back. "Rhys, I'm sorry—""Sorry?" I laughed harshly. "Sorry isn't enough."I stood, swaying. The room spun.Talia's face blurred."Get out," I repeated. My voice cracked.Talia hesitated. Then turned and ran.The door slammed shut, I collapsed onto the couch.Whiskey spilled from my hand. Mara's face haunted me. Her smile, Her laughter, Her tears.My regret suffocated me. Why hadn't I told h
Rhys's Pov.Yara's words pierced through my heart. "Rhys, listen to me. Mara would come to me if she needed help. She trusts me."Something stirred within me. A spark of hope."Mara would come to you?" I repeated.Yara nodded. "Of course, She has no one else."No one else? The weight of those words crushed me. Mara's isolation, Her loneliness, My failure.But Yara's next words ignited a fire. "Rhys, Mara didn't come to me. She didn't leave you."I felt a glimmer of hope, A chance. "Mara's still out there, in Giovanni's custody," I whispered.Waiting For me. Waiting for me to find her. To make it right.Yara's grip on my arm tightened. "Find her Rhys, Make it right."Determination coursed through me. I'd find Mara. Explain everything. Prove my love, With newfound purpose.Yara's warning echoed in my mind. "Remember, Rhys, Talia's a snake. Has been always will be," she said.I nodded, determination etched on my face. "I'll be careful," I said.Yara's eyes narrowed. "Careful isn't enough