"I’m leaving," I announced.
A heavy silence fell over the room. I studied their faces—confused, scared, and full of pain.
Levi, who looked weak and drained, took a shaky step toward me and reached out, but I moved away quickly and frowned.
My heart ached. My wolf was silent, but I could still feel it—that deep love and care I had for them. It hadn’t gone away, even if we were no longer mates. I wasn’t surprised. I had loved them long before we were bonded.
"Is there anything we could do to make you change your mind?" Levi asked softly.
I stared at him coldly. "Absolutely nothing."
The three of them exchanged glances before looking back at me. The pain in their eyes was so raw, I had to turn away to stop myself from softening.
"Where are you going?" Lennox asked finally.
For a second, I was stunned. I expected them to argue, to beg—to protest—but they didn’t. Just like with the council, they gave up too easily.
Why? Why did they always let go so quickly?
"At least please let us know where you’re going," Louis added. "So our hearts can rest a little."
I looked away. The truth was... I didn’t know. I only knew I couldn’t stay.
"I have no idea," I said honestly.
I saw their panic grow.
"No, Olivia... at least know where you’re headed," Lennox said quickly, his voice tight with concern.
I sighed and shrugged. "I’m going to my mother’s pack. She’s there."
They all let out a breath, clearly relieved, and nodded slowly.
Lennox reached into his pocket and pulled something out. He walked closer and held it in front of me.
It was a bracelet—simple, but clearly crafted with care. A red gem shined at its center.
"We had a feeling this might happen," he said quietly. "That you might reject us... that you’d want to leave."
He paused, his voice trembling a little.
"So... we prepared this."
I frowned and looked at it, confused.
"It’s not just any bracelet," Lennox continued. "We asked a witch to enchant it. It’s made with our blood."
"You may not believe in the prophecy... about your life being in danger," Louis added, "but we do. We believe every word."
"Even though we’re not your mates anymore, we can’t feel your pain... or know when you’re in danger," Levi said gently. "But with this on your wrist, we will. If anything happens to you—if you’re hurt, scared, or in trouble—we’ll know."
My chest tightened, but I shook my head firmly. "No. I’ll be fine. I don’t need your protection anymore."
Lennox stepped closer, eyes begging. "Please, Olivia."
"No," I said again, turning away. "I’ll be okay. I don’t need this."
He hesitated, then softly said, "If you ever loved us... even for a moment... please. Let this be our last wish."
It hit something deep inside me.
I stared at the bracelet in Lennox’s hand for what felt like forever.
Why were they doing this now? Why were they making it harder to let go?
This bracelet... it would only remind me of them. Of what we used to have. Of what we lost.
Still, that one sentence kept ringing in my mind—If you ever loved us...
And I did. I still did. That was the painful truth.
Slowly, I reached out and took the bracelet from Lennox. My fingers brushed his, and I felt him tremble slightly.
He let out a shaky breath and gently helped me put it on.
The moment the bracelet touched my wrist, I felt it.
A strange warmth spread through me.
It didn’t hurt. It didn’t burn.
Like a piece of something I didn’t know was missing had been returned.
"There," Lennox said softly, eyes fixed on it. "Now, if anything happens... we’ll feel it."
Louis stepped forward slowly, his voice calm. "Olivia, there’s something else."
I looked at him, my heart already heavy.
"We just found out... your father is alive," he said gently. "And he’s not guilty. He didn’t do any of the things they said he did."
I nodded slowly. "I know."
Their eyes widened a little in shock.
"I found out not long ago," I said. "That’s why I have to go. I have to find him."
The room went quiet for a moment, the weight of everything thick in the air.
I took a step back and gave them one last look. "Goodbye."
Just as I turned, Levi spoke. "Wait—Olivia... can we hug you? Just once?"
Every part of me wanted to say no. I was scared it would weaken me... make it harder to walk away.
But then... my wolf whispered softly inside me.
I slowly turned back, and nodded.
His arms wrapped around me gently, but firmly. No mate bond. No sparks.
And yet... it felt like home.
It reminded me of the past—of being younger, when everything was simpler, when I’d run into his arms and feel like nothing could go wrong.
For a second, I closed my eyes and let myself feel it.
When he pulled away, Louis stepped forward and wrapped me in a warm hug.
His arms were calm, steady... comforting.
Like the quiet peace I used to feel during storms, when he’d hold me until I fell asleep.
He said nothing. Just pulled me into his arms.
And that was when it broke me.
The moment his arms wrapped around me, I felt it—
That protectiveness. That strength.
It was like being wrapped in a shield from the world. Like nothing could touch me if I stayed there.
Tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop them.
I pulled back quickly, wiping my face. "I have to go," I whispered, my voice breaking.
Then, without looking back, I turned and ran out of the room.
I ran before the pain dragged me back in.
Before I forgot why I needed to leave.
Before I let love make me stay.