But in the world of powerful packs and shifting alliances, genuine affection faded faster than moon phases. Riven had a new lover—and still showered Freya with lies.
As Freya wiped her tears, another message from Sorenna arrived. [I assume you received your anniversary gift? The jade moon-bracelet was too large and outdated for me, but it should suit you just fine.]
Arrogance oozed through every word, thinly veiled insults about Freya’s age and fading beauty.
Freya turned off the crystal comms and drew in a long breath, trying to steady herself. She wanted desperately to pretend none of this mattered. But she couldn’t lie to her own heart.
The crimson fire-roses… the jade moon-bracelet… every “gift” from Riven and Kael—each of them had first been Sorenna’s cast-offs.
The realization crushed her. It made her question every present from the past—had they all been discarded by other women? Had she been foolish enough to believe she was treasured?
Just then, Riven entered with Kael, who wore his bear-print sleepwear. “Kael insists on sleeping with us tonight,” he said.