MILLIE BROWN

Bad decision-making wasn't new to me. I was a teenager, after all. We were known for bad decisions, but not every teenager ended up regretting theirs as much as I do mine. Not every teenager carried the weight of their mistakes like an anchor, pulling them into guilt every single day.

What if I had called the police the moment I saw Shane stalking me at that café? Would my mom still be alive if I had done that? Would things be different if l'd gone to a trusted adult instead of confiding in Ariana, just because I desperately wanted to feel like I belonged-like I had earned a place at her side? Like I wasn't just a side character.

These thoughts have plagued me every day since then, twisting into knots that choke me with shame and regret. Over time, some of the mysteries from back then unraveled: why Shane had looked so shocked when he realized I could see him, why no one else could see him. It was because he was a werewolf. And my best friend? She was half-werewolf- and his mate.

I know all of this now, yet I still went on to make the most idiotic mistake of my life. I let it happen last night.

He asked for consent, over and over, so I couldn't even blame him. It was all me. I kissed him. I let him touch me. I let him do everything to me because I wanted him to. I wanted him, with a need so raw it obliterated logic. It didn't matter that he was my mother's murderer. It didn't matter that he was my best friend's mate. I still wanted him so badly it hurt.

And if I'm being honest, l'd always wanted him. From the moment our eyes met in that café, I knew what I desired. But l'd shoved those feelings into a dark corner of my mind because they disgusted me. They made me feel cheap, dirty—a slut.

Was this punishment for holding back with Jeremiah during our fleeting relationship? We'd had sex, sure, but none of it felt right. It left me cold, empty. And because of that, I'd always pulled away when he wanted more.

Last night proved to me that my instincts had been right-it wasn't supposed to feel like that.

With Shane, it was different. Everything he did set my nerves alight, sent me to a place I never knew existed. He was intoxicating, like an addictive drug. The more he gave, the more I craved.

Even now, lying beside him, his arm draped around me, his warmth cocooning me, my mind won't stop replaying his words: "I know I love you."

Why would he say something like that? Why would he confuse me like this? I'd always told myself that what I felt for Shane was just lust. Shameful lust. But when he said those words, when his intense gaze locked on mine, something shifted inside me. Now, the wolf's vision keeps replaying in my mind, stirring thoughts I have no right to entertain.

Should I tell him? Would that only fuel his conviction, his belief that we're meant to be?

Before I can decide, Shane stirs beside me. My heart leaps into my throat as he moves, his warmth radiating through me. I close my eyes, feigning sleep. I can't face him right now-not after everything.

Does he know? Can he hear the frantic pounding of my heart? Can he tell I'm awake?

I don't get an answer because everything changes. The door creaks open, and I feel Shane stiffen beside me.

My breath hitches. Could it be... Caelum?

l open my eyes slowly, just in time to see Leah standing in the doorway, her eyes wide and frantic. My stomach plummets.

"Leah," I whisper, my voice barely audible.
She chokes out my name, her voice trembling. "Millie..."

I glance down at Shane, still naked under the sheets, his expression unreadable. My face burns.

"How did you find us?" Shane's voice is calm, almost dismissive, as if he doesn't care that Leah has just walked in on us like this.

Leah doesn't answer. Instead, she takes slow, deliberate steps toward me. Instinctively, I scramble out of bed, bracing myself for the slap I'm sure is coming. But instead, she pulls me into a hug.

Her reaction leaves me frozen. I don't get a chance to process it before Shane moves. He's on his feet in an instant, pulling Leah off me with a force that makes her stumble.

"Drop the act," he growls. "Let's talk outside."

"What act? Can't I be happy to see my friend?" Leah's voice is laced with mock innocence, but I don't trust it.

This isn't the Leah I knew. The Leah I grew up with wasn't half-werewolf, wasn't the daughter of a man trying to have me killed.

Could I trust her? Was this all part of their plan?

"I won't repeat myself," Shane warns, his voice low and dangerous.

Leah rolls her eyes at him, her expression defiant. "I didn't come here for you, Shane. I came for Millie."

She turns back to me, her eyes softening.
"I missed you so much," she says, her hands grasping mine.

"Millie's not going anywhere with you," Shane snaps, stepping between us.

"I'll go," I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

Shane's head whips toward me, his eyes wide with disbelief. But my mind is already made up. If Leah's intentions are genuine, then I owe it to our friendship to hear her out. I miss her. I miss us.

Leah's face lights up, and she grips my hands tighter. "Come on," she says, practically dragging me toward the door.

I glance back at Shane, my heart twisting at the sight of his defeated expression. He stands there, clutching the blanket around his waist, his eyes silently pleading with me not to go.

But I do.

ฅ^._.^ฅ

The journey to the palace was mostly silent. Leah walked ahead of me, escorted by two guards who seemed familiar with her, exchanging smiles and nods as they passed. She was friendly with the locals too, offering kind words to a vendor and waving at a child who called her name. My discomfort grew with each step, as if I didn't belong here. Shane's absence gnawed at me, and despite myself, my cheeks warmed at the thought of him.

"Is it okay to just leave him there?" I asked, hesitantly breaking the silence.

Leah glanced back at me and shrugged. "He'll find his way to the palace. Trust me, Shane can't stay away from you." I wasn't sure how to respond so I just bowed my head in defeat.

That was the end of our conversation until we arrived at the gates.

The palace loomed before us, an architectural marvel blending history and modernity. The massive gates stood tall, framed by walls that stretched endlessly, encircling the majority of the palace grounds. Though you could tell it had been remodeled to suit the current era, the structure still bore the elegance of an ancient castle. Its towering spires pierced the clouds, and its façade was a mix of polished stone and ivy-covered sections that hinted at its age. The gates themselves were intricate, with ornate carvings of wolves, moons, and vines, symbols of Lupinmere's legacy. The air around it was heavy with history and power, both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

We stepped through the gates into the bustling courtyard. The energy inside was palpable, with courtiers, guards, and attendants moving about with purpose. As we walked through the palace halls, I couldn't help but notice how everyone we passed would pause, kneel, and place a hand to their chest as they greeted Leah. The respect she commanded was undeniable, and I began to wonder just how much I didn't know about her life here.

Finally, we stopped in front of a door. Leah pushed it open and motioned for me to step inside. The room was grand yet inviting, with warm golden light streaming through tall windows draped in elegant silk curtains.

"I have a few things that need my attention," Leah said, her tone soft but hurried. "Freshen up, and I'll come find you later. I've assigned a maid to attend to your every need."

I nodded silently, still wary, but before I could say anything, Leah pulled me into a tight hug.

"It's really good to see you, Millie," she whispered. "I swear, I'll explain everything. Okay?"

Her words were comforting, but I wasn't sure if I could fully trust them yet. Leah stepped out, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the maid she had mentioned, who stood patiently by the door.

The room was luxurious. A canopy bed with deep emerald-green bedding sat at the center, flanked by intricately carved wooden nightstands. A plush rug covered the polished stone floor, its design mirroring the symbols I had seen on the palace gates. A gilded vanity held an array of delicate perfume bottles and a mirror framed with silver vines. On one side, a set of armchairs faced a fireplace where logs crackled softly, casting a warm glow. Shelves lined one wall, filled with books that looked ancient, their spines marked with strange symbols. Despite its beauty, the room felt like a gilded cage.

I glanced at the maid, who stood quietly by the door. She was young, her uniform pristine, and her posture straight. "If you need anything, miss, please don't hesitate to ask."

I nodded but didn't respond. As I wandered the room, my thoughts kept drifting back to Leah. Could I really trust her? Could she help me save Clara and Reed? Maybe she didn't know about her father's plans. Maybe we could go back to being best friends once this nightmare was over.

That hope was interrupted by a strange sensation—an inexplicable pull, like something was calling to me. I froze, trying to shake off the feeling, but it grew stronger with each passing second.

"Miss?" the maid asked, noticing my hesitation.

"I... I'd like a change of clothes," I said quickly, forcing a smile.

The maid nodded and left to fetch them, and as soon as the door closed behind her, I followed the pull. It was almost magnetic, leading me out of the room and down the hall. My footsteps were silent on the plush carpets as I navigated the labyrinth of corridors, the feeling growing stronger with each turn.

Finally, I arrived at a door. My hand trembled as I pushed it open. Inside, the room was bathed in sunlight, and at its center stood two mannequins draped in magnificent garments. One held a deep crimson dress, its fabric shimmering like liquid fire. The other wore a silver gown that sparkled as if woven from starlight. I couldn't resist; I stepped forward, my fingers brushing against the frills of the silver dress.

"Millie," a voice called, low and resonant, from the corner of the room.

I turned slowly, my heart pounding, and my eyes landed on a crown perched on a pedestal. It was breathtaking—a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The base was silver, delicate vines twisting into intricate patterns that seemed almost alive. Jewels of every shade sparkled in the light, forming a crescent-moon motif at the center. It exuded an aura of power and purpose, and I felt an overwhelming urge to touch it.

Drawn to it, I walked forward, my breath hitching. The closer I got, the stronger the pull became, as if the crown was meant for me. My fingers trembled as I lifted it, its weight surprisingly light yet significant.

I caught sight of myself in a nearby mirror—still in my nightgown, my hair a mess. The crown didn't belong on me... and yet, when I placed it on my head, it fit perfectly. A warmth spread through me, filling me with a sense of belonging I had never felt before. Memories of the wolf in my dreams flashed through my mind—the same crown had been placed on my head.

The warmth turned into something deeper, something awakening inside me, when the door burst open. Leah entered, flanked by a group of women I didn't recognize, their smiles fading the moment they saw me.

"Uhm, I'm sorry—" I began, but Leah's sharp voice cut me off.

"Take it off!" she shouted, her tone harsher than I'd ever heard before.

"Leah, I didn't mean."

"Take it off right now, it's not yours, it's mine," she screamed walking towards me.

Startled, I removed the crown and handed it to her. Leah's expression was unreadable, a mix of anger and fear.

"You should go," she said, her voice tight. "I'll come find you."

I nodded and left the room, my heart pounding. That wasn't the Leah I knew. Leah had never shouted at me like that before. Whatever had just happened, it was terrifying—and I couldn't shake the feeling that something monumental had just begun.

Authors note:
I would like to apologize for my delay in uploading, a lot of stuff has been happening lately, stuff I don't want to get into. Anyways as a gift, I spent hours trying to get A.I to generate the perfect image of Shane and while it could be better, this is the best I could do. So enjoy lovelies........