Chapitre 14: The Final Countdown

The next few weeks went by in a blur, each day seamlessly merging into the next as I meticulously carried out each phase of my plan. It felt as though I was drifting through my own life, a shadow of myself, moving on autopilot. But I had to stay focused. The end was in sight, and every action, every decision, was a step toward the freedom I so desperately craved.

Thanks to the witches and the potions they brewed for me, the constant agony from Ethan's betrayal had been nullified and I once again no longer felt the pain of the fated bond. The concoction was herbal-based, a mixture of rare roots and leaves that dulled the edge of the searing pain that had once consumed me. Every morning, I drank it like a lifeline, a bitter reminder that though the physical ache could be managed, the emotional scars of his deceit were still etched deeply into my soul.

The witches who had helped me were sisters, Kalima and Wairimu, descendants of an ancient Afro-Pacific coven that had long been forgotten by most of the pack. Their ancestors were powerful practitioners, blending the ancient arts of both the ocean and the earth, drawing on the strength of the islands and the deep-rooted connection they had with nature.

Kalima, the elder of the two, was tall with striking features and a commanding presence. Her deep mahogany skin seemed to shimmer in the dim light of their cottage, and her eyes held a wisdom that could see right through any façade. Her sister Wairimu, though younger, was no less formidable. Shorter and quieter, she had a delicate touch with magic, her slender hands always stained with the herbs she carefully nurtured.

When I approached them about my need, it was Wairimu who spoke first, her voice soft but filled with a kind of reverence. "Luna Azaria," she greeted me, her accent thick, her eyes full of understanding. "You come to us in need. What troubles your heart?"

The scent of incense and dried herbs filled the air of their small cottage, and though I had been here before to speak with them about pack-related matters, this visit was different. More personal. I hesitated for a moment before speaking, my voice barely louder than a whisper. "I need help," I admitted. "I need something that can dull the effects of both a fated bond and mated bond that's … causing me pain."

Kalima's sharp eyes narrowed as she approached me, crossing her arms over her chest. "A damaged bond?" she repeated, her voice full of intrigue. "You speak of the Alpha and also another, don't you?"

I nodded, feeling the familiar weight of Ethan's betrayal pressing down on my shoulders like a burden I couldn't shake. "Yes. He has broken our bond, and I can feel it. The pain is… unbearable sometimes. I recently found my fated but—anyways can y'all help?"

The two sisters exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable for a moment. Kalima stepped closer, her fingers brushing a few of the dried herbs hanging from the ceiling as she considered my words. "You've always been kind to us, even when the rest of the pack kept us at arm's length," she said, her voice softening. "It is only right that we help you in return."

I felt a sense of relief at her words, though I knew their aid wouldn't come without a price. Magic of this sort always required something in return. "What do you need from me?" I asked, knowing that a potion powerful enough to dull the effects of a broken bond would not come easily.

Kalima gave me a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "We'll need some of your essence. A lock of your hair, your blood—something that binds you to the magic. That way, the potion will be effective only for you."

I nodded, willing to give them whatever they needed if it meant some relief from the constant agony. Wairimu moved forward, her hands delicate as she reached into her pouch and pulled out a small silver blade. Without hesitation, I held out my hand, allowing her to prick my finger. The sting was nothing compared to the pain I carried inside. She collected a few drops of my blood into a vial, then Kalima gently plucked a single strand of my hair, adding it to the mixture.

The two sisters moved with a practiced ease, gathering rare herbs and leaves that I hadn't seen before. Some were blue and glistened like ocean water, others were deep green and pulsed with the energy of the earth. Together, they chanted softly, their voices harmonizing as they worked, pouring my essence into the bubbling cauldron in front of them.

Wairimu began stirring the potion, her movements fluid and precise, while Kalima reached for a small jar of crushed stones, adding them to the mix. The liquid inside the cauldron changed colors, shifting from a deep violet to a shimmering gold, as the magic took hold.

"It will be ready by dawn," Kalima said, her eyes meeting mine as she set the stirring rod aside. "But remember, Luna, this is not a permanent solution. The potion will dull the pain, but it cannot heal what has been broken. That is something you will have to face on your own."

Her words weighed heavy on my heart, but I nodded. I knew she was right. The potion could help me endure the physical toll Ethan's betrayal had taken on me, but the emotional scars—the ones that cut deeper than any physical wound—were mine to carry.

Wairimu handed me a small vial of the finished potion, its golden hue swirling inside the glass. "Take it each morning," she instructed. "It will ease your suffering and allow you to carry out your duties."

I took the vial from her, holding it carefully in my hands. "Thank you," I said softly, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for their kindness. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

Kalima smiled again, this time a bit more warmly. "You've always been one of the few who truly understood the balance of power and respect. We'll always be here for you, Luna. Remember that."

I took my daily dose of the potion, as I had been doing every morning since that day. The bitter taste was something I had grown accustomed to, though it still made my throat tighten with each swallow. But as the warmth of the potion spread through my veins, the familiar ache in my chest eased, allowing me to focus.

I couldn't afford to lose control—not now. There was too much at stake. Ethan might be oblivious to the true extent of my suffering, but I had learned to use that to my advantage. Every interaction, every conversation with him was calculated, each one carefully designed to push him closer to the edge.

The potion had become my armor, shielding me from the worst of the pain. Yet, even my now nullified symptoms, can't suppress the weight of knowing that my own husband had not only betrayed me but continued to lie with such ease. Of course, each day I played the part of the pained luna, making sure not to let anyone outside of Lilly and Stephanie know of my recovery. Thanks to the blood contract, Stephaine couldn't tell Ethan anything, not even about the contracts, even if she tried.

The Elders and pack leaders are arriving for the contract and allyship meetings tomorrow. The Elders are mainly here for the marriage renewal since I'm still technically royal. Stephanie and I had spent the entire day making preparations, ensuring everything was in order for the arrival of our guests. The hotel I had built for visiting alphas and pack leaders was fully booked, and the final details were in place.

Stephanie had been indispensable during this time. She understood my vision, helping me ensure that everything was perfect down to the smallest detail. Her attention to detail rivaled mine, and her quiet efficiency gave me a sense of peace amidst the growing tension. Every glance she cast my way, though tinged with the weight of unspoken feelings, was steady and reassuring.

But beneath her collected exterior, I could sense the storm brewing inside her. She hadn't yet made her decision, and time was running out. The connection between us had grown stronger, undeniable, but her ties to Ethan still held her back. I could see the conflict in her eyes every time our hands brushed or when her gaze lingered on me for a moment too long.

Tonight, I would push her, not out of cruelty but necessity. The clock was ticking, and we couldn't afford indecision. Tomorrow's meeting would set everything in motion, and I needed to know where she stood.

As the night fell, the packhouse quieted, save for the low murmur of conversation coming from the dining room. Dinner was a family affair tonight, with only a few close guests staying in the packhouse. Stephanie joined me, of course, and I was grateful for her presence. Though we hadn't spoken about Ethan in the past few days, I could sense her inner turmoil. The choice she had to make was weighing on her, and the clock was ticking.

After dinner, when Ethan, Beta Marcus, and Alpha George, Ethan's paternal grandfather, left to discuss pack matters, I knew it was time to set the final stage of my plan in motion.

Luna Ruth, Ethan's grandmother, was the only one left at the table with us. I glanced at her, noting the tired lines around her eyes. "You look exhausted from your journey," I said softly. "Shall I have someone escort you to your room?"

She smiled kindly, her face softening. "Thank you, dear. That would be most helpful."

I waved over a young omega to assist her, and as they left, I turned to Stephanie, a mischievous smile playing on my lips. "Meet me in the west wing office in an hour," I whispered. "I have something important to discuss."

Stephanie looked intrigued but didn't question me. She simply nodded saying, "sure thing Azi," and left the dining room, leaving me to finalize the details of my plan.

(Stephanie's Point of View)

As I made my way to the west wing, my mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The connection I felt with Azi had only grown stronger over the past few weeks, but the guilt of my relationship with Ethan weighed heavily on my heart. How could I betray him? How could I walk away from everything we had built together?

But then there was Azi… her kindness, her strength, her unwavering resolve. She had become a constant in my life, and the pull I felt toward her was undeniable. Yet I couldn't deny my feelings for Ethan either, the three years we'd spent building something that felt real—until now.

By the time I reached the office, my heart was racing, and I knew that tonight, something would change. One way or another, I would have to make a choice.

(Azaria's Point of View)

As Stephanie entered the office, I took a deep breath, knowing that the time had come to lay all my cards on the table. We didn't have much time left, and tomorrow's events would change everything.

As Stephanie stepped into the dimly lit office, the heavy scent of leather and wood filled the air, mingling with the faint hint of jasmine from my perfume. I leaned back against Ethan's desk, the smooth wood cool against my palms as I watched her enter, closing the door softly behind her.

I didn't move, didn't speak immediately. I wanted her to feel the tension, the heat that had been building between us for weeks. The way her eyes flickered nervously toward me, the slight parting of her lips as if she were on the verge of saying something—everything about her body language screamed confusion, desire, hesitation.

"You look a little tense," I purred softly, letting my voice wrap around her like silk. I took a slow step forward, deliberately allowing my gaze to linger on her lips before trailing it up to meet her eyes. "You've been thinking about me, haven't you?"

She swallowed hard, her body tensing visibly as she stood a few feet away, rooted to the spot. "Azi, I…" Her voice was a whisper, barely audible as her hands fidgeted nervously by her sides.

"Shh…" I whispered, taking another step toward her, closing the distance between us. I reached out, my fingers lightly brushing the back of her hand, sending a spark through my skin. I didn't pull away. Neither did she. "You don't have to say anything," I murmured, my breath warm against her cheek as I leaned in closer, close enough that I could almost feel the rapid beat of her heart. "I can feel it too."

Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment, her lips parting slightly as if she were struggling to breathe. She was trying so hard to fight it, but I could see the cracks in her resolve. I could feel the way her body leaned subtly toward mine, as though drawn by an invisible force.

"Steph," I said, my voice barely more than a whisper now as my fingers grazed her arm, trailing slowly up toward her shoulder. "You don't have to make a decision tonight. Not yet." I let my hand slide up to the back of her neck, fingers curling lightly into her hair, pulling her just a little closer. "But you can feel it, can't you? The way your body reacts to mine. The way we just… fit."

Her breath hitched, her eyes opening again, wide and full of uncertainty, desire, and something more—something deeper. "Azi, I don't… I don't know what this is," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and want. "I feel something, but it's confusing…"

I smiled softly, leaning in until my lips were just inches from hers. "You don't have to understand it," I whispered, my voice low and seductive. "Just let yourself feel it. Let yourself want this…"

I paused, giving her a moment to breathe, to process, before letting my fingers trail down her neck, lightly skimming her collarbone as I spoke again. "You've spent so long doing what others expect of you. What he expects of you. But right here, right now… it's just us." My voice dropped, becoming a soft murmur. "No one else."

She let out a shaky breath, her body trembling slightly as she met my gaze again. I could see the war going on inside her—could feel the way she was torn between the pull she felt toward me and the ties she still had to him. But her resolve was weakening. I could feel it in the way her body leaned closer to mine, in the way her breath quickened.

"I want you to touch me, Steph," I whispered, my lips brushing the shell of her ear as I spoke. "I want you to stop thinking and just feel. Don't you want that too?"

Her hand moved hesitantly, her fingers trembling as they brushed against my arm, trailing up to rest lightly on my waist. It was a tentative touch, unsure, but it was enough. Enough to know that I had her. Enough to know that she was no longer thinking about him, about anyone else.

"I…" she whispered, her voice breathy and filled with confusion, desire, and something else—something deeper. "I don't know what I'm doing."

I smiled softly, my fingers trailing up her neck to gently cup her jaw, guiding her to meet my gaze. "You're doing exactly what you want," I whispered, my thumb lightly brushing her bottom lip. "And you know what? That's okay."

For a moment, we were suspended in that charged silence, the tension between us thick enough to cut with a knife. Then, finally, I closed the distance between us, my lips grazing hers in a soft, teasing kiss. It wasn't demanding, wasn't forceful. Just a taste. Just enough to leave her wanting more.

She gasped softly against my mouth, her body tensing before relaxing into my touch. I pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, my lips curling into a slow, seductive smile. "See?" I murmured, my fingers still trailing lightly over her skin. "It doesn't have to be complicated."

She let out a shaky breath, her eyes still wide and filled with a mixture of desire and confusion. "Azi… I…"

"Shh," I whispered again, pressing a finger to her lips. "Don't think. Just feel."

And with that, I kissed her again, deeper this time, letting the intensity between us build as I pulled her closer, pressing her body against mine. This wasn't about him anymore. This was about us, about the pull that neither of us could deny. And as her lips parted beneath mine, I knew she could feel it too.