< Chapter 102: Dawn’s Crue.
Chapter 102: Dawn’s Cruel Light
Chapter 102: Dawn’s Cruel Light
(Olivia’s POV)
el Points
The faint light of dawn crept through the window of Moonlight Haven, illuminating my pale face. I had been sitting by this window all night, unable to find peace in sleep.
My wolf Cora whimpered softly in my mind, her distress echoing through our bond. The severed pre–mating
connection with Connor left us both restless and aching.
I managed only brief moments of dozing as morning arrived. Each time I closed my amber eyes, haunting
dreams pulled me back into consciousness.
The dreams were cruel. In the last one, Connor stood before me, his ice–blue eyes cold and distant.
He held Layla Lawrence’s hand, their fingers intertwined. His voice was calm as he spoke the words that
shattered my heart.
“Olivia, I’m taking Layla as my chosen mate. You’re invited to our mating ceremony.”
In the dream, I cried. The tears felt real, burning my cheeks as they fell.
I woke with actual tears on my face. Cora’s anguish bled through our bond, making my chest tight with pain.
The morning light felt harsh against my skin. I wiped away the tears with trembling fingers.
A gentle knock on the door interrupted my misery. “Miss Olivia? Are you awake? It’s time for lunch.”
Evelyn Foster’s kind voice carried through the wood. I quickly dried my face and opened the door.
Evelyn’s concerned eyes took in my appearance. Her maternal beta instincts immediately noticed my pale complexion and the dark circles under my amber eyes.
“Did you sleep well?” she asked hesitantly, unaware of the scandal on Howlr or the broken engagement.
“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice hoarse. “I’ll come down after a shower.”
Evelyn’s brow furrowed with worry. “I’ll keep the food warm for you. You need to eat something.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, grateful for her kindness. “You’re very thoughtful.”
After Evelyn left, I closed the door and slid down to the floor. The weight of my broken pre–mating bond pressed down on me like a physical force.
My phone buzzed with missed calls and messages. I scrolled through them desperately, searching for
Connor’s name.
Nothing. Not a single message from him.
Exhaustion from the sleepless night and lack of food made me feel weak. Cora’s distress was making me physically ill.
My phone rang, and Richard Winters name appeared on the screen. Through our pack bond as father and daughter, he could sense my condition.
“Livvy, are you okay? Are you eating and sleeping well?” His voice carried genuine concern.
III
O
1/3
< Chapter 102: Dawn’s Crue
My voice broke as I tried to sound normal. “I’m fine, Father.”
But Richard knew I was lying through our familial connection. The pack bond between us revealed my true
state.
“Livvy, the press conference this morning is over. We formally announced the termination of the mating
arrangement.”
He paused, his voice gentle. “Dad has sent a car to pick you up. Come home after lunch.”
I agreed weakly, too drained to argue. Richard sensed my need for space through our bond and ended the
call.
I slowly got up and entered the bathroom. The hot water felt good against my skin, but it couldn’t wash away the pain.
Downstairs, Evelyn pulled out her phone. She dialed the private number Connor had given her for updates on.
my wellbeing.
“Alpha Rivers? It’s Evelyn Foster. I’m concerned about Miss Olivia’s condition.”
Connor’s voice was tense on the other end. “What’s wrong?”
“She hasn’t slept or eaten properly. Her wolf seems very distressed. She looks terrible.”
There was silence before Connor spoke again. “Make sure she eats something. Is she… can I visit her?”
His voice was tired, heavy with his own wolf’s pain. “Actually, someone will take her home today.”
I came downstairs after my shower, my damp hair falling around my shoulders. Evelyn had prepared a warm
meal, the aroma filling the kitchen.
“Please eat something,” she urged, her maternal instincts in overdrive. “You need your strength.”
I thanked her but had no appetite. My wolf was too distraught to focus on food.
I managed a few sips of soup, the warm liquid soothing my throat. My phone lay beside my plate, silent and
mocking.
I checked it again, hoping for a message from Connor. Still nothing.
Did he know my condition through our severed bond? Did he truly not care anymore?
Had his wolf Adam already moved on to Layla Lawrence?
The car arrived after lunch. I gathered my few belongings, my movements slow and mechanical.
Evelyn hugged me goodbye, her eyes filled with worry. “Take care of yourself, Miss Olivia.”
The drive to the Winters Family Estate passed in a blur. I stared out the window, watching the familiar landscape of Riverdale.
At the estate, Grace Winters rushed to greet me. Her young wolf’s joy was evident in her bright eyes.
“Sister! I missed you so much!” She threw her arms around me.
I managed a smile for my half–sister; her innocent affection warming my cold heart slightly.
Natalie Winters approached, her expression concerned. “Olivia, how are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” I repeated the lie I’d been telling everyone.
III
O
2/3
Chapter 102 Dawn’s Crue
Natalie studied my face carefully. “Would you like to see your room? Agatha has kept it clean for you?
Grace bounced excitedly. “Can I come too? I want to show sister my new drawings!*
Natalie placed a gentle hand on Grace’s shoulder. “Your sister needs rest right now. You can visit her later”
Grace’s sharp eyes noticed the dark circles under my amber eyes. “Sister, why do you have dark circles?”
“I didn’t sleep well,” I admitted, too tired to lie to the innocent child.
Grace’s face scrunched with concern. “Then you should go to sleep right away!”
I nodded, exhausted. My wolf was depleted from the broken pre–mating bond,
I headed upstairs to my childhood sanctuary, each step feeling heavier than the last.
И
4.4K
Comments