Chapter 15
ELARA’S POV
Ronan’s words shook me to my core. I knew whoever attacked me deserved death, but the thought alone sent a chill through me.
I shrugged, my voice soft. “It’s not your fault. How could you have known? I rushed in too, ignoring your advice to wait.”
He sighed, pulling back. “Take care, then.” His hand reached for the doorknob.
“Ronan!” I called out. He froze, hand on the knob, turning to face me.
“Let me help the Moon White Pack. If children’s lives are at stake, I have to do something.”
His eyes darkened, cold and sharp. He released the knob and slammed his fist against the door, making me flinch. “Are you trying to get yourself killed? What, do you think you’re some kind of goddess?”
“What?” I blinked, stunned. “If people need me, I’ll help! This is about innocent kids!”
His expression softened, my stubbornness sinking in. Then, to my surprise, he exhaled heavily. “Fine. But you’re not leaving this Pack until you’re fully healed.”
“Thank you,” I said, a genuine smile breaking through, relief flooding my chest. With that, he left, the door clicking shut, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
As his footsteps faded, I smacked my good hand against my forehead. Was I actually suicidal? I’d just escaped death, and here I was, ready to leap into another dangerous unknown?
I sank back into the bed, my mind spiraling. Who could’ve done this? Did someone outside know about my powers… or was it closer?
The door creaked open, and the air turned thick, heavy with a sickly sweet scent I knew too well.
Marcelline.
My blood ran cold as she glided in, settling into the wooden chair across from me, legs crossed, her glare sharp as a blade. “We need to talk.”
“About what?” My voice, still raspy, carried a defiant edge. I was done being her target, especially after nearly dying.
“Who do you think you are?” she hissed, her voice low and venomous.
A raw, bitter laugh escaped me. Her lips curled into a scowl, her eyes narrowing. “What’s so funny?”
“I’m sorry,” I said, shaking my head. “For a second, I thought you might actually care if I was alive. But even now, on my deathbed, you hate me this much?” I sighed, exhausted. “That’s honestly pathetic, my lady.”
She threw her head back, laughing coldly. “You little wretch. You think you’re special, don’t you?” She leaned closer, her eyes glinting with malice. “I see through you, Elara. You’re nothing but a manipulative freak.”
The word—freak—hit like a slap, echoing memories of Seraphine. Why? Because of my powers? The raw hatred in Marcelline’s gaze twisted my stomach.
“Manipulative?” I shot back. “Look who’s talking.”
“What?”
“What exactly have I done to earn that name?”
“Ronan,” she spat. “You’ve got him twisted around your pathetic little finger. It’s disgusting.”
I laughed again, this time in disbelief. “If you think the Alpha sees me as anything more than a problem, you’re delusional. I’m just a nuisance to him.”
“Really?” she sneered, arching a brow. “You haven’t noticed how he changes around you?”
“Changes?” I snorted, sarcasm dripping. “Yeah, like I’m some stray dog he has to deal with.”
Her hand slammed onto the table beside her, making me jump. “Don’t play stupid, Elara!”
“I’m not!” I shouted, my anger surging, fueled by exhaustion and the unfairness of it all. “I’ve done nothing wrong since I got here. All you’ve done is threaten me, sabotage me, and now you’re accusing me?”
She stood, pacing like a caged beast. “He killed my maids and guards because of you,” she muttered.
My eyes widened. Killed? For me? The thought was terrifying and surreal. Then it hit me—Marcelline was behind the attack.
“He…” She went on, her voice trembling. “He yelled at me, cursed me, for the first time, because of you.” A tear slid down her cheek. “I’ve seen Ronan’s anger before, but this? This rage? It’s all for you.”
The truth crashed over me. It was her. “So it was you, wasn’t it?”
Her head snapped up, eyes blazing, no longer hiding it. “Yes!” she snapped. “I planned to kill you. So what?”
Tears I’d fought back spilled over, hot with fury. “Why?”
“Why not?” she shrieked, her face twisted with hatred. “Since you showed up, you’ve been a thorn in my side. And I’ll do whatever it takes to get rid of you.”
She spun and stormed out, the door slamming behind her. A shaky, desperate breath tore from my chest, my heart racing.
Oh, gods—
If Marcelline was right, if Ronan truly had feelings for me… what then? I lay there for hours, unable to sleep, my mind drowning in the weight of it all. One thing was certain, though.
I’d been hiding my feelings for Ronan, but now, denying them felt pointless.