Chapter 53 53

Chapter 53 53
Eve's POV

I walked back to the park like a ghost.

My chest hurt in that dull, persistent, sickening way.

I was already in love with Alpha Rygar.

I dragged a hand down my face and sighed.

The seven moons are over. Rygar could rule without me.

His people would prefer it.

His brother would celebrate it.

The elders would throw a feast.

A small, bitter laugh left my lips.

If I disappeared, his life would be easier.

He could even remarry someone acceptable. Someone who didn't carry the baggage of a villain's bloodline. Someone his people loved.

My heart squeezed painfully at the thought.

But then came the other side.

Skara.

That psycho reincarnating witch with a personal vendetta and too much power.

And she wanted Rygar.

Or maybe she just wanted to destroy him because she couldn't have him.

Honestly? Same toxic energy.

Rygar would be safe. A thought simmered in my head. 

Safe.

Wasn't that what love was? Wanting someone safe, even if it costs you everything?

I bit my lip.

But something didn't sit right.

"I feel like Skara is trying to get rid of me so she can have Rygar all to herself," I muttered under my breath.

Because let's be honest.

A centuries-old witch who used to be his mate?

Who keeps reincarnating and stalking him?

Who suddenly offers me a clean exit?

Suspicious as hell.

"That evil bitch," I grumbled.

What if this was just another manipulation?

If I left, what guaranteed she'd keep her promise?

There were no NDAs here. No witch police.

She could wave goodbye to me and go right back to terrorizing Rygar.

And then what?

I'd be in my cozy, modern world, drinking iced coffee, while he fought for his life against a supernatural stalker ex.

My stomach twisted.

"I don't even know what to believe anymore," I whispered to the midnight air.

Then there was the Blood Sea.

The so-called ticket home.

What did I even know about it?

Nothing.

If I ask Rygar, he'll get suspicious that I'm planning another sort of escape again. 

Igla, my home girl, is gone, on an endless journey, and I have no friend in the park that could lead me there.

For all I knew, it could be a myth, a trap, or worse, one of Skara's many deceptions.

Maybe she just wanted me running around hopelessly until I got killed or lost.

Honestly, that sounded very on-brand for her.

I kicked a small stone on the path, frustrated.

My situation was ridiculous.

Back on Earth, my biggest problems were assignment deadlines and whether my favorite pay-to-read author would update. Now I was debating soul-return rituals and blood oceans like it was a normal Tuesday.

A sad smile tugged at my lips.

God, I missed normal.

And then the thought struck me. Rygar loved me.

He said it.

He showed it.

He chose me publicly.

Even when it cost him.

And here I was considering leaving without telling him the truth about who I really was.

Guilt gnawed at me.

"I'm a terrible person," I murmured.

I couldn't believe anything Skara said.

"It was a mistake that I even went out to see her," I muttered to myself as I reached the pack's entrance.

That bitch got into my head. That was her power. She planted seeds of confusion. I won't trust her one bit.

One thing was clear to me now.

"I love my husband," I whispered more firmly, as if saying it out loud made it a vow. "And I'll never let him go."

Not even for my old life.

Yes, I missed my world. Yes, I missed the simplicity. But my heart… my foolish, traitorous heart had chosen Rygar.

His rough edges.

His rare smiles.

The way he held me like I was something to protect, not use.

I reached the chambers quietly as my thoughts detangled away from Skara's words.  The corridor was silent; most of the pack were still asleep. 

If Rygar was asleep, I could slip in and curl beside him like I never left. He'd pull me close even in his sleep; he always did.

A small smile touched my lips at the thought.

I approached the door softly, then paused.

My eyes darted to the window.

If he was awake, I didn't want to startle him. The last thing I needed was questions about where I'd been. I wasn't ready to lie, and I definitely wasn't ready to tell the truth.

So I tiptoed to the side of the chamber and peered through the window.

Just a quick look.

Just to check if he is still asleep or awake.

My fingers rested on the stone wall as I lifted myself slightly to see inside.

At first, my mind didn't register what my eyes were seeing.

The room was brightly lit (the candles were dead when I left.)

The bed sheets were messy.

And there were two figures on the bed. Naked!

It took me a while to realise it was Rygar and Kaela!

They were so smothered in each other's faces, kissing, touching, squirming, awning that the world tilted.

I pulled away from the window as if it were on fire. But the image stamped on my head like a brand.

Rygar, cheating with Kaela. On our matrimonial bed.

The air around me felt sucked out of the world. My ears rang like someone had struck a bell inside my skull.

I froze on the spot.