No Longer Mine to Hold - Chapter 4

Anderson never reached out to me even after my abortion. He thought I was throwing a tantrum and trying to get his attention.

He also started posting photos on public platforms.

There were photos of them picking out their wedding home, buying furniture, and taking wedding photos together…

I didn’t react. Instead, I contacted my teacher and accepted a task to collect herbs on an isolated, snow-covered island.

When that beta took me to the treatment station, he secretly hid the truth about the avalanche in my bag, which I handed over to my teacher.

When I realized the avalanche was caused by the Alpha illegally developing the sacred altar, I felt endless rage. The last bit of affection I had immediately disappeared.

After handling everything, I returned to the residence meant for the Luna.

I packed up everything that symbolized my identity as Luna, along with all the evidence I had gathered about the abuse in the correctional facility.

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the small leather bag I had packed. It wasn’t much—just a few sets of clothes, some money I had saved, and the documents I would need to start anew. The weight in my chest was unbearable, yet I forced myself to breathe steadily. Tonight was the night. There was no turning back.

The house was eerily silent. Anderson had already left for the night, his usual routine of indulgence keeping him occupied elsewhere. The servants had long retired, leaving me alone with nothing but the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway. I had spent weeks planning this, ensuring that no one would suspect my departure until it was too late.

I pulled on my cloak, fastening it tightly around my shoulders. The cold night air would bite, but I welcomed it. Anything was better than the suffocating walls of this house. With one last glance at the room that had once held my dreams, I grabbed my bag and moved toward the door.

My heart pounded as I stepped into the corridor. Each creak of the wooden floorboards sent a wave of fear through me, but I forced myself forward. The grand staircase loomed ahead, its descent a final threshold between captivity and freedom. Carefully, I stepped down, avoiding the spots I knew would betray my presence.

Reaching the front door, I hesitated only a moment before unfastening the lock. A rush of cold air greeted me as I stepped outside, my breath visible in the moonlight. I didn’t dare waste another second. Pulling my hood over my head, I moved quickly toward the stables.

As I approached, I found Henry, the stable boy, waiting just as we had planned. His wide eyes held concern, but he remained silent as he led me to the horse he had saddled for my escape.

“Are you sure about this, my lady?” he asked in a hushed whisper.

I nodded, swallowing past the lump in my throat. “I have no choice, Henry. Thank you for your help. I won’t forget it.”

He handed me the reins and stepped back. “Be safe, Miss Irene.”

With a final nod, I mounted the horse and urged it forward. The sound of hooves against the dirt road filled my ears, drowning out my doubts. I did not look back.

Freedom was just beyond the horizon, and I would claim it—no matter the cost.