"Leave me," I said.
"But these belongings..."
"I'll handle them." I fought to maintain composure. My hands had already clenched into fists.
The servants exchanged glances but obeyed.
After they departed, I sat alone in my study, staring at that diary for a full hour.
I didn't dare open it.
Because I knew once I did, I might discover truths I couldn't bear.
But perhaps inside lay clues... proof she wasn't the killer, proof everyone had condemned her wrongly. Kayden, at least don't let her die with her name still blackened.
Slowly, I reached out, as if opening Pandora's box. Turned to the first page. Delicate handwriting met my eyes. My heart lurched violently.
No. This couldn't be real...
My breathing quickened, fingers barely able to hold the pages. I devoured every entry, turning page after page, desperate to find something—evidence that this was all some cruel joke.
But there was nothing. Nothing at all.
Everything was real. A girl's ten-year devotion laid bare. Layla Gray's chronicle of loving Kayden Blackwood.
My wolf whimpered in anguish, tearing at the fur on its own chest. Hating itself. Blaming itself.
Kayden, look what you've done.
Yes. Look what I'd done.
"Age fifteen, early spring. Today I saw light.
He saved me like a hero descending from heaven. I'm not afraid of death—for a hybrid like me, death would be release. But his hands were so warm. He bled for me. He gave me his coat. Now I think I don't want to die anymore."
"Today I glimpsed him training from afar. His wolf form is beautiful. I thought, if only someday I could be that strong."
"Sophia and her friends bullied me again, but I'm not sad. Because today he smiled in my direction. Even if he was smiling at someone else, I can pretend it was meant for me."
"I've washed and dried that coat again and again. But I can't bring myself to return it. It's the only precious thing I have in this world."
"I heard Mr. Kayden is going to Europe for five years. I'm heartbroken. But I'll wait for him. Five years is nothing—I can wait."
"Today, Mr. Kayden returns. I'm so nervous my heart might burst. I know I shouldn't fantasize, but I can't help hoping he'll look at me, even just once..."
The final entry, dated just before that Full Moon seven years ago:
"Tomorrow is the engagement ceremony. I'm finally marrying Kayden! I can hardly believe it—this must be a dream. I want to be the most beautiful bride. I want him to know how deeply I love him.
I made a bouquet myself. Not as fine as expensive arrangements, but it's from my heart. I hope he'll like it.
Kayden, if someday you read this diary, I want you to know: Thank you for saving me. Thank you for becoming my reason to live. Thank you for showing me what love is. From fifteen to twenty-five—I will love you forever."
Something warm dripped onto the pages, spreading into dark blots.
I touched my face, realized I was crying.
Kayden Blackwood, Alpha of Silver Moon Pack, a leader who never showed weakness—weeping like a child.
