“You’d still regret not treasuring it more while you had it.”
I let that sink in before proceeding.
“But if you throw away a heavy stone, you’ll only feel relieved to be rid of the burden. Why would you even consider picking it up again?”
There was a brief silence on the other end before a soft laugh broke through.
“You always explain things so clearly,” Lyra said appreciatively. “If I could hear your advice more often…”
Her voice took on a hopeful tone: “It would undoubtedly benefit me greatly.” Please give me this opportunity.
I smiled, having already mentally reorganised my team to include her.
“I will.” Remember to adjust your schedule and prepare for the interview. Alpha Rowan is fair but thorough.” When I hung up, I felt a deep sense of lightness wash over me.
I hadn’t become a workaholic, sacrificing my health to prove my worth without Ezra.
Nor had I been so devastated by our failed relationship that I had succumbed to depression, wasting my days in misery.
At this point, the scales in my heart had reached a near-perfect balance: work and personal life, ambition and contentment, memory and growth.
The gavel of justice had finally fallen, restoring my freedom and happiness.
Standing at my office window, I watched the Ashwood pack members go about their day: children playing in the training yard, warriors practicing their combat skills and elders teaching the younger generations about our history.
Zara Williams, strategist, leader, and wolf, had found a place for herself here, rather than as someone’s mate.
Ezra’s downfall was his own doing, just as my rise was mine.
Later that evening, as I was preparing for Alpha Rowan’s strategy meeting, my phone vibrated with a text message.
Unknown number: Is it correct that your new pack is accepting applications?
I recognised the number right away, even though I had deleted it from my contacts. Ezra.
My thumb lingered on the screen for a moment.
Then, without responding, I blocked the number and placed the phone in my pocket.
Some chapters should be closed permanently.
Tomorrow would present new challenges, opportunities, and growth.
And I’d face them all as the woman I’d become, not the one Ezra had tried to shape me into.
Free, strong, and complete.
