Chapter 38
Zara stood there, almost in tears, her voice trembling. “Riley, please. One last chance. Whatever you want–tell me. I’ll give it to you I swear.”
I closed my eyes and inhaled slowly, steadying the turmoil inside me.
When I opened them again, I was ready.
“Fine.” I said coldly. “One last chance. But if you fail me again–if you lie, hesitate, or make excuses–we’re done. Forever. You’ll be nothing more than a stranger.”
She nodded eagerly, as if she’d been waiting her entire life to hear that from me. “Yes, of course. Anything. Just tell me what you need.”
I looked her dead in the eyes. You raised Scarlett for twenty–three years. She’s worn designer clothes, driven imported cars, traveled the world, and had every privilege thrown at her feet. You spent more than a fortune on her.
Zara blinked, unsure. “Are you asking for money?”
“I’m asking for the only thing you can give,” I said without emotion. “I want ten million credits. That’s all. Give me that, and I’ll forgive everything.”
She looked stunned. Ten million was a lot, even for her. Not impossible, but not something she could just hand over today.
But
compared to what I had demanded before–to cast out Scarlett and sever the blood–bonded tie of guardianship–this wa
a walk in the park
She was so terrified I might change my mind that she didn’t even hesitate. “Okay. I agree. I’ll get it for you.”
I nodded. “Good. Then leave
. I’m tired”
She practically fled in relief, clinging to the promise of redemption like it was a lifeline.
I watched her and a small smirk curled at the corner of my lips.
That was always the plan.
I never expected her to exile Scarlett. And climbing the sacred nine hundred and ninety–nine stairs at Ashfang Temple? Please. I knew she couldn’t do it.
I gave her impossible choices first so that when I finally asked for the money she’d jump at the chance.
She would never have agreed to ten million upfront. Not when she couldn’t even bear to give me a proper allowance before.
But now?
Now, I had what I needed,
The next day, Mia returned as usual to bring me food–but this time, she wasn’t alone.
Carman came with her.
She was only twenty, but she radiated a light I hadn’t felt in a long time. There was no pain in her eyes, no cynicism–just the brightness of a young she–wolf with a future.
I was only three years older, but in my reflection, I barely recognized myself. My eyes were hollow. My skin pale and bruised. My hands scarred
Carman’s gaze landed on my bandaged hand, and her eyes filled instantly with tears. She stepped forward and gently cupped my wrist, her fingers trembling. “Riley… What did they do to you…
The bruises were still vivid. The belt wounds from Alarie’s rage cut across my
y arms in ugly, swollen marks.
Carman’s voice cracked. “You can’t stay
y with them. The Vales are monsters. Leave them. Please,”
+8 Pearls
I knew she meant it. She and Mia were the only ones who ever visited me in prison. Not Kael. Not Zara. Not Theo.
Just them.
And for that I would protect them with everything I had.
I gave her a small smile. “Okay, I’ll listen to you, Carman.”
Her eyes widened. “Really?”
I nodded. “Really.”
But before I walked away from the Vale estate for good, I needed to make sure they had a way out too. If Kael ever tried to use them against me again–I wouldn’t survive
it.
So I shifted the topic. “How are your classes?”
She beamed. “Pretty good. I’ve been making the Dean’s List every semester.”
I felt a flicker of warmth. “That’s my girl. Do you want to study abroad?”
She hesitated. The light in her eyes dimmed.
I’d love to,” she admitted. “But there’s no way. Mom’s already doing everything she can just to keep me in school here. Studying overseas? That’s a luxury we can’t afford.”
I leaned forward. “What if–just what if–you didn’t have to worry about money? Would you go?”
Carman laughed softly, shaking her head. “In a heartbeat. But dreams don’t work like that, Riley. It’s just a fantasy.”
No. Not a fantasy.
A plan.
Once I got that ten million, they were the first ones I’d send away. Carman would finish her education in another country- far from the Vale Pack. Far from Alaric. Far from Kael. Far from pain.
And Mia would go with her. She deserved peace.
I would tie up the last of my loose ends.
Once they were safe–no one could use them against me.
And then?
I’d burn the rest down.
Let the Vales come for me if they dared.
Because this time, I wasn’t afraid to take every last one of them with me.