Chapter 8

The next morning,Kyle left early for the pack council meeting.Before he left,he planted a kiss on my forehead.

“I'll pick you up at six tonight.”

“Wear that white moonlight dress.It looks good on you.”

The moment the door closed,I turned and walked into the closet.

That white dress hung in the most prominent spot.

It was the same style as Layla's.

I didn't touch it.

I changed into a simple linen shirt and leather pants.

This was what I used to wear most often the year I met Kyle.

I dragged the three sealed trunks outside and called the pack's transport team.

I had them sent to a friend who recycled old goods.

“Ila,this stuff is still pretty new.Are you sure you don't want it?”my friend asked through the communication crystal.

“I don't.Please get rid of it for me.”

After ending the call,I looked around.

This spacious wooden cabin,once filled to the brim by me.

The cushions on the sofa,I had sewn by hand.

The herbs on the balcony,I had nurtured one by one.

The pottery in the kitchen,I had traded for at the human market.

Now,they were all still in their places.

But all personal traces of me were completely gone.

As if I had never lived here at all.

Just then,the communication crystal vibrated.

It was a mental message from Kyle.

[Ila,I'm sorry,but we might have to cancel dinner tonight.]

[Layla got hit by a rampaging horned deer at the training grounds.Her ankle is sprained and swollen like a ball.]

[I have to take her to see the High Priest.]

[We'll go look at blood-diamond rings in a few days,okay?]