---- "T thought it would be easy..." Vivian started to cry, looking pitiful. "Easy? The lives of three pack members, the future of our entire pack, that's all easy to you?" Ethan roared. Seeing Ethan yelling at Vivian, I turned to leave. "Wait, Sophia." Ethan caught up to me, suddenly grabbing my hand. His eyes softened, his voice gentle. "T know we've had our problems, but the pack needs you now." I watched him put on his act. "You're the best Luna I've ever known. No one understands the sacred ritual better than you," he ---- continued. "Please, help us. Help the pack." Such familiar lines. Whenever he needed my skills, I was ''the best Luna." Whenever he needed me to make a sacrifice, I was "the pack's most important member." But when he needed to choose a mate, I became " the ex who he didn't have a mate-bond with anymore." "Sophia, I know you still love this pack." Ethan's eyes glistened with tears. ''Your friends are here, your family, your memories. You wouldn't just stand by and watch everyone die, would you?" I looked at him, feeling nothing but disgust. Did he think tears and sweet talk would make me forget his betrayal? Did he think a few compliments would turn me ---- back into his tool? I raised my hand, and a flicker of hope lit up his eyes. "I'm not Luna anymore," I said calmly. "It's not my place to meddle in pack business."