Chapter 467
Third Person’s POV
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A violent wave of vertigo hit Cassian’s brain. That hollow sensation rising from the depths of his wolf soul became too much to bear. With a heavy thud, his knee slammed into the floorboards.
He gasped for air in a daze, no longer able to tell which part of him hurt the most.
With trembling hands, he scooped the jagged crystal shards into his palms. Like a madman, his eyes rimmed with red, he tried to piece the fragments back together one by one.
He worked for a long time, his movements driven by a desperate, obsessive persistence. But the faster he tried, the more he spiraled; the more he spiraled, the more he fell apart.
In the end, he couldn’t make the pendant whole again.
Cassian slumped against the leg of the table, sitting pathetically on the floor.
He tilted his head back slightly, tears rolling silently from the corners of his eyes, washing away the blood on his lips.
The Moon Goddess was taking back the only thing Trista had ever left him.
The agony in Cassian’s eyes slowly faded into a hollow, dead silence.
He mechanically picked up his phone and began making calls.
He told Wynn he wasn’t coming to the office and told her to work hard.
He told Alaina not to worry, that he just needed some sleep.
Finally, he called Fred.
“Fred…” His voice was flat, devoid of any highs or lows, yet it carried a bone–chilling sorrow. “When you get to the party… don’t forget to send me a photo p>
Today was her birthday.
She would be wearing her favorite dress. She would look beautiful.
7:00 PM. The birthday banquet Isaiah had personally organized for Trista was already underway.
The venue was a dreamscape of shimmering lights and shifting colors, but for some reason, Trista hadn’t been able to focus all day.
That unease that had taken root when her necklace snapped this morning was now hitting her senses in waves, like a rising tide.
For the gala, she had chosen a simple V–neck dress with mesh paneling.
The fitted black bodice highlighted her slightly thinner frame, while the deep grey mesh skirt offered a
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Chapter 467
hint of romance and elegance as she moved–yet it couldn’t mask the cold detachment in her eyes.
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She wore minimal makeup, her long hair falling in natural, lazy waves. In the middle of the loud, crowded hall, she looked low–profile, almost lonely.
Isaiah was dressed to the nines, looking sharp and trendy. Standing next to Trista, his loud Alpha energy was impossible to ignore.
He glanced at her, his eyelids drooping with a hint of disapproval. “Trista, isn’t this look a bit too… ‘background character‘? You’re the star of the show today p>
Trista looked at him, her gaze a bit scattered.
She forced a small smile. “I haven’t been sleeping well lately. I think I’m just running on empty. I feel a bit sluggish p>
Elias leaned in, his voice low as he placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. “The Vincent business is settled. There won’t be any more surprises. Don’t overthink it p>
Trista looked down at her bare collarbone and gave a soft nod.
“You handle the guests. I’m going to take Sayer to the restroom,” Elias said. To support her, he had arrived with Sayer a full hour early.
Seeing the guests start to pour in, he tactfully gave her some space to network.
As friends and family stepped up to offer their wishes, Trista gave her head a sharp shake, trying to dispel the bone–deep exhaustion so she could play the part of the gracious host.
However, she didn’t expect Rowena to show up.
Rowena was in her usual sharp, tailored gear, radiating a powerful, clear–headed aura.
She handed a gift to Trista, a playful smirk on her face. “Dr. Holmes, I’m crashing the party. You wouldn’t kick out an uninvited guest, would you p>
Trista took the gift and gave a polite nod. “I’m flattered p>
The two women shared a smile.
Rowena couldn’t help but add, “You’re one of the most unique and impressive women I’ve ever met p>
Trista felt a small stir in her heart.
Rowena didn’t linger; she gracefully turned away to mingle with other acquaintances.
A moment later, Alistair strode in.
He was exceptionally tall, wearing a black suit jacket over a deep burgundy V–neck shirt.
The neckline was cut low, showing the faint outline of his abs with every reckless step.
His hands were shoved in his pockets, and he gestured with his chin toward the gift box tucked under his
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Chapter 467
arm.
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Finished
Trista was used to his “don’t–give–a–damn” style. She laughed and swiped the box. “Thanks, Alpha Alistair p>
Isaiah let out a “tsk” from the side. “Trista, I don’t know how you stand that ‘wild wolf‘ smell on him p>
Alistair shot him a glare. “I smell like heaven from head to toe, kid. Even my leg hair is fragrant p>
Silence.
As they were joking around, Priscilla arrived. “Trista, happy birthday p>
Alistair shot a look of pure disgust at the Bluestar group, clearly unwilling to be associated with them, and walked straight toward Elias.
Trista was surprised–the Vincent incident had only just cooled down, yet Priscilla had shown up in
person.
She hurried over to play diplomat.
But what surprised Trista even more were the faces in the crowd she didn’t recognize at all.
She pulled Isaiah aside and whispered, “Did you invite all these people p>
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.