**Where Soft Light Shines Darkness Fades From Tired Hearts by Evan Holt Crane**
**Trista’s POV**
A
+5 Pearls
The night stretched endlessly, and Cassian never returned to the Ironthorn Pack. He simply didn’t come home.
For three long days, I remained at the Healing Center with my mother, Ulva. Each passing moment felt like an eternity, and the weight of worry pressed heavily on my chest.
My father, Randolph, was adamant that I needed to rest, repeating that Mom’s condition was stable, but his words felt hollow against the backdrop of my anxiety.
As dusk settled, a flicker of calm washed over me, allowing me to drive back to the Ironthorn territory. I longed for sleep, hoping that sheer exhaustion would finally lull me into oblivion.
Just as I began to drift into the comforting embrace of slumber, the soft click of the bedroom door broke the stillness. I heard the gentle sound of water running from the bathroom, a familiar noise that stirred something deep within me.
Sleepily, I turned my head, and there he was—Cassian, already beside me in bed.
His warmth enveloped me like a soft blanket, and my heart raced at the realization that he was finally back.
He had been away for a month, supposedly on a “trip,” and I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was content with his new family, the thought gnawing at my insides.
His hand slipped around my shoulder, and instinctively, my body tensed.
Cassian must have sensed my unease; he quickly pulled me closer, turning me to face him.
The air was thick with his familiar scent, a mix of warmth and safety that had once made me feel cherished.
But tonight, it stirred something different within me. My wolf stirred, a low growl emanating from within, yearning for him, craving the strength that radiated from his very being.
My heartbeat quickened, and warmth surged through my neck, igniting a fire that spread through my veins.
My wolf urged me closer, desperate for the comfort of his touch, the warmth of his hands.
I could feel my skin flushing, and my breath turned ragged, each inhale a struggle against the tide of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. A mere brush of his skin against mine felt like a spark igniting dry tinder, ready to blaze.
But my mind remained resolute. I couldn’t let this happen.
I took a sharp breath, trying to reclaim my composure, to push back against the rising tide of desire.
Cassian’s hand tightened around my waist, and without hesitation, he yanked me against him, his familiar grip both comforting and suffocating. He drew down the strap of my nightgown, his fingers grazing my bare skin, sending shivers of conflicting emotions coursing through me.
In that moment, vivid images invaded my mind: Cassian and Samantha at Sacred Springs Valley, the fireworks illuminating the night sky, his arm possessively wrapped around her waist, his eyes filled with a tenderness he had never bestowed upon me.
His hand cradled her child, a family bond that twisted like a knife in my heart. His wedding ring hand entwined with hers, a symbol of a life I thought was ours.
I couldn’t stop the relentless parade of memories. Each detail tore at my heart, a constant reminder of his betrayal.
My wolf fought against the confines of my reasoning, but my resolve was stronger now.
I refused to be another casualty of his infidelity.
“Don’t,” I whispered, my voice low yet surprisingly firm, cutting through the tension that hung between us.
Cassian paused, perhaps misinterpreting my words as shyness or a playful challenge.
But he didn’t relent. Instead, he grew bolder, his kiss turning more insistent, his hands roaming my body, exploring every inch of my skin with a fervor that ignited my internal conflict.
I pushed against him with all my strength, desperate to break free from the weight of his desire. The longing within me burned like a relentless fire, an ache I couldn’t ignore.
My wolf yearned to leap forward, to embrace him fully, but I knew I had to resist.
The moment I shoved him away, my stomach twisted violently, a wave of nausea crashing over me.
All the desire and hurt converged into an unbearable pressure, a storm I couldn’t contain. I shoved Cassian away and leaned over the side of the bed, dry-heaving uncontrollably.
The soft glow of the lamp flickered on, dispelling the intimacy that had threatened to envelop us.
Cassian rolled off the bed, concern etched on his face as he gently patted my back. “Are you sick?” he asked, his tone laced with genuine worry.
I forced myself to stand, my legs shaky as I rushed to the bathroom, closing my eyes against the whirlwind of emotions.
I wasn’t sick; I was sickened by him. The revulsion and humiliation rose from within me, a tide too powerful to withstand.
Cassian didn’t seem to grasp the depth of my feelings. He stood behind me, a frown creasing his brow as he watched me retreat. He wandered downstairs to fetch me water, oblivious to the red in my eyes, the scratchiness of my throat, or the cuts on my ankle.
Minutes later, he returned with a glass of water, extending it toward me with a hopeful smile. “I’ll book a restaurant tomorrow. We’ll make up for the anniversary.”
“Make up?” I echoed, incredulous. He didn’t even sound remorseful; it was as if he was merely offering a mechanical solution to his transgressions.
I stared at the water, disbelief washing over me. How could he be so casually dismissive, as if moving on was just a matter of convenience?
“You remembered our anniversary?” I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.
Cassian appeared taken aback, his hesitation palpable before he replied, “Of course I did.”
But his eyes betrayed him, revealing a lack of sincerity that sent ice through my veins.
A
+5 Pearls
He remembered the date, yet he chose to spend it with his ex-lover and her child. He had discarded three years of vows like they were nothing.
He baked her a lemon cake, celebrated with her, while I was left with nothing but the remnants of our shattered bond.
I remained silent, my heart heavy with anger and despair.
The betrayal coursed through me like a sharp blade, slicing through the remnants of my trust.
I felt utterly powerless, yet anchored in place, unable to move.
The air grew thick with tension once more. Cassian didn’t press me further, and the atmosphere turned frigid.
Just then, his comm-stone lit up, breaking the silence.
He glanced down, quickly typing a brief reply before shutting off the screen.
Looking up at me, he appeared distracted. “Go to sleep,” he said, his voice lacking warmth.
I wanted to respond, to unleash my thoughts, but I remained silent, closing my eyes in an attempt to calm the storm within.
Yet, images of Cassian and Samantha invaded my mind, relentless and unforgiving.
Suddenly, the comm-stone lit up again, and Cassian checked it before standing up and leaving the house.
I slowly opened my eyes, hearing the engine of his car fade into the night.
A text message. Just one simple text was enough to pull him away in the dead of night.
It was Samantha. She had woven herself back into his life, reclaiming his attention.
I wanted to scream, to unleash all the pent-up pain, but my body felt drained, devoid of strength. I couldn’t even muster a sound. All I could do was breathe, each breath a reminder of my helplessness.
The following day, I forced myself to prepare, to go through the motions. I took breakfast to my parents, trying to mask my turmoil.
My mother, Ulva, looked at me with concern, her brow furrowing. “Trista, what’s wrong?”
I offered a quiet reassurance, “Don’t worry, Mom. I just didn’t sleep well.”
Randolph stood beside me, handing me a bottle of water. “Your mother is recovering well. The doctor says she can leave the Healing Center in a few days.”
Seeing my mother’s progress brought a flicker of hope, and I made my way to the main treatment hall.
As I passed the billing office, my heart sank at the sight of Cassian.
He should have been at the packhouse, leading the morning meeting, but my gut twisted in knowing why he was here.
I wanted to confront him, to demand answers, but deep down, I knew I couldn’t.
The weight of my emotions felt like a heavy shroud, and I was left grappling with the choices that lay ahead.
