**Where Soft Light Shines, Darkness Fades From Tired Hearts**
by Evan Holt Crane
**Trista’s POV**
A gnawing fear gripped me, a fear that I might lose myself entirely. The prospect of losing control loomed large in my mind, threatening to unleash a storm of emotions I wasn’t ready to confront. I was terrified of making a scene, of drawing unwanted attention to my turmoil.
What if my parents noticed? What if they saw the cracks in my facade?
The thought of spiraling into madness before I could mend what was broken sent shivers down my spine.
So, I remained where I was, resolute in my decision to stay still. I fought with every ounce of strength to suppress the pain that clawed at my insides, along with the simmering anger of my wolf.
My wolf had never experienced such profound injury before.
Every time Cassian drew near, I should have felt that familiar pull, the longing that surged from our mating bond. But now, there was nothing—just a hollow ache where connection once thrived.
The moment Samantha reappeared, our bond had frayed, stretching thin like a fragile thread ready to snap.
Each encounter with Cassian felt like a swarm of ants gnawing away at our connection. The pain diminished, yes, but so did the strength of our bond, leaving behind a sense of futility that was almost suffocating.
I waited, my heart pounding, for Cassian to say something, anything, or perhaps to simply walk away without a word.
I was exhausted from trying to justify this broken mating.
Finally, Cassian approached me, his hand outstretched toward the billing forms I clutched tightly.
But just then, his comm-stone buzzed insistently. He withdrew his hand abruptly, checking the screen with a furrowed brow before glancing at the message.
“Someone needs me. You go on with your business,” he said curtly, turning away and striding toward the elevator.
His hurried demeanor was palpable. As he spoke into his comm-stone, his voice softened, almost tender. “Be good. Stop fussing.”
That gentle murmur sliced through my heart like a knife. His patience, the indulgence he showed her—it was what I had longed for, what I craved. Yet now, all that remained was a cavernous emptiness within me.
I couldn’t bear it any longer. I turned sharply and fled into the restroom.
The moment I was alone, I lost all control. Tears streamed down my cheeks, a torrential flood that I couldn’t contain.
So he *could* use that tone to comfort someone.
**Chapter 3**
Twenty-five years of knowing him, and yet he had never once shown me that kind of patience.
Now, all his tenderness was reserved for her, leaving me feeling like nothing more than a neglected bystander in my own life.
After I managed to collect myself, I emerged from the restroom, hastily fixing my makeup in a desperate attempt to mask the turmoil within. I returned to the room, my heart still heavy.
Mom immediately sensed that something was amiss. She sent Dad out and reached for my hand. “Trista, did you argue with Cassian?”
I lowered my gaze, guilt flooding through me. I shook my head, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “No, Mom. We’re fine.”
Just then, Dad and Cassian entered the room together, their presence filling the space with a strange mixture of comfort and tension.
Mom’s face lit up at the sight of Cassian. “Cassian, you’re so busy with the Ironthorn Pack. You don’t need to keep coming over.”
He placed the supplements he had brought down on the table with a soft thud. “I’ve arranged for an expert doctor. You’ll get a full checkup when you leave the Healing Center.”
Dad looked at Cassian, his eyes brimming with pride. “You’re so thoughtful. We owe you so much for all these years.”
Cassian moved closer to the bedside, pausing for a moment to meet my gaze. “We’re family,” he said, his voice firm yet gentle.
I instinctively shifted to give him space, but he lightly pressed me back down onto the bed. “I can stand.”
Watching the easy interaction between him and my parents filled me with a sharp pang of pain.
Three years ago, our lives had taken a nosedive when my father’s company collapsed. The immense costs of running a pack had become insurmountable, plunging us deep into debt.
Cassian had swooped in like a knight in shining armor, solving our problems with a grace I had never expected. He helped us disband the pack members while preserving our territory, a lifeline in our darkest hour.
Though the Silverlight Pack had lost its worth as an ally to the Ironthorn Pack, Cassian still chose to mate with me.
In my naivety, I had believed there were feelings behind that choice.
It wasn’t until I overheard a conversation between him and my father that the truth hit me like a cold wave. Cassian had chosen me purely as a means to an end. To him, I was merely a tool to alleviate a problem, while Samantha was the one who held his heart.
The emptiness and pain surged within me, nearly overwhelming my senses.
Mom urged Cassian to take me home so I could rest.
We walked to the elevator in silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Cassian suddenly halted, turning to me with concern etched on his face. “You look terrible. Didn’t you sleep well last night?”
I managed a bitter smile, one that felt more like a grimace. “No.”
He assumed I was simply tired, blissfully unaware of the deeper anguish that consumed me.
I pulled my hand away, my voice icy as I spoke. “You go do your business. I’ll walk around myself.”
As the elevator doors opened, I made my way toward the other side of the hall, desperate to escape the weight of his presence.
But Cassian grabbed my arm once more, pulling me into the elevator with him. “I made a reservation at your favorite restaurant.”
I felt a wave of indifference wash over me, a numbness that dulled any flicker of excitement. I whispered a mere, “Okay.”
I followed him to the restaurant, my mind a fog as he ordered for me, his every movement a blur.
Then, he handed me a small jewelry box. “Anniversary gift.”
I clutched my water glass tightly, nodding without truly looking at the box.
For twenty-two years, I had loved Cassian. We had been mated for three, and I knew him better than anyone else. I understood the coldness that lay beneath his polite, gentle exterior.
In the past, I would have begged him for gifts, and he would relent after enough annoyance. I’d flaunt them to my friends, relishing their envy.
But after the collapse of the Silverlight Pack, I had never dared to ask for anything again.
Seeing my lack of reaction, Cassian opened the box himself, revealing a stunning diamond bracelet.
I knew instantly it was worth at least $200,000.
He reached out, intending to fasten it around my wrist. I didn’t resist; I felt too drained to care.
The bracelet felt cold against my skin as I murmured, “Thank you.”
Cassian frowned, but he didn’t pry further. Instead, he began serving me food. “Your favorite matcha truffles.”
Watching him patiently prepare everything for me sparked a faint glimmer of hope within my heart.
“Would you learn to bake something for me if I wanted to eat something you made yourself?” I finally asked, clinging to that last shred of expectation.
**Chapter 4**
