Chapter 167: A Decision She Made

Another week had passed. Hugo's condition worsened. When he collapsed, he would still regain his consciousness at random times. However, it had been three days since he woke up. 

"So you finally decided, huh?" 

I gazed at Daniel across from me. He just arrived, along with his other brothers, Silas and Percival. And then Alice. Those two were outside the sitting room where I accommodated the crown prince. While Alice headed straight into Hugo's room.

"Don't mock me." unlike usual, I didn't have the energy to banter with him. "You won, Your Highness. My selfishness had reached its peak. I can no longer watch him agonize."

I hung my head low, admitting my defeat. "I already told everyone that I am stepping down as the duchess."

"Where are you planning to go?" 

"Are you asking me because you want to see me again?" I raised my head, eyes dimmed with life. 

"I am asking just in case you're thinking of going to the Hendrik Empire." His stiff expression didn't change, leaning back comfortably, with his leg over the other. "You don't plan to ruin Ronmin because of this, correct?"

I snorted. "I am not as vengeful as you. Daniel, the lamb never chases after something. Hendrik Empire isn't a terrible option with my memories intact, but I'd rather live in seclusion."

"Just like in the past, huh?"

"Envious?" I smirked weakly, shrugging. "Living alone is better, don't you think? Whether you wage a war against the vampires is none of my business. You may wipe out each other for all I care... but don't even think of sending Hugo to his death."

"You will never want the lamb to chase after you again," I continued, staring at him dead in the eye. "As long as he is alive, I will live as far away and as quiet as a dead rat. You will never hear a word from me, so don't come looking for me."

"You sure have the nerve to spew all that after putting him in excruciating pain."

"We used to be one in mind, heart, and soul. Hence, why are you surprised when I adapted the wolf's shamelessness and guts?"

Danial laughed mockingly. "That's right. Perhaps that is also the reason I adapted a part of you."

I shook my head lightly, eyes set on the window near us. The corner of my lips curled up bitterly, hearing the faint sound of my heartbeat. 

"Is she with him now?" I inquired, pertaining to the other person who came into the castle with them.

"Yes. She's with Alice."

"I see." I rocked my head in understanding, shifting my eyes back to him. "He will be fine now that they were together, right?"

"Unless he accepts her, he will not recover completely. But her presence is enough to soothe his pain."

"That's good enough. He will accept her eventually and forget about me." I forced a smile, shoulders relaxing while staring at Daniel. "How I wish he was just like you. You're the only one who is capable of rejecting your mate, even when you're dying right at this second."

"Aren't you too cruel? You know the pain I am enduring just sitting in the same room as you, and yet, you will still blatantly point it out."

"Because it is relieving in a way." I chuckled softly, watching him shake his head. "Thank you for enduring the pain, Daniel. It makes me think I am not alone... again."

"You're truly twisted." He breathed out as he rolled his eyes. "Your pain is mine to bear, and yours is mine. It's always been that way."

"That's right." My eyes softened as they lowered. "I'm already glad that we manage to live differently this time around."

"Mhm... we did, in a way. Though we still anguish the same."

I didn't respond any more as I cast him a look. Daniel had this indifferent look as he quirked a brow. I hated this man until now. But he would always have a special space in my heart. It might not be the same love I had for Hugo, but I was thankful that he changed. 

Daniel wasn't as selfish as I was. He loved his family and would do anything for them whilst suffering in silence. He didn't come to me, knowing I was with Hugo. And even at this moment, his decisions were all for Hugo. 

I guessed the two of us could finally agree on something. That was... Hugo. Our reckoning. 

Daniel couldn't come to me and had to endure the pain with no one knowing. He did that because he knew it would put Hugo in a difficult position. Meanwhile, I had to wallow in this agony because I couldn't be with Hugo. 

This was our punishment. A punishment we accepted with all our heart.

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"Will you not see him before you set off?" he asked, and I shook my head.

"If I see him, I might change my mind. Will you see me off?" I inquired and his brows rose, making me laugh playfully. "Shall I embrace you for the first and last time? It might soothe your pain a bit."

"Stop joking like that, Rinnie. I am getting used to the pain."

I shrugged. "I feel like being kind, but if that is what you say."

There was a moment of silence between us. Daniel narrowed his eyes as if considering whether to say something or hold back. His lips still parted in the end. 

"The fourth prince of Hendrik Empire... is in contact with Hugo. I know you don't care about the brewing tension between the two races, but I want you to hear this. I don't know why."

"I see…" I rocked my head as a short laugh escaped my mouth. "Thank you for telling me. I might not meddle, but I will keep an eye on the both of you."

"Mhm. No problem."

**

Daniel and I didn't idle for too long, as he still ended up sending me off. The crown prince, along with the members of the pack, who wore a depressing expression, stood outside the castle that was leading to the forest behind it. 

"Luna…" Ivo frowned, but I returned it with a smile. They begged me to stay, but they couldn't fight the argument I used. That was the dramatic, 'how about me? Can I stay while watching my husband love another woman?'

"Be safe on your way." Daniel tilted his head down as he bid me farewell in a formal tone.

"I will. Thank you." My eyes glossed over everyone's faces. Aside from Daniel, they all looked so sad. But I steeled my heart, suppressing my tears. 

"I had a good time in here. Taking for taking care of me." I bowed as deep as I could to express what was left unsaid. "I will forever cherish them."

"Luna…'' The twins called in a shaking voice, eyes sweltering. 

I forced a smile, closed-lipped. I had so much to thank them for, but I knew if I opened my mouth once again, I would end up breaking down. 

I looked back when I saw the bears coming out of the forest. That was my cue to leave. So I set my eyes back to everyone in front of the castle. 

"Toby." I extended my hand to Toby, but to my surprise, he hid behind Tito. 

"Mama, can I stay with Papa?" 

I tilted my head to the side. "Huh?"

"Mama is leaving Papa… how can I abandon him too?" 

"Toby…" Again, my heart ached at Toby's words. "… it's not that —"

"Let him stay." Daniel cut me off, waiting for me to look at him. "That cub who looks like Hugh's child, let him decide for himself."

"But…" I trailed off when I gazed at Toby once again. He was determined to stay behind, causing my hand to ball into a fist before I loosened them. 

"Mama… I am not angry at Mama. I will go to you once Papa recovers." His innocence was akin to a stake stabbing me right through my chest. 

I gritted my teeth and smiled. "Then, if that is what you want."

I took a deep breath before releasing one sharp exhale. Once again, I looked at everyone in silence before turning my back against them. I didn't look back as I marched towards the sleuth of bears waiting for me. 

Tonight… I died. 

I left Belcoot with the Tarsa tribe. But I left my heart behind. Still, I had decided, and it was a decision of no return. 

It was over.

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