The Triplet Alphas' Secret Mate

Chapter 28: Saying Goodbye

Scarlett’s POV

I stood at the very edge of the crowd, partially hidden beneath the shade of a large oak tree. My face throbbed where Silas had struck me, and my head still felt heavy from the impact against the wall. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the sight unfolding before me.

The triplets stood at the altar like three immovable pillars.

From this distance, they looked perfect—the future of the pack, composed and commanding. But I could see the truth. I could see the way Liam’s hands were balled into fists. I could see Leo’s jaw working, his eyes dark and restless as they scanned the crowd. And Leon... Leon looked haunted, his usual cold mask slipping just enough to show the grief that hadn’t healed in two years.

​They were in so much pain. And even after everything they had done to me, a part of my soul—the part tied to them by a cruel fate—ached for them.

​Near them stood Lana, Jameson, and Jane. They, too, were dressed in white. They looked somber for the crowd, but I remembered the birthday cake and the smiles in Lana’s room just an hour ago.

​I noticed Lyra’s absence immediately. She hadn’t even bothered to come back from the Crimson Pack for her own mother’s memorial. Perhaps she couldn’t face the ghost of the woman she lost, or perhaps her new life with her mate was simply too intoxicating to leave.

​As the priest began the eulogy, speaking of Luna Olivia’s kindness and her tragic end, my thoughts drifted to my own parents. They had died that same day. They had been branded traitors, accused of working with the rogues who killed the Luna.

​"I’m sorry," I whispered in my heart, looking up at the clear blue sky. "I’m sorry I couldn’t prove your innocence. I’m sorry I’m leaving without clearing your names."

​A single tear escaped and rolled down my bruised cheek. I felt like I was betraying them by running away, but I knew if I stayed, there wouldn’t be anything left of me to fight for them.

​The priest called for a moment of silence. The only sound was the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

I looked at the triplets one last time.

In a few hours, they would search for me.

But by then...

I would already be gone.

ended, the mourners slowly began

my eyes met Alpha

he simply gave me a subtle look—one that

the crowd, my heart pounding painfully

stood silently in the

The cracked mirror.

The thin mattress.

The worn-out shoes.

my life had

Suddenly, the tears came.

didn’t even understand

should have

was about to

far away—somewhere I wouldn’t be known as the traitor’s

the reality of leaving hit me like

myself, the door to my room

wiping my tears as Liam stepped

scent of warm

doing here?" he asked, his voice rough. "You should be at the memorial. The staff is expected

down my cheek.

it was worry or suspicion, but I saw a flicker of something intense in his eyes. He moved closer,

out and gently placed the back of his palm against my forehead. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through my entire body. Our mate bond sparked, a searing heat that made my breath hitch. He froze for a second, his fingers lingering against my skin as if he, too, felt the

his voice losing its sharpness. "Your temperature is high," he muttered quietly. "You’re burning up, Scarlett. What’s wrong with

​He sounded... worried.

time in years I was seeing Liam look at me with something other than coldness or hate. It was like a glimpse of the boy he used to be,

and the fear all converged at once. I lost

away, to tell me I was

back, trembling as he fought the instinct to hold me back. "What