Wren POV
Life returns to a new normal, just like it had in South America. The children are free to be outside and attend school. Charlie busies himself with a garden in the backyard, and Destin helps take over some of Nyx's duties in the palace. I am the only one who can't seem to find a purpose here in the Immortal Realm.
I tend to the mistlings and cabin, but I feel useless. In the Royal Mansion, I had my royal duties to keep me busy. In South America, I had a job at the school, but here I am stuck doing nothing. Maybe the guilt of abandoning my princess duties is weighing heavily on my heart, and I have no one to talk to about it.
Several days of the week, Jasmine takes over, and I run to the Lycan city. It's where I feel the most comfortable, after all, these are the closest creatures to werewolves in the Immortal Realm. I browse in the shops and try to make small talk, but unlike when I lived here, everyone gives me too much space. It isn't until Sophie corners me in a shop that I understand why.
"You are no longer my princess, so I think I am able to speak freely."
I look her up and down. Mated life suits her, but there is an anger behind her eyes that I haven't seen before. "Please do."
"You left her there," she spits out.
I close my eyes and breathe in deeply. "Sadie."
"Who the fuck else would I be talking about?" She shrieks. "You let the Moon Goddess have her. You are the fucking werewolf princess, and you let Selene keep one of your subjects. I know you were fueled by jealousy, but you suck."
"Was," I correct her. "I was the werewolf princess. I am not that anymore."
"You are still a bitch for leaving her there."
Jasmine growls angrily, but I fight back the urge to shift. A crowd has already gathered, and I can see they are on Sophie's side. Fighting her would only make things worse for me.
"You are right," I reply. "I shouldn't have left her, but if you haven't noticed, my life has been a little complicated as of late."
Her face falls for only a moment, and I swear I see a flash of guilt behind her eyes. "Is it uncomplicated now?"
My teeth grind together. "Yes, I guess."
"Then go get her," she shouts.
I can't tame my anger, and I lash out. "And what should I give the Moon Goddess in return for your sister? Please let me know. Charlie has already given Selene the ability to have children. So, I will remain childless. I have given up my position as werewolf princess. What else would you have me give for your sister, who tried to take my mate by the way? She begged Selene to break the bond between Destin and me. Should I die for someone like her?"
Sophie's fists ball up at her sides. "She is part of me, but you wouldn't understand. Your siblings care more about their mate than you."
My tears fall freely down my cheeks, and I don't bother to wipe them away. I no longer care about looking strong. Not after what I have been through. Crying is not a sign of my weakness; it is a sign of my humanity, something Selene will never understand.
"You haven't given me an answer," I shout at her. "All you have done is insult me. Do you think I am blind to the fact that I have no one in this realm or the Human Realm besides my family? So, tell me, Sophie. What should I give Selene in exchange for your sister when I have nothing? Or maybe you would like to give Selene something. I can negotiate for you."
Sophie scoffs loudly and turns away. The crowd that has gathered parts lets her walk by, but they don't give her friendly looks. Not this time. They whisper to one another about how Sophie lied to them, and how she can't be trusted. She has tarnished her reputation, and I am sure she will find a way to make that my fault, too. Charlie warned me when I first met the triplets that they were trouble, but I never thought they would turn on me.
I try to leave the shop, but two lycans are blocking my way. "Excuse me."
One clears her throat. "We need to apologize."
I cock my head to the side. "Why?"
"Sophie said Destin was your sister's fated mate. We stupidly believed her. You don't owe her anything."
I chuckle under my breath. "It's fine. Don't worry about me."
They step to the side, and I walk out of the shop. I don't bother to give Jasmine control; instead, I walk back to the cabin. It is nightfall before I get home. When I push the door open, Charlie and Destin are pacing the floor.
"Sorry, I'm late."
I kick off my shoes and flop down onto the couch. Destin and Charlie stand over me awkwardly. "What happened at the Lycan City?"
Throwing an arm over my eyes, I groan loudly. "What lies is Sophie spewing now?"
"Nothing we can't handle," Destin says sweetly. "But your brothers are on a war path."
I snort with laughter. "Over what?"
"Sophie smearing your name," Charlie laughs. "I wouldn't be surprised if they kill her."
I get to my feet and head back for the door. "Where are you going?" Destin calls out after me.
"To take care of something I should have months ago."
I step onto the grass and look up at the moon. A growl rumbles in my chest, and I call out to Selene.
"Can we get this over with? I have a life to live."
I close my eyes, and when I reopen them, I am standing before Selene and Sadie. They both look amused by my presence, and I know this is going to be a long night.