Aria’s POV

It was Kara Jones, my dorm mate. She rolled her cleaning cart inside, exhaustion softening her weathered face. Despite everything, she smiled when she saw us.

She removed her vest and washed her hands before walking over. "Lana’s such a good girl," she said warmly. "But are you sure it’s okay bringing her out there? The cold’s no joke."

Kara meant well. She always did.

I smiled faintly. "Lana’s picky about who she’s with. She won’t let me out of her sight."

Kara chuckled, shaking her head. "That’s true. The second you’re gone, she cries like the world’s ending. I offered to watch her, but that baby’s loyal."

I held Lana closer, warmth blooming in my chest. "She’s been with me since she was born. We’ve never been apart."

Something softened in Kara’s eyes. "You mentioned you were married. Where’s the father, then? He’s not helping you at all?"

I froze. My wolf stilled too.

Nathan.

The silence stretched between us. My throat tightened.

"Does he... have someone else?" Kara asked carefully.

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. The memories, the betrayal, the manipulation—they weren’t stories I could share. Also, he was a known Alpha in this country. If I told anyone anything, it could spread and eventually lead him to me, I cannot risk that.

When kara realized I wasn’t going to respond, she sighed softly. "Oh, honey, you’ve had it rough, haven’t you?"

She handed me a small rattle toy, new enough to be safe. "I found this earlier—thought your little one might like it."

Lana reached out immediately, her eyes lighting up. Kara smiled, her face soft with maternal warmth. "I’ll bring you some baby clothes too. My son’s all grown, but I kept a few things. Don’t say no, okay?"

Tears stung my eyes. "You’re so kind, Kara. I can’t thank you enough."

She waved it off. "We all lean on each other to get by."

Her words lingered in the air as Lana giggled, shaking the rattle.

Then Kara looked up at me again. "I know you dont want to talk about her father, but are you still in touch with him?"

I hesitated, then shook my head. "Not anymore."

Her brows lifted. "So... you’re thinking divorce?"

Divorce.

The word hit me like thunder.

Yes, divorce.

I had clung to that title of a wife and luna out of habit, that fragile illusion of belonging that was nothing but a chain. I wasn’t his wife anymore. I was just a shadow he’d cast aside.

If I wanted to truly be free, to protect Lana, to claim my life back, I needed that divorce agreement.

And just like that, a plan began to form.

*****

"Aria, marriage isn’t something to take lightly." Kara’s tone was gentle as she advised me after I told her I planned on divorcing my husband.

"Why don’t you talk things over with your husband again? Lana’s still so young. Don’t let her grow up without a father."

Her words cut deeper than she realized. A father. The very word made my wolf snarl low in my chest, a sound only I could hear. Nathan had lost that right the moment he turned his back on me, on us.

I drew in a slow breath, steadying the storm inside me. "Kara, the courthouse is around here somewhere, right?" My voice came out quiet but firm.

Kara blinked, surprised. "It’s just over there—really close. But, Aria, are you sure about this? Maybe talk to your husband one more time?"

I pressed my lips together, shaking my head. Talking had done nothing before. Words had never swayed Nathan. He listened only when he spoke, when he commanded.

"What is it?" Kara persisted, her tone softening as she searched my face "Have you spoken to him already about the divorce and he refused? If that is the case, then maybe there’s still a chance—"

"No." My voice was low and final as I cut her off. "He doesn’t even know. But this time... I’m not asking for his permission."

I thought about Nathan. Even doing so sent an ache through my bones, the echo of old submission that my wolf despised. He threw us into that cell, she whispered, her tail bristling with fury. He called us guilty, when we were the one he wronged.

Now, all I wanted was distance, enough to vanish with Lana, to live a quiet life where his shadow couldn’t reach us. He probably wanted the same, if it meant he could finally flaunt Sophia without guilt.

"Wait—he doesn’t even know?" Kara gasped, her eyes wide. "Then how are you going to pull off the divorce?"

I lowered my gaze, the light dimming in my eyes. "I drafted the divorce agreement a long time ago. He should’ve signed it back then."

My heart clenched at the memory—the night I had tried to end our marriage. Nathan had been drunk. I had slipped the agreement between his company contracts, hoping he’d sign without a second glance.

I’d coaxed him gently, masking my desperation.

But he had instead accused me of pressuring him grandmother to convince him to sleep with me for a child. I had been shocked. His hand had shot out, strong and sure, wrapping around my wrist.

I could still feel the heat of his skin against mine.

His voice had been low and dangerous like a predator’s purr when he accused me of wanting to tie him down for life. I trying to stop him from taking my dignity so roughly, but he did anyway. The next morning was when I got arrested.

A few days ago, on the day I was released from prison, I’d gone back to that house to get a few of my documents. I had seen the unsigned divorce papers and took it with me as well.

When my silence stretched too long, Kara sighed. "Poor Lana... growing up without a father."

Lana, nestled in my arms, cooed softly and reached for her rattle. Her tiny fingers closed around it, shaking it with innocent joy.

I stroked her dark hair, my wolf stirring gently beneath my skin, protective and fierce. "It’s okay, baby. Mommy’s here."

I glanced up, my mind reeling with thoughts of how to carry out the one important task ahead, how to get Nathan’s signature on the divorce papers and make our separation official.