Where Soft Light Shines Darkness Fades From Tired Hearts by Evan Holt Crane 141

Third Person’s POV

2345)

Finished

The woman blocking the car was tall, wrapped in an oversized trench coat, her features sharp under the winter sun.

After months of plastic surgery and “touch–ups,” her face was undeniably refined–her nose straighter, her jawline more defined.

She was prettier now, but she carried an air of over–processed perfection that felt brittle and staged. She was a far cry from the raw, unpolished girl she used to be.

The car came to a smooth halt, and the rear window slid down.

Samantha instinctively glanced at the Ironthorn gates. Facing the family crest and the armed guards, her omega instincts flared with a flicker of raw fear.

She quickly masked it, putting on her best “fragile” face. “Cassian, I called you so many times but you never picked up. I didn’t know where else to go.”

Cassian’s tone was flat. “What is it?”

Samantha lowered her voice, testing the waters. “Can I get in? I don’t feel right talking about this out here.”

Cassian hesitated for a beat before nodding. The locks clicked.

The second she was inside, Samantha started rambling. “Cassian, I heard what happened yesterday. I heard Luna Trista was taken away by the police right before the hearing. I’ve been so worried about both of you; I had to come see you.”

Cassian’s eyes sharpened instantly, his innate Alpha edge sparking to life. “Where exactly did you hear that?”

Samantha let out a soft, practiced sigh of hurt. “Cassian, everyone’s talking about it. It’s not exactly a state

secret.”

Seeing that he wasn’t biting, her anxiety spiked, and she pushed further. “I asked around… for someone in her position, she should be eligible for bail. It’s not like she has to stay locked up in that holding cell-”

Cassian’s expression turned to stone, though his voice remained steady. “Samantha, I’ll handle my mate’s situation. That is outside your concern.”

It was as if he’d stepped on a nerve. Samantha’s emotions bubbled over. “Cassian, she’s beautiful and kind, and she’s letting us survive here in LA. I’ve always been grateful for that. I’ve felt so guilty that our presence caused so much trouble between you two. Now that this has happened, how am I supposed to just ‘not care‘?”

Cassian remained unmoved. “You don’t need to carry this. Let the legal process play out.”

The driver stepped out and opened her door.

Samantha had no choice but to shut up. Before she climbed out, she shot him one last look. “Just… don’t overwork yourself.”

45

The door slammed, and the car pulled away from the Ironthorn pack.

Finished

Standing there, watching the taillights fade, a triumphant smirk slowly spread across Samantha’s face.

Trista had been locked up for a full day and night, and Cassian didn’t look the least bit frantic. He didn’t look like a man ready to burn the world down to save her.

Maybe he wasn’t as “hung up” on Trista as she’d feared.

She made a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess, “Let them give her ten years. Better yet, let her rot in that human cage and never come out.”

10 AM, Ironthorn Headquarters, CEO’s office.

Humphrey knocked and entered, keeping his posture humble. “Alpha Cassian, the Silverlight pack has been in touch with Luna Trista. They’ve retained Klein, and they just sent a message through me. They want a meeting.”

Behind the desk, Cassian continued signing files without missing a beat, his eyes never leaving the paper.

Humphrey hesitated. “Should I go meet them? See what their terms are?”

Cassian uttered two words, “No meeting.”

Lunch break, there was a knock at the lounge door. Humphrey’s voice came through, “Alpha Cassian, we have a problem with Silverlight.”

The door opened, and Cassian stepped out, his cuffs perfectly fastened.

Humphrey delivered the brief. “Attwater somehow found out about Luna Trista being detained. He ditched school and was hit by a car while crossing a street. He’s been rushed to the healing center for emergency treatment. When Ulva heard the news, she collapsed. She’s also been taken to the healing center by ambulance.”

Cassian’s face dropped. The lupine rage he’d been suppressing began to churn in his eyes. “Get them the best healers and medical teams available. Now. Make sure they’re okay.”

Humphrey swallowed hard and finished the report. “Alpha Cassian, Klein has all the paperwork ready to file for bail. Randolph said… he wants to see you personally.”

Cassian checked his watch, his knuckles tightening. “Get the car.”

He was halfway out the door when it was thrown open.

Wynn stormed in, her eyes burning red. “Cassian! Why did you block Fred from helping her? What the hell are you playing at?”

120

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.