Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Scarlett’s POV

The question made me stiffen, and I shook my head slowly, hoping it wouldn’t change things. “No wolf,” I said softly. I hope that’s… not a problem.”

He tilted his head thoughtfully, but there was no judgment in his expression. “I did notice something odd, though, he said, his ey narrowing in concentration. “Your eyes–they shine neon green when you’re excited. But you don’t have a wolf?”

“They used to be brown. They changed… suddenly,” I replied, remembering the strange shift, one of many mysteries I’d learned to accept without question.

Ebenezer seemed intrigued, but he didn’t push. He simply nodded, acknowledging the strangeness of it without needing answers. But then his expression softened, and his voice dropped as he asked, “Are you… mated?”

The question made my heart sink, and I struggled with how to answer. I knew if I lied and he found out, he might lose all trust in

1. me. But telling him the truth could mean he’d cast me out. With a deep breath, I finally nodded.

“I have three mates, actually,” I admitted, forcing the words out, “but I left them because they were… they weren’t what I thought they were. Please don’t kick me out,” I added, my voice trembling slightly. I was all too aware of the marks on my neck–three crescent moons overlapping, each one branding me as theirs, as if I were nothing more than property.

Ebenezer’s gaze softened, and then, to my surprise, he broke into a smile. “I’m not going to kick you out, Annika.” He shook his head, as if the thought itself were absurd. “If anything, I admire your courage for leaving. Not many would walk away from their mates, no matter how badly they were treated.”

I felt my shoulders relax, relief flooding through me. I hadn’t realized how much I’d feared his rejection until that moment. Ebenezer’s kindness felt like a balm, healing wounds that had been open far too long.

“Thank you,” I whispered, and he nodded, his eyes warm with understanding.

“You’ve been through a lot, Annika. You deserve a fresh start. And who knows? Maybe my cousin’s pack will feel like home to you.” He paused, studying me. “But take it slow. Rest, recover. I can tell you’re stronger than you think.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt the tiniest glimmer of hope I didn’t know what the future held, but here, in this room, with Ebenezer’s quiet kindness and the promise of a new beginning, I started to believe I might finally find peace.

“Don’t worry,” Ebenezer’s voice was calm, soothing. “My cousin has magic. He can numb the bond connection so you can live freely without the constant ache. You won’t feel them, and they won’t feel you, even if you find someone else to be with. He’s done it before for others in similar situations.” He paused, giving me a reassuring look. “I’m glad you were honest with me, Annika.”

1 forced a smile even as my heart clenched at the name that wasn’t truly mine. But in a way, I felt I’d left “Scarlett behind. Annika

could be someone new, someone who didn’t carry the burdens of the past.

10:40 Wed, Jun 10

Chapter 107

MAA.

*You can shower and put on these until Morgan brings more clothes for you,” he said, pointing to the bathroom and banding m shirt and shorts. I took them gratefully, nodding as he left me in the room.

When I stepped into the bathroom, I was stunned. Marble in warm shades of gold and beige lined the walls and floors, while gold plated fixtures glinted under the soft lighting. It felt like something from a dream, like I’d stepped into a place where I/could was! away everything from the past and start anew.

I noticed bath salts and oils arranged by the tub, but my nose wrinkled at the heavy scents of sandalwood and cinnamon. After a b of rummaging, I found a packet of vanilla salts and added them to the bath, inhaling the soft sweetness as I settled into the warm

water.

As I soaked, I stared at my thin, bony limbs, traces of hunger and neglect evident in my body. I let the steam rise around me, the warmth easing some of the tension from my muscles, but my heart felt heavier than ever. Memories began to surface–every painful word, every broken promise, every time they’d sworn they loved me. And yet, when it came time to defend me, they’d left me. My mates, the ones I thought would cherish me, had cast me aside, allowing Gregory, Bianca and the Elders to destroy me bit by bit.

The ache built in my chest, and I felt the tears spill over, silent at first, then harder, as if every hurt from the North were pouring out at once. I turned on the faucet, hoping the running water would mask my sobs.

I wept openly, fiercely, scratching at the crescent mark on my neck, feeling the sting of each betrayal in its etchings. I wanted to

tear it off, to erase every trace of what they’d done to me. I wanted to take back all the love I’d given them, to bury it deep where

they could never reach it. My tears fell, hot and endless, until the water ran cold, and I’d shed every tear I had left.

Finally, I stood, feeling strangely lighter, almost as if I’d washed away the weight of the North.

left “Scarlett” behind in that bath, and when I stepped out, I was Annika–a woman with a fresh start, unburdened by the past.

On the bed lay a beautiful beige dress, soft and elegant, with a note beside it:

“Wear this and meet me for dinner so I can introduce you. PS: Look nice, it’ll make it easier,” it read, and I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a small flicker of excitement.

Attached to the dress was a set of new undergarments. I marveled at the thoughtfulness, wondering if the mansion had a boutique of its own or if these things were just kept on hand. I must have spent longer than I thought in the bathroom, lost in my own grief.

I slipped into the dress, and it fit perfectly, hugging my form without clinging to the places I felt self–conscious about.

The lace was delicate and soft, a touch of beauty I hadn’t felt in so long. Looking in the mirror, i barely recognised myself. There was no trace of the fragile, broken woman Lucian had sneered at, I looked… lovely. Strong, I took a deep breath, brushing off the memories of cruel words. Tonight, I wanted to be someone else, someone who didn’t carry those wounds.

After a lina) check, opened the door and stepped into the hall. Unsure of my way. I glanced around until I spotted a staff member

Lave me a pohte nod and guided me to the dining room.

With every step. I felt a glimmer of hope, fragile but growing. This was a new beginning, and maybe, just maybe, it was the life I

10.40 Wed, Jun 10 MAA.

Scarlett