The Heartbroken Luna's Choice Banish Love novel Chapter 21

**Where Soft Light Shines Darkness Fades From Tired Hearts by Evan Holt Crane**
**Chapter 21**

**Cassian’s POV**

Fred, Wynn, Trista, and I had spent our childhoods intertwined, our lives woven together like the threads of a tapestry. It was hardly a shock that Fred was privy to the inner workings of Ironthorn’s affairs, given our shared history.

“Listen,” Fred urged, leaning closer, his eyes glinting with an intensity that made the air between us crackle. “If Trista really goes through with terminating the contract with you, you won’t find another Luna who can compare.”

I countered his assertion, a light tap of my finger against the glass punctuating my words. “You won’t see that day come.”

The oath I had sworn beneath the moonlight still held weight; I had not crossed any physical boundaries that would render it void. As long as that vow remained intact, my bond with Trista was unshakeable.

Fred let out a heavy sigh, the tension in his shoulders evident as he shifted in his seat. “But Cassian, Samantha knows you have a mate, and yet she actively prevents you from explaining yourself to her. Isn’t that just a way to sabotage your relationship?”

I bristled at his words, my glass clinking against the table as I set it down with a little more force than intended. “Don’t speak about her like that,” I replied, my voice edged with a sharpness that surprised even me. “She’s endured unimaginable hardships over these past few years.”

“I’m not insulting her,” he retorted, straightening his posture, his expression serious. “I’m merely stating a fact. She’s testing your limits at every turn. Isn’t she interfering with your bond with Trista?”

I chose silence, unwilling to engage further.

Outside, the rain drummed relentlessly against the window, creating a soothing white noise that filled the room. I tapped my fingers against the edge of the table, the rhythm steady and slow, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.

My wolf stirred low within me, its presence a reminder of the strength I held, though its fangs were sheathed, resting in a state of quietude. My aura felt like a dormant core, waiting for the right moment to ignite.

“I know what I’m doing,” I finally said to Fred, pushing my drink away, opting for clarity over intoxication tonight.

Lighting a cigarette, I watched the pale gray smoke curl and weave between my fingers, forming a delicate veil that obscured my vision momentarily. After a pause, I spoke again, my voice steady. “Samantha is an omega. To ensure my smooth ascension to the Ironthorn Pack, Howard forced her out. She sacrificed so much for me. I owe her that much.”

I continued, the weight of my words pressing down on me. “She endured years of abuse at the hands of her mate. Her wolf is frail, and she battles chronic depression. I have to look after her; it’s my responsibility.”

Fred raised an eyebrow, a challenge evident in his smirk. “Just admit it, you still have feelings for her. If that weren’t the case, why don’t you clarify things when she tells you not to? A wolf should be honest with his mate.”

His accusation stung. “She nearly ruined her life because of me,” I replied, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “I am responsible for her well-being.”

I steadied my tone, forcing myself to remain calm. “She doesn’t want me to explain anything to Trista because she’s too sensitive and far too proud. She fears Trista will use my words against her, and she’s terrified of being scrutinized—being labeled as someone who climbed the social ladder through pity.”

Fred’s rebuttal was swift and unyielding. “She prevents you from explaining, leans on you for everything, spends your money without guilt, monopolizes your time, and drains your energy. Now Trista wants to end the contract. If that’s not manipulation, then what is?”

I shook my head firmly. “It’s different. This is my choice to make amends.”

Fred leaned in closer, his gaze piercing. “You feel guilt, a sense of responsibility, and yes, there’s still affection for Samantha. But what about Trista? What has she done to deserve this?”

“No one said she was wrong,” I replied, my voice flat, devoid of emotion.

“You didn’t claim she was wrong, but you refuse to explain, and you won’t let her leave. She’s the daughter of an Alpha. She has wolf pride. If this continues, she will break.”

I still couldn’t believe she would go as far as rejection. “I’ve allowed her to find a job. Her emotions will stabilize with time.”

Fred’s stare was unwavering. “So you genuinely believe she will always love you? That your mating bond is unbreakable? Aren’t you worried she might actually leave?”

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