The Heartbroken Luna's Choice Banish Love novel Chapter 44

**Where Soft Light Shines Darkness Fades From Tired Hearts by Evan Holt Crane**
**Chapter 44**

**Trista’s POV**

With a gentle nudge, Wynn guided me down the staircase, her presence a steadying force against the chill that enveloped the foyer. The cold air sliced through the warmth of the hallway, creating a stark contrast that sent shivers down my spine.

Not long after, Fred made his entrance, his familiar figure cutting through the gloom like a beacon.

I fought to lift the corners of my mouth, attempting to conjure a smile that felt more like a grimace, strained and lacking the warmth it usually held.

He approached, ruffling my hair with a tenderness that belied his casual demeanor. His tone was playful, yet the concern lurking beneath was unmistakable. “If you can’t manage a smile, don’t force it. Trust me, it looks awful.”

The tears I had been holding back betrayed me, slipping silently down my cheeks. My throat felt raw, as if I had swallowed shards of ice, each breath a reminder of the emotional storm brewing within. The bond between us pulsed subtly beneath my collarbone, a reminder to keep my emotions in check, lest they spiral out of control.

From childhood, the four of us had been inseparable—our lives intertwined in ways that felt almost fated. The Silverlight Pack’s territory brushed against that of Ironthorn’s, creating a bond that had flourished over the years. Wynn and I had grown up side by side, sharing laughter and secrets, while Fred and Cassian honed their combat skills on the rugged training grounds of Ironthorn.

Fred had always treated Wynn and me as if we were his younger sisters, protective and caring. He had watched me navigate the complexities of my relationship with Cassian, his eyes following my every step as I arrived at this tumultuous juncture.

We settled onto the long sofa in the living room, my body wedged between the two of them. The air was thick with the scents of their Auras, swirling around us like an invisible embrace. Wynn’s Aura was sharp and bright, reminiscent of evening primrose blooming at dusk, while Fred’s was deep and steady, akin to the rich scent of maple bark. Meanwhile, the ‘wolf’ within me tapped rhythmically against my ribs, alive but not raging, a quiet reminder of my own inner strength.

Fred let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “If you can’t keep this up, then maybe it’s time to terminate the mating contract. Or you could reject him yourself.”

Wynn reacted instantly, leaning back against the sofa, her expression a mix of disbelief and concern.

“Luna Trista, whatever you choose, I’m right here with you,” she whispered fervently. “Even if you decide to end the contract, Howard won’t allow them into Ironthorn.”

I turned to her, a wave of gratitude washing over me, mingling with the exhaustion that clung to my limbs. I curled my legs up, wrapping my arms around my knees, seeking comfort in the familiar position.

Cassian’s harsh, piercing words echoed in my mind, a relentless reminder of the pain I was grappling with. In that moment, I felt a profound urge to abandon everything, to escape the suffocating reality that surrounded me.

With a deep breath, I lifted my gaze, each word I spoke carefully chosen, as if they had been polished to perfection. “Fred, could you lend me one million dollars? I promise to pay you back in installments.”

He froze, his expression shifting as if he had been struck by a bolt of lightning. “The termination costs that much?”

Wynn’s eyes widened, nearly bulging from their sockets. “Luna Trista, did he…?”

I buried my face in my arms, the fabric muffling my voice as I laid bare the harsh truths. “When the Silverlight Pack fell, the debt was suffocating. He cleared our debts for us. He’s been supporting my family all these years. I owe him, and it’s a real debt.”

Wynn stood stunned, her mouth slightly agape. Fred’s gaze lingered on my face, searching for understanding.

His voice was cautious yet direct, cutting through the tension in the room. “You’re his mate. His payment of your debt is part of the contract he swore before the Moon Goddess. Even if you decide to break the contract, you shouldn’t have to repay it. The sacrifices you’ve made—your youth, your reputation, your duties as Luna—cannot be quantified in cash.”

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