Freya's POV I didn't want to come back to Silverfang Tower. Not even for a second. But until Caelum and I formally severed our mate bond under the Moon Tribunal, I didn't want to draw unnecessary attention. I didn't want the vultures in this city to smell blood in the water-at least, not yet. So I returned. Caelum was already pacing when I entered his office. The moment he saw me, he launched straight into it. "You left the company, and Ironhold Consortium pulled out of the aerial cavalry tech project. Did you conspire with them to sabotage me?" I blinked, stunned for a moment, before the absurdity made me laugh. "Sabotage? You give me far too much credit. If they withdrew, it's because they no longer believe in the project's potential." "Then explain this," he snapped, eyes narrowing. "Their Alpha Simon said they pulled out because you resigned." That made me pause. So that's how it was. Of course. Ironhold had probably done their homework-on me. My track record with the airborne units, my designs, my combat simulations. I had been the backbone of the project. Now, with me gone, all they saw was an empty shell being fronted by an unqualified brat. "They probably weren't impressed with your new project lead's skills," I said coolly. Right then, the office door slammed open. Speak of the devil. Giselle stormed in, eyes blazing. "What's that supposed to mean? That I'm incompetent? I think it's more likely you were sleeping with the investor!" My wolf flinched at the vile words, claws itching just beneath my skin. "Giselle, that's enough," Caelum warned, though there was hesitation in his tone. "Oh, come on! Ironhold dropped us the moment she left. What else would explain it? She slept with someone-admit it, brother, she cheated on you and now we're paying for it!" And there it was. Caelum looked at me, that doubt flickering in his eyes-eyes I used to trust, used to love."Do you believe that?" I asked, voice low. He didn't answer right away. Just stared at me, lips parting like he was struggling to speak. Then finally, "If it's not true, then explain why they dropped the deal the moment you left. Tell me you didn't-" I laughed. It wasn't joyful. It wasn't even bitter. It was hollow. Cold. A sound scraped from the bottom of a soul that had long since stopped hoping. A three-year bond, and he could still look at me like that. Still doubt me based on his sister's venom. No matter what I had given up for him-my wings, my title, my name. "You really think I slept with an investor?" I said slowly. "She's clearly guilty! Look how defensive she is," Giselle said smugly. I turned to her, staring into her smug, spoiled eyes. "You're sure I slept with someone at Ironhold?" "Positive," she sneered. "Good," I said, pulling out my phone. I dialed. "Emergency Dispatch." "Yes, I'd like to report a rape," I said calmly. "I was drugged and assaulted without my knowledge. My husband's sister has claimed she witnessed or has proof. She can testify." "What the hell are you doing?!" Caelum lunged toward me, yanking the phone away. "It's a misunderstanding! My sister didn't mean it!" he yelled into the receiver before hanging up, his face pale. "You're insane!" he shouted at me. I straightened my back and met his fury with calm steel. "She accused me of a serious crime. Shouldn't I investigate it? If she's so confident, she can testify under oath." "She didn't mean it that way-" "Maybe not," I cut in coldly. "But you did. You didn't stop her. You believed her." I hit play on my phone. The recording of Giselle's voice filled the office, her words clear as a mountain stream: "She slept with someone from Ironhold. I'm sure of it." Her face turned crimson."You still want to stand by your accusations?" I asked. "Because if not, I'll see you in court." She muttered something unintelligible. "Louder," I said. "I'm sorry," she gritted through her teeth. "I… made it up. I don't actually know anything." I nodded, sliding my phone back into my coat. "If I hear one more whisper of slander, we'll let the Moon Tribunal sort it out." I turned to Caelum. "If that's all, I'll be going. Next time, don't summon me to your company like I'm still one of your people. I resigned. That bond? It's already broken." I walked out without looking back. Later that evening, I received word that Caelum had gone to retrieve Aurora-from the infirmary after her recovery from the riding accident. Typical. Always had time for her. While I was fighting off betrayal in his office, she was being pampered. I could picture it. Her nestled in his arms, whispering sweet nothings, guilt-tripping him with teary eyes. "I wanted to help you connect with the Whitmore Clan," she probably said. "I only meant to help… but now I've ruined everything…" And Caelum? He'd lap it up like milk.