Chapter 9

Eleanor's POV

Fear flashed in his eyes, as if afraid of what I was about to say. Claire stood aside, nervously wringing her fingers.

I took a deep breath and began the most important performance of my life.

"I've thought a lot," I began, trying to keep my voice calm, "about our situation, about the fated bond, about... everything."

Edward's body tensed, waiting for my verdict.

"I can't continue like this," I continued, seeing the pained expression on his face, "can't continue fighting facts I can't change."

"Eleanor..." he began to say something, but I raised my hand to stop him.

"Let me finish," I said, then turned to Claire. "You're right. The fated bond is indeed stronger than any of us. I can't continue pretending it doesn't exist."

Claire's eyes immediately brightened, but I could see she was still cautious.

"But," I continued, my tone becoming firm, "if I'm going to accept this reality, there must be some conditions."

Edward immediately nodded. "Any conditions," he said eagerly. "Whatever you say."

"First, I remain the official Luna of Pineridge Pack," I said, looking at both of them. "This position won't change. I've devoted seven years to this pack, and I won't abandon my responsibilities."

"Of course," Edward agreed without hesitation. "You'll always be our Luna."

Claire looked a bit confused but had no objections.

"Second," I continued, feeling sick at what I was about to say, "I need time to... adjust. This isn't something I can adapt to in a day. I need to see that you're both serious, both willing to make this arrangement work."

"We're absolutely serious," Claire said eagerly. "I'm willing to do anything to prove I'm not here to destroy, but to build."

I nodded, inwardly mocking her naivety. "Then the third condition," I said. "Claire stays in the guest room. At least until I'm fully adjusted."

Pain flashed across Edward's face, but he nodded. "If it makes you more comfortable."

"Finally," I said, this was the crucial point, "I need some time to handle personal affairs. Arrange some... financial matters, update some legal documents. After all, now that the situation has changed, I need to make sure everything is in order."

This was the perfect excuse to let me access our bank accounts and transfer funds to prepare for escape.

"Of course," Edward said. "How much time do you need?"

"A few weeks," I said. "Maybe a month. These things need to be handled slowly."

Edward walked toward me, carefully extending his hand as if afraid I'd retreat. When I didn't dodge, he gently took my hand.

"Thank you," he said softly, his voice full of gratitude and guilt. "I know how difficult this is for you. I swear I'll do everything to make this... arrangement work for everyone."

I looked at him, this man I had once loved deeply, now thanking me for agreeing to share him. The irony made me want to scream.

"I just want everyone to be happy," I said, almost choking on the lie.

Claire suddenly rushed over, seemingly wanting to hug me, but stopped at the last moment. "Thank you, Eleanor," she choked out. "I swear I'll be the best... I'll try not to cause you any trouble."

I looked into her sincere blue eyes, almost feeling sorry for her. She really thought this would work, really thought we could live together harmoniously like sisters.

"We all need time to adjust," I said. "This is new for all of us."

Edward pulled both of us into an awkward group hug. "We'll make this work," he said. "The three of us, as a family."

A family. The word echoed in my heart, full of bitter irony.

When we separated, I saw hope in Edward's eyes, gratitude on Claire's face. They really believed it. They really thought I'd accepted this absurd arrangement.

"I'm tired," I said. "I want to go upstairs and rest. Tomorrow we can start... adjusting."

"Of course," Edward said. "Tell me if you need anything."

I nodded and began walking toward the stairs. When I reached the top, I heard low conversation from below.

"She really agreed," Claire whispered in amazement.

"She's a strong woman," Edward replied. "She always thinks of the pack's interests, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness."

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. If he really knew me, he'd know I'd never truly accept this arrangement. But his guilt and desire clouded his judgment.

Back in our bedroom, now just my bedroom, I closed the door, leaned against it, and finally allowed my tear to slip.

The first phase of the plan was complete. Now I needed to begin the real work: gathering funds, planning escape routes, staying in contact with Maggie.

I had about a month to arrange everything, then I'd leave this place forever, leave these memories, leave this broken life.

For the next two weeks, I lived a double life. During the day, I was the perfect Luna, handling pack affairs and maintaining surface harmony with Edward and Claire. At night, I became a prisoner carefully plotting escape.

"Today's financial reports look good," I told the pack's financial manager, while quietly transferring funds to an account only I knew about. "Winter reserves should be sufficient."

This was my fifth fund transfer. Each time was careful, not drawing attention. So far, I'd accumulated enough for Maggie and me to survive several months after leaving.

"Luna Eleanor is so thoughtful," Claire's voice came from the office doorway. I turned to see her entering with a tea tray, a pleasing smile on her face.

For the past two weeks, she'd been trying to demonstrate her "goodwill." Making breakfast, tidying rooms, even trying to help me handle some pack affairs. Every gesture made me more disgusted with this false harmony.

"Thank you," I accepted the teacup. "You don't always need to take care of me like this."

"I want to help," she sat across from me. "I want to prove we really can... live together."

I nodded, inwardly rolling my eyes. If you knew what I was planning, you wouldn't be trying so hard.

"By the way," I said, pretending casualness, "I need to go to Moonhaven. Some Luna Alliance business to handle."

This was the code Maggie and I had agreed on. We needed to meet to discuss the final escape plan.

"Do you need me to come with you?" Claire asked.

"No need, it's just routine business," I declined. "You stay here and help Edward with pack affairs."

That afternoon, I drove to Emberhill Pack. Maggie and I had arranged to meet at an abandoned cabin on the border. When I arrived, she was already waiting.