Dana

　　"You need to trust me," she insisted, her gaze locking with mine. "I know that you may not feel comfortable around me because I tend to be more strict compared to Anna, but I have to be," she explained in a hushed tone. "I have to differentiate between my responsibilities and my personal life," she whispered, her words tinged with a sense of solemnity.

　　"I don't have all the intricate details about your romantic life," Divine began, her voice filled with a mix of empathy and curiosity. "But I believe that you should center your focus on yourself right now, especially given the nuances of your life that may not be readily apparent to others."

　　Her words struck a chord, causing a nervous flutter in my chest as I grappled with the weight of her insight.

　　"And as for your motivations," she continued, her expression thoughtful, "are you perhaps seeking solace in these encounters as a means of shielding yourself from the memories of the man you truly love? The formidable Alpha, Ares, whose happiness now lies with his Luna, despite the challenges inherent in such a union?"

　　The mention of his name stirred a tumult of emotions within me, dredging up memories and longings I had struggled to suppress.

　　As days passed, I found myself immersed in the warmth and love of my relationship with Bathel, his presence becoming my sanctuary from the turmoil of the past. Yet, with the mere mention of Ares' name, memories long dormant stirred within me, resurfacing with a sharp pang that cut through the veil of forgetfulness I had carefully woven.

　　"See?" Divine's voice pierced through the haze of my thoughts, her words carrying a weight that bore down on me. "It's evident that your feelings for him still linger, despite your efforts to move forward. The grip of a first love is a powerful thing, and you can't deceive me. I've seen enough of love to recognize its intricacies."

　　Her insight struck a nerve, sending a wave of discomfort coursing through me as I struggled to deny the truth she had so astutely pointed out. With a shaky resolve, I shook my head, unable to meet her probing gaze as a knot of nervousness tightened in my chest.

　　"No!" I protested vehemently, my voice quivering with a mix of frustration and denial. "Just because I'm not talking about him doesn't mean I still love him. I'm confident in my feelings for Bathel-"

　　"Calm down, please," Divine interjected firmly, her tone cutting through my outburst. I could see the subtle shift in her eyes, a flicker of intensity that hinted at an underlying power.

　　"Take a breath," Xia's voice echoed in my mind, a soothing presence amidst the turmoil.

　　As Divine approached me, her demeanor exuding a mix of authority and concern, I felt a sense of unease settle over me. "You're allowing yourself to be consumed by distractions," she continued, her words carrying a weight that forced me to confront uncomfortable so-called truths. "But deep down, you haven't truly moved on. You're holding onto the past, clinging to a desire for retribution."

　　The surge of rage pulsated through my veins, threatening to overwhelm me as Divine's words cut deep, piercing through the fragile facade I had constructed. In that moment, I longed to pour out my heart, to articulate the depth of my love for Bathel and the pain I felt at her accusations. Yet, confronted with her unwavering gaze and the weight of her insight, I found myself rendered speechless, my emotions roiling beneath the surface.

　　"You don't understand me..." I murmured, the words catching in my throat as tears threatened to spill from my eyes. A wave of dizziness washed over me, leaving me feeling unsteady and vulnerable in the wake of Divine's piercing scrutiny.

　　I watched her walk away, her words lingering in the air like a haunting melody. "I don't mean to intrude," she said softly, "but using men to escape your troubles won't lead to peace." Her laughter danced around me, a bittersweet echo of truth. As she vanished from sight, I wanted to unleash a storm of retorts, but the acrid scent invading my senses stopped me short.

　　Turning away, I stumbled upon a scene of ordinary camaraderie, friends sharing food and laughter. Yet, the smell assaulted me, triggering a violent reaction. Gasping for air, I fled to the shadows, seeking refuge from the world's cruel reminders. Bent over in agony, I purged the toxicity from my soul, each retches a painful purge of my troubled heart.

　　I throw up.

　　As the waves of nausea subside, I find myself engulfed in a haze of exhaustion and disorientation. My mind reels, struggling to piece together the fragmented moments leading up to this disquieting scene. Anger simmers beneath the surface, ignited by Divine's audacious commentary, yet I remain paralyzed, unable to defend the sanctity of my relationship with Bathel.

　　The promise of a grand unveiling on his upcoming birthday binds my tongue, trapping me in a web of obligations and expectations. Despite the turmoil raging within, I muster the strength to quell the relentless onslaught of sickness, rising unsteadily to my feet. Drawing in a shaky breath, I confront the unsettling sensation churning within me, a disquieting reminder of the unresolved conflicts lurking beneath the surface.

　　"Are you okay?" My heart stutters at the unexpected presence of Adrian, the Alpha's steadfast beta, his concern a palpable presence in the air.

　　Summoning a facade of composure, I force a smile, masking the tumult raging within. "I'm fine," I fib, a feeble attempt to deflect his attention.

　　But Adrian's gaze remains unwavering, his concern refusing to be placated by my false assurances. "I should fetch Anna to assist you," he insists, his voice laced with determination. "It's evident that you're not feeling well-"

　　Cutting him off with a curt gesture, I steel myself against his well-intentioned interference. "There's no need," I interject, my smile strained with the weight of unspoken turmoil. Some battles, I realize, must be fought alone, hidden beneath layers of feigned strength and stoic resolve.