LYDIA'S POV

　　I was enraged by their behaviour. They weren't with me all the time, but their voices, the way they touched me that night, it all made my blood boil. I couldn't escape the memories, no matter how hard I tried. Every time I closed my eyes, the events of that night replayed vividly. It had been my first time, and instead of being a cherished memory, it had become the biggest mistake of my life.

　　Though I spent the night with my mates, which is a dream of every Lycan, for me, it had turned into a nightmare. The bond that was supposed to bring us closer felt like shackles around my heart. I wanted to erase their touch from my body, to forget the feel of their hands, but the ghostly sensation lingered, a constant reminder of my misplaced trust and vulnerability.

　　Their voices haunted me, especially during the quiet moments when I was alone. I would hear Brandon's soft assurances, Evan's firm but gentle commands, and it would make my blood boil.

　　And now, another fight over another silly topic. The argument had erupted over something trivial, yet it had spiraled out of control. I knew I had acted rashly back there, but I didn't know what else to do. The anger had spilled over, a torrent I couldn't hold back.

　　So far, I hadn't sensed anything unusual about Oleg. He seemed loyal, steadfast, always there when needed. But my mates' suspicions had planted a seed of doubt in my mind. Every time I saw Oleg, I couldn't help but scrutinize his every move, searching for signs of betrayal. So far, I found nothing. He was impeccable in his duties, always respectful, always composed. It frustrated me even more because it made my mates' actions seem even more unfounded.

　　As I walked through the palace halls, my thoughts a chaotic jumble, I overheard my maids chatting in the next room. I paused, hidden from view, and listened.

　　"Did you hear about the new tavern that opened in the city?" one of them said, her voice filled with excitement.

　　"Yes! The biggest one yet. They say it's the perfect place to forget your troubles," another replied.

　　My interest piqued. Forgetting my troubles sounded exactly like what I needed. Maybe if I could drown out the memories, the pain, even for a little while, I could find some clarity. The idea of a bustling tavern, filled with strangers and anonymity, was appealing. No one would know who I was; I could blend in and lose myself in the crowd.

　　I decided then and there. I would go to this tavern, and I would go alone. No guards, no protection. I didn't want anyone watching over me or judging my actions. I needed space, time to think, and perhaps a strong drink to numb the pain.

　　I made my way back to my quarters, determined to slip out unnoticed. I grabbed a cloak to hide my identity and left through a side exit, avoiding the main corridors where I might run into someone who would question my departure.

　　The night was cool, and the streets were alive with activity. The sounds of laughter and music drifted through the air, mingling with the scents of street food and the occasional whiff of something less pleasant. It was a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of the palace.

　　When I reached the tavern, it was exactly as I had imagined. Lively, loud, and bustling with people. I pushed through the crowd, finding an empty seat at the bar. The bartender, a burly man with a kind smile, approached.

　　"What'll it be?" he asked.

　　"Something strong," I replied. "And keep them coming."

　　As I sipped my drink, I felt the warmth spread through my body, a comforting numbness beginning to take hold. For the first time in days, I felt a semblance of peace. The noise of the tavern, the chatter of the patrons, it all created a cocoon that shielded me from my thoughts.

　　I didn't want to think about Brandon or Evan. I didn't want to remember the way they had looked at me, their eyes filled with guilt and regret. I wanted to forget it all, if only for a few hours.

　　I continued to drink, letting the alcohol wash away the pain. The more I drank, the less I thought about the betrayal, the less I remembered their touch. The night became a blur, a haze of laughter, music, and the comforting numbness of alcohol.

　　For a moment, I was just another face in the crowd, another soul seeking solace in the bottom of a glass.

　　That's when a stranger approached me. His face was half-hidden in the dim lights around the bar, but something about his presence managed to catch my attention. He had an air of confidence about him, and his eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.

　　"Why do you look so sad?" he asked, leaning in slightly. His voice was smooth, almost teasing.

　　I frowned, feeling a mix of irritation and curiosity. "Is it really that obvious?"

　　He chuckled, a low, pleasant sound. "Only to someone paying attention. Though I must admit, someone as beautiful as you sitting alone and looking so down? It's hard not to notice."

　　I sighed, glancing at my now empty glass. "I'm not sad. I just want to be alone for a while."