Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 161

**Chapter 161: Severed Ties**

**Deanna’s POV:**

Whenever Philip was away, a sense of peace enveloped me as I made my way to Kathryn at the Mistbane Pack. Each visit felt like stepping into a different realm, one where the noise and chaos of my life faded into the background, if only for a little while.

Today, as I entered the familiar warmth of the main house, I sensed an intriguing transformation in Kathryn’s presence. The once turbulent essence that surrounded her had shifted, replaced by a serene calm that seemed to radiate from her very core. It was as if she had finally found a semblance of balance, and with it, a flicker of hope for her well-being.

As I crossed the threshold into the living room, I was greeted by a stunning array of jewelry displayed like treasures from a fairy tale. Several jewelers had gathered, showcasing their finest creations, each piece shimmering under the gentle glow of the overhead lights.

Kathryn’s eyes lit up as she spotted me, and she waved me over with an inviting smile. “Deanna, come here! I want you to see these beautiful pieces. Tell me which one you like the most!”

A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I approached the display. I couldn’t help but think back to those moments when Kathryn used to select exquisite jewelry for the pack galas every quarter. Jillian had always been by her side, relishing in the privilege of being her companion during those special occasions. But today, the brilliance of the gems felt overshadowed by my memories, and I found myself lost in thought.

Just then, one of the jewelers, noticing the moonstone bracelet that adorned my wrist, grinned and remarked, “Ms. Wiley, that moonstone bracelet you’re wearing is worth more than all the jewelry we brought here combined.”

At his words, Kathryn’s gaze flickered to my wrist, and with a wave of authority, she instructed the jewelers, “You can leave for now. We’ll choose something another time.”

The jewelers, taken aback yet compliant, began to carefully pack away their dazzling pieces. I felt a strange mix of gratitude and discomfort as I glanced over at the display. My fingers grazed a pearl necklace, its elegance captivating me for a fleeting moment.

The jeweler’s eyes sparkled as he asked, “Ms. Wiley, do you fancy this Amani pearl necklace? It’s truly a one-of-a-kind design.”

I turned to Kathryn, memories flooding back to me. “I believe I’ve seen Jillian wear this necklace before.”

Upon hearing my words, Kathryn’s expression shifted as she took the necklace into her hands, examining it thoughtfully. “This was a gift from your grandmother for her 16th birthday,” she revealed, her voice tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia.

The jeweler chimed in, “This pearl necklace is part of a collection of pawned jewelry we acquired recently.”

Before I could respond, Stacey rushed down the stairs from Jillian’s room, her face pale and breathless. “Luna, all the valuables and jewelry in Jillian’s room are gone!”

**Kathryn’s POV:**

The news struck me like a thunderbolt, leaving me momentarily speechless. I could hardly process the implications of such a revelation.

I had held onto the hope of guiding Jillian toward better choices, believing that perhaps, if she could grasp the weight of her actions, I might find it in my heart to offer her another chance. But now, it felt as though her heart had turned to ice, and I was left grappling with disappointment.

“Everyone can leave. I’ll keep the pearl necklace. Please add it to my account,” I commanded, my tone resolute.

Cradling the pearl necklace in my hands, I turned to Deanna, a wave of guilt crashing over me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had failed this child in more ways than I could count.

“Deanna,” I began, my voice softening as I struggled to find the right words, “I’ve made a decision. I’m officially severing all ties with Jillian in the name of Mistbane Pack’s Luna. From now on, her fate—whether she thrives or falters—will no longer concern me or the pack.”

Deanna’s response was cool, almost detached, as if my words were echoes in an empty room. “That’s your decision.”

Her calm Omega aura contrasted sharply with the storm brewing within me, amplifying the emotional distance that had developed between us. It felt as though we were discussing the fate of a stranger rather than someone so deeply intertwined in our lives. The weight of that distance pressed heavily on my chest.

“Let’s not dwell on her anymore,” I said, forcing a smile in an attempt to bridge the growing gap between us. “Is that bracelet a gift from Mr. Eaton?”

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