Though night had fallen, Zayn felt restless. He tossed and turned in bed, sheets tangled around his legs. His wolf paced restlessly inside him. His wolf wanted him to find Lily and take her back.

"Shut up," Zayn growled, rubbing his temples. "She's not our mate. She's the enemy."

She's ours. Need her. His wolf howled.

Zayn clenched his jaw in frustration. It didn't make any sense. How could his wolf crave the daughter of their enemy? The one who killed their mate and destroyed everything they loved.

"Zayn?" Victoria's concerned voice interrupted his thoughts.

She leaned against the bathroom doorframe in a sheer nightgown that left little to the imagination and accentuated her curves.

"Can't sleep?" She asked as she climbed onto the bed behind him. Her fingers quickly found his tensed shoulder muscles.

With practiced skill, she kneaded his muscles as she lowered to whisper in his ear, "You need to relax, Zayn. I can help with that."

Zayn closed his eyes, trying to focus on her touch. But to his surprise, all he could see was Lily's face. She was afraid of him. Then, there was the scent of her blood. It felt familiar, almost comforting.

With a growl, he shoved Victoria's hands away.

"Zayn?" She sounded hurt as she pouted, "Did I do something wrong?"

"No," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not you. There's just a lot on my mind right now."

Victoria moved closer, pressing her body against his back. "Then let me help you forget," she whispered, her hands sliding down his chest.

"Not tonight," Zayn said firmly, standing up from the bed. "I need to be alone."

Victoria's face fell, but she nodded. "Of course, Alpha. Whatever you need."

She rose gracefully, her nightgown clinging to her body as she walked to the door. Her hand gripped the doorknob so tightly her knuckles turned white before she composed herself.

"Sleep well, Alpha. I'll be in my room if you change your mind," She said with a smile before leaving.

The door closed with a soft click, and Zayn exhaled heavily. He'd always enjoyed Victoria's company before, lusting over her body. But now, everything about her irked him. Her perfume was suffocating, making it hard to breathe.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" he muttered, pushing himself off the bed.

He walked out onto the balcony for some fresh night air. Somewhere out there, Lily was hiding from him, afraid of what he might do.

The thought made his chest ache in a way he couldn't understand. He looked out into the garden, lost in his own thoughts, when his keen sense of hearing picked up on something.

He didn't turn, but listened carefully.

Click. The door to his room opened. Zayn pressed himself against the wall beside the open balcony, hidden by the curtains.

He stilled his breathing, blending in with the shadows.

Light footsteps scurried across the floor. It couldn't be Victoria. A familiar scent drifted towards him. It was floral and sweet. Lily.

Zayn wanted to confront her, grab her by the arm, and ask her what she was doing here. But he found himself wondering, what was she doing back here?

So, he remained in his hiding spot, observing her every move. Lily moved across the room cautiously. She made her way to a chest in the corner that he had not noticed before.

Curious now, Zayn shifted slightly for a better view. He wondered what she was looking for. Was she here to steal something from him? Or one of Victoria's possessions?

Her hands trembled as she carefully sorted through the contents, treating each item she removed with care. Finally, her face lit up as she found what she was looking for, a small, gleaming object.

Lily held it up to the candlelight. It was a coin that he had never seen before, and yet it felt familiar. He furrowed his brows, trying to recall. A sharp pain pierced through his head. A memory bubbled to the surface.

"Keep it," he heard himself say, his voice gentle in a way he didn't recognize. "It could prove useful in your time of need."

Lily smiled, grateful and surprised. She held the coin carefully as though it were a prized possession. The look in her eyes was not of fear like before. It was of love and trust.

The memory felt so vivid, so real. Zayn stumbled back, clutching his head as the pain was enough to split his skull. Was he the one who'd given her the coin? What was its significance? Why had he been so kind to her?

Why did she trust him?

Zayn fell to the ground in pain. Lily froze, the coin clutched tightly in her palm as she found him in the shadows. Realizing she was caught red-handed, Lily feared the worst. But when she saw Zayn in pain, all that fear melted away.

She rushed forward without hesitation to check on him. The coin slipped out of her hand but she caught it at the last second and stuffed it into her pocket. She placed a hand gently on his arm to check on him.

"What do you think you're doing?! Go away!" Zayn growled as he pushed Lily away.

The force of his movement sent Lily flying across the room. Her body hit the wall with a dull thud. She slid down, slumped against the wall, wincing in pain, but made no sound. She curled into herself.

There was no cry. No whimpering. Nothing.

There was only silent suffering as she looked up at him with wide eyes. A dull ache formed in his chest. He clutched his heart. Why was it hurting? Why did seeing Lily get hurt make his heart ache?

Another bolt of pain surged through Zayn's head. Another memory fragment bubbled to the surface. He was hugging Lily tightly, enveloped in her scent. It was as if he were afraid she would disappear if he let go.

"I promise, Lily, I'll never hurt you ever again," He heard himself speak with genuine warmth and love, "No matter what happens, I'll keep you safe."