The next morning, my phone exploded with notifications.

"Blood Claw Pack Head Healer Halen Rhodes is under investigation for the unauthorized possession of banned substances. The Moonlight Pack Healers’ Association has suspended her duties effective immediately."

My name was there in plain black and white. But those drugs weren't mine!

"Dammit!" I called my boss and close friend immediately. "Emma, this is a mistake! Those drugs aren't mine!"

"Halen, I don't want to believe it either," Emma said, her voice heavy with concern. "But an anonymous tip came in. Someone claimed they saw you taking those substances from your locker, and they provided full evidence."

"Who reported me?!"

"It was anonymous." Emma paused. "Halen, the decision is final. You’re suspended until the investigation is over. If the charges are proven, your healer's license will be permanently revoked."

I sat on my bed, my hands shaking. My license was my life. I had taught myself healing at six, became an apprentice at eighteen, a full healer at twenty, and Head Healer by twenty-three. This job was the only thing I had to keep me afloat. And now, it was ruined.

Buzz—Buzz—

Another notification. This time from the werewolf forum.

"The True Face of the Blood Claw Pack's Head Healer! Not only did she poison her own kind, but she’s also hoarding illegal substances!!"

The post already had thousands of comments.

"I knew it! A sweet person like Ella wouldn't lose her wolf for no reason. This bitch did it!"

"Halen Rhodes should be exiled! She doesn't deserve to be a healer!"

"She treated me once. I feel sick just thinking about it. Did she use illegal drugs on me too?"

"Demanding full punishment for Halen Rhodes! Make her pay!"

The phone wouldn't stop vibrating with messages of pure rage. Some were from patients I had saved; others were complete strangers.

They didn't know the truth at all, yet they cursed me with the most vicious words imaginable.

I turned the phone off and buried my face in my hands. Tears leaked through my fingers.

Why? Why was this happening?

I forced myself to go to the medical center to find evidence. As soon as I walked in, the staff stopped talking, their eyes filled with suspicion and disgust.

"Halen, you shouldn't be here," Emma said, intercepting me. "I want to believe you, but you’re banned until this is settled."

"Emma, I need to check my locker! I’m being framed!"

"Halen," Emma whispered, "you need to lay low."

Before I could explain, a mob gathered at the entrance. They held signs that read: "EXILE THE SNAKE HALEN!" and "WE DEMAND JUSTICE!"

"There she is! Halen Rhodes!" someone screamed.

"Get out, you bitch!"

Stones, rotten vegetables, and clumps of mud flew at me.

I shielded my head and ran, the sounds of angry shouts and chasing footsteps right behind me.

My clothes were stained, and a stone gashed my forehead, sending blood trickling down my face.

I curled up in a dark alley, trembling, when a pair of red high heels appeared in front of me.

It was Ella.

She was wearing a cream Chanel dress, her hair perfectly styled—a sharp contrast to my bloodied, disheveled state.

"Halen," Ella knelt, her eyes shimmering with fake pity. Then she leaned in and whispered, "I’m the one who reported you."

"What?" I stared at her, stunned.

"I framed you," she said, her hand gripping my wrist. "I put those drugs in your locker. I bought the media. I forged the evidence." A flash of triumph crossed her face before shifting back to a look of vulnerability. "Did you really think you could stay by Domine’s side for three years? I’m going to destroy your reputation. Let’s see if Domine chooses you or protects me."

"You—"

Suddenly, Ella grabbed her own arm and raked her nails across her skin, drawing deep, bloody gashes. In her weakened state, she shouldn't have bled that much—unless she had taken anticoagulants beforehand.

"Halen!"

A roar of fury came from the end of the alley. Domine. He stormed over, his eyes colder and more disappointed than I had ever seen.

"Domine..." Ella threw herself into his arms, sobbing hysterically. "I just wanted to talk to her... to stop her from doing something stupid... but she said she didn't want my help... she tried to kill me... I don't have a wolf, I can't defend myself..."

Domine looked at the blood on Ella's arm, his face turning livid. He looked at me as if I were a total stranger.

"Halen, I am so disappointed in you."

His words pierced my heart like a blade.

"Domine, let me explain—"

"Explain what?" he snapped. "Why you framed Ella? Or why you’re hiding illegal drugs?"

"I didn't! She set me up!"

"Enough!" Domine bellowed. "Ella just returned to the country recently; how could she possibly frame you? Stop making excuses, Halen."

He swept Ella up into his arms. "It hurts..." she whimpered against his chest.

"I’m taking you to be treated right now," he said softly. "You’re going to be okay."

He had never used that tone with me. Not once.

As they disappeared, I stood in the alley, shaking. That’s when Lucas appeared, holding a black box.

"Halen Rhodes." Lucas looked at me with pure disdain. "The future Luna says you owe her more than just heart’s blood. You owe her your dignity."

He opened the box. Inside was a collar.

"What is that?" I stepped back.

"Your punishment," Lucas sneered. "Since you made Ella lose her wolf, you should feel what it’s like to be powerless. This collar is laced with silver powder and wolfsbane extract. Once it’s on, you’ll feel a constant burn, and your wolf will be suppressed."

"You can't—"

Lucas didn't give me a chance to fight. He lunged, pinning me down and snapping the collar around my neck.

The agony was instant. My wolf let out a pained howl before falling into a suffocating silence. I dropped to my knees, clutching my throat, unable to even scream.

"It’s the Luna’s order," Lucas said, looking down at me. "And of course, Domine authorized it. Consider this a down payment on the debt you owe. There's plenty more to come."

He walked away.

I collapsed on the ground. The collar felt like a ring of fire, charring my skin. I could smell my own flesh burning. It hurt—god, it hurt. But the despair hurt more. I had been discarded by the pack. I had lost my love, my career, and my name. Now, even my wolf was suppressed.

I curled into a ball as the rain began to fall. The cold water mixed with the blood from my neck, soaking into my clothes.

Six days left until the Mating Ceremony.

I struggled to my feet and began the long crawl back to my rental. Every step made the collar burn deeper. But I couldn't fall. I had to get my father out. I had to survive.

#

I had to treat the wound on my neck. I didn't want to die.

I slipped through the side entrance of the medical center, avoiding everyone’s gaze until I found the ointment for silver burns. Just as I was about to leave, voices echoed from the end of the hallway. It was Domine.

He was carrying Ella in his arms, moving fast, with three medics trailing behind him.

"Hurry! Get the VIP suite ready!" Domine’s voice was thick with panic. "I want the best medicine and the best healers on this, now!"

"Yes, Alpha!" the medics scrambled into action.

They disappeared into the VIP suite at the end of the hall. I bit my lip, clutching my cheap ointment.

I crept toward the room and peered through the small window in the door.

Domine was lowering Ella onto the bed with agonizing care.

"Does it hurt?" He held her hand, his eyes full of heartache.

"It hurts..." Ella whispered, tears tracking down her cheeks. "Domine, it hurts so much..."

"It won't for long." Domine leaned down to kiss her forehead. "I'm going to make you better."

He turned to the staff. "Get the Moonstone Healing Essence."

A nurse gasped. "Alpha, that’s... that’s the most precious tonic . A single drop is worth a hundred thousand gold coins."

"I said get the best," Domine snapped. "I don't care about the price; I'll pay."

The nurse nodded and sprinted out. I ducked into the shadows as they whispered nearby.

"My god, the Alpha of the Moonlight Pack is so good to the future Luna..."

"I know. I heard that for his mate, he’s mobilized all the Moonlight Pack’s resources ... the gifts he's given these past few days alone are worth hundreds of millions..."

"I also heard he gave her Star-Moon Lake, the most beautiful spot on the Moonlight Pack's border..."

"He’s such a dominant Alpha! He'd give up anything for his woman!"

Their voices faded. I leaned against the wall, my nails digging into my palms. Star-Moon Lake. Domine had taken me there for my eighteenth birthday. We had watched the stars, and he told me, "Halen, when we have a home of our own, I’ll bring you to live here. This place belongs only to us."

Now I knew that place had never been ours. It was just another gift for Ella.

The nurse returned with the Moonstone Healing Essence. Domine took the vial and used a cotton swab to delicately apply it to the scratches on Ella’s arm.

"This might sting a bit. Hang in there," he said softly.

"Mm..." Ella bit her lip, her eyes welling up. "Domine, am I useless? Getting you this worried over such a small injury..."

"Don't be silly." He wiped her tears away. "You’re the woman I love. Taking care of you is my responsibility."

He continued applying the medicine with a touch as light as a butterfly's wing.

"Domine..." Ella suddenly caught his hand. A flash of calculation crossed her eyes, quickly masked by a pout. "I... I want the Moon-Tear Necklace."

The Moon-Tear Necklace. I’d heard of it. It took the most famous jeweler in the North three years to craft, set with a hundred and eight Moon-Tears—the most sacred gems for werewolves, capable of strengthening the soul. It was worth twenty million gold coins.

Domine went quiet for a second. "That's a bit much..." He frowned. "Ella, that necklace—"

"I know it's expensive..." Ella looked down, her voice small. "I'm sorry, Domine. I shouldn't have asked. I just... I just wanted something to help my wolf. Maybe then she’d have a chance to come back..."

She started crying again. "But I know I don't deserve it. I have nothing left. I'm just a burden to you..."

"You are not a burden." Domine sighed and pulled her into a hug. "Fine. I’ll buy it. I’ll head North tomorrow and pick it up for you myself."

"Really?" Ella looked up, her eyes gleaming.

"Really." Domine ruffled her hair. "I’ll pay whatever it takes to get your wolf back."

Ella threw herself into his arms, unable to hide her smug grin. "Domine, you’re too good to me..."

I turned away and slid down the wall until I was sitting on the floor. Twenty million. Just a casual gift for Ella. They say love is where the money is.

I looked down at my ointment— only fifty silver coins a bottle.

Why can Ella always destroy my life so easily?

I remembered high school.

Ella was the daughter of the former Elder on the Alpha Council, and I was just a scholarship kid from the bottom of the pack.

She hated that I had better grades, so she tormented me.

Dead rats in my bag, laxatives in my water, locking me in the freezing storage room overnight. Once, she pushed me onto silver equipment during training, burning my right leg so badly I nearly passed out. No one came for me. I spent three days in the infirmary, bandaging my own wounds in agony.

Later, I became a healer. When Ella ate that poison and was dying, I put our past behind me and pulled her back from the jaws of death.

Domine used to say he loved my "heart of gold." He said he loved my dedication to saving lives and my kind soul that remained pure despite the pain I’d suffered. But now, his eyes didn't see me anymore. He only saw Ella. He only saw the woman who used to torture me and was now framing me.

I stood up to leave. Just then, my phone vibrated. It was Emma.

"Halen!" Emma’s voice was frantic. "Something’s happened to your father!"

#

I rushed to the emergency room. My father was lying on the operating table. Deep bite marks tore through his neck and arms, and the skin around the wounds was already rotting.

"What happened?" I grabbed Emma’s arm. "Why is my father like this?"

Emma’s face was bloodless. "Halen, it looks like he was attacked by a rogue while on border patrol tonight. By the time they found him, two hours had already passed."

Two hours. For rogue venom, two hours was a death sentence.

"He needs Silvermoon Flower." Emma gripped my hands tight. "It’s the only thing that can neutralize the venom. But the medical center is out of stock, and the nearest apothecary won't open until morning."

Silvermoon Flower! I had it!

"I have one!" I turned and bolted. "I’m going to get it right now!"

I burst out of the medical center and ran toward my rental as fast as my lungs would allow. The silver collar around my neck burned like a ring of fire with every jagged breath, but I didn't care about the pain.

I remembered my father when he was young—a strong warrior who would carry me on his shoulders to look at the stars.

"Look at the brightest one, Halen," he used to say. "That’s the Moon Goddess watching over us. As long as you keep a good heart, she’ll protect you."

After my mother passed, he raised me alone. He gave me the best food while he ate the cheapest pack rations. He saved every penny to put me through medical school just so I wouldn't have to struggle at the bottom of the pack like he did.

The day I became Head Healer, he cried. He told me I was the greatest pride of his life.

And what did I do? I neglected him again and again for Domine. How many nights did he sit alone in that tiny cabin waiting for me while I was out on dates? How many times did I make excuses for Domine because he was "too busy" to meet him? Last month, when he was sick, I promised to visit, but I stood him up because of one phone call from Domine.

I was a terrible daughter. Yet, he never blamed me.

"You have your own life, Halen," he’d say. "I don't mind."

I couldn't let him down again. I burst into the house, ran to the bedroom, and tore open the nightstand drawer.

Empty. The ornate box holding the Silvermoon Flower was gone.

I searched frantically—under the bed, in the closet, through every drawer. Nothing.

Domine. It had to be him. I dialed his number. It rang for an eternity before he finally picked up.

"Halen?" Domine sounded annoyed. "What is it? I’m looking after Ella."

"Domine, did you take the Silvermoon Flower?" I fought to keep my voice steady.

"Yeah, I took it," he said casually. "Why?"

"I need it." I took a shaky breath. "Domine, please. Give it back. It’s an emergency."

"Sorry, Halen. It’s already gone."

I froze. "What?"

"Ella was hurt today. You know about the wounds on her arm." Domine’s voice turned accusatory. "She said the only thing that could dull the pain was the scent of Silvermoon Flower. So, I turned all Silvermoon Flower I can find into incense. It’s burning in her room right now."

Hurt. Those were the scratches Ella gave herself. And Domine had turned a life-saving herb into incense for a few superficial marks.

"Domine, my father is dying," I said, my voice trembling. "I need that flower. Please, give me whatever is left."

The line went silent for a few seconds before Ella’s voice cut in. She had snatched the phone.

"Are you lying again, Halen?" Ella sounded indignant. "This is too much! You’re just mad that Domine gave the flower to me, so you made up some story about your father being sick? You’re actually using your own father just to get back at me?"

"I’m not lying—"

Domine took the phone back. "Halen, I’m disappointed. I know you have a grudge against Ella, but you shouldn't sink this low. You hurt her today; I had to make it up to her."

"It’s not a lie!" My tears finally broke. "Domine, my father is really dying! I need the flower!"

"If your father is sick, take him to the medical center," Domine snapped. "Stop calling us. Ella was injured and she needs her rest."

"Domine, listen to me—"

"Enough, Halen. Even if I had another flower, I’d give it to Ella. Her pain is because of you, and making her comfortable is more important than anything else."

He hung up. I sank to the floor, clutching my phone. He didn't believe me.

I forced myself up and ran back to the medical center.

If I didn't have the flower, I had to find another way.

I could use my blood.

Although a relative's blood cannot directly cure the toxin, it can temporarily suppress the Rogue venom.

As long as I can hold on until dawn when the apothecary opens, I will be able to buy Silvermoon Flower.

I burst into the emergency room.

"Emma! Use my blood! A relative's blood can temporarily suppress the venom!"

Emma froze. "Halen, you’re in bad shape. I’m worried you can't handle this—"

"It doesn't matter!" I interrupted her. "I can do it! Fast!"

"But Halen, you’ll die—"

"I’d rather die if it means my father gets to live." I grabbed her hand. "Emma, please."

She gritted her teeth and nodded. The healer hesitantly inserted the needle. Deep red blood flowed through the tube and into my father’s body.

One bag. Two bags. I watched his pale face and prayed. Dad, I’m sorry. Please don't die. Just hold on until morning.

Three bags. Four bags. My vision started to blur, and a loud buzzing filled my ears.

"Halen, stop! You’re going to die!" Emma tried to pull the needle.

"Keep going!" I hissed.

By the fifth bag, my body gave out. I collapsed onto the floor as the world went black. In the haze, I heard frantic footsteps and the panicked voices of the healers.

"The venom is spreading! Without Silvermoon Flower, our current medical treatments are completely useless."

I struggled to get up, but I didn't even have the strength to lift my hand.

"Halen..."

A weak voice sounded beside me. My father was awake. I turned my head with great effort and saw him looking at me. His eyes were dull and his lips were turning black, but he managed a small smile.

"Dad..." I choked out.

"Don't cry..." He squeezed my hand with the last of his strength. "Halen... Dad... doesn't blame you..."

"I’m so sorry," I sobbed. "It’s all my fault. If I hadn't met Domine... if I hadn't saved Ella... you wouldn't be..."

"No..." He shook his head. "You... did nothing wrong... Being kind... is a good thing..."

"But I can't even save you..."

"Halen..." His breath was growing shallower. "Listen... tonight... at the border... I saw Ella..."

My entire body went rigid.

"She was... with a rogue..." He gasped for air. "It wasn't... an attack... they were... talking..."

"What?"

"I saw her... give the rogue... something..." He coughed up a spray of black blood. "The rogue... saw me... and attacked... Ella... she ran..."

"Halen... watch out for her... she’s... dangerous..."

His hand went limp. The monitors let out a long, piercing shriek.

"We’re losing him! Resuscitate!"

The healers rushed in, performing chest compressions and injecting epinephrine. But it was useless.

"Time of death: 3:27 AM."

I knelt by the bed, holding his cold hand. His eyes were still open, looking at me—a father’s final act of protection.

"Dad..." My voice was a hollow wreck. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I couldn't save you."

"You were right. I shouldn't have saved her. I should never have known Domine."

"If I had just listened to you, you'd still be here."

I stayed there, draped over him, crying until I had nothing left. Finally, I stood up and wiped my face. I was done crying. I was done begging.

I was going to make Ella pay. I was going to make Domine realize just how monstrous his mistake was.

I gently reached out and closed my father’s eyes.

"Don't worry, Dad," I whispered. "I'll be careful. And I’ll make sure she pays for this. I promise."

#