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."

#

My father’s funeral was a pathetic affair.

No flowers, no music—just a simple urn. As a low-ranking Delta, he wasn't even granted the cheapest plot in the pack cemetery. I was walking out, clutching the urn to my chest, when I ran into Domine and Ella.

Domine stopped in his tracks. Ella looked at the urn in my arms and smirked.

"Halen, is this part of the act?" she whispered. "Did you really buy a prop urn just to steal Domine back?"

I gripped the urn until my knuckles turned white. My hands were shaking. "My father is dead."

"Dead?" Ella tilted her head. "How possible？You were just throwing a tantrum because he chose me. Now that you see he didn't fall for it, you're carrying that box around to play the victim?"

I looked at Domine. He stood behind her, his eyes flickering with a moment of doubt.

"Domine..." My voice cracked. "He’s really gone. A rogue bit him; the venom was too much. I begged you. I told you I needed that Silvermoon Flower."

"He’s dead, and you still don't believe me?"

Domine’s throat moved as he swallowed. I saw it—that flash of pity. For a split second, looking at me standing there with my father’s ashes, he wavered. Three years of history doesn't just vanish.

I remembered when he was just a "regular Delta" living in a shack. When my father found out we were dating, he wasn't thrilled, but he accepted it. He even invited Domine over for dinner. My father made a feast out of the best ingredients a commoner could afford. Domine ate every bite, praising my father's cooking.

My father was so happy he brought out his private stash of Moonlight Wine.

"Domine, my biggest regret is not being able to give Halen a better life," my father had said, voice thick with drink. "You have to take care of her, okay?"

"I will, sir," Domine had said, gripping his hand. "I’ll take care of her for the rest of my life."

He looked so sincere back then. I really thought he loved me. I remembered when my father got hurt on patrol and Domine carried him all the way back, staying by his side all night and even using his "wages" to pay the medical bill. My father cried, calling him a good man.

But that "good man" had forgotten everything. He had forgotten the kindness of an old man who was now nothing but dust.

Sensing Domine’s hesitation, Ella suddenly grabbed his arm, her voice turning weak. "Domine... I feel dizzy..."

He immediately supported her. "What’s wrong?"

"I think my wound opened again... I don't have a wolf to heal me..." She started to cry. "I’m so scared. Am I going to die?"

She leaned into him, her touch possessive. "How is it such a coincidence? The moment you give me the herb, her father suddenly needs it? There are Silvermoon Flowers all over the apothecary shops—sure, they aren't as high-quality as yours, but how could he die that fast?"

"Is this just a trap to make me look bad? Does she hate me that much for having your attention?"

Domine pulled her closer. "No. I won't let her hurt you."

He looked up at me. The doubt was gone.

"Halen, I don't care what’s in that box. I don't believe he’s dead."

"You’re just bitter because I gave the flower to Ella, and you’re using this to punish me. It won't work. I'm taking Ella for her check-up."

He walked away, guiding her past me. Ella looked back over her shoulder, her lips curling into a triumphant smile. I stood there, clutching my father's ashes, shivering in the cold.

I walked back to my father’s cabin. Every step felt like I was carrying lead. The house was tiny—just a bed, a table, and a wardrobe. All twenty-year-old relics. I placed the urn on the table.

"Dad, we're home."

I started packing his things. Clothes. Shoes. Old junk he couldn't bear to toss. Under the bed, I found a wooden box covered in dust. Inside was a diary and a USB drive.

The cover of the diary read: Seeking Justice for My Daughter.

My hands trembled as I opened the first page.

Halen is sixteen. She came home today with a new scar on her back. She said she fell, but I know a silver burn when I see one. People at school say it’s Ella Whitmore. I wanted to go to the school and demand answers, but the Elders warned me. They said Ella is a former Elder’s daughter. A Delta like me has no right to accuse her. If I make trouble, they'll exile me. I can't leave Halen alone. But I won't let this go. I’ll gather evidence. One day, I will get her justice.

Page after page. Every entry was a record of my pain, written in my father's blood and sweat. My tears hit the paper. He knew. He knew about the bullying, the injuries, the agony. He couldn't protect me then because he was too weak, so he spent years gathering evidence in secret, hoping to one day set things right.

I wiped my eyes and plugged the USB into his old computer. There were hundreds of photos, dozens of videos, and recordings. Every file was a knife to the heart. Then, I found the most recent video.

It was the border woods. Ella was standing there, talking to a red-eyed Rogue.

"I gave you the items," Ella's voice was crystal clear. "Proceed as planned."

"Yes, Luna," the Rogue replied. "As soon as the old man shows up, I’ll take him out."

"Good." Ella smirked. "That bitch Halen has kept Domine from me for too long. It’s time she felt what it’s like to lose someone."

She pulled out a small vial.

"This is your payment. Drink it, and your strength will triple—enough to defeat any enemy."

Then, they went their separate ways.

Ella headed toward the center of the Moonlight Pack.

My father was hiding behind a tree, and he caught them in the middle of the deal.

But he accidentally snapped a branch.

*Crack—*

Ella turned around. She saw my father.

"Who's there?!"

My father turned and ran.

Ella let out a sharp whistle.

The Rogue lunged out from the woods and tackled my father.

The footage cut out.

The last few seconds showed my father's phone hitting the ground.

But the video had already automatically uploaded to the cloud.

My body was shaking.

So that was it.

Ella was the one who killed my father.

She thought the evidence died with him.

I kept digging. I found another video from three years ago—the day Ella supposedly "lost her wolf."

Ella was in a cave with a vial. "A temporary wolf-suppressant," she told the camera, grinning. "If I drink this, I can fake losing my wolf. Domine will be devastated."

"As for that idiot Halen, she’ll think she saved me. She won't know I was never poisoned. I just ate some harmless berries to look weak."

"She actually thinks she’s a hero."

Ella drank the potion, shivered, and collapsed. Seconds later, she got up and checked her pulse. "Perfect. My wolf is suppressed. Now I'm just a 'poor, defenseless girl.' Domine will never leave me."

"And Halen..." Her eyes turned venomous. "I won't let a low-life werewolf be better than me. I’ll take everything from her. Her job, her name, her love, her family. I won't leave her with anything."

The video ended. I sat there, my soul on fire.

So it was all just an act by Ella.

She lied to everyone, including Domine.

And I was the only victim.

I gripped the USB drive in my fist. This was it. The evidence that would shatter every lie she ever told. Evidence bought with my father’s life.

I touched the cold surface of his urn. "Thank you, Dad," I whispered. "Thank you for everything."

"I’ll use this to destroy them. I’ll make her pay, and I’ll make Domine realize exactly who he gave his heart to."

"I’ll make the whole pack see the truth."

I tucked the drive and the diary away. Something inside me had burned to ash and been replaced by a cold, hard flame. I wasn't the kind, weak Halen anymore. No more crying. No more begging. No more backing down.

#

One day left.

One day until Domine and Ella’s Mating Ceremony.

I returned to our rental. Domine wasn't there. A note sat on the table.

"Halen, I have to prep for tomorrow’s ceremony tonight. I’ll probably be back late. Dinner’s in the fridge—don't forget to eat. — D"

I looked at that note and laughed. It was a cold, bitter sound. I crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it in the trash. I went into the bedroom and started packing. Clothes. My diary. The USB drive and the evidence my father left behind. Tomorrow, I was leaving this place for good.

Halfway through packing, I heard footsteps outside. Domine was back. I checked the time: 1:00 AM. His steps were light, as if he were afraid of waking me. I lay back on the bed and closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep.

The door opened. Domine stood by the bed, watching me for a moment before turning and walking out. I heard him dialing a number in the living room.

"Ella? Still up?"

He was calling her. I held my breath.

"Is everything ready for tomorrow?" Domine’s voice was incredibly tender. "Don't be nervous. It’s going to be perfect."

I couldn't hear her response, but I could hear the flirtatious tone of her voice on the other end.

"Of course," Domine laughed. "Tomorrow, I’m marking you in front of the entire pack. You are my Luna. My only Luna."

My heart felt like it was being shredded. Even though I knew this was coming, hearing it with my own ears still felt like a physical blow.

"Halen?" Domine paused. "She doesn't suspect a thing."

"I’ll stick to the plan tomorrow. First, we finish the marking ceremony. Then, the Elders will announce a 'special treatment.' To restore your wolf, we’ll need to 'supplement' it with Halen’s wolf essence."

I froze. What?

"The whole pack will think we're doing it to save you," Domine continued. "Halen will be brought to the altar, and her wolf will be extracted in front of everyone. This serves two purposes: you get a powerful wolf and become a true Luna, and Halen will be completely stripped of her power. She’ll never be a threat to you again."

I heard a faint murmur from Ella. Domine laughed again. "No, she won't die. Once her wolf is extracted, she’ll just be a regular human. She’ll never be able to shift again."

"Yeah, basically a cripple. But she’ll be alive. Alive to watch us be together. Alive to regret everything she’s done."

Tears fell silently into my pillow. That was their plan. Strip me of my wolf to feed Ella. Make me a cripple and force me to watch their happiness as punishment for crimes I never committed.

"Silvermoon Flower?" Domine’s voice suddenly turned excited. "You like the incense? That’s great. I’ve already ordered the pack to buy up every last bloom in the territory. Every single one."

"I used my authority as Alpha to ban any apothecary from selling it to anyone else. Now you can fall asleep to that scent every single night."

My nails bit into my palms. Every last flower. He gave them all to Ella while my father died in agony because we couldn't find a single petal.

"It’s not too expensive," Domine said. "You deserve the best. What's money compared to your happiness? I’d give you the whole pack if you wanted it."

Ella must have said something sweet because Domine’s voice dropped even lower. "I love you too, Ella. Halen means nothing to me. She’s just a tool—a way to pay back what she owes. Once tomorrow is over, I don't have to play this part anymore."

They talked for a long time, nothing but sweet nothings. Finally, the call ended. I heard Domine let out a long sigh. Then he whispered to himself:

"I’m sorry, Halen."

My heart skipped a beat.

"But you owe Ella this. You’re the reason she lost her wolf. You have to pay. Once it’s over and her wolf is back, I’ll forgive you. I’ll keep you hidden, as my secret lover."

"I know you’re my fated mate. I can feel the pull of the bond. So I won't let you die, and I won't let you leave. You’ll stay by my side... it just can't be public. Ella can't know. The pack can't know. You’ll have to stay in the shadows, hidden away forever."

"But that’s fine. At least I’ll still have you."

There was a strange complexity in his voice. "It’s the best way," he said. "Ella gets what she wants. I get what I need. And you, Halen, you’ll finally atone for your sins. It’s better for everyone."

I closed my eyes. He wanted to lock me away as his secret toy. Force me to live in darkness for the rest of my life. He didn't realize that was a fate far more cruel than death.

I heard Domine go into the bathroom. The sound of the shower started. A while later, he came out and lay down on the other side of the bed. I could feel him watching me for a long time. Then he reached out, trying to pull me into his arms.

I snapped my eyes open and rolled away from his touch.

"Halen?" Domine was startled. "You’re awake?"

"Yeah," I sat up, keeping my back to him. "You woke me up."

"I’m sorry," he said. "I thought you were out."

He tried to move closer again. I stood up and walked over to the window.

"Halen? What’s wrong?"

"Nothing," I said flatly. "I just can't sleep."

"I'll stay with you then." Domine stood up and walked over behind me. He placed his hands on my shoulders. I could feel his heat and that familiar scent—a scent I used to love. Now, it just made me want to gag.

"Halen," Domine whispered. "Tomorrow is our ceremony. Are you happy?"

I smiled. "Very."

"Good." Domine sounded relieved. "I was worried you weren't. I’ve been looking forward to this for three years. I'm going to give you the most perfect, grand ceremony the pack has ever seen. Everyone will know you belong to me."

He sounded so tender, as if he actually loved me.

"Domine," I said suddenly.

"Yeah?"

"Do you really love me?"

He was silent for a few heartbeats. Then he turned me around to face him.

"Of course," he said, looking into my eyes. "I love you, Halen. I’ve never loved anyone like this. Why would you even ask?"

"No reason. Just nerves, I guess." I pushed him away. "I’m tired. I'm going back to bed."

"Halen—" He tried to grab my arm.

"Don't touch me," I snapped, pulling away.

"Why?" Domine frowned. "You're acting so strange tonight."

"I'm fine." I climbed back into bed and lay down with my back to him. "I'm just exhausted. I want to rest before tomorrow."

Domine stood by the bed for a long time before finally sighing and lying down.

"Fine," he said. "Get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day. I promise."

He reached out to hold me from behind. I moved to the very edge of the bed, putting as much distance between us as possible. He fell silent. His hand hung in the air for a moment before he slowly let it drop.

"Okay. Goodnight, Halen."

"Goodnight."

The room went dark. I listened to his breathing as it eventually evened out into sleep. I stayed wide awake, staring into the blackness. Everything I had just heard played on a loop in my mind.

Tomorrow, they were going to tear my wolf away. Tomorrow, Domine was going to mark Ella.

I wasn't going to let that happen. I felt the USB drive in my pocket.

Dad, I whispered in my mind. Tomorrow, I get our revenge. I promise.

I closed my eyes. This was my last night in this pack. I took a deep breath and pushed all my memories down deep. It was over. Tomorrow, I’d cut every tie to my past. Tomorrow, a new Halen would walk toward a brand new future.

#