Fianna's POV

I didn't hesitate.

The moment I ended the call with my father, I grabbed the first suitcase I saw and dragged it into the bedroom. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to stay focused.

There was no time to think. If I stopped for even a moment, the truth I had just learned would crush me.

I pulled open drawers, grabbed clothes without care, and threw them into the suitcases.

While folding a dress, my hands suddenly stopped.

It was the one Danica loved.

"Mommy, you look like a Moon Princess in this."

My chest tightened. I swallowed hard. Tears filled my eyes, but I forced them back.

Not now.

I shoved another shirt into the suitcase.

Then the bedroom door opened.

"Fianna?" Bastien called from behind me. "What are you doing?"

I closed the suitcase and turned around with a fake smile.

"Just sorting out my wardrobe."

His eyes narrowed as he looked around the messy room.

He opened his mouth to speak, but another voice interrupted him.

"Hello, Fianna."

I froze.

My stomach twisted.

Valeska.

I hadn't realized she had entered with Bastien.

Before I could stop myself, my eyes dropped to her chest. To the place where my daughter's heart beat.

A violent urge rose inside me.

I wanted to tear it out with my own claws. I clenched my fists so hard my nails cut into my palms.

My daughter's heart was inside her. Yet she stood in my bedroom smiling at me.

But I only said nothing. Because if I spoke, I would scream.

Then I noticed the luggage. Two expensive suitcases stood behind Bastien.

My brows furrowed.

Bastien followed my gaze. Before I could ask, he smiled as if bringing wonderful news.

"Valeska will be staying with us for a while."

I blinked. "What?"

Before Bastien could continue, Valeska stepped forward with a cheerful laugh.

"Didn't Bastien tell you? I'm carrying a pup."

Her hand rested on her stomach, a bright smile on her face, as if she expected me to gasp, congratulate her, and pull her into a hug.

Instead, I raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Her smile wavered.

For a brief second, her mask slipped. Shock flashed across her face at my cold reaction.

Then she quickly recovered. Her lower lip trembled as she tried to look hurt.

"I thought you'd be happy for me, Fianna. After everything we've shared."

Happy?

The word burned through me.

What exactly was I supposed to celebrate? The fact that she had stolen everything from me?

Before I could answer, Bastien cut in sharply.

"Fianna, what’s wrong with you? She's your closest friend. You should be happy for her. Instead, you're acting resentful and jealous."

I slowly turned to him, a mocking smile on my lips.

Jealous? Resentful?

"Jealous?" I repeated coldly. "Why would I be jealous?"

His eyes flashed. "Because she's having a pup, and you..."

He stopped.

But it was too late. The wound had already been opened.

Because I lost mine.

Because he murdered mine.

I drew a slow breath, fighting to stay calm. "Then explain something to me, Bastien."

I pointed at Valeska.

"Why is she moving into this pack house? Why does she suddenly need to live here?"

Bastien’s jaw tightened as he stepped closer.

"Because she shouldn't be alone right now. She needs support. She needs protection. That pup needs people around it."

"People?" I asked quietly.

"Yes," Valeska added softly, trying to sound helpless. "Only until things calm down. I thought you'd understand better than anyone."

Bastien nodded.

"Exactly. She needs us. She's our family too, Fianna."

A sarcastic laugh escaped me. "She's not my family."

Valeska flinched. Bastien frowned.

"Why can't you be happy for her, Fianna? Instead of celebrating, you're acting like this." He pointed at me with clear disgust. "Listen to yourself. It's embarrassing."

Embarrassing?

The word cut deep. But I refused to react.

I tilted my head and looked between them with a bitter smile.

"The way you're acting makes me curious, Bastien."

My voice remained calm.

"Is the pup yours?"

Silence filled the room.

Bastien's jaw twitched, while Valeska widened her eyes in fake shock.

"Don't be absurd," Bastien snapped. "Of course it isn't mine."

"Really?"

I raised a brow. "Then why is she moving in with us? Why are you defending her so fiercely?"

"She's alone, Fianna!" Bastien barked. "She has nobody else, and she's carrying a pup. What kind of monster would turn her away?"

What kind of monster sacrifices his own daughter?

The question echoed inside my mind.

But I kept it to myself.

Instead, I turned back to the suitcase and pulled the zipper closed.

"If you'll excuse me, I'd like to finish organizing my things."

Bastien muttered something to Valeska. Then the two of them left the room together.

The second the door closed behind them, my smile disappeared.

My hands shook as I gripped the suitcase.

Fianna's POV

That night, sleep never came.

I lay on the bed, staring into the darkness.

Bastien stayed beside me for a while, but around midnight, I felt him quietly leave the bed. He thought I was asleep.

I kept my eyes closed and my breathing steady until the bedroom door clicked shut.

For a long time, I remained still.

From somewhere down the hall, I could hear Bastien's voice and Valeska's laughter.

I placed a hand over my stomach. A new life was growing inside me.

But Bastien didn't know. And I would make sure he never found out.

The next morning, Bastien entered the room wearing a smile, as if he hadn't spent the entire night with my best friend.

"Fianna," he said carefully, "we need to discuss something."

The way he said it made my stomach tighten.

"What is it now?" I asked with an immediate frown.

He hesitated before clearing his throat.

"Valeska shouldn't stay in the guest chamber anymore. She's carrying a pup. She needs more room and better comfort."

I blinked. My mind struggled to understand what he had just said.

"Comfort?"

He nodded. "The Alpha suite is larger and much nicer. It makes sense for her to have it."

For a moment, I thought I had heard wrong. Then a laugh of disbelief escaped me.

"You want me to give my room to Valeska?"

His jaw tightened. "It won't be permanent. Only until the pup is born."

I stared at him, fighting the urge to wrap my hands around his throat. I wanted to tell him I was carrying a pup too. That my pup deserved comfort and protection, not Valeska's illegitimate pup.

But I stayed silent.

He was a murderer. He had no right to know.

Then Bastien continued speaking, "Fianna, you've enjoyed that room for years. Valeska is pregnant. Shouldn't she be the one receiving special care now? Can't you make one sacrifice for your best friend?"

I pressed my lips together. There was no point arguing.

In a few days, I would be gone forever. So I swallowed my anger.

My nails dug into my palms.

"Fine," I said quietly.

Besides, it made things easier. I was already packing my belongings.

His shoulders relaxed. A relieved sigh escaped him.

He leaned forward and gently kissed my forehead.

Revulsion washed through me. I nearly shivered.

"Bastien?"

Valeska's voice floated down the hallway.

Immediately, he turned toward the door.

"Wait, Bastien," I said calmly. "I need your signature."

I forced my hands to remain steady as I picked up a folder from the table.

"Before you leave, there's a document I need signed."

He frowned impatiently. "Fianna, not now."

"But it's only a small piece of paperwork," I interrupted softly. "It'll only take a moment."

He hesitated and narrowed his eyes.

Then Valeska called again, "Bastien!"

"Fine. Give it to me."

He snatched the papers from my hand. Without even reading them, he signed his name.

My face remained expressionless. But inside, my heart hammered wildly.

He even had no idea what he had just signed.

"Anything else?" he asked.

"No."

He didn't wait.

Before I could say another word, he was already gone.

The second he left, I called my pack attorney.

"My bond severance with Alpha Bastien Ashbourne is complete. Withdraw all of my support and investments from Ashbourne Pack Holdings."

Yes, there was something Bastien had never known.

For years, I had secretly helped him build his territory. I had funded him, supported him, and protected him.

Now all of that was over.

A hollow laugh escaped me before I returned to packing.

A few minutes later, Valeska appeared at the doorway.

Her voice dripped with fake kindness. "Fianna, let me help."

Her smile even never reached her eyes.

But I knew that smile. I had seen it when she comforted me after Danica died.

Now I really wanted to scream at her. I wanted to rip her hair out.

But instead, I only forced a smile.

"That's alright. I can handle it."

She entered anyway, glancing around the room.

The shelves were nearly empty.

"It's okay. I'm good at organizing things. I'll take care of everything."

She walked directly toward the dresser where I kept Danica's belongings.

I hadn't found the strength to pack them away yet.

"Be careful. Don't touch that area," I said sharply.

Valeska's smile widened. She picked up a snow globe from the corner.

It had been Danica's favorite toy. A tiny moon dancer twirled inside whenever it was shaken.

On nights when grief became unbearable, I would hold that snow globe until sleep finally claimed me.

Watching the little dancer spin always soothed my heart.

"This is beautiful," Valeska said softly, turning it in her hands. "It belonged to Danica, didn't it?"

Pain squeezed my chest. "Yes. Put it down."

Her smile deepened. Mischief sparkled in her eyes.

"Oops."

She let it slip from her fingers. The snow globe crashed against the floor. Glass shattered everywhere.

The moon dancer snapped into two pieces. Silver liquid spilled across the floor.

"Oh, no!" Valeska gasped dramatically, pressing a hand against her chest. "I'm so sorry, Fianna. I've become so clumsy lately. It must be pregnancy fog."

Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she watched me.

Waiting.

Watching for my reaction.

For a moment, I couldn't move.

That snow globe wasn't merely a toy. It was the one thing that helped me survive the nights after Danica died.

Now it lay shattered. Destroyed by Valeska's deliberate mistake.

I dropped to my knees. My trembling hands gathered the broken pieces. I even didn't care when sharp glass sliced my skin.

Tears blurred my vision as I cradled the broken moon dancer in my palm.

"It was her favorite." My voice barely came out.

Valeska crouched beside me. A small, pleased smile rested on her lips.

"Don't worry, Fianna. You'll have more pups someday. You'll get over it."

My chest burned. Slowly, I lifted my eyes to meet hers.

At that moment, everything crashed down on me.

And I finally snapped.

Fianna's POV

My hands trembled as I held the broken moon dancer in my palms.

Something inside me finally shattered.

"You vicious wolf!" I snarled.

My voice came out as a low growl.

Valeska tilted her head and gave me a sweet smile. The same smile that had fooled me for years.

"Fianna, calm down. It was only an accident..."

The word accident made something explode inside me.

Before I could stop myself, my hand flew out.

Slap!

The slap echoed through the room.

Valeska stumbled backward and clutched her cheek. Her eyes widened in shock.

She had never expected me to strike her.

"You have no right to touch my daughter’s things! You have no right to destroy the only thing I had left of her!" I screamed, my throat raw.

"Fianna!"

Bastien's furious voice thundered from the doorway.

I turned just as he stormed into the room.

Rage filled his face as he rushed to Valeska and pulled her into his arms.

"She attacked me, Alpha," Valeska whimpered. Tears filled her eyes. Her voice trembled pitifully.

My chest rose and fell violently as I stared at them, still clutching the broken moon dancer.

Bastien's expression hardened. He turned toward me, fury blazing in his eyes.

"What is wrong with you, Fianna?"

"She broke Danica's snow globe!" I cried, pointing at the shattered glass. "She did it on purpose, Bastien. She—"

"Enough!"

His voice cut through the room like a blade.

"Listen to yourself. You're pathetic. Bitter. Jealous of a pregnant she wolf. Jealous because your friend has what you don't."

His words stabbed into me like silver claws.

But he wasn't finished.

"It’s not Valeska's fault that you don't have a pup anymore, Fianna. Danica is gone. Maybe if you had been a better mother, maybe if you had tried harder—"

"Don't you dare blame me, you monster!" A scream ripped from my throat before he could continue.

Bastien growled.

And before I could react, his hand struck my face.

The blow landed hard until my head snapped sideways. My knees gave out.

I crashed to the floor. Pain burned across my cheek. My ears rang.

Tears filled my eyes. Not because it hurt, but because it humiliated me.

Meanwhile, Valeska gasped dramatically. Her hands covered her mouth as if she were horrified.

But I saw the truth. The satisfaction in her eyes.

She loved every second of this.

My shaking fingers touched my burning cheek.

Bastien stood frozen, breathing heavily, his hand still half-raised. His eyes widened with sudden realization, as if he had only now understood what he had done.

For a brief moment, regret flashed across his face.

He took a hesitant step toward me.

"Fianna—"

Before he could continue, Valeska interrupted.

She burst into loud sobs. Her body shook as she wrapped her arms around her stomach.

"Alpha Bastien…" she cried as she collapsed against him. "This is all because of me. I never should have come here. I've only brought trouble. Luna Fianna is right. I don't deserve to live."

Her crying was dramatic. Fake.

But Bastien was completely blind.

She buried her face against his chest and sobbed even harder.

"Maybe I should die. Me and this pup. Then both of you would finally be free."

Panic instantly replaced the regret on Bastien's face.

He held her tightly and stroked her hair.

"Don't say that, Valeska. Never say that." His voice softened. "You and this pup mean everything. Do you understand? Everything."

I stared at them from the floor. My heart cracked apart. My cheek still burned.

Valeska's tears were fake. I could see the victory shining in her eyes.

But Bastien believed every word.

How fool!

He glared down at me while pulling Valeska even closer.

"Look at what you've done, Fianna. Look at her. She's terrified. She's blaming herself because of you."

"Because of me?" My voice broke as I struggled to hold back tears. "But—"

"Enough!"

His face became cold as stone and his eyes burned with anger.

"I don't even recognize you anymore. You're completely out of control."

I wanted to say something, but again, Valeska released another sob and clutched her stomach.

"Bastien," she whispered weakly. "The pup... it hurts."

Bastien’s panic deepened. He looked down at Valeska trembling in his arms. Then he shot me a venomous glare.

"You're staying in this room until you learn to control yourself."

His voice was cold and final, making me froze.

"What?"

"You heard me, Fianna."

After that, he wrapped an arm around Valeska and guided her toward the door.

"You're not leaving this room until you learn how to behave. I won't allow you to hurt Valeska or her pup."

Then the door slammed shut.

A second later, I heard the lock click from the outside.

"No!"

I threw myself at the door. My fists pounded against the wood until they throbbed.

"Bastien! Don't leave me in here! Open the door!"

But only silence answered.

I grabbed the handle and pulled, but it didn't move.

"Bastien!" My voice cracked. "Please! You can't do this!"

But he never returned.

The room was at the top of the Alpha Manor. There was no escape.

Minutes turned into hours.

I screamed until my voice gave out, leaving my throat raw and burning.

Again and again, I tried reaching Bastien through our crystal communicator, but every call unanswered.

Eventually, he blocked my frequency completely. Cutting me off.

My body ached. My stomach growled with hunger.

There was no food. No water.

The room felt less like a bedroom and more like a prison cell..

I clawed at the door until my nails split and bled.

I screamed.

I begged.

I cursed.

I even prayed to the Moon Goddess.

And eventually, my voice stopped working.