On the night of their third mating anniversary, the gift Tharina Steelhowl received was not a blessing from the Moon Goddess.

It was a crystal recording orb.

Inside it, her mate, Alpha Malven Ashbourne, was tangled with his personal attendant inside a carriage, the scene spreading across every communication mirror in the werewolf kingdoms, rising to the top of all public channels.

Every wolf in the grand hall turned to look at her.

All of them waited.

They waited for the proud and sharp Luna of the Ashbourne Pack to lose control and break apart in front of everyone.

But Tharina did none of that.

She calmly ordered the gathering to end. One by one, the guests left under her command. Then she returned straight to the Ashbourne pack estate and spoke the words she had buried for too long.

"I want to separate from Malven. I am carrying his pup, and I need you to keep this from him."

Jolene Ashbourne, the Alpha Mother, stood frozen.

The woman who had once loved her son without hesitation was now asking to leave him, while carrying his bloodline, and still refusing to let him know.

Tharina let out a quiet, bitter laugh.

She had loved Malven.

When his carriage accident shattered his body and mind, she had given up everything to stay beside him. Her future. Her path. Her pride.

But after their bonding ceremony, Malven’s so called memory lapses became frequent.

He would forget her. Forget their bond. And lose himself with different she wolves again and again.

Tharina had thrown away her dignity for him. She had argued, cried, and even threatened to destroy herself just to pull him back.

He would kneel, apologize, swear he remembered her again. Then the next day, he would be holding another woman in the open.

She kept telling herself it was his illness. Until yesterday when she had heard the truth.

Through a communication stone, Malven’s voice came clearly, relaxed and mocking.

"You came up with a clever excuse. But tell me, you really don’t care for her anymore?"

Malven gave a low scoff.

"I did before. Now I am tired of her. She is no longer young, always suspicious. And what kind of Alpha stays tied to one woman forever?"

In that moment, everything inside Tharina went silent. Something in her died.

Fine…

Then she would leave.

And she would take her unborn pup with her.

One day, when Malven learned the truth, he would lose everything and regret it too late.

——

Their third mating anniversary.

Tharina Steelhowl received a cruel gift. A recording of Alpha Malven Ashbourne with his attendant, spreading across all territories.

Only moments before, he had held her hand in front of everyone while they cut the ceremonial cake.

"Every year from now on, we will stand like this," he had said softly.

Now every gaze in the hall was fixed on her. Gaze of curiosity, mockery, also pity.

Yeah, they all waited for her to break.

"Luna, should I track the Alpha’s location?"

Caelan, the pack steward, lowered his voice carefully.

"It may just be the Alpha’s condition acting up again."

The Alpha Mother, Jolene Ashbourne, had given strict orders. No one was allowed to upset Tharina tonight. Caelan could only rely on that excuse.

Tharina’s expression remained calm.

"No need. The image is unclear. Just remove it from the channels."

Caelan froze.

Around them, whispers spread quickly.

"She is not going after him?"

"Last time, when the Alpha was seen with another she wolf, she had just recovered from a healing ritual. She still ran out and forced him back."

"And during her birthday, when he brought someone else, she banished that girl from every pack gathering."

"But it is because of his condition. He forgets her, forgets the bond. And every woman he chooses looks like her."

"That only proves she is the one he truly favors. But she causes trouble over everything. No patience at all."

Every word reached Tharina clearly, but she didn’t respond. They believed she had finally learned to stay quiet to keep her place as Luna.

Tharina’s gaze shifted to the large portrait hanging nearby.

It was from their bonding day. Back then, Malven’s eyes had been filled with warmth.

Now she understood. Oaths and love were the weakest things in this world. Easily broken.

Just yesterday, she had heard everything.

There was no illness. No memory loss. Malven remembered everything. He remembered growing up with her. Remembered their bond, her crying, begging, forgiving him again and again.

He simply didn’t care.

Tharina had spent countless nights crying herself to sleep.

Tonight, she stopped.

She was done.

***

After the gathering, Tharina returned to the Ashbourne estate.

Jolene had already seen everything. Her eyes were filled with pain and anger. She had already sent wolves to bring Malven back.

Soon, the communication stone lit up.

"Madam," the attendant’s voice trembled. "The young Alpha has recovered from his episode, but he says he is occupied. He drove our people away."

"He asked us to tell the Luna that he feels bad for exposing the girl publicly, so he will stay and comfort her."

"He also said the Luna handled things well tonight. Very reasonable. Removing the news so the girl would not feel embarrassed. He said she is finally becoming more…"

The stone was thrown to the ground.

Jolene’s hands shook with anger.

"That fool! When will this so-called illness end? Tharina, what you have endured… no one should bear this."

Tharina gently held her arm. Her voice was calm, but tired to the bone.

"Mother, I came tonight to ask for your agreement. I want to end this bond with Malven."

"Five years ago, my family fell. My father was dying. Your pack saved us. We owe you everything."

"Then Malven was injured, and he changed. He became wild and unstable. You asked me to stay, to help him return to himself."

"I agreed. I gave up my path, my training, everything. I stayed for him. I thought things were getting better. But the episodes continued. He kept forgetting me."

"I tried everything. But I cannot hold him anymore. And I will never make him stay."

Jolene’s eyes turned red as she pulled Tharina into an embrace.

"Our family has failed you. I promised your parents I would protect you. I never thought it would become like this."

"After the accident, he remembered no one but you. He searched for you like he had lost his soul. He refused every other mate."

"And now, when this illness appears, the only one he forgets is you."

Tharina almost spoke.

He never forgot?

But she swallowed the truth. Instead, she smiled faintly.

"Mother… I am tired."

Jolene sighed deeply. "Alright. I will respect your choice."

Tharina placed a hand over her lower belly. "There is one more thing. Please don’t tell him that I am carrying his pup."

Jolene froze. Her gaze dropped, then tears fell.

"You foolish girl. You carry his bloodline, yet you still want to leave?"

Tharina’s eyes misted, but she held back.

"This pup is not a tool. I will not let him grow in a broken bond. I can raise him. I can protect him."

"Don’t tell Malven. He cannot even remember me."

Jolene looked at her for a long moment, then nodded. "I will arrange everything. The separation, and your secret. This is what we owe you."

Tharina bowed her head slightly and turned away.

Behind her, Jolene whispered softly, "How did it come to this…"

Tharina paused for a brief moment. She remembered the Malven from before. The one who saw only her.

After the accident, he became someone else. A cold and unpredictable man. He would hurt her, then beg for forgiveness.

She had never blamed him. She had loved him without doubt.

But now she knew the truth. And her heart would never turn back to him again.

***

As Tharina stepped out, her communication stone lit up.

A large transfer of gold from Malven.

Then several voice messages.

In the background, there were soft, breathless sounds.

"My moon, you didn’t make trouble tonight. Good."

"My head hurt again, I mistook her for you."

"Send me that Silvermoon Regalia jewel set. She says I was too rough, nothing calms her. She really likes your collection."

Tharina listened to the voice message without any change in her expression. Then her eyes lowered to the ring on her finger.

A moonstone ring.

It was paired with the "Silvermoon Regalia" scent oil, crafted from rare night-blooming herbs.

Malven had made it himself. It was the gift he used when he asked her to become his mate.

Now he used his so-called memory loss as a shield, giving away things that belonged only to her. Again and again.

Each time, he would watch her break apart. He would watch her cry, shout, and lose control. Then he would calm her with a few soft words, pulling her back as if nothing had happened.

This had happened too many times.

But not anymore. She no longer wanted the ring. And she no longer wanted Malven.

Tharina said nothing. She removed the ring from her finger and dropped it into the waste bin. Then she asked someone to take all the jewelry away.

***

Before sunrise the next morning, Malven returned to the pack estate. He had already washed away every scent that didn’t belong to him. He changed into clean clothes and climbed into bed quietly.

From behind, he wrapped his arm around Tharina. His chin rested near her neck. His fingers moved slowly along her waist.

His voice sounded soft when saying, "Tharina, I am sorry. My condition acted up again yesterday, and everything spread across the territories. I know it must have hurt you."

He paused, then added, "But she is still young. Spending some time with her is only right. Do not take it too seriously."

Tharina gave a small nod. "Alright."

Malven stiffened. The words he prepared to comfort her stopped midway.

"Tharina, you are really not angry this time?"

Tharina gave a faint smile. "Isn’t this what you wanted? A calm and proper Luna?"

Malven looked satisfied. He took out a small bottle of scent oil and handed it to her, like a reward. The sweet smell reached her nose, and she frowned at once.

Not long ago, that young she-wolf, Elodie Wildmoor, had shown the same bottle to everyone through a communication mirror.

"My Alpha bought this for me. I don’t like it. I will make him return it to his plain Luna."

There was a time when Malven searched across kingdoms just to bring her the best things. Now he gave her what another woman didn’t want.

Tharina bit her lip until she tasted blood.

"I don’t want something that has been touched by others."

Malven’s expression shifted slightly. Without hesitation, he threw the bottle away. Then he pulled her into his arms.

"If you don’t like it, alright, just throw it away."

"I have a full body check at the healer’s hall later. Tharina, it is time we have our own pup."

A pup…

Pain spread through her chest. She lowered her eyes, hiding everything.

Once, they both wished for a pup more than anything. But now, she would never tell him.

Silence filled the room.

Tharina was about to speak when his communication stone lit up.

"Malven, I twisted my ankle. It hurts."

Malven glanced at Tharina, then spoke coldly, "Can’t you just go to the healer yourself?"

He ended the call. Then he turned back to Tharina with a smile and helped her prepare.

"Today, my Luna comes first."

***

The carriage moved away from the estate.

Soon, the communication stone rang again. Malven answered.

Tharina couldn’t hear the other side, but suddenly the carriage stopped hard.

Before she could react, Malven opened the door, came around, and pulled her out.

"Tharina, take another carriage to the healer’s hall."

Before she could speak, he had already left. The carriage rushed away.

Tharina stood still, watching it disappear. A quiet laugh escaped her lips. For a moment, she had believed there was still something real left in him.

In the end, she was the only foolish one.

***

Tharina went to the healer’s hall alone. After finishing her check, she turned a corner and saw them.

Malven and Elodie.

Elodie leaned against his chest, her eyes red. A small bandage with bright patterns covered her ankle.

When Elodie saw Tharina, she quickly spoke, "Luna Tharina, I am sorry. This is my fault. It is just a small injury, but I still called the Alpha. He should have stayed with you today. I feel very bad."

Tharina felt her stomach twist. She covered her mouth, trying not to retch.

"So now, a personal attendant also serves as a mate on the side."

Malven’s face darkened. Anger flashed across his eyes.

But then he noticed her. Her face had no color. Her body swayed slightly.

Something tightened inside his chest. He reached for the scroll in her hand.

"Are you unwell?"

Before he could touch it, Elodie cried out softly, "Alpha, my ankle hurts so much…"

His attention shifted at once. He let go of Tharina’s hand and turned back to Elodie.

"It is alright. We will get it treated now."

He released Tharina so suddenly that she lost her balance. Her body leaned back, almost falling. She pressed her hand against the wall to steady herself.

When she looked up again, Malven was already gone. He carried Elodie away without looking back.

Pain spread through Tharina’s chest. She clenched her hand tightly, forcing herself to stay calm.

She turned and left without another glance.

***

The moment Tharina stepped outside, her communication stone lit up.

A message from Jolene.

[Tharina, the bond severance papers will be ready in seven days.]

After being discharged from the healer’s hall, Tharina didn’t hesitate. She drove straight across the territory to the private forging den that once belonged only to her.

Malven had given her that place after their mating rites. At that time, guilt had followed him like a shadow. She had stayed by his side, caring for him after his near death accident, abandoning her own path without complaint. The den had been his way of making it up to her.

When the bond was severed, she would not take any share of his Alpha wealth. Not a single coin.

But this place, she would keep it. Everything inside had been created by her own effort, shaped through long nights and quiet suffering. It was the only thing she had left to build a new life for herself and the pup growing inside her.

She had barely stepped inside when her assistant hurried over and handed her a record of items that had already been sent out.

Her work. All of it.

The necklaces she had forged with moonstones. The bracelets carved with protective runes. Even the rare pieces she had sealed away. Every single item had been removed and delivered to Elodie Wildmoor, all under Malven’s command.

A cold fury rose within her. Her fingers tightened around her crystal communicator as she prepared to call him.

But before she could, something else caught her attention. Her name had spread across the pack’s network like wildfire.

There was a video. It showed her sitting alone in the waiting area of the healer’s hall, silent and still. Not far from her, Malven held Elodie in his arms, his voice low and gentle as he comforted her.

The reactions below were cruel.

"So even the Luna knows when to stay quiet. She must be afraid of losing her title."

"It’s clear who the Alpha truly treasures. Look at how worried he is for Elodie."

"She only became his mate because she cared for him when he was injured. She turned kindness into a bond. Now the truth is showing."

The words were meant to wound, yet they found nothing left to break.

Malven had seen it as well. His answer came quickly. A large sum of money transferred to her account, followed by a short message.

"She had nightmares and needed me. Do not cause trouble."

Tharina looked at the glowing numbers for a long moment. Her eyes remained calm, empty of feeling.

Then she called him.

When he answered, her voice held no warmth at all.

"Malven, my creations were sent to your chosen one. Did you even consider asking me?"

On the other side, he sounded impatient, as if her question meant nothing.

"Is the payment not enough? You kept quiet yesterday. Why are you making noise now?"

A faint laugh slipped from her lips. Without another word, she ended the call and continued packing.

She stayed there through the night.

By the next day, everything she needed had been gathered. Once she left, she knew she would never return.

But when she entered the pack house again, she was met with a sight that made her pause.

Elodie was resting comfortably on the main couch, leaning into Malven as she spoke softly. The two of them looked close, like a true mated pair.

Hearing the door, Elodie turned her head. The moment she saw Tharina, her expression shifted. She drew closer to Malven, her posture small, almost fearful.

"Hello, Luna."

Tharina felt her body tighten, though she kept her face calm. Her gaze moved over them before she spoke, her tone cold.

"Alpha Ashbourne, you are quite thoughtful. Bringing her into this house to recover. Was the place too quiet without her presence?"

Malven’s expression hardened immediately. He rose slightly, his voice carrying clear disapproval.

"Tharina, I believed you had learned restraint. Yet here you are again. Elodie is still injured. I will not leave her alone outside. She will remain here for a few days. What is your objection?"

Those words ended whatever little hope she still held.

She looked at him carefully. Once, he had been the center of her world. Now, he felt like a stranger.

There was no anger left. No sadness. Only emptiness.

She didn’t argue. Her eyes moved away from them, and she turned toward the stairs.

The bedroom door closed behind her, cutting off the sound of Elodie’s soft crying. Cutting off the last tie that bound her to Malven.

Her strength left her then. She slid down slowly until she sat against the door. One hand rested over her stomach as she spoke in a quiet voice.

"You will not resent me for this, will you, my dear?"