My phone buzzed, the unknown number glaring at me from the screen.

My heart pounded as I read the message.

[Your pack—East Northwood—was attacked last night.]

My breath hitched. The world tilted.

My body went numb, my ears ringing.

“Who—who did this?” I choked out.

A sharp knock on the door startled me, and I flinched. I stared at my phone, my body trembling uncontrollably.

This couldn’t be real. I needed answers. I needed to find Alpha Ivan.

I stormed through the hallways, my heartbeat echoing in my ears. When I reached his study, I raised my fist to knock.

Then I heard them.

A soft moan. A low growl. My stomach clenched.

I knew that voice. Beta Helena.

The door was slightly ajar, just enough for me to see them tangled together. Ivan’s hands on her waist. Her lips at his throat.

The betrayal burned through me like wildfire. But it was her next words that made my blood freeze.

“Did you take care of it?” Helena murmured, fingers tracing his chest.

Ivan chuckled darkly. “I already ruined her pack. Just like I promised you.”

My knees buckled.

Helena let out a pleased hum. “Mmm, and what about her?”

“She won’t be a problem for much longer,” Ivan said. “I’ll divorce her soon.”

I pressed a hand over my mouth to stop the cry that threatened to escape.

My pack. My parents. It was him.

I stumbled back, the weight of my own stupidity crushing me.

I had married and trusted the wrong man.

And now my pack was paying the price.

That evening, I forced myself to act normal, to keep my mask in place even as my world crumbled.

I had to know more. I had to survive.

Dinner was set. The dining hall was quiet except for the clinking of silverware. Ivan sat at the head of the table, his cold gaze sweeping over me like I was an object, not a person.

Helena sat beside him, smirking.

I wanted to rip that smirk off her face.

But I couldn’t. Not yet.

I focused on serving the food, my hands trembling. The plate slipped from my fingers, crashing onto Helena’s lap, sauce staining her dress.

Silence.

Then a sharp sting across my cheek.

The force sent me stumbling back. Ivan had slapped me.

I sucked in a breath, my head snapping to the side. The room spun, the humiliation burning deep.

“Stupid girl,” Ivan growled. “You can’t even do something as simple as serve food.”

Helena snickered.

I clenched my fists, rage bubbling beneath my skin. But I swallowed it down and turned away, storming out of the dining hall before I lost control. I needed air. I needed out.

Outside, the night air was sharp against my burning skin.

I didn’t know where I was going, but I kept walking until a hand grabbed my wrist, yanking me into the shadows.

I gasped, struggling—

“Cynthia, it’s me.”

Damon. Ivan’s stepbrother. A powerful Alpha in his own right.

“What—” My voice was raw, my throat tight. “What are you doing?”

His expression was unreadable in the dim light. “I sent the message.”

I froze. My pulse thundered.

“You?”

He nodded.

My world tilted again. “But why?”

Damon exhaled. “Because Ivan is a monster. And if you don’t leave soon, you’ll end up just like your pack.”

The words felt like a slap.

Terror clawed at my throat. “Why is he doing this? Why my pack?”

Damon hesitated. “It’s a long story.”

I shook my head. “Tell me now.”

He ran a hand through his hair, glancing around as if making sure no one could hear. “Ivan has always hated your pack. But now he has more reason to destroy it. And you.”

I swallowed hard. “And you’re just telling me this now?”

“Because I couldn’t before,” he hissed. “But now, you need to trust me. If you stay here, you won’t make it out alive.”

My breath came in sharp gasps.

I wasn’t just a pawn. I was a target.

And I had been sleeping next to the enemy all this time.

A rustling behind us made me stiffen.

Footsteps.

“What are you two talking about?”

Ivan’s voice was calm. Too calm.

I turned slowly, my stomach twisting.

He stood there, his golden eyes unreadable, a tight smile playing at his lips.

Damon straightened, his grip tightening on my wrist for just a second before letting go. “Just comforting Cynthia,” he said smoothly. “She seemed upset.”

Ivan’s expression darkened. Jealousy.

His eyes flicked between us before locking onto me.

His mate. His property.

I shivered under the weight of his gaze.

Ivan smirked, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Damon, I appreciate your concern.” His tone was clipped, laced with something dangerous. “But my wife doesn’t need your comfort.”

Damon’s jaw clenched. “She’s hurting, Ivan.”

Ivan’s smirk vanished.

“And that’s not your problem.”

The tension crackled like lightning. I barely breathed.

Then, Ivan turned to me, stepping closer until I could feel the heat of his body. He tilted my chin up with a single finger, his grip deceptively gentle.

“Isn’t that right, my love?”

My stomach churned. He was warning me.

Reminding me exactly who I belonged to.

I forced a smile, my heart hammering.

“Yes,” I whispered.

Ivan grinned, satisfied.

“Good girl.”

And just like that, I knew. I had to get out. Sooner.

I couldn’t breathe. Not since I learned the truth.

Ivan had destroyed my pack. He had sent those wolves, left my parents clinging to life in a hospital bed. And the worst part? I was trapped here, playing the part of his devoted mate while he plotted his next move.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to claw at my own skin and erase every moment I had spent trusting him.

Instead, I was stuck in this cursed mansion, pretending everything was fine.

Damon had been my only light in this darkness. He had risked his life to save my parents, and he promised to help me see them.

But Ivan… he didn’t let me go anywhere without him.

He was watching me more closely now. Did he suspect something?

I sat by the window, staring at the moonlit garden below, gripping the edge of my chair. I had to be careful. One wrong move, and Ivan would kill Damon without hesitation.

“Lost in thought?”

The deep voice behind me made my stomach lurch.

I turned to find Ivan standing there, arms crossed, a smirk playing at his lips.

I forced a smile. “Just tired.”

His golden eyes darkened as he stepped closer. “Then let’s go to bed.”

A chill ran down my spine.

I didn’t want to sleep beside him.

But I had no choice.

The bed felt suffocating.

Ivan’s warmth pressed against my back, his breath hot against my skin. His hand slid across my waist, fingers gripping me possessively.

I flinched.

His hold tightened. “What’s wrong?”

Everything. Everything is wrong, you monster.

I shoved his hand away, my heart racing. “I’m just not in the mood.”

Ivan shifted, his body stiffening beside me.

Then, he let out a low chuckle. “Still mad about earlier?”

I stayed silent.

He turned on his side, facing me. Even in the darkness, I could feel his piercing gaze.

“Tell me, Cynthia.” His voice was softer now, almost coaxing. “What’s really on your mind?”

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to look at him. “I want to see my parents.”

His smirk vanished. The air turned heavy, suffocating.

Then, his hand shot out, gripping my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.

“You can't.”

My stomach twisted. “Why are you doing this to me?”

Ivan’s expression remained unreadable. “Go to sleep, Cynthia.”

And just like that, I knew I would get no answers from him tonight.

The days blurred together.

Ivan barely spoke to me. He was always away, handling business or whatever secret plans he had.

Damon had been gone for weeks, only sending short messages letting me know my parents were still alive. I wanted more, but I couldn’t risk pushing too hard.

And now…now I am stuck preparing for another miserable birthday.

My 25th birthday.

There was no excitement, no joy. Only dread.

I stood before the vanity, my reflection staring back at me. I looked… hollow. My once-bright eyes were dull, my skin pale.

A Luna in name only. A prisoner in reality.

The door creaked open, and a servant entered, bowing slightly. “Luna, Alpha Ivan is waiting for you in the dining hall.”

I inhaled sharply, bracing myself.

Time to play the role again.

The dining hall was lavishly decorated.

Candles flickered across the long table, the scent of roasted meats and fine wine thick in the air. A grand feast, fit for a queen.

Except the queen was a caged bird.

Ivan sat at the head of the table, that ever-present smirk curling his lips. And beside him, Beta Helena, her sharp green eyes gleaming with amusement.

I wanted to claw that smug look off her face. Instead, I lowered my gaze and took my seat.

Ivan raised his glass. “Happy birthday, my love.”

Helena let out a soft laugh, sipping her wine. “Yes, Cynthia. Another year of… blessings.”

I clenched my jaw. This was their game.

They loved humiliating me. I forced a smile, lifting my glass just to keep the act going.

Ivan leaned forward, sliding a small box toward me. “A gift.”

I hesitated, then slowly unwrapped it.

The moment I saw what was inside, my breath caught.

Photographs of me. Of my pack.

I flipped through them, my hands trembling.

Images of my parents. My people. My home—before it had been attacked.

And then…

A picture of my father, bloodied. My mother, unconscious. My people, suffering.

I felt sick. I lifted my gaze to Ivan, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why are you showing me this?”

He smiled. “Because, my love, you’ve been living in a lie.”

My heart pounded. “What are you talking about?”

Ivan leaned back, his eyes gleaming with something dark. “Your parents. The ones you worship. The ones you believe are so innocent.”

He chuckled. “They killed my parents.”

The world tilted.

“No,” I whispered.

“Yes,” Helena sneered. “Not just Ivan’s. Mine, too.”

My pulse roared in my ears. This wasn’t true.

It couldn’t be true.

“I don’t believe you,” I breathed, shaking my head.

Ivan’s smirk widened. “Believe what you want. But that doesn’t change the fact that I married you for one reason only.”

My stomach dropped.

He leaned in.

“To destroy you.”

Tears burned my eyes.

Helena let out a bitter laugh. “So cry all you want, Cynthia. But you’ll pay for what your parents did.”

The room spun.

My own mate—my husband—had never loved me.

He had only ever wanted revenge. I had been nothing but a pawn in his twisted game.

I should have known they would twist the knife deeper. I sat frozen, my chest heaving, tears burning my eyes as Helena strutted over to Ivan and climbed into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her manicured fingers trailing along his jaw as if I wasn’t even in the room.

And then—she kissed him. Right in front of me.

A searing rage exploded inside me. My nails dug into the wooden table, my breathing ragged. The sound of their lips meeting, the way Ivan smirked against her mouth, it was too much.

I slammed my hands against the table.

“You traitors!” I screamed.

Helena pulled away with a laugh, tossing her hair over her shoulder. Ivan smirked, wiping his mouth as if my presence was nothing more than an annoyance.

“Traitors?” Helena mocked. “Oh, Cynthia. You’re so stupid.”

Ivan leaned back in his chair, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. “You still don’t get it, do you?”

I clenched my fists. “You attacked my pack! You left my parents barely alive! And now—now you stand here, flaunting this in my face?” My voice shook, but I held my ground. “You’re wrong about them. My pack isn’t guilty of anything. My parents didn’t—”

Ivan spat on the floor. “You’re pathetic.” His smirk widened. “You can’t do anything now, Cynthia. You’re nothing but my toy.” His voice dropped to a whisper, dark and cruel. “My slave.”

The words sliced through me like a blade.

Helena sighed dramatically. “Enough with the dramatics. Soon, you’ll be out of the picture anyway.” She leaned forward, resting her chin on Ivan’s shoulder. “Once the divorce is finalized, I’ll be the rightful Luna.” She grinned. “And you? You’ll have to watch it happen.”

My heart pounded, but I refused to let them see my fear. I stood tall, swallowing the lump in my throat.

I would not let them break me.

The garden was quiet, the cool night air doing nothing to ease the storm raging inside me.

Tears streamed down my face, hot and unrelenting. I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling so alone.

I had nothing. No pack. No family. No mate.

I squeezed my eyes shut. How did I let it come to this?

“You shouldn’t be out here alone.”

The deep voice sent a shiver down my spine.

I turned sharply. Damon.

His dark eyes held something unreadable, but the moment I saw him, my walls crumbled.

I lunged forward, wrapping my arms around him, sobbing into his chest.

“Damon,” I choked out, gripping his shirt. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t—”

He held me tightly, his voice low. “I know.”

I pulled back slightly, searching his face. “You’re back?”

He nodded. “And I’m taking you away from this hell.”

My breath hitched.

But Damon’s face turned serious. “It won’t be easy. We have to be careful. If Ivan catches on—”

I nodded quickly. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Damon exhaled. “Then we play along. For now.”

And just like that, I had a plan. A chance. Hope.

The days passed painfully slow.

Ivan barely came home. And when he did, he didn’t spare me a glance.

Fine by me. It made my escape easier.

At night, I stayed in my room, careful not to raise suspicion. And now, with Damon’s help, I finally had a chance to leave this nightmare behind.

I stood in my room, staring at my half-packed suitcase, my heart pounding. This is it.

I grabbed my phone and typed quickly.

[I’m ready. Meet me in the courtyard.]

I hit send.

The moment my finger left the screen, a slow clap echoed behind me. I froze. I turned. Helena.

She leaned against the doorway, a wicked smile curling her lips. “You really thought you could run?”

My stomach twisted.

She took a step forward. “Pathetic.”

Before I could react, she swung something hard against my head.

Pain exploded in my skull. The room spun.

Darkness swallowed me whole.

I woke to cold. A sharp, sterile scent burned my nose. I groaned, my limbs feeling impossibly heavy.

Where was I?

The overhead light flickered, illuminating the white room. It was cold, clinical. Not a hospital, but something worse.

My hands were bound. I was strapped to a metal table. Panic clawed at my throat.

Then, a voice.

“You’re awake.”

Helena stepped into view, her emerald eyes gleaming with sick satisfaction.

I struggled against the restraints, my heart hammering. “Where am I?”

She tilted her head. “Somewhere no one will find you.”

Fear coiled in my stomach. “Helena, please—”

She clicked her tongue. “Begging won’t save you.”

My breath came in short gasps. “Why are you doing this?”

Helena’s expression darkened. “Because you’re a problem. And I hate problems.”

She pulled out a small device and turned the screen toward me.

My world stopped. A medical scan of me. And at the center—

A tiny heartbeat. A baby.

I was pregnant.

I gasped. “No—”

Helena’s lips curled into a sneer. “Oh, yes.”

Tears welled in my eyes. I had no idea.

Helena tossed the scanner aside and reached for something else.

A gleaming, sharp instrument.

Pure terror coursed through me.

“No,” I whispered, shaking my head violently. “Helena, please—”

She smiled.

“I’m taking it away.”

The cold metal glinted under the light.

And all I could do was scream.