"I want to dissolve our mating bond. Please handle the bond severance," Valea said to Zorven Oacklaw, the most respected bond-breaker in the territory, as she sat before him.

The old wolf stared at her in shock, as if he could not believe the she-wolf before him was Valea Valloren, the Luna of the Valloren Pack, who now wished to leave Renwick Valloren, the Alpha King and ruler of the Silverkeep Territory.

They had been bound as mates for fifteen winters, and every pack believed they were the perfect pair.

Each year, their mating ceremony was celebrated across many territories. Yet now, Luna Valloren asked for separation with a calm face, without even a trace of emotion.

"Luna Valloren, to break a mating bond, you must give a reason and proof," Zorven said carefully.

"I already prepared everything," Valea answered quietly as she handed him the evidence.

For five winters, she had gathered crystal records and memory orbs sent by Davinia Faerwyn. They showed Renwick leaving the pack lands under the name of Alpha duties, only to meet Davinia in secret. There were even records of them sharing the same bedchamber. And the last memory showed Renwick staying with Davinia, while Valea herself was captured by a rogue wolf and stabbed through the chest.

Zorven was silent as he watched the memory of Valea bleeding and healing herself alone. This evidence would be sent to Renwick once the bond was officially broken.

"I understand. I will begin the process," he said.

"Please finish it quickly," Valea replied with a faint smile as she touched the still-wet wound near her chest.

A week ago, on the night before their fifteenth mating anniversary, Renwick had prepared a grand celebration in the central Alpha hall, making Valea the focus of the entire territory.

But like every year, Renwick didn’t appear.

That night, he was in Davinia’s territory, staying beside her because she had a small fever. He ignored every call, even when an enemy wolf held Valea hostage.

The rogue lost patience and drove a blade into her chest, trying to kill her.

Luckily, Valea was born different. Her heart was on the right side, a rare trait among wolves. It saved her life. As the daughter of a powerful Alpha bloodline, she knew how to survive and treated her wound by herself.

While she pressed her bleeding chest, Renwick finally answered.

"Valea, please forgive me. I missed your call. Davinia is sick and in pain. I cannot leave her. I need to take her to the healer’s den."

At that moment, Valea understood everything.

In fifteen winters, Renwick had never truly loved her.

Their union was arranged to bind the Frosthall Pack and Valloren Pack, two of the strongest Alpha bloodlines. Even without love, they respected each other. Renwick gave her attention and the whole world believed they were deeply in love.

But it was all a performance.

Everything he did was only to show the Frosthall Pack that their daughter was treated well.

Valea finally woke from her illusion. Loving Renwick had drained her soul.

Now, she only wanted freedom.

"Luna Valloren, the papers are ready. You only need Alpha Valloren’s mark," Zorven said, placing the documents before her.

"I understand. I will get his mark," Valea replied calmly.

——

She left and returned to the Alpha villa.

When she arrived, she saw pack servants carrying furniture inside.

In the main hall, Davinia sat beside Renwick, pointing at her belongings.

"These are made by my late mother. I cannot leave them. I cannot rest without them."

Renwick leaned back, his arm resting behind her shoulders, gently stroking her hair.

"Bring everything here. This will be your home now."

"Thank you, Renwick. You have always cared for me," Davinia said sweetly as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

Renwick smiled and touched her head softly.

Valea cleared her throat.

They quickly pulled away, as if caught doing something wrong.

"Valea, you’re back. I waited for you. I am sorry for moving in without asking. You’re not angry, are you?" Davinia asked softly, acting nervous.

"Valea, let her stay," Renwick said. "Her den had a gas leak. She’s afraid to live alone. We should protect her. She’s still family and she’s Arion’s birth mother."

"It’s fine, right? If you dislike it, I can leave," Davinia added, her eyes turning red.

"You already moved everything here. Why ask me now? It sounds like I am chasing you out," Valea replied with a faint smile.

Davinia lowered her head and looked at Renwick, as if she had been wronged.

"Renwick, I didn’t mean it like that. I am sorry if Luna Valea misunderstood me."

Renwick frowned at Valea. "Don’t frighten her. She meant no harm."

"It’s fine. I was joking. She can stay as long as she wants," Valea said lightly.

"Renwick, I need to discuss something. I need your mark to transfer the territory you gifted me," she said, placing the papers in front of them.

She sat across from them, while they remained side by side. It felt like she didn’t belong in her own home.

"It’s already yours. No need to change it," Renwick said as he reached for the papers.

Valea pulled them back slightly.

"I just need your mark so I can feel at ease."

Davinia laughed softly. "Valea, do you think Renwick would lie? Don’t worry. He gifted me a private territory in Darkpine for my birthday. I can show you the proof if you want."

"A territory in Darkpine?" Valea smiled, but her chest ached more than her wound.

That territory was meant for her.

Now she understood. Renwick had given it to Davinia instead.

"Is there a problem?" Davinia asked gently.

"No," Renwick said, avoiding Valea’s eyes as he signed the last page.

Valea watched his hand as he marked the papers.

Fifteen winters ended in a moment.

She had known him since childhood. Promised at five, engaged at ten, mated at eighteen. Yet all those winters meant nothing compared to Davinia’s return.

Davinia was once his brother’s mate. And now, Renwick even chose her pup, Arion, as the future Alpha.

"Is that all?" Renwick asked without looking.

"Father! Mother!"

A small boy ran in and jumped into their arms.

Valea watched Arion quietly.

She had raised him, but he never called her mother. He called Renwick father and Davinia mother.

To Valea, he only spoke her name. And the worse, Renwick never corrected him.

"Davinia gave birth to him. He must remember her," he always said.

Now she knew. Arion was proof that Renwick loved another.

"Father, Mother, let’s go watch a show!"

"Alright, let’s go before dinner," Renwick said, holding his hand.

"Mother, hurry. I want to watch Spiderman," Arion said excitedly.

"Yes, my dear," Davinia smiled.

As they left, Valea followed a few steps.

Arion pushed her away.

"Why are you coming? I don’t want you there."

"I am not going. I am returning to my room," she said calmly.

Behind her, Davinia asked softly, "Is she upset because we didn’t invite her?"

"It’s fine. She never liked those shows. They give her headaches," Renwick replied.

Valea clenched her fists.

She loved going to the cinema. But every time she asked, he only reserved the place and left her alone.

After many lonely nights, she stopped asking.

He had power, but never gave her time. Yet for Davinia, he would cross the world.

But none of that mattered now. Soon, everything would end. Her bond would be broken. She would be free.

At that moment, Davinia sent a memory clip of them laughing together like a family. Valea saved it. Then she sent the signed bond-breaking papers to Zorven.

"Zorven, I have sent everything. I will pay any price to speed this process."

"Alright, Luna Valloren. I will inform you once the bond is officially broken. It will take about one moon cycle."

"Understood. Thank you, Zorven."

Valea ended the call through her crystal communicator. After that, she began preparing the items she would carry when she left the Alpha villa.

The grand villa they built during fifteen winters of their bond now meant nothing to her. She threw away all the gifts and spirit jewels, even the preserved moon flowers Renwick had given her when they first marked each other.

There was nothing she wished to take.

All the lands, wealth and trade rights Renwick gave her remained within this territory.

Valea would leave everything behind to cut all ties with Renwick Valloren.

She had not told her birth pack about her decision. They believed she lived happily as Luna and that Renwick was a worthy Alpha in their eyes.

If they knew she wanted to break the bond, they would stop her and inform Renwick.

Then everything would fail and the alliance between the two great packs would remain untouched.

Valea decided she would speak only after everything was done.

At that time, no one could stop her.

Renwick, Davinia and Arion returned to the villa. Valea didn’t greet them and walked straight into the bathing chamber.

When she came out wearing a thin night robe, Renwick was already inside, his shirt partly undone.

Without a word, Valea sat before the mirror and began her routine.

Renwick stepped behind her and pressed her shoulders gently.

"I returned late. Arion wanted to visit the amusement grounds, so we stayed longer than planned."

"Hm. It doesn’t matter."

Renwick lowered his head and rested his chin on her shoulder, brushing his lips against her neck.

The scent of his rich wolf musk mixed with a strong rose fragrance made her feel sick. She forced a faint smile, knowing very well who used that scent.

"Valea, stay calm today," Renwick whispered near her ear. "Are you uneasy because Davinia is here?"

"No," Valea answered softly.

"She’s only family. She belongs to the Valloren bloodline."

"I understand."

"Are you upset because Arion is closer to her?"

"No. They’re mother and pup. It’s natural."

Renwick watched her through the mirror, sensing something strange in her calm face. He had felt this change since Davinia returned. He believed it was because Valea disliked Arion growing close to his birth mother.

Valea met his gaze calmly, hiding all emotion.

"Don’t be angry with Arion. He’s our heir. We must raise him well since we have no pup of our own."

"Hm," she replied coldly.

"If only you could give me a pup..." Renwick stopped himself before finishing.

They had no pup for fifteen winters. Renwick never complained, because their bond was meant to unite two powerful packs.

"Don’t lose hope. We can try again," he murmured near her lips.

Valea’s body stiffened as his hand slid along her robe. Before he could see the scar on her chest, she pushed him away.

"What’s wrong?"

"I am not well. My moon cycle has come," Valea said flatly.

At that moment, the communicator on the bedside table lit up.

"Your device is ringing," she said, turning her face away.

Renwick clicked his tongue and picked it up.

"Speak."

"Renwick, can you come here?" Davinia’s voice trembled.

"What happened?" His tone turned urgent.

"I heard something in my chamber. I think someone entered. I am afraid."

"Don’t fear. I am coming now."

He stepped away from Valea and grabbed a silver weapon from the drawer.

"Stay here. I will check it," he said, already moving toward the door.

He didn’t even look back at her.

Valea let out a cold laugh. She already knew this was another act.

The servants had whispered that Davinia panicked after seeing her window open during her bath and thought she saw a shadow outside.

Not long after, Renwick and Davinia stood at her door.

"What is it?" Valea asked calmly.

"Valea, Davinia’s room is not safe. We have not found the intruder. She’s too frightened to stay there. For now, she will live here."

Valea’s face turned pale.

"Renwick, are you serious?"

His expression hardened. "This room has the strongest protection. She will be safe here. You can move to another chamber."

"This is our room, Renwick. How can you bring another she-wolf here and force me out?" Valea said, her voice shaking as tears filled her eyes.

This was their sacred chamber. Every detail was chosen by her. Every memory of their winters together lived here.

How could he push her out so easily?

Davinia trembled and hid behind Renwick, holding his arm.

"It’s fine. I can stay anywhere. Maybe I should leave this place."

Renwick softened and touched her arm.

"It’s dangerous outside at night. That intruder is targeting you. You’re the only one being threatened. I must protect you."

"But what about Luna Valea?"

Renwick looked at Valea with indifference.

"Valea, you’re older. You should understand. Let her have this room."

"You worry about her safety, but what about mine? If that intruder comes for me..."

He cut her off.

"You grew up among strong wolves. You have faced danger many times. You can protect yourself. Davinia cannot."

Without waiting for her answer, he ordered a servant to move her belongings.

Valea clenched her fists. Pain filled her chest.

Since Davinia returned, everything had changed. Renwick no longer cared about pretending to be a good mate.

"I am sorry, Valea. I didn’t wish to push you out..." Davinia said softly, though a faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Don’t apologize. You didn’thing wrong," Renwick said coldly. "Don’t blame her."

"I said nothing," Valea replied quietly.

"Renwick, can you stay with me? I am still afraid," Davinia said as she leaned against him weakly.

"I will stay with you."

Without another glance at Valea, he led Davinia into the room.

The door closed right in front of her.

Valea stood there, breathing slowly, her hands clenched so tight they trembled, her chest heavy with pain.

What happened that night spread quickly among the pack servants. They all saw how Valea was forced out of the Alpha’s main chamber while Renwick stayed there with Davinia.

Every servant understood clearly that Renwick showed how important Davinia was to him. At that moment, Valea lost dignity in her own den and became the subject of whispers among the servants.

Renwick didn’thing to fix the situation or apologize to her.

Soon, a call crystal from Valea’s birth pack lit up, as if the news had already reached them. Her mother, Amarise, spoke first and immediately scolded her.

"Valea, how could you allow another she wolf to treat you like that? Where is your pride as a daughter of the Frosthall Pack?"

"Mother, what happened was..."

"Enough. Don’t fight with Renwick over a mistress. You’re still Luna Valloren. You must keep that position."

"Mother, I was humiliated like this. How can you say that to me?" Valea asked in disbelief.

"Valea, how old are you now? You have been mated for many winters but still have not given the Valloren Pack an heir. Don’t anger Renwick and make him quarrel with you because of another woman. If you break the bond with him, the Frosthall Pack won’t welcome you back."

Valea stayed silent. Her hands tightened as she listened to her mother’s cold voice. She understood that in her family’s eyes, she had little value because she had not given birth to a future Alpha.

"Valea, are you listening? There is no need to compete with a mistress. Renwick will grow tired of her one day and you will remain Luna Valloren. Instead, think about how you can carry a pup."

Valea felt exhausted deep inside and chose not to argue.

"I understand, Mother." She ended the call.

Her family’s reaction made her more certain that she would keep the bond breaking a secret and she would not return to the Frosthall Pack.

That day, Renwick returned to the villa earlier than usual. He found Valea in their main chamber packing some of her things into large boxes.

"What did you tell your clan?" His voice sounded displeased.

"Nothing," Valea replied shortly while folding her clothes and placing them inside the box.

"Then why did your father contact me and mention Davinia?"

"I don’t know. My mother also spoke to me today. She talked about Davinia as well. It seems they heard about last night from a servant. In powerful packs like ours, spies are everywhere."

Renwick stayed quiet for a moment before letting out a breath.

"Don’t think too much about last night. Davinia didn’t grow up among warriors like us. She was very frightened by that intruder."

"Yes. I know." Valea lowered her head and continued packing.

"Why are you putting so many things in those boxes? You don’t need to move that much. Once Davinia feels safe again, you can return to this chamber."

"It’s fine. She can stay here as long as she wants. These things will be given to the orphan pups in the outer territory."

Renwick looked at her for a moment with a slight frown. Valea seemed unusually calm, even willing to give up their chamber without complaint. She was not someone who usually gave away her belongings and she had always been stubborn.

Renwick glanced at the items inside the boxes. Many of them were precious to her because he had given them. The dolls were gifts from the time she was ten until she turned eighteen, along with other items.

"Those things... didn’t you treasure them? Do you really want to throw them away?"

"I suddenly feel too old to keep them. I am sure many pups in the orphan dens would be happy to have them," Valea said with a gentle smile.

Renwick didn’t question it further. He placed an invitation scroll and a gift box on her lap.

"This is an invitation to the Valloren Pack gathering tomorrow night. We must attend together and show everyone that we’re doing well."

"Alright." Valea touched the gift box he had given her.

When she opened it, the contents were beautiful. Inside was a fine silk dress enchanted with moon thread and the newest diamond jewels from a famous clan of craftsmen.

Even after their conflict, Renwick still knew her taste and favorite brands. Her heart shook slightly. At least he still showed her respect.

"Wear that dress tomorrow night."

Valea looked at him and nodded with a smile.

The next evening at seven, Valea went to check the dress she had asked a servant to clean and press. But when she entered the room, she saw Davinia holding the dress and pressing it with a hot iron stone. Steam rose into the air and a burnt smell filled the room. Nearby, Arion sat on the floor, playing with Valea’s broken jewelry set.

"Davinia, what are you doing?" Valea rushed forward and pulled the dress away, pushing Davinia aside.

The dress was ruined. Burn marks spread across the fabric and a large hole had formed in the center.

"Ah, I am sorry, Valea. I burned your dress by mistake. You’re not going to blame me, right?" Davinia said with a mocking smile, not even trying to hide that it was done on purpose.