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.

"Mother, look at this ugly necklace. The chain is broken," Arion shouted, pointing at Valea’s damaged necklace.

"Arion, don’t be naughty, my dear. That’s something very precious to Luna Valea."

"This ugly thing is useless. It breaks so easily," Arion said, sticking out his tongue as he threw it away. The pendant hit the floor and shattered into pieces.

Davinia let out a soft laugh, then turned to Valea with a pleased smile. "It seems you cannot wear that dress or those jewels now. If you wish, I can lend you one of my old dresses."

Valea’s hands trembled as she clenched them tightly, forcing down her anger. "Davinia, watch how you behave in my den. Don’t test me if you don’t want to regret it."

Davinia lifted her chin proudly and brushed her hair back. "Still acting like the Luna of this place? Tell me, did you know Renwick and I shared your bed?"

She revealed the mark on her neck. "Look at this. He could not control himself. He told me he was tired of being with you. You cannot stir any desire in him because you’re like..."

Before she could finish, Valea’s hand struck her hard across the face. Her expression turned dark.

"Davinia, you’re only a hidden mate. Renwick doesn’t even dare to reveal you. Don’t cross your place. I have endured you long enough. If you provoke me again, you will face the consequences."

Valea didn’t wish to waste her strength on such a woman, especially when she was about to leave this place. But Davinia kept pushing her and her patience had ended.

Davinia’s eyes turned red with anger, yet her lips curled into a strange smile as she glanced toward the door. She saw Renwick approaching.

"You wicked woman. How dare you strike my mother!" Arion shouted as he rushed forward and bit Valea’s hand.

"Arion, let go," Valea said, trying to push him away. He stumbled and hit the ironing stand.

In that moment, Davinia rushed forward and pulled Arion into her arms. The hot iron fell and struck her shoulder.

"Aah..." she cried loudly, hugging Arion tightly. "Valea, I know he’s not your blood, but how can you try to burn him? He’s just a pup. If you must hurt someone, hurt me instead."

"Davinia," Renwick rushed in. He threw the iron aside and turned to Valea. His hand rose and struck her face hard.

"Valea, you have gone too far this time. You hurt both Arion and Davinia."

The force of the strike tore the corner of her lips. This was the first time he had ever hit her.

Valea smiled faintly as she wiped the blood.

"I never meant to harm Arion. Davinia was the one who ruined my dress and jewels first."

Another strike landed on her face.

"Because of a dress and some jewels, you would harm them like this. Your heart is truly cruel," Renwick said coldly. "Apologize to Davinia."

Valea gritted her teeth. "Don’t order me to bow to that woman."

Renwick lifted his hand again, but paused when he saw her injured face. For a moment, guilt flashed in his eyes. But when he looked at Davinia crying while holding Arion, his expression hardened again.

He carried Davinia into his arms and turned to the guards.

"Lock Luna Valea in her chamber. Don’t give her food or water until she apologizes."

Valea watched his back with cold eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but she wiped them away roughly.

Enough, Valea. Don’t cry for him anymore.

She was locked inside without food or drink. Not long after, her mother contacted her again, questioning why Renwick had taken Davinia to the Valloren gathering in her place.

To calm Davinia, Renwick had brought her to the gathering and dressed her in the finest gown and jewels. They told everyone Valea was ill and that her sister in-law would attend instead.

Even from afar, the Frosthall Pack knew everything happening here.

Valea pressed her forehead and ended the call. Her ears rang from her mother’s harsh words.

After that night, Renwick didn’t return. He took Davinia and Arion traveling across distant territories.

Davinia sent endless memory clips to Valea, showing their journey, their laughter and even their moments in bed without shame.

Meanwhile, Valea remained locked away. A servant brought her food and water, asking again and again if she had apologized, then reporting her answer to Renwick.

Valea survived by drinking water from the chamber basin.

Renwick extended her punishment until he returned.

When Valea felt her life fading from hunger, she woke to find herself lying on her bed with a healing tube connected to her arm.

Renwick sat beside her, his face stiff, guilt hidden beneath anger.

"If you had admitted your mistake earlier, none of this would have happened."

Valea covered her face. She didn’t want to look at him, the man who had shattered her heart.

Renwick let out a breath.

"Valea, stop this stubbornness and apologize to Davinia."

Davinia stepped forward from behind him, her voice soft and gentle. "Renwick, it’s fine. Valea is from the Frosthall bloodline. Of course her pride is too high to bow to someone like me."

Renwick’s eyes turned cold as he looked at Valea.

"Being born into the Frosthall Pack has made you arrogant."

Valea gave no reply and slowly shut her eyes.

"So you choose silence? Fine. Then stay silent forever," Renwick said with anger. He rose from the side of her bed and strode out of the chamber.

Outside, he spoke to a servant. "From this day on, Luna Valea is not allowed to step beyond this manor. She will be given only dry bread and water each day. Let her learn how the low ranks survive. No other food is to be given."

In the days that followed, she lived on nothing but bread and water. Her body grew weaker, her frame thinner with each passing day.

This gave Davinia more control within the pack house. She used it to torment Valea, ordering the servants to bring her hard and stale bread.

Valea endured it by reminding herself that her bond would be severed in five days. She spent most of her time inside her glass greenhouse, surrounded by quiet and plants.

One day, she heard the maids whispering outside, believing she could not hear them.

"Oh my... I have never seen Alpha Renwick so wild under the moon. He has never been like that with Luna Valea."

They giggled.

"I pity the Luna. She has no idea that while she’s locked away, her mate is sharing a bed with another woman just beyond her door."

"Lower your voice. You know Luna Valea is as cold as winter ice. She must be dull as a mate. No wonder the Alpha lost interest. Besides, everyone knows that five winters ago, his true love was Davinia. The death of the second young master must be tied to him, so he could claim his brother’s mate. Arion must be his true blood son. Why else would the Alpha name him heir of the Valloren Pack?"

"Of coure. Ever since Lady Davinia came into this pack, the Alpha smiles more. He treats her like a queen. They travel across distant territories together, just the three of them, the Alpha, Arion and Lady Davinia. They’re the real family."

Valea’s hand tightened around the watering can as the maids walked away.

She stepped out of the greenhouse and collided with Arion, who was running through the hall. He almost fell.

Valea caught his hand before he hit the ground.

"Arion, I have told you many times not to run like this. You will get hurt," she said softly.

Though Arion was Davinia’s son, Valea had raised him since he was a newborn. Her heart still held affection for him.

"Stop acting like you care. You’re not my mother. I hate you," Arion snapped, shoving her away.

"Arion," Valea said with a heavy gaze, "even if I didn’t give birth to you, you shouldn’t speak to me like this. I have raised you and cared for you all these winters."

Arion let out a mocking laugh.

"You only act kind because you fear my father will cast you out. You’re a barren she wolf who envies my real mother. If you beg me nicely, maybe I will ask Father to let you stay, you useless she wolf!"

Valea stared at him, her chest aching, her voice trembling. "Arion, who taught you such cruel words?"

"Isn’t it the truth? You cannot bear a pup. My father only loves my mother. You forced her to leave the pack and stole me from her. If not for you, we would have lived happily long ago."

Arion pushed her with force.

Valea fell hard onto the stone floor. A sharp pain struck her abdomen at once. Her face lost all color.

"Arion, don’t act so roughly."

Renwick appeared suddenly with Davinia at his side. He scolded Arion and pushed him aside without thinking, then turned to Valea with a hint of concern.

"Are you alright?"

"My stomach..."

Before she could finish, Arion burst into loud cries.

"Father doesn’t love me anymore. Mother, it hurts."

Renwick’s focus shifted at once. Arion was in Davinia’s arms, crying. His small hands were scraped, blood staining his palms.

"Renwick, I am sorry for Arion’s behavior. Please don’t treat him so harshly. He’s still a pup. How could he possibly push someone as grown as Valea to the ground?" Davinia said, her voice trembling. Tears streamed down her beautiful eyes as if her heart was breaking for her son.

Guilt flashed across Renwick’s face. He quickly pulled Arion into his arms and soothed him. "I am sorry. Father was wrong. Don’t cry anymore."

"Father, it hurts. My hands are bleeding..."

"I will take you to the healer hall at once." Renwick stood, his voice filled with urgency.

"Renwick, my stomach hurts..." Valea called weakly, her voice fading from the pain.

Renwick turned away without even looking at her and walked off.

Davinia cast Valea a victorious smile before following after him.

Valea lowered her gaze to the cold floor. Her shoulders slumped, as though all strength had left her. She covered her face and let out a hollow laugh. For a brief moment, she had thought Renwick cared. That fragile hope shattered in an instant.

Her laughter soon turned into cries.

Pain spread through her body. She curled into herself as warmth flowed down her thigh. Her face turned pale when she saw blood staining her leg and pooling beneath her.

"Ah, Luna." A passing gardener saw her and rushed over in panic. "I will call the Alpha."

Valea grabbed his hand at once. "No. Call a carriage. Take me to the healer hall. And tell them to keep my identity hidden."

They arrived at the healer hall. As she had asked, the healers kept her presence a secret.

"Where is the Alpha? We have called him, but he doesn’t answer," a healer said anxiously. "We need his mark on the consent scroll."

"Luna, what should we do? I have called many times using your crystal, but he doesn’t respond," the gardener said, worry clear in his voice.

The head healer spoke with gravity. "We cannot wait any longer. Her condition is dangerous. The pup cannot be saved due to the delay and her body is severely weakened from lack of nourishment."

Valea turned her head and took the scroll. "Begin the procedure. This pup... I don’t want it anymore."

She had waited fifteen winters for this pup. She learned of its existence today and lost it on the same day.

Renwick had always longed for this pup. Yet when the moment came, he was nowhere to be found.

Valea removed her mating ring and threw it into the waste bin.

"Understood. We will begin at once, Luna."

Valea lay on the stone table, staring at the ceiling. Her face was pale, her lips drained of color and marked from where she had bitten them.

The healers moved around her, preparing their tools.

"Luna, we will begin. We will give you sleeping herbs so you won’t feel pain."

"No. Don’t give me anything."

She needed to remember. She needed to feel the moment her pup was taken and remember that Renwick was not there.

"Very well. Begin."

"Yes, Master Healer."

Valea felt something being drawn from her body. The pain grew sharper, cutting deep. She tried to stay silent, but tears flowed freely from her eyes.

"It’s done, Luna. The pup has been removed."

Her body went limp. Darkness swallowed her vision.

Tears slipped quietly from the corners of her eyes.