Heather’s POV

I continued to gather evidence like a she-wolf collecting bones from a battlefield.

I also installed another camera.

Hidden in Austin’s study, I watched him and Olivia come in at night and sleep together.

Then there was a knock on my office door.

“Come in,” I said calmly.

Olivia entered with a tray.

“Hello, Luna. I brought you some tea. I know you are very busy. By the way, congratulations to you and Alpha on the new achievement.”

I stared at her.

And instead of her face, I saw the video where her hand was gripping my father’s hair.

My fingers curled so hard my nails bit into my palms, but I stayed still, watching her set the cup down.

When she turned to leave, I said, "Olivia..."

Her shoulders stiffened and she turned slowly. "Anything else Luna?"

“My father died a month ago now. Aren’t you missing him?”

She blinked.

“What… what do you mean, Luna?”

“Is that question hard to answer?”

Her mouth opened but no sound came out.

Although I didn't need her answers. Only her reaction.

I sighed shaking my head as I took a glimpse at the tea.

“What kind of tea did you prepare for me today?”

Her face lifted instantly, relief rushing in. She explained the herbs, the benefits.

In my head, my question meant, 'What combination of poison are you feeding me now?'

I smiled thinly.

“Can you taste it for me?”

She went pale.

“But Luna, that would be disrespectful. To touch your drink—”

“Coming from you?” I cut in. “Anyway, the word respect sounds misplaced.”

She swallowed.

“I ordered you. Drink it!”

Her eyes glassed over. Tears welled up. "But I can't..."

I frowned, irritation crawling up my spine.

“Do it,” I snapped.

She gasped, trembling like I was abusing her. She lifted the steaming mug with trembling hand.

And then Austin himself came in.

“Is there a problem here?” he asked, his gaze flicking to me, then lingering on her.

Before I could speak, Olivia stumbled forward and ‘accidentally’ spilled the hot liquid down her chest and belly.

“Ouch!” she screamed.

Austin rushed to her, hands everywhere. He forgot where he was.

His palm hovered over her belly. "Are you okay?" Then he suddenly turned to me. "Are you bullying your sister?"

I opened my mouth.

He was already in my face.

“Apologize to her,” he ordered. “Not because you’re the Luna you get to mock our staff. And Olivia is not just staff. She’s still your sister because your father was her guardian."

“Alpha, please. I don’t deserve an apology,” Olivia whispered weakly. "It was my fault because I'm not feeling well and the mug slipped.'

Austin panicked. “You’re not feeling well and you still served her?”

He turned back to me, eyes cold.

“I’m warning you, Heather. Apologize. Or I’ll send you to the cell.”

“The cell?” For a moment, I honestly thought I had misheard him.

“Yes, because you refuse to comply with my order. Not because you’ve done something for this pack makes you my equal. You are still under me.”

I could feel my heart being twisted painfully. After what I did for this pack, and still I was under him?

“I’m not just the Luna,” I said, my voice shaking now. “I’m your mate. And you would lock me in a cell because I refuse to apologize to my tea bringer? Did I even spill the tea?”

It sounded insane, but I knew why he was overacting like this.

He was terrified of the pup in her belly.

“Are you questioning my power?” Austin barked.

He turned and shouted, “Warriors!”

They came in fast.

“Extract your Luna. Detain her in the cell.”

“You can’t do this to me, Austin!” I fought and kicked.

But my hand never left my belly.

I would not let them harm my pup. They had already taken too much from me.

“Alpha, please no,” Olivia sobbed. “Not the cell.”

“My mind will not change,” Austin said. “I am aligned with the Alpha King now.”

She dropped to her knees.

“Please,” she begged. “Don’t put her in the cell. She’s still my sister and I don’t want to see her reduced like an omega."

“Fine, Heather will be detained in the guest chambers. Locked. Until I say otherwise.”

I said nothing as they dragged me away.

But just before the door closed, I saw Olivia’s lips curved.

"Your good days will end soon. Both of you,” I whispered through clenched teeth.

Heather’s POV

Three days had passed since Austin ordered me locked away, and by the time they finally opened the door, weakness clung to my limbs like chains.

Still, I walked.

By the time I reached our bedroom, I froze at the strong smell of sex, clinging to the air.

My stomach twisted violently, and for a moment, I thought I might collapse right there at the entrance.

My wolf stirred, low and dangerous.

They had been here in my bed while I was kept away like a criminal.

I reached for the blankets and pulled them off the bed without hesitation.

Gathering everything in my arms, I turned and walked out of the room and headed straight for the fireplace.

When I returned to the room, Austin was already there.

He stood near the bed, his brows drawn together as he looked around, clearly searching for something.

His eyes landed on me.

“Where are the blankets?” he asked.

I looked at him.

He noticed the missing blanket, but not me.

Not the way my body felt hollow after three days in confinement.

He didn't even ask if I was alright.

“I sent them to the fireplace," I whispered.

His expression shifted instantly.

“What?” he snapped. “Why did you do that? Those blankets were very expensive. More expensive than your—”

He stopped.

“Than my what?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Never mind.”

He exhaled and waved it off.

“Your detention should have been a week,” he said casually. “But I had you released now because we have an important council meeting tonight.”

His eyes moved over me then, slowly, from head to toe, his gaze critical and displeased.

“What happened to you? You don’t look like the one I married anymore."

Something inside me almost laughed.

'What happened to me? My pups were gone because of your infidelity. You murdered my father so you could step into the Alpha position immediately. That's what happened to me.'

I held those words back even though my heart wanted to explode.

Austin turned away, already losing interest, as if I were no longer worth examining.

“Anyway, wear something decent and presentable later.”

---

The council hall was already filled when I arrived.

I stepped inside wearing a simple dress. Something I used to wear on ordinary days.

Austin turned his head.

His gaze dragged from my face down to my feet, then back up again.

His voice cut into my mind. I could feel the irritation in his tone.

'I told you to wear something good.'

I answered just as calmly. 'I feel comfortable in this dress.'

I reached my seat and sat beside him, not because I wanted to but because I needed to.

And then the doors opened again.

Olivia stepped in, wearing a red gown. So much extravagance for a she-wolf who was only in this manor to serve her Luna.

“Good evening,” she greeted.

The council responded immediately, voices rising, welcoming, approving.

And then Autin stood for her.

His expression softened in a way I had not seen in a long time, maybe ever.

He stepped toward her, his hand naturally finding the small of her back as he guided her forward.

“Take your seat,” he murmured to her.

She smiled up at him.

“Thank you, Alpha,” she said.

And she sat on the other side of him.

I watched the council nod and smile at them.

No one looked shocked or questioned anything.

Austin cleared his throat, drawing attention back to himself.

“Today, we are formally celebrating our new success.” He paused, and pride lifted his chin. “We are now one of the allied packs of the present Alpha King. This means more protection, greater trade opportunities, stronger military backing, and elevated status among the territories.”

Applause broke out.

“Congratulations, Alpha Austin.”

“Well deserved.”

“A remarkable achievement.”

Voices overlapped, each one feeding his ego, building him higher and higher.

Beside him, Olivia turned toward him, her eyes shining.

“I’m so proud of you,” she said softly.

Her hand rested lightly over his arm.

Austin glanced at her, and there was the softness again, and that look that had never truly been mine.

“Thank you,” he replied.

She laughed gently at something he whispered back.

The council watched them as if they were a perfect couple.

And I was sitting right here, watching my place being erased in real time.

My father built this pack from nothing, and now I was nothing in it.

“Aren’t you too close to my husband?” I said out of nowhere.

The room became quiet.

Beside me, Austin went very still.

Then slowly, he turned his head to me and gave me a sharp look.

I held his gaze, not looking away.

Olivia’s gaze shifted to me, and she smiled sweetly.

“I’m just happy for the pack’s success,” she said, her tone light, as if including me in something I no longer belonged to.

Then suddenly she swayed.

“Olivia?” Austin was already there.

His hand on her shoulder. His body angled toward her.

Concern flooded his face.

“Are you alright?”

She steadied herself, holding onto him lightly.

Then she smiled.

“I’m fine, Alpha. But I think it's time for them to know,” she said, glancing around the table.

Her fingers slipped into her purse.

“I was actually waiting for the right moment…”

She pulled out a small photo.

“My dear council. I have even better news.”

She lifted the photo just enough for them to see.

“I’m pregnant. Finally, Alpha Austin is going to be a father.”

Heather’s POV

I stared at the sonogram in Olivia’s trembling hands.

Then without another word, I pushed my chair back so abruptly it scraped harshly against the floor.

My heart pounded violently as I rushed out of the dining room and made my way to the room.

“Heather, where are you going?” Austin called, but I ignored him.

I opened the hidden compartment behind the wardrobe, and I dropped to my knees when I noticed that the lock was shattered.

The sonogram was gone.

I shot to my feet and returned to the dining hall, fury burning through my veins, hotter than anything I had ever felt before.

Austin was already standing when I entered.

“Where did you go?” he demanded. “Why did you leave without notice?”

I did not answer him.

My gaze moved past him and locked onto Olivia.

“That sonogram report is mine!"

The council members exchanged stunned looks.

Austin frowned, disbelief flashing across his face. “That’s impossible.”

His eyes dropped briefly to my abdomen, then back to my face.

“You can no longer bear children. The healer confirmed it.”

My hands moved instinctively to my stomach, clutching it protectively.

“But I do, and that photo is mine. I’m pregnant, Austin.”

The room erupted into whispers.

Austin turned sharply to Olivia. “Where did you get that photo?”

Olivia’s lips trembled. Tears welled in her eyes as she shook her head.

“This is my report. I went to the healer’s clinic days ago. Don’t you know? I have been pregnant even before this.”

I looked at Austin, and he looked surprised himself, but also very pleased. "R-really?"

And here I was, needing to defend my own pup.

“So since when did this affair start?” I asked, my voice cutting through their silence.

I already knew the answer, but I wanted him to say it.

He did not, so I turned to the room instead.

“Since when did you all know? Since when did you know your Alpha was cheating on his Luna with her own servant in exchange for pleasure?”

Gasps filled the hall.

I pointed directly at Olivia.

“You’re a slut who murdered my previous pups. You poisoned my concoctions. You made me believe my body was weak. And now you stand there, proud that you’re carrying a child with him?”

Olivia’s face flushed red. She swayed slightly.

“Alpha… I think I will faint…”

She sat down quickly and drank water while clutching the sonogram tighter.

Before I could take another step, Austin grabbed my arm.

“Enough!"

He dragged me out of the hall, his grip bruising, his steps fast and merciless.

The door slammed shut behind us as he threw me onto the floor of a private room.

I gasped as pain shot through my body.

“What is this, Heather?” Austin demanded coldly. “Have you not learned your lesson from your imprisonment? And now you choose to disgrace me in front of the council?”

I stared at him in disbelief.

Now I was the disgrace?

A broken laugh escaped my lips.

“And now you call your own mate a disgrace, because she defended her dignity?”

I lifted my chin and glared at him.

“Understand the situation, Austin. You were cheating on me while mated to me. Who is the disgrace in this pack? Tell me.”

He did not answer immediately.

Instead, his gaze dropped slowly to my stomach.

“Are you really pregnant?”

My hand tightened over my belly.

I had never planned to reveal it, not after everything I had just learned days ago.

But now my child had already been dragged into this.

“Yes,” I said firmly. “I’m pregnant. The sonogram Olivia showed everyone is mine.”

The door opened.

Olivia stepped in, her makeup slightly smudged.

“Oh, Luna. I know you’re angry at me. But what can I do? I just loved. And Alpha Austin is not hard to love. So please don’t be mad at me. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize to her,” Austin said sharply. “She just want attention.”

He looked down at me.

“Apologize to Olivia for the scandal you created.”

I wiped my tears, my hands trembling as I slowly stood.

“No,” I said. “Never, Austin.”

“I said apologize, or you will regret this, Heather.”

Olivia clutched his arm. “Don’t escalate this, Austin. She was just detained. Her emotions are unstable. It’s okay.”

“No,” Austin said coldly. “I already let her last wrongdoing pass. Not this one. It concerns the reputation of my future heir.”

His words crashed into my chest and twisted there, like he had reached inside me and torn something open with his bare hands.

Future heir.

He grabbed my arm again.

“Apologize!"

“No,” I cried. “Even if you kill me, I won’t. I did nothing wrong!"

Austin’s eyes flashed amber.

“Let’s see how far your pride goes for a simple apology.”

He dragged me out of the packhouse.

I struggled, cried, begged, but he did not stop.

Until we reached the healer’s cottage.

Fear crawled up my spine.

The next thing I knew, I was tied to a bed.

Ropes secured my wrists and ankles.

Healers surrounded me, their faces tense, waiting.

My breathing became uneven.

“What are you doing?” I cried. “Austin, please, let me go!"

He stood at the foot of the bed.

“You said you would not apologize even if I killed you, then I will have that pup inside you terminated.”

Horror flooded my eyes.

“No. No, please,” I begged, shaking violently. “Austin, this is your pup. Don’t kill your own child!”

“You’ll be blamed when it dies because of your stupid pride,” Austin said.

Then he lifted his gaze to the healers and said coldly, “Begin the operation. No anesthesia.”

The healers complied at once and tightened their grip on the tools in their hands.

I noticed the way their faces became pale and horrified.

But still obedient to their Alpha.

Then Olivia stepped into the room.

She looked shocked as her eyes moved from me to the blood on the bed, then to Austin.

“What are you all waiting for?” Austin snapped.

“I apologize!” I cried immediately.

“Say it clearly. Say it to Olivia.”

I choked on my tears.

“I’m sorry,” I forced out. “I apologize, Olivia.”

The healers looked at Austin, waiting for his command.

But then I saw Olivia’s face tighten when Austin softened at my apology.

She quickly spoke, “I heard a rumor that Luna Heather was getting close to one of the warriors. The one assigned to watch her during her detention.”

Austin’s expression darkened instantly.

He turned slowly to me.

“So you are cheating on me? Is that pup fathered by another man?”

I shook my head violently.

“No,” I cried. “Austin, this is your pup!”

His jaw tightened.

“Terminate it!"

The order fell like a death sentence.

“No—wait!” I screamed, panic tearing through my chest as I thrashed against the ropes. “Please, don’t do this!”

Hands grabbed me.

Then something sliced through my belly.

A scream ripped out of me.

My back arched, my fingers clawing uselessly at the restraints as tears streamed down my face.

“Austin!” I cried, my voice shaking, desperate. “Please! Please stop them!”

I looked at him through blurred vision.

His eyes were glowing amber, while Olivia stood beside him, one hand resting lightly on his arm.

And she was smiling.

My eyes burned as my wolf tried to surface.

For a moment, my sight sharpened. I knew my eyes had flashed, but I was too weak.

The wolfsbane in my system crushed my wolf down before she could rise.

Another wave of pain slammed into me, this time more intense.

I screamed again.

And then everything went dark.