The air outside was cold and heavy, thick with a tension that mirrored the unease in my chest. The pack house was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves outside.

I stood by the nursery, trailing my fingers along the crib’s polished edge, its craftsmanship a labor of love for the child I dreamed of holding.

I brushed my hand over my swollen stomach, whispering softly. “You’re my light, little one. I’ll keep you safe, no matter what.”

The promise felt hollow in the face of the growing unease I couldn’t shake. The rogues had been silent for too long, their absence ominous. Even the bond with my mate, Lorian, felt distant, strained. Was it the pressure of leadership—or something deeper?

A low growl broke the silence.

I froze, every muscle tensing. The sound came from outside, just beyond the nursery walls. Before I could react, a crash echoed through the pack house—a window shattering, followed by an ear-splitting howl.

“Rogues,” I hissed.

Grabbing a dagger from the nursery drawer, I bolted into the hallway. My wolf surged to the surface, and I shifted mid-stride, my body rippling as fur replaced skin.

The sudden change sent a jolt through me, but I pushed through it, landing on all fours. My silver coat glinted in the moonlight streaming through the broken windows.

The pack house was chaos. Warriors clashed with snarling rogues, their howls and snarls echoing off the walls. I charged into the fray, instincts sharp, my focus singular: protect the pack and my child.

A rogue lunged at me, its jaws snapping. I dodged, retaliating with a swipe of my claws. The rogue yelped as blood sprayed from its face. Before it could recover, I tackled it to the ground, sinking my teeth into its neck until it stopped moving.

The scent of blood hung thick in the air. My heart pounded as I turned, scanning the battlefield.

A second rogue charged at me, and I braced for impact. We collided, the force knocking me backward. Pain flared in my abdomen as I hit the ground.

“Protect the baby.”

The thought was a desperate mantra as I rolled to avoid the rogue’s snapping jaws. I fought back with everything I had, my claws finding purchase in its side.

The rogue howled, retreating just enough for me to get back on my feet. But the sharp, stabbing pain in my stomach didn’t relent.

Panic flared in my chest. Something was wrong.

I forced the thought aside, focusing on the fight. Another rogue leaped at me, but I sidestepped, slashing at its legs. It fell with a howl, and I delivered the killing blow with my teeth.

Around me, the pack warriors fought valiantly, but we were outnumbered. The rogues surged forward in relentless waves, their snarls echoing through the halls. My vision blurred as the pain in my stomach intensified, radiating outward.

“Not now. Please, not now. Babe, please bear with mom”

I staggered, nearly collapsing, as a rogue slammed into me from behind. My body screamed in protest, but I pushed through the pain, twisting to claw at its side. Blood spattered the floor as the rogue fell back, and I finished it with a snap of my jaws.

The world spun as I struggled to stay upright. A warm, wet sensation spread down my legs, and my heart sank.

“No!”

The realization hit me like a physical blow. The baby.

I doubled over, clutching my stomach with a whimper as the fight raged around me. Another rogue advanced, its eyes gleaming with malice. I forced myself to stand, to fight, but my strength was waning.

A blur of motion caught my eye as Thad, Lorian’s beta, barreled into the rogue, taking it down with a feral snarl. He turned to me, his expression dark with worry.

“Luna, you’re hurt!”

“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice trembling. “Focus on the fight.”

But I wasn’t fine. I could feel it—the life I had carried slipping away, leaving a hollow ache in its place.

The battle continued, each moment a blur of blood and fury. By the time the last rogue fell, the pack house was in ruins, and the wounded lay scattered across the floor. I stumbled to the healer’s station, collapsing onto a cot.

The healer’s face paled as she examined me. Her voice was gentle but firm. “Luna... I’m sorry. The baby...”

I didn’t hear the rest. Her words blurred together, drowned out by the roaring in my ears.

---

Hours later, the pack house was quiet, the rogues defeated, and the bodies cleared. I sat in the nursery, staring at the empty crib. My hand rested on my stomach, now eerily still.

The door creaked open, and I didn’t bother turning to see who it was.

“Luna,” Thad’s voice was soft, hesitant. “We found Alpha Lorian.”

I turned slowly, my eyes narrowing. “Where?”

“On the eastern border. He said he was... scouting.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. Scouting. While I fought for my life and lost our child, he had been absent, his bond a cold, distant void.

I rose from the chair, my movements stiff. “Thank you, Thad. Leave me.”

He hesitated, then nodded, retreating quietly.

I walked to Lorian’s office, each step fueled by rage and grief. His excuses, his absence—they were unforgivable.

My wounds had been treated, but the ache in my chest lingered. I trudged up the stairs to Lorian’s office, my resolve hardening with every step. I needed answers.

The room was dark, the faint hum of his laptop the only sound. I sat in his chair, my claws clicking against the keyboard as I opened his email. My heart raced, dread pooling in my stomach.

The message was right there, bold and glaring on the screen: [I’m back, Alpha Lorian. Meet me at my old pack so we can catch up. -Aveline]

Aveline— His ex-girlfriend.

Rage and heartbreak coursed through me. While I had fought for my life and the lives of our pack, Lorian had been off with her.

My claws scraped against the desk as I clenched my fists.

He returned five days later, reeking of her scent and offering lies about a “diplomatic mission.” I stared at him in the mirror as he made his excuses, my smile cold and hollow.

“Of course,” I said. “I understand.”

But I didn’t. I couldn’t. And as I stared into the reflection of my mate—the man who had failed me—I made my decision. I would leave him, leave the pack, and leave behind the shattered dream of a family I once thought I could build.

The bond between us, once a source of strength, now felt like chains I needed to break.

As I stared at him, I made a silent vow: I would rebuild myself, stronger than before. For myself, and for the life I had lost.

Sitting in front of the vanity table, I fought to keep my face serene, ignoring the storm raging within me. My wolf, Selene, snarled and clawed at my mind, demanding to surface, but I locked her down.

The room was silent except for the subtle rustle of Lorian’s movements behind me.

“I know you were trying to mind link me earlier,” Lorian began, his deep voice breaking the stillness. His large hands rested on my shoulders, but their warmth felt foreign. “I was negotiating with Alpha Jude for an alliance in the East. To earn his trust, I had to block all telepathic communication—even with you. I hope you understand.”

His explanation came too late. Our pack had been ambushed, I had fought for my life, and I had lost our child—all while he was blissfully unaware. I looked at his reflection in the mirror and forced a smile. It didn’t reach my eyes.

“Of course, Lorian,” I said, my tone light. “I understand.”

He frowned, clearly sensing something off. “A-Are you sure you’re not angry at me?” he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.

I shook my head, feigning nonchalance. “No. Why would I be? You were doing what’s best for the pack.”

Relief flooded his expression. “That’s good to hear. I know you can’t afford to stay mad at me for long,” he added, a cocky smile playing on his lips. “That’s why I stopped by your favorite bakery on the way back. I wanted to bring you something sweet to make up for being away.”

He set a basket tied with a delicate ribbon on the table in front of me. The scent of the pastries wafted up, and I stiffened. My heart dropped as I recognized the aroma of kiwi.

Kiwi—the one fruit that could trigger my severe allergies.

I shot to my feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. “I hope you remember that kiwi is dangerous for me,” I said, my voice shaking.

His brows furrowed in confusion. “Wait—kiwi? I thought you loved them. I must’ve mixed things up.” His eyes widened as realization dawned. “Shit. I’m so sorry, Isolde. I wasn’t thinking.”

No, more like he was thinking of Aveline. Kiwi had been Aveline’s favorite, not mine. My wolf growled at the thought, the sharp edge of betrayal cutting through me.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I tilted my head and said, “Perhaps you confused me with someone else.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he replied, his tone defensive. “I bought them for you. I just... I don’t know how I made such a mistake.”

“It’s fine,” I said, my voice flat. “Maybe the servants will appreciate them.”

Lorian hesitated, then nodded, picking up the basket. “I’m really sorry, hun. Things have been hectic with the rogue attacks. I’ll try harder, I promise.”

The words felt hollow. I simply nodded, unwilling to waste my breath.

“By the way,” he added, “why were you trying to mind link me earlier? Was something wrong?”

“No,” I lied, keeping my voice even. “Everything was fine.”

Before he could press further, his eyes suddenly glowed yellow—the unmistakable mark of his wolf taking over during a mind link. His jaw clenched, and his hand twitched as he communicated silently. The moment ended as quickly as it began.

“I have a situation to handle,” he said abruptly. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Without waiting for my response, Lorian strode out of the room, leaving me standing there, a maelstrom of emotions churning within me.

As the door clicked shut, my legs gave out, and I collapsed onto the floor. My arms trembled as I clutched them to my chest, my nails digging into my palms.

Selene whimpered in my head, a mournful sound that mirrored the hollow ache in my heart.

“He didn’t even notice the bruises. He didn’t notice anything.”

As I sat there, my mind racing, a sharp, stinging pain flared across my side. I gasped, lifting my shirt to reveal a fresh gash across my ribs. Blood seeped from the wound, staining my clothes.

I didn’t need an explanation. The pain wasn’t from a physical attack—it was from the bond. My mate’s infidelity. The realization hit me like a physical blow. He was with her again. Aveline.

Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. My mate had betrayed me in every possible way. He had abandoned me during the rogue attack. He had failed to protect our child, the pack, and now he had betrayed the sacred bond we shared.

Rising unsteadily to my feet, I stumbled to the bathroom.

I cleaned the wound as best as I could, each movement mechanical. The sight of the blood should have made me feel something—rage, despair, heartbreak—but I felt numb.

Once I was done, I sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the floor. I couldn’t stay here. Not anymore.

Selene’s voice growled in my mind, “We deserve better. We need to leave.”

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and reached out with my mind, connecting with the one person I knew I could trust.

“Dad,” I said through the mind link. “I accept your offer to join the Lycan Dominion as a pack doctor. Please send me the details so I can prepare.”

There was a brief pause before his voice responded, filled with relief and concern. “I’ll arrange everything. Are you sure about this, Isolde?”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “I’m sure.”

I cut the link before he could ask more questions. There was nothing left for me here. My mate—he had failed me in the moments I needed him the most.

Rising to my feet, I began packing a bag, each movement deliberate and final. This wasn’t just about leaving. It was about reclaiming my life, my dignity, and my strength.

As I zipped the bag shut, I looked around the room one last time. This place had been my home, my sanctuary. Now, it was nothing more than a cage.

Selene’s voice rumbled in my mind, her tone fierce and determined. “We’ll rise again, Isolde. Stronger than ever.”

With a final glance at the room, I turned and walked out, my steps steady and sure. My heart ached, but my resolve was unshakable. This was the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Lorian might have broken me, but I would heal. And when I did, I would be unstoppable.

But just as I was about to leave the borders, something happened.

Just as I reached the edge of Silver Ridge’s territory, my steps faltered.

A loud, bloodcurdling howl echoed through the dense forest, followed by the unmistakable clash of warriors battling. The scent of blood and sweat mixed with the earthy aroma of pine, and my wolf, Selene, growled.

The pack was under attack again.

I debated whether to keep moving or turn back. My heart warred with my resolve—leaving meant freedom from pain, yet the pack was still my responsibility as Luna, no matter how undeserved the title felt now.

Selene howled in my mind, urging me to fight. “If we leave, they’ll fall. We owe them better than this.”

I took a deep breath and turned back toward the chaos.

---

When I reached the battlefield, I froze. The enemy wolves bore the crest of Alpha Jude’s pack—the very Alpha Lorian had claimed to strike an alliance with.

Among the mayhem, Alpha Jude’s towering form stood out. His dark, imposing presence was impossible to miss. He wasn’t fighting; he was watching the battle unfold with a twisted smirk on his face. His beta, a wiry man with sharp features, stood beside him.

I pushed through the throng of warriors, my heart hammering. My voice cut through the din like a whip. “Alpha Jude!”

He turned slowly, his piercing eyes locking onto mine. “Ah, Luna Isolde,” he drawled, a mocking edge to his tone. “How nice of you to join us. I was wondering how long it would take before you showed up.”

I squared my shoulders, ignoring the growing ache in my chest. “I thought my husband had made an alliance with you. Why are you attacking our pack?”

The word “husband” felt foreign on my tongue, and I spat it out more for formality than truth.

Alpha Jude laughed, a deep, rumbling sound that sent chills down my spine. “Husband, you say? You mean the bastard who’s been frolicking with... what’s her name again?”

“Aveline,” his beta supplied with a sneer.

Gasps rippled through the Silver Ridge warriors nearby. They turned to me, their expressions a mix of disbelief and sympathy. The weight of their gazes pressed against me, but I stood firm.

Alpha Jude’s grin widened. “I came here to force Lorian into compliance, but seeing you here—unaware of his escapades—is far more entertaining.”

My fists clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms. “Get to the point, Alpha Jude. What do you want?”

He smirked, gesturing to his beta. The man stepped forward, handing me an envelope. I didn’t need to open it to know its contents.

“These are yours to keep,” Jude said mockingly. “A little souvenir of your husband’s... extracurricular activities.”

Anger and humiliation burned through me as I clutched the envelope.

“You planned to run away?” Alpha Jude said, his tone oozing derision. “Isn’t that weak? Why not get back at him instead? I’m free if you’re interested.” He winked, his words coated with venom.

Disgust roiled in my stomach, and I struggled to keep my expression neutral. “Thank you for the evidence,” I said coldly. “Now leave.”

Alpha Jude’s smirk didn’t falter. “Think about my offer,” he said before turning to his warriors. “We’re done here.”

As the enemy wolves retreated, I stood frozen, the envelope crumpling in my grip.

---

Back at the packhouse, whispers followed me as I passed, their curious eyes attempting to gauge my reaction. I kept my face blank, a mask of indifference that hid the storm brewing inside.

Once in my quarters, I collapsed onto the bed, my hands trembling as I opened the envelope. Inside were photos of Lorian and Aveline, their intimate poses leaving no doubt about their betrayal.

Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to let them fall. I reached for the mind link and connected with my father.

“I can’t leave this week,” I said, my voice cracking.

His concern was immediate. “Isolde, what happened?”

The dam broke. Between sobs, I told him everything—the betrayal, the bruises, the photos. My father listened in silence, his presence a steadying force even through the distance.

“You don’t have to endure this,” he said softly. “Come to the Lycan Dominion. Start anew.”

I nodded, though he couldn’t see me. “I will. Just... not yet. There are things I need to settle first.”

---

That night, I sat in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. The bruises on my arms and torso stood out starkly against my pale skin. The pain of the bond throbbed dully, a constant reminder of Lorian’s betrayal.

Selene’s voice was a low growl in my mind. *He doesn’t deserve us. Let’s leave, Isolde.*

But I couldn’t. Not yet. Not while the pack was vulnerable. Not while Lorian’s leadership faltered.

This wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about reclaiming my power, my dignity, and ensuring the pack’s survival.

“Soon,” I whispered to my reflection. “Soon, I’ll leave. But not as a victim. I’ll leave as a survivor.”

I bit down on my lip, tasting blood, trying to gather my courage.

I knew this sudden decision would confuse him, but I had prepared myself for this conversation. “Let’s just say I’ve woken up. I’ve been blind because of love, but now I see clearly.”

When I was younger, I believed love was simple, that it didn’t need the Moon Goddess to pair me with someone. That’s because I loved Lorian in secret for years. We were the best of friends, always together. Even our families joked that we’d end up as husband and wife someday.

But everything changed when we turned eighteen. That’s when Lorian found out his mate was Aveline, our childhood friend. My heart broke into a thousand pieces, but I kept my pain hidden.

Lorian and Aveline seemed so happy together, and my wolf and I suffered silently. I told myself I would support them, even if it hurt. But one night, Lorian came to my room. He looked so broken, tears streaming down his face.

“She rejected me,” he confessed, his voice trembling. “Aveline said she doesn’t want me. She’s marrying an older alpha instead. She said being with me—a beta’s son—is beneath her.”

I didn’t know what to say. Seeing him so devastated made my love for him spill over. I hugged him tightly, wishing I could take away his pain.

Then he looked into my eyes. “Let’s be mates, Isolde.”

I froze, not sure if I’d heard him right. “W-What?”

He wiped his tears and held my hands. “You’ve loved me for so long, haven’t you? I’ve always cared about you too. Now that Aveline is gone, we can be together. I’m choosing you as my mate. Will you accept me?”

My heart raced as I nodded. “Yes,” I whispered, barely able to believe it. “Yes, Lorian.”

For a while, I thought I’d finally found happiness. But that happiness didn’t last long. Two days after our mating ceremony, an envelope arrived for me. Inside were pictures—intimate ones—of Aveline and Lorian together. My hands trembled as I read the letter attached.

Dear Isolde,

It’s been a while. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. Your husband is quite passionate.

Love, Aveline.

Anger and heartbreak surged through me. How could she be so cruel? I tore the pictures into shreds, vowing not to let her see how much she had hurt me. But she didn’t stop there. More photos came, this time with videos. The next letter was even more taunting.

How can you endure this pain? Don’t you see? I want you to leave so Lorian and I can be together again.

Love, Aveline.

This time, I didn’t destroy the evidence. I kept the photos and videos in a safe place. I needed proof, even if I didn’t know what I’d use it for yet.

Lorian’s behavior confirmed my worst fears. He stopped coming to bed, claiming he was too busy with work. He said late-night meetings with pack alphas were taking up his time. But I knew the truth. Secret cameras I’d planted in his office showed me everything. Aveline was with him during those late nights. Watching them together made the bruises on my body appear worse.

Lorian was so blinded by Aveline that he even neglected his duties as an alpha. The pack suffered, but he didn’t seem to care.

One morning, he rushed into the kitchen while I was eating breakfast alone.

“We have a problem,” he said, looking worried. “Rogues have been spotted near our borders. I need to travel to negotiate a peace treaty with the other packs.”

I sipped my coffee, keeping my face calm. “Go ahead. I’ll handle things here.”

He smiled, planting a quick kiss on my forehead. “I’m lucky to have you, Isolde. You’re always there for the pack.”

As he walked out the door, I gripped my mug so tightly that it shattered in my hand. He was lying again. I knew he wasn’t going to negotiate treaties. He was going to see Aveline.

That night, as I looked at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I saw bruises covering my arms and torso. They were marks of betrayal—physical manifestations of the mate bond breaking under the weight of Lorian’s infidelity.

I stepped into the shower, hoping the water would wash away my pain. But then, a sharp, unbearable ache tore through my chest. It felt like my heart was being ripped apart. My wolf howled in agony, and I collapsed onto the shower floor, gasping for air.

This was the curse of the mate bond. When one mate betrayed the other, the pain was unbearable. I could feel Lorian and Aveline together at that very moment. The thought of them being so intimate made my blood boil.

I screamed, clutching my chest, hoping the pain would stop. The water mixed with my tears as I lay there, broken and defeated.

“Damn you, Lorian!” I cried through gritted teeth, blood dripping from my mouth. “I’ll never forgive you for what you’ve done to me.”

As I lay there, a resolve began to form in my heart. I had endured enough. It was time to take back my life, no matter what it cost me.