Cestia’s POV

IT'S ALMOST ONE MONTH.

It had been about a month since the deal that transformed my life. I'd gone from being a regular college student to Luna of King Alpha, Jacques Caldwell.

My days on the werewolf king's huge estate were weird, filled with luxury I had never imagined, as well as a peculiar sense of belonging I didn't fully comprehend.

My days in the sprawling estate of the werewolf king were surreal, filled with luxury I never imagined but also with a strange sense of belonging I didn’t quite understand.

Despite being human, Jacques and his pack treated me with the utmost respect. His Beta, Hale Roberts, was the first to bow to me as their Luna, and the others quickly followed suit.

They deferred to me in ways that were overwhelming at first, calling me “Luna Cestia” as though it were a title I’d always carried. Jacques himself treated me like a queen, his actions and words always protective, though he remained an enigma.

That day, Elder James came on the estate. Jacques had told me very little about the council of elders, save that they were ancient and knowledgeable wolves who advised King Alpha.

“Greetings to the King and the Luna,” he said.

Elder James was the leader of the pack's elders and consutants, a man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through me.

When he entered the big hall, Jacques and Hale lowered their heads in reverence, and I did the same. To my astonishment, Elder James smiled warmly at me and said, "Rise, my child," in a calm but gentle voice.

I stood hesitantly, unsure of what to expect. “It’s an honor to meet you, Elder James,” I said, my voice soft.

“The honor is mine, Luna Cestia,” he replied, his gaze gentle but probing. “You remind me of someone very dear to this pack.”

I tilted my head curiously. “R-Really? Who is it?”

“The previous Luna,” he said, a hint of sadness in his tone. “She had a kindness about her, a strength that came not from power but from her heart. You carry that same spirit.”

I wasn't sure what to say. I had never met the prior Luna, but the way Elder James described her made me feel the weight of her heritage.

Elder James turned to Jacques and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take care of her, Jacques," he said firmly. "The link between partners is a gift. Protect it and cherish your Luna.”

Jacques nodded, his expression unreadable. “I will, Elder.”

The elder then turned to me, his smile returning. “There will be a banquet soon, Luna, in your honor. It is time for the pack and its allies to see their queen.”

“A banquet?” I echoed, my heart racing.

“Yes,” Jacques said, stepping closer to me. “You will be introduced to the pack formally as my Luna. It’s an important tradition.”

I nodded slowly, unsure if I was ready for such a spotlight.

However, Jacques made every attempt to prepare me for the occasion. Dresses of the finest silks and jewellery that glittered like stars were delivered to my chambers.

“I am not used to big events,” I said.

Jacques smiled a bit. “You'll be fine, Cestia.”

Hale and the rest of the pack ensured that every element of the feast was excellent. By the evening, I could scarcely recognise myself in the mirror.

The dinner hall was stunning. Chandeliers cast golden light over the area, and the air was alive with excitement.

“For the main event! The King and Queen of the pack!”

The wolves, clad in fine clothes, moved with elegance that appeared almost unearthly. Jacques stood at my side, dominant as ever, his crimson eyes scanning the room keenly.

When he introduced me, his voice carried across the hall like a king addressing his kingdom. “This is my mate,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Your Luna.”

Applause erupted, and for the first time, I felt accepted by these otherworldly beings. They smiled and bowed, demonstrating true respect.

The night was a flurry of congratulations and warm welcomes. Jacques was never far from my side, his protective aura a continuous reminder of my new life. I began to relax, enjoying the music and the talks.

But then, the atmosphere shifted.

The doors to the banquet hall opened, and all eyes turned to the figure that entered. A woman, tall and strikingly beautiful, strode in with an air of confidence. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing green eyes scanned the room with a familiarity that sent murmurs rippling through the crowd.

“Fayre,” Jacques said, his voice low and tense.

I froze. Fayre. Jacques had never mentioned her, but the way his posture stiffened told me everything I needed to know.

Then, I heard the chatters and whispers of other wolves. I couldn't help but listen to them.

One woman said, “She came back already?”

The other woman nodded and said. “The alpha's ex-lover... His first love!”

What?!

She stopped a few feet from us, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Jacques,” she said smoothly. “It’s been a while.”

The way she said his name, the way her eyes lingered on him—it was clear they shared a history. My chest tightened, and I instinctively took a step closer to Jacques.

“This is a private banquet,” Jacques said, his tone cold.

“And yet I’m here,” Fayre replied, unbothered by his hostility. Her gaze shifted to me, and her smile grew. “So, this is the new Luna. I’ve heard… interesting things.”

I felt her eyes sweep over me, assessing, judging. She was flawless, exuding a confidence I couldn’t hope to match.

“Yes, Fayre,” Jacques said, his voice a low growl.

“I came to talk,” she said, her tone softening. “Surely you can spare a moment for an old… friend.”

“I’ll handle this,” he said to me, his voice firm. “Stay here.”

I wanted to argue, to demand answers, but the tension in the air was suffocating. Instead, I nodded, watching as he led Fayre away from the crowd.

Is she really his ex-lover?

Cestia’s POV

“WHERE IS JACQUES?”

The meal proceeded downstairs, its joyful hum of discussion and music providing a strong contrast to the turmoil that was developing within me. Jacques had vanished not long after Fayre's spectacular arrival, leaving me alone among the murmurs and curious looks of the crowd.

I faked a grin at others who approached me, like nothing was wrong. But as the minutes passed into an hour, his absence grew more difficult to ignore. My heart tightened with uneasiness.

“Excuse me,” I muttered to the Beta, Hale Roberts, who had been standing nearby.

“Is everything alright, Luna?” he asked, his tone laced with concern.

I nodded quickly, unwilling to show weakness. “I just need some air.”

Without waiting for an answer, I slipped out of the hall and headed towards the grand staircase.

My footsteps resonated in the silence as I ascended, leaving the joyous commotion behind. The more I proceeded, the darker and quieter it became, with the luxurious corridors now cloaked in shade.

“Jack? Where are you?” I called, my voice trembling slightly.

The silence that followed just added to the discomfort in my chest. My fingers brushed against the wall as I moved, the low light from the sconces forming flickering shadows.

I turned a corner and saw it: a little ajar door with gentle light flowing into the corridor. My pulse accelerated.

I paused, my senses telling me to turn back. But then I heard his voice: low and familiar.

“I don’t love her, Fayre. You are the one that I love.”

The words hit me like a physical blow, the air rushing from my lungs.

I stepped closer, unable to stop myself. My trembling hand pushed the door open a fraction more, allowing me to see inside.

“I am just keeping her as my Luna because she's my mate,” he said.

Standing there, Jacques leant towards Fayre with his towering body. Unquestionably intimate, her hands were on his chest as their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

The world seemed to have paused. Tears clouded my eyes, and it felt like the walls were closing in on me.

My dearest mate...

Here was the man who had vowed to keep me safe and to uphold our relationship—betraying me with another woman.

“I hate him...” I whispered.

I wanted to yell, to stand up to him, to ask him questions. But I couldn't get my body to move. With each second that went by, my heart broke and my legs felt like lead.

“I only did it to gain the elders’ trust,” Jacques continued, his voice dripping with conviction as he pulled away from Fayre slightly. “They needed to see stability, a Luna at my side. But she’s just a human, Fayre. I could never love her.”

I pressed a hand to my mouth to stifle the sob threatening to escape.

How could he? After everything, after asking me to make the pact, after standing beside me and introducing me as his Luna—how could it all have been a lie?

I backed away from the door, my movements careful and silent. The last thing I wanted was for them to know I’d overheard. My tears blurred my vision as I stumbled down the hallway, the once-beautiful estate now feeling like a prison.

When I reached the grand staircase, I paused, wiping my face. I needed to leave. Staying here, pretending this was my life, was no longer an option.

“This is over now,” I whispered to myself, my voice steady despite the chaos inside me.

I descended the staircase, ignoring the curious glances of the pack members who noticed my pale face and red-rimmed eyes. I didn’t care what they thought. I didn’t care about the banquet or the titles or the expectations.

Right now... I need a plan.

I just needed to escape this hell!

Cestia’s POV

I AM SUCH A BIG FOOL.

I made my way swiftly to my room in the strangely still royal hallways. A harsh reminder of the life I was leaving behind was the faint reverberation of the banquet's music and laughter. The realisation of what I was doing hit me suddenly, causing my hands to shake as I unlocked my room's door.

“Damn it! I wished I never trusted him!”

I reached for a suitcase and started tossing in my clothing while tears ran down my cheeks. I made an effort to concentrate, but my thoughts kept returning to the sight I had seen upstairs—the intense kiss, the confessions. I couldn't express how much it hurt.

I feel so betrayed...

I had secretly begun to think that Jacques had promised me this life. Deep down, I wish it was true. A life in which I was his Luna, valued and revered.

However, it was all a big fucking lie!

Why does it hurt so much?

I hesitated, holding one of the clothes that Jacques had given me. It was exquisitely designed for tonight's meal and was composed of the finest silk. I had proudly worn it, thinking it represented my position besides him. It felt like a nasty joke now.

After packing my luggage, I took a seat at the little writing desk in the room's corner. The words first resisted coming as my fingertips lingered over the page. What could I say?

After a long moment, I began to write.

Dearest Jacques,

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Being here has been an experience I will never forget. I hope I was enough as your Luna, even if only for a short time. I wish you happiness and peace in the life you choose.

Goodbye.

Your Luna,

Cestia

I didn’t tell him I knew. I didn’t accuse him of betrayal. That would have given him the power to explain, to twist the truth, to try and make me stay. I couldn’t bear to hear his voice again, not after what I’d seen.

Folding the note carefully, I placed it on the bed where he would see it.

Taking a deep breath, I wiped my tears and stepped out of the room. My next destination was the potion room. It was a place I had stumbled upon weeks ago while wandering the palace, filled with strange elixirs and vials glowing with unnatural light. I wasn’t sure if what I needed would be there, but it was my only hope of leaving undetected.

The room was tucked away in one of the older wings of the palace, its door creaking softly as I pushed it open.

The air inside was heavy with the scent of herbs and magic, the shelves lined with bottles in every size and color. My eyes scanned the labels, searching for the one I’d seen during my first visit.

And then I found it: a small vial filled with a shimmering, clear liquid.

The label read: Invisibility Potion – 3 Hours Only. Use with caution.

The immensity of what I was doing made me hesitate for a second. I couldn't go back if I left now. However, the recollection of Jacques and Fayre's treachery provided me with the necessary clarity. I was finished.

“I need to do this!” I said to myself.

I took a quick swallow of the potion after uncorking the container. It tasted metallic and harsh, like crushed leaves. My entire body started to tingle strangely almost instantly. I gazed down and marvelled at my hands and feet as they dwindled to nothing at all.

It worked!

I tucked the empty vial back onto the shelf and slipped out of the room, careful to avoid the creaky floorboards.

“I must leave now...” I whispered.

My heart raced as I moved through the hallways, my senses heightened by the adrenaline pumping through me. I passed a few servants and guards, their oblivious faces only solidifying my resolve.

Ahead was the palace's main entrance. Since the majority of the pack was still at the banquet, the big doors, which were typically guarded, were now unattended.

I felt the freezing night air as I slipped through the doors. I breathed easily for the first time in weeks.

I will be free...

I walked into the woods and the castle vanished behind me. In the moonlight, the branches of the tall trees stretched out like bony fingers. The forest seemed more cosy than the castle walls ever had, even though it was silent but for the odd rustle of leaves.

I didn’t have a concrete plan.

I didn’t know how far I would have to walk or how I would return to the human world, but I didn’t care. All I wanted was to leave this nightmare behind.

I felt lighter the farther I went, as if the bonds that held me here were gradually coming loose. By this point, my tears had dried up and been replaced by an odd resolve.

I stopped to gaze at the sky when I came to a clearing. The stars served as a constant reminder of the world's immense size.

“This is where I belong,” I whispered to myself.

I had thought I could be part of Jacques’s world, that I could find a place among the wolves. But I was wrong.

I'm a human, and the human world was where I was meant to be.

Clutching my bag tighter, I stepped forward, leaving behind the forest and the life I had once thought was mine. But suddenly, I heard a voice inside my head.

“D-Don't... We need our mate.”

I suddenly stopped walking. What is that voice? Where the hell it came from? I don't understand what's going on. This is insane!

But then, I responded to the voice.

“W-Who are you?”