I stood before the tall mirror, smoothing the emerald fabric of my dress. It was simple and graceful, the kind of dress a Luna wore to mark four years of a bond. Yet the wolf staring back at me looked empty.

She was not excited. She was waiting for pain.

I stepped into the main hall just as Ramona walked out of the guest chamber.

She wore a piece of red cloth that barely covered her body. It hugged her curves tightly, the neckline low, the hem far too short.

Axton stood near the entrance, checking the time crystal on his wrist. He looked up and froze. His eyes widened, then darkened.

“No,” he said sharply. “Where do you think you are going dressed like that?”

Ramona smiled, adjusting a strap she did not need to touch. “I am going out. I want to have fun. It is boring here with you two acting like bonded lovers.”

“You are not going anywhere,” Axton snapped, moving closer. “That outfit shows too much. You look careless, Ramona. Go change.”

“Why should I?” she challenged, folding her arms.

“Because I am worried,” Axton replied tightly. “Your brother would not approve. Rhydan would lose his temper if he saw you like this.”

I watched from the side of the hall. To anyone else, it might have sounded like an Alpha watching over his friend’s sister. But I saw the truth in his eyes. The way his gaze lingered on her bare skin. It was not worry. It was jealousy. He did not want other wolves seeing what he believed belonged to him.

Ramona scoffed. “You are not my mate. And you are not my brother. I stay here only because Rhydan ordered it. You do not control me.”

She grabbed her bag and walked past him, her shoes striking the floor loudly. The door slammed shut.

Axton stood still, his hands clenched, staring at the door with fury burning in his eyes.

I cleared my throat.

He jumped and turned. For a brief moment, the anger was still there before he forced a smile.

“Are you ready, my Luna?” he asked, though his voice was stiff.

The ride through the pack city was heavy with silence. Axton held the wheel tightly, his knuckles pale. He checked his communicator again and again, his leg shaking with unease.

“If you do not want to go,” I said softly while looking outside, “we can return home.”

He breathed out hard. “I am sorry. I am just worried about Ramona. If something happens to her, Rhydan will blame me. I promised to watch over her.”

“Is that the only reason?” I asked, turning toward him.

He looked at me, eyes wide and innocent. “Of course. What else could it be?”

I smiled slightly. A quiet and sad smile. “All right.”

The restaurant was beautiful. Soft firelight, gentle string music, and the scent of fine wine filled the air. This was where he had asked me to be his Luna. But he was not truly there. His body sat across from me, yet his mind chased a she wolf in red.

He checked his communicator constantly. He barely touched his food. When I spoke of small things, he answered without thought.

Then his communicator buzzed.

He grabbed it so fast he nearly spilled his drink. His face drained of color as he read the message.

“I have to leave,” he said suddenly, standing up.

“What?” I froze, my fork still in my hand. “Axton, we have not even ordered the main meal.”

“It is urgent,” he said, already pulling on his coat. “Pack work. A system failed. I must go now.”

“On our bond anniversary?”

“I am sorry, Lunessa. I will make it right.” He placed a stack of coins on the table without meeting my eyes. “Take a carriage home. I love you.”

Then he left.

I sat there alone, his words echoing in the empty space. A server approached carefully.

“Is everything all right, Luna? Should I bring the next course?”

“No,” I said quietly. “Just the bill.”

I returned home by carriage. The den was dark when I entered. I expected silence.

Instead, I saw them.

Ramona lay across the couch, her red dress wrinkled, her face smeared with makeup. She laughed loudly, her words unclear. A bottle of strong spirit sat half empty on the table.

And Axton was there.

He knelt beside her, gently wiping her face with a damp cloth. He was not at the pack office. He was not handling a crisis. He was caring for her.

“You are a mess,” he murmured, his voice soft. “I warned you not to go out.”

“I just wanted to dance,” Ramona laughed, reaching for his face.

Axton caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.

Then he saw me.

He stiffened and stood quickly, stepping away from her.

“Lunessa,” he said nervously. “I received a call. She was drunk at a tavern. The owner contacted me. I had to bring her home.”

So that was the emergency.

Not the pack. But her.

“I understand,” I said calmly.

“I am sorry about dinner,” he said, moving toward me. “I was about to explain.”

I walked past him.

I did not shout. I did not cry. I even did not look at Ramona.

“It is fine,” I said. “I am tired.”

I entered the sleeping chamber and locked the door. I leaned against it, listening to his quiet voice outside as he told her to keep silent, lifting her and carrying her to the guest room.

My communicator chimed. I looked down. A new message from Maven.

[Bond Severance Papers Ready

Lunessa, the documents are complete. They are attached below.]

Then another alert appeared. From Travel Authority.

[Territory Exit Permit Approved]

I stared at the glowing screen. The tears that had waited all night disappeared completely.

“It may take longer for your body to heal, Luna Bloodridge.”

Healer Corvin’ voice was calm and respectful, but his words pressed heavily on my chest.

The moonlit infirmary was quiet and white, glowing softly with runes carved into the walls. I sat on the stone table, the magic parchment beneath me rustling.

“The loss was severe,” he continued, studying the glowing symbols on my chart. “Your moon energy is still unstable. Emotional strain affects a Luna deeply. You must rest before trying to conceive again.”

My shoulders sagged. I lowered my head and covered my face, forcing a sob to shake my body. It came easily. The grief was real. My pup was gone and the pain lived deep in my bones, even if the tears I showed my mate were partly an act.

“Oh, Lunessa,” Axton said softly at once. “It’s all right, my moon,” he whispered, kissing the top of my head. “Do not cry. We have time. The Moon Goddess has not abandoned us.”

“Thank you, Healer,” he added. “I will make sure she rests. I will take care of her.”

“She is fortunate to have an Alpha like you,” Corvin said kindly.

I pressed my face against his chest and shut my eyes.

Fortunate.

That word again.

If only he knew the truth. The Alpha holding me was the very source of my stress, the reason my wolf resisted bringing new life into this den.

That night, the act continued at the Bloodridge pack estate.

“So,” Axton’s mother, Ashara, said while slicing her meat with sharp control. “What did the healer say? When will the pack hear the cries of an heir?”

I stared at my plate, pushing a piece of vegetable around with my fork.

“Mother,” Axton warned.

“It is a fair question,” His father, Valrick Bloodridge, grunted. “The pack contract is clear. A strong bond. A future Alpha pup. Your grandsire wishes to see his blood continue before his final full moon. If there is no heir…” He did not finish, but the threat was clear.

“We are trying,” Axton said, gripping my hand tightly. Too tightly. “But Lunessa needs time. She lost a pup. We both did.”

“Time weakens power,” his mother said coldly. “And Lunessa, you are not growing younger. Perhaps if you had been more careful with the first…”

“Enough,” Axton roared, slamming his hand on the table. The candles flickered from the force of his Alpha aura. “You will not speak to her that way. I do not care about territory, gold, or inheritance. I care about my mate. Push her again, and we leave this pack tonight.”

He turned to me, fire and protection burning in his eyes. “Are you all right, my Luna?”

“Thank you,” I whispered, squeezing his hand. “I am fine.”

“We are leaving,” Axton declared. He pulled me up, wrapping an arm around my waist as he led me out of the hall like prey escaping a den of beasts.

Inside the car, his anger still simmered. “I am sorry about them, Lunessa. They circle like scavengers. I would choose you over pack wealth any day.”

“I know,” I said gently. “You are amazing, Axton.”

Liar.

When we arrived home, loud music echoed through the den.

Ramona was there, stretched beside the indoor moon pool that opened into the main hall. She wore a bright pink swim set that barely covered her skin. Water dripped from her body onto the expensive fur rugs as she sipped a mixed drink, laughing to herself.

I stopped in the doorway. The healer visit, the pack dinner, the lies, the grief all crashed together.

“When is she leaving our den?” I asked. My voice cut through the music like a blade.

Ramona looked up, pretending surprise. “Oh. You are back early.”

“I asked you,” I said, turning to Axton. “When is she leaving? She has stayed for months.”

Ramona’s lips trembled into a pout. “You do not want me here anymore? I am sorry, Luna. Did I upset you?”

“I do not want her walking around like that,” I said, motioning toward her nearly bare body. “It is improper. It looks like she is trying to draw your attention, Axton.”

“What?” Axton laughed sharply. “Lunessa, what are you saying? She is like a sister to me. That thought is vile.”

“She is not your sister,” I snapped. “And she is not mine. She walks half naked through our den, drinks our stores, and disrespects me as Luna. I am done.”

I met his gaze without blinking. “Choose, Axton. Her or me. I will not live like this anymore.”

I turned and walked straight to the sleeping chamber.

Axton followed and slammed the door shut.

“What was that?” he demanded. “Have you lost your mind? Throwing her out? She has nowhere to go.”

“She has a brother,” I replied calmly, removing my earrings. “She can stay with Alpha Rhydan.”

“You are being unfair,” he paced. “Are you jealous? Is that it? Jealous of a young she wolf?”

“I am angry that my mate cares more about her comfort than my pain,” I shouted. It felt good to release it, even if the reason was staged. “I lost our pup, Axton. And I return to noise and chaos instead of peace.”

He stopped. He rubbed his face and let out a long breath. His expression softened as he took my hands.

“You are right,” he said quietly. “I am sorry. I did not think how it appeared to you. I am under pressure from the pack and my clan. I should not have snapped.”

He kissed my fingers. “But you cannot force her out tonight. It is late. You were harsh. She is young. She looks up to you.”

“She does not respect me,” I muttered.

“She does,” he insisted. “She is only careless. Please apologize. For me. I will speak to her about the clothes. I swear. Do not anger Rhydan. He is my closest ally, and he will return soon.”

“Fine,” I whispered, exhausted.

Later that night, Axton fell asleep at once, worn down from a day of lies and masks.

I stayed awake.

Then, silently, I slipped from the bed and began preparing a gift for my mate. One he would never forget.

The grand hall felt suffocating. Moon crystal chandeliers spilled pale light over the gathered wolves and the air was heavy with the scent of rare flowers and old Alpha power.

Tonight marked the Bloodridge Pack securing a powerful alliance, a pact that would strengthen their territory for generations.

I stood near a tower of glowing moon wine, holding a glass of sparkling spring water I never touched. I wore a deep blue Luna gown and kept smiling until my face ached.

“Lunessa.”

A loud voice broke through the polite noise. I turned to see Rhydan Frostvein, Ramona’s brother and Axton’s closest ally, walking toward me. He looked rested and strong, clearly fresh from negotiating with desert packs beyond the sea.

“Rhydan,” I said, smiling honestly this time. I had always liked him. He was blunt but truthful, unlike most wolves in this hall.

He pulled me into a strong embrace. “Good to see you, Lunessa. You look radiant as always.” He released me and slapped Axton’s shoulder as my mate appeared beside me. “And you, lucky Alpha. Still bonded to a Luna far above your league.”

Axton laughed and raised his glass. “Always, Rhydan.”

Rhydan’s expression shifted. “I wanted to thank you. For watching over Ramona while I was gone. I know she is difficult.”

“It was no trouble,” Axton said quickly, his smile stiff. “She has been wonderful. Very calm.”

I took a sip of water to hide my smile.

Calm, he said?

“Well,” I said lightly, “it has been nice seeing her so cheerful. I think having a mate has helped her settle.”

The space around us went still.

Rhydan blinked. “A mate?”

Axton’s body went rigid beside me. His Alpha aura flared before he pulled it back.

“What mate?” Rhydan asked sharply. “She never told me. Who is he?”

“Oh,” I said softly, pretending confusion. “I thought you knew. She goes out nearly every night. I have not met him, but she seems very invested.”

Rhydan’s jaw tightened. His gaze swept the hall until it landed on Ramona near the dessert table, laughing with young pack heirs. “Excuse me.”

He strode toward her without another word.

“Lunessa,” Axton growled once Rhydan was gone. He grabbed my arm hard. “What was that?”

I pulled free and looked at him innocently. “What do you mean? You said they were close.”

“You know he did not know,” Axton snapped, his face red. “Why would you say that? He will question her. If she slips…”

“I am sorry,” I murmured, lowering my eyes. “I did not mean to cause trouble. I misspoke.”

“Damn it,” he hissed, dragging a hand through his hair. “You know how strict Rhydan is. That is why she broke before and fell into darkness. She is stable now. And you are undoing it.”

Across the hall, voices were rising. Rhydan stood in front of Ramona, gesturing sharply. Her smile vanished as panic crept into her face. Wolves nearby began to watch.

“She is losing control,” Axton muttered. “I need to stop this before she says something foolish.”

He shot me a warning look. “Stay here. Do not speak to anyone.”

Then he rushed toward them, stepping between brother and sister, touching Rhydan’s shoulder in a calming way while whispering urgently to Ramona. She paled at his words.

I watched him carefully. He was managing lies, weaving control, keeping his worlds apart.

This was my moment.

I set my glass on a passing tray.

I did not say goodbye. I turned and walked toward the exit. The heavy carved doors opened, and cold night air brushed my skin. It tasted like freedom.

I did not take the pack car. I called for a hired ride at the corner.

“Where to, Luna?” the driver asked.

“Bloodridge Manor,” I replied.

The estate was silent when I arrived. It felt like a burial ground I was finally leaving.

My travel case was already packed, hidden deep in the closet. I changed into simple clothes. I removed the moon diamond earrings Axton gave me. I slipped off my bond ring.

I placed the ring on the bedside table beside a small velvet box.

Inside was not jewelry. It was a crystal drive. It held every image I recorded, every message taken from his cloud, and the sound file of them planning to use me for inheritance and destroying my unborn pup.

Happy bond anniversary, Axton.

I took my case and left.

I was riding through the city lights when my communicator rang. From Axton.

I stared at the name, then answered.

“Lunessa?” His voice was rushed. “Where are you? I turned around and you were gone.”

“I am sorry,” I said weakly. “The noise and moon lights overwhelmed me. I felt dizzy. And I felt terrible for causing conflict.”

“Oh,” he breathed out. His tone softened into familiar pity. “You should have told me. I would have taken you home.”

“I did not want to disturb you. You were busy with Rhydan and Ramona.”

“That is settled,” he muttered. “I am sorry I snapped. I was under pressure.”

“I understand.”

“Are you home?” he asked. “I am on my way. Twenty minutes.”

My pulse jumped. I looked at the sign passing outside. Border Gate to Neutral Territory Five Miles.

“Not yet,” I said. “Sabryn called. My friend from the Wargrove Pack. She is breaking down after her bond severance. She needs me tonight.”

“Tonight?” he complained. “You are not well.”

“I have to go. She has no one else. I am already on the way.”

“Fine,” he sighed. “When will you return?”

“Soon,” I said gently. “Before you notice.”

“Call me when you arrive.”

“I will. Axton?”

“Yes?”

“I left your bond gift on the nightstand. I know it is late, but you will love it.”

“You bought me something?” he said, pleased. “You did not have to.”

“I wanted to,” I replied, smiling softly. “It is very honest. It shows how well I know you.”

“I cannot wait to see it,” he laughed. “I love you, Lunessa.”

“Goodbye,” I said.

I ended the call, already imagining his face when he opened the perfect gift I left behind.