A mindlink buzzed against my mental barriers.

Unknown sender, but my chest tightened. I knew who it was.

Ethan.

His voice echoed in my head, cold and dismissive: "Heard you were in the woods tonight. Sorry if you overheard something. Victoria and I are serious. You should move on."

Not an apology. A dismissal.

My carefully constructed fantasy life shattered into a million pieces.

Move on.

Yes.

I slammed my mental barriers shut, blocking his mindlink completely.

Then I reached for Alex's connection too.

Blocked.

I stumbled back to my small room in the pack house, water dripping on the worn wooden floors.

My gaze fell on the velvet box on my dresser.

The silver dagger.

I picked it up. It felt cold against my palm, foreign somehow.

A symbol of a lie.

With sudden fierce determination, I hurled it into the trash bin, burying it under discarded sketches and coffee grounds.

I didn’t want it anymore.

Ethan sensed my wolf nearby and quietly moved away, but he didn't care.

Ethan thought my silent departure from the woods was some kind of strategy.

He thought I was being clever, playing hard to get after overhearing his words.

He really didn't get it.

He couldn't imagine how deeply I was hurt.

What irritated him more was that I'd nearly ruined his pre-ceremony mood with Victoria.

"See? Complete psycho," he muttered to his pack members after she'd gone.

"Good thing our Alpha has a plan," said Marcus, his Beta, always eager to agree with Ethan's words.

"Yeah, babe, let's just go through with the marking ceremony. That'll scare her off completely," Ethan said, trying to appear confident for Victoria's sake as she raised an eyebrow at him.

But Victoria seemed somewhat hesitant. "Darling, but everyone in the pack will object to you rejecting your true mate to mark me..."

"Can you invite Sylvia to publicly bless our mating ceremony? If your 'true mate' gives her blessing, no one in the pack will dare say I don't deserve to be Luna, or that the Moon Goddess will curse our union."

A few hours later, after their pack meeting ended, Alex found me.

I was curled up in my room, tear-stained and shivering despite the heater running full blast.

"Sylvia," he began, his voice hesitant, "Ethan told me you were in the woods tonight."

I didn't look at him.

"He's an asshole, Sylvia. What he said, his plan... it's awful."

"You didn't stop him," I whispered, my voice hoarse.

"I tried talking to him before, when he first mentioned the idea of 'scaring Sylvia away' with Victoria's pregnant. But he wouldn't listen."

He ran his hands through his already messy hair. "He's completely obsessed with Victoria."

I remembered Ethan in that clearing, the way he looked at Victoria, with an expression I'd never seen him give anyone.

The kind of look I'd always dreamed he'd give me.

"He's really with her, isn't he?" I asked, needing to hear it out loud to make it real.

Alex nodded slowly. "Yes, Sylvia. He's serious about her. Has been for a while now, very serious."

He was about to say something more, about how Ethan was an idiot, about how I deserved better.

But then my phone buzzed with a notification. I'd set Ethan's social media to special alerts—a pathetic habit I suddenly regretted.

Even Alex could hear the notification sound in the quiet room.

"Don't look at it, Sylvia," he warned, but I was already reaching for my phone.

Instagram. Ethan had posted something new.

The photo made my blood freeze. A woman's hand adorned with a massive diamond ring—clearly a Luna ring, with the traditional moonstone centerpiece surrounded by diamonds.

The caption read: "Victoria deserves nothing but the best. #mylunamate #forever"

The post was barely five minutes old. While Alex had been here trying to comfort me, Ethan had been somewhere else, celebrating with her.

Planning their future.

Making it Instagram official.

"Jesus," Alex muttered, seeing my face. "He's completely lost his mind."

Alex sighed heavily. "See? He's obsessed. I tried telling him you're not some kid with a crush, that you genuinely love him. But his buddies, Marcus and Leo, they just egg him on. 'She's still just a pup, what does she know about love, Ethan. Victoria's a real woman.'"

It was obvious. I was a problem. An inconvenience.

The next day, I walked to the my healing instructor’s office.

I steadily filled out the application for the European Royal Healing Academy.

My healing instructor had been encouraging me to apply for months. She said I had a rare gift, that I could be one of the most powerful healers of my generation if I trained properly.

I'd turned down the opportunity earlier this year because it would mean leaving the pack. Leaving Ethan and Alex.

Now, it felt like a life raft.

Europe. A new continent, a new life.

As far away from Ethan as I could possibly get.

The application asked for my reasons for wanting to study abroad. I stared at the blank space for a long moment.

Then I wrote: "To discover my true potential without the limitations of my current environment."

It was honest enough.

I sealed the envelope and walked it directly to the expedited processing office.

A few days later was Alex's 26th birthday.

There was a party at the pack house's main gathering hall.

I didn't want to go. The thought of seeing Ethan, seeing them together, made me physically sick.

But Alex pleaded with me. "Please, Sylvia. It's my birthday. Just for a little while."

So I went, trying to put on a brave face.

The hall was crowded and loud, packed with pack members trying too hard to look important.

Then I saw them.

Ethan, with Victoria on his arm.

She was beautiful in that sharp, polished way. Perfectly styled blonde hair, designer clothes that hugged every curve, and a smile that never quite reached her eyes.

But what struck me most was how... developed she was. Curves in all the right places, the kind of mature feminine figure that screamed "woman" while I still looked like I was playing dress-up.

They walked straight toward me. My stomach lurched.

"Sylvia!" Ethan's voice was a bit too cheerful. "So glad you could make it. I want you to meet someone."

He gestured to Victoria. "This is Victoria. My fiancée."

Fiancée. The word hit harder than I'd expected, even though I knew it was part of their plan.

Victoria extended a perfectly manicured hand. Her grip was firm and cold.

"Ethan's told me so much about you, sweetheart," she said, her voice dripping with condescension.

"Such a cute little crush you had on him. I heard the Moon Goddess even paired you as mates initially. But Ethan explained it was just a mistake. We're even considering having pups soon."

She patted her flat stomach meaningfully, then let her gaze drift over my body with obvious judgment.

"You're still so... petite. Like a little girl playing dress-up. I'm sure you'll find a nice second chance mate your own age when you fill out a bit more."

The insult was wrapped in false sweetness, but it cut deep. Standing next to her abundant curves, I felt like a child pretending to be an adult.

I forced a smile. "Congratulations to both of you. I wish you all the best."

My voice sounded strangely steady.

Ethan looked relieved. Victoria's smile tightened slightly.

"Thank you so much for your blessing, sweetheart," Victoria said sweetly. "Actually, that reminds me. I have a little favor to ask."

She looked at me with those perfectly lined eyes, her expression taking on a fake troubled look.

"You see, while the Moon Goddess's arrangement was just a small mistake, it has caused Ethan some... complications within the pack. Some people are questioning our bond."

She moved closer to Ethan, pressing against his side possessively.

"If you could attend our marking ceremony and give us your public blessing, it would silence all the doubters. Show everyone that even his former... connection... supports our union."

The request hung in the air like a trap.

I opened my mouth to refuse, but Marcus spoke up first.

"Come on, Sylvia. After everything Ethan's done for you? He saved your life when you were just a kid."

"Yeah," Leo chimed in. "Now you want to mess up his whole future because of some childhood crush?"

"That's really selfish," someone else added. "He gave you years of protection and friendship."

"Ungrateful," another voice muttered. "Like a parasite that won't let go."

The words hit me like physical blows. Everyone was staring, waiting for my response.

I looked at Ethan, hoping he'd say something. Anything.

He was silent for a long moment, his jaw tight.

Finally, he spoke. "If I love Victoria, I have to protect her. I have to take responsibility for her happiness."

He looked directly at me. "I'm sorry, Sylvia. I was just trying to comfort you back then. I never expected the Moon Goddess to make us true mates. I apologize for the confusion."

Then he turned to the pack members who'd been attacking me.

"But that's enough. Don't talk about her like that. This situation isn't her fault."

His protection felt hollow. Too little, too late.

The damage was already done. Everyone was looking at me like I was the villain in this story.

Like I was the one standing in the way of true love.

I mumbled some excuse and turned to leave, needing to escape before I completely fell apart in front of everyone.

Grief pressed down on my chest like a heavy stone, making it hard to breathe.

I found a quiet corner near a large window that overlooked the pack territory.

"Rough night?"

Victoria appeared beside me, holding two glasses of champagne. She offered me one.

I shook my head. "No, thank you."

"Listen," she said, her voice softer now, almost conspiratorial, "I wanted to apologize privately. What happened back there wasn't fair to you."

I just looked at her.

"I mean it, really. I'm happy for you both. I'm starting my own new life anyway."

She sipped her champagne, studying me with calculating eyes.

"Are you? You know, Ethan talks in his sleep sometimes. He used to say your name. A lot."

My breath caught. What game was she playing?

"I think he feels guilty. Leading you on with that whole 'wait until you shift' nonsense."

She shrugged. "Or maybe he actually enjoyed having a devoted little admirer following him around."

Her smile returned, sharp and knowing.

"It's been quite annoying, actually. He still buys gifts for both of us on holidays. Makes cakes for your birthday. Even refused to let you attend our marking ceremony to clear things up."

She took another sip. "But don't worry. In the end, I'll be his Luna. Not you."

Before I could respond, howls erupted from outside the hall.

Rogue wolves.

The sound froze my blood. Memories of my childhood attack came flooding back—claws, teeth, the smell of blood.

I couldn't move. My body locked up completely as the pack house erupted into chaos.

Through the windows, I could see dark shapes moving fast toward the building.

Ethan appeared instantly, his protective instincts kicking in. But he didn't look for me.

He grabbed Victoria, pulling her toward the safe room.

I stood frozen as windows shattered around us. Other pack members were shifting, fighting, protecting their families.

But I was alone. Paralyzed by fear.

A massive black rogue burst through the window near me. Its eyes were wild, foam dripping from its jaws.

I couldn't even scream.

More rogues poured in. I was surrounded, defenseless, still unable to move.

Just as the first one lunged, I heard Ethan shout from across the room.

"Sylvia!"

He started toward me, but Victoria grabbed his arm.

"Ethan, I'm hurt! The glass cut me deep. I'm bleeding!"

She collapsed against him dramatically, clutching her arm where a small scratch was barely visible.

Ethan hesitated for one crucial second, looking between us.

Then he lifted Victoria in his arms. "I need to get you to the healer. Now."

He ran out with her, never looking back.

The rogues closed in on me. Claws raked across my arms as I finally found my voice to scream.

Everything went black just as I heard Alex roar in fury, charging toward me.

I woke up in the pack hospital.

Alex was there, his face pale and his eyes red-rimmed.

"Sylvia? Oh god, Sylvia, I'm so sorry." He looked ready to cry.

"What happened?" My voice was rough as sandpaper.

"Rogue attack. You were nearly killed. Three of them had you cornered." His hands shook. "If I hadn't found you when I did..."

He looked furious. "Ethan... that bastard just left you there. Ran off with Victoria for a scratch that didn't even need healing herb."

I understood. Ethan had saved Victoria. Of course he had. She was his fiancée, his future.

And I... was just Sylvia.

The realization didn't even hurt anymore. It was simply a fact.

"It's okay, Alex," I whispered. "He made his choice. It's fine."

This made everything clear. My resolve to leave solidified completely.

Alex stared at me, his eyes filled with the same pain I felt, plus a simmering rage.

"This isn't okay, Sylvia. None of this is okay."

But I was completely certain that everything was over. Whatever I thought existed between Ethan and me, whatever future I'd dreamed of, was gone.

And I was strangely calm about it.

I was going to the European Royal Healing Academy. I would heal. I would start a new life.

I began secretly making real plans—the kind involving plane tickets and one-way journeys.

The next day, Ethan appeared at the hospital with Victoria by his side.

I was propped up in bed, my leg in a heavy cast, throbbing pain radiating from my arm where the rogue's silver claws had torn through flesh.

"Hey," he said awkwardly, hovering in the doorway.

He looked tired, maybe even a little guilty.

I kept my expression blank. "What do you want, Ethan?"

"Alex told me what happened. You got hurt. Victoria feels terrible about it."

Victoria stepped forward, her face a mask of concern. "I'm so sorry, Sylvia. I was just so panicked that night because... well, I'm pregnant. I needed to get to the healer immediately."

The words hit me like a physical blow. Pregnant.

My heart shattered completely. He'd moved on so fast. They were having a child together.

"I see," I managed to whisper.

Victoria moved closer to my bedside, reaching out as if to comfort me. "The pregnancy makes me so emotional. I didn't mean for Ethan to leave you like that."

Her hand brushed against my shoulder, right where the silver wounds were still healing. But instead of comforting me, her perfectly manicured nail pressed down hard against the tender flesh.

I cried out in pain, the silver-inflicted wounds screaming in agony.

"Oh no!" Victoria exclaimed, pulling her hand back. "Your wounds look terrible! Ethan, maybe you should get the healer to check on her."

"Yeah, I should," Ethan said, already moving toward the door. "I'll be right back."

The moment he was gone, Victoria's concerned expression melted away into a cold smile.

"Yes, I'm pregnant," she said casually. "But here's the thing, sweetheart. It's not his."

My blood ran cold. "What?"

"Ethan's just a toy to me. A powerful Alpha who'll give me status and protection. But the baby? That belongs to someone much more... useful."

Rage boiled up inside me. "You're lying."

"Am I? You think I'd tie myself to one man when I could have so much more?"

I tried to sit up, fury giving me strength despite my injuries. "You can't do this to him. He deserves to know."

"He deserves nothing," she hissed. "And neither do you."

I lunged forward, grabbing her wrist. "I'm telling him the truth."

She screamed dramatically just as Ethan returned with the healer.

"She attacked me!" Victoria sobbed, cradling her wrist. "She's completely lost it!"

Ethan's eyes blazed with fury as he looked between us. "What the hell is going on?"

"She's pregnant," I said desperately. "But Ethan, the baby isn't—"

"I know she's pregnant," he cut me off sharply. "What I want to know is why you're attacking her."

"The baby isn't yours!" I shouted.

Ethan's face went deadly still. Then his body began to shake with rage.

His eyes flashed gold as his wolf surfaced. In one fluid motion, he shifted into his massive Alpha form, placing himself protectively in front of Victoria.

"How dare you," he snarled, his wolf's voice echoing through the room. "How fucking dare you try to destroy what we have with your lies."

He moved toward me, power radiating from every muscle. "You're pathetic, Sylvia. Desperate and pathetic."

With one powerful motion, he shoved me backward.

My injured body slammed into the hospital wall. The silver wounds that couldn't heal properly tore open, blood immediately soaking through my bandages.

"Everything between us was a mistake," he growled. "Every moment I spent protecting you, every kindness I showed you. You're nothing but a delusional child who can't accept reality."

Pain exploded through my body, but it was nothing compared to the agony in my chest.

He stood there, his massive wolf form protecting Victoria, looking at me like I was something disgusting he'd scraped off his shoe.

"Stay away from us," he commanded. "Stay away from my mate and my pup."

I slumped against the wall, blood pooling Alexeath me, watching the man I'd loved my entire life choose someone else completely.

My heart died in that moment. Whatever foolish hope I'd been clinging to finally shattered into nothing.

I lay on the cold hospital floor, blood seeping from my reopened wounds, still coughing up water.

Victoria was sobbing dramatically beside Ethan, her voice shrill with fake distress.

"She cursed my baby!" she wailed. "She said the Moon Goddess would never let a bastard like this be born! She wished for my child to die!"

I tried to speak, to deny her lies, but only a weak croak came out.

Ethan's eyes flashed with renewed fury. His wolf was barely contained Alexeath his skin, muscles rippling with barely restrained violence.

"You sick, twisted—" he snarled, taking a threatening step toward me.

His Alpha power filled the room like a suffocating wave. I could feel it pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe.

"Ethan, don't," I whispered, trying to crawl backward.

But he was beyond reason now. His wolf wanted blood.

Just as he lunged forward, Alex burst through the hospital doors.

"Get away from her!" Alex roared, throwing himself between us.

The two Alphas faced each other, power crackling in the air like electricity.

"Your sister is psychotic," Ethan spat. "She attacked my pregnant mate and cursed my unborn child."

"You lying piece of shit," Alex growled. "I know exactly what kind of man you are."

"Alex, don't," I pleaded weakly. "Please, just get me out of here."

But it was too late. Alex's wolf erupted forward, slamming into Ethan with bone-crushing force.

The two massive Alphas rolled across the floor, claws and fangs flashing. Their combined power was devastating—medical equipment shattered, windows cracked, the very foundation of the healing center seemed to shake.

"Stop!" I screamed. "Both of you, stop!"

Other pack members rushed in, trying to separate them, but these were two of the most powerful Alphas in the northern territories. Their rage was beyond control.

Finally, I managed to stagger to my feet, ignoring the agony shooting through my body.

"ALEX!" I shouted with every ounce of strength I had left. "PLEASE!"

Something in my voice cut through his fury. He froze, still pinning Ethan to the ground.

"We're leaving," I said firmly. "Now."

Alex slowly released Ethan, his chest heaving. Blood dripped from cuts on both their faces.

He came to me, carefully supporting my weight as we headed for the exit.

Behind us, Ethan's voice was cold and final: "Stay away from us, Sylvia. I mean it. You're nothing but trouble."

In Alex's car, my brother was still shaking with rage.

"I should have killed him," he said through gritted teeth. "I should have ripped his throat out."

"No, Alex. Please," I said wearily, leaning against his shoulder. "Let it go. For the pack's sake."

He looked at me in disbelief. "For the pack? After what he did to you?"

"Your pack and his are the two strongest in the northern territories," I said quietly. "If you start a war over this, innocent wolves will die. Children, families—"

"Sylvia—"

"I see him clearly now," I interrupted. "Finally. And he's not worth destroying everything for."

Alex's hands tightened on the steering wheel, but he nodded slowly.

"You're too good for this world, sis," he said softly. "Too good for any of us."

"I should have told you, Sylvia. I should have told you the true nature of Ethan. How ruthless he would be when he wanted something, or someone."

He let out a heavy, broken sigh.

"He's always taken advantage of others. I just... I don't want to believe he could be so cruel to you. You've been so good to him, always have been."

I closed my eyes, feeling the last pieces of my heart crumble to dust.

I had finally seen the real Ethan. And he was exactly what Alex had always known he was—a selfish, cruel man who would destroy anyone who got in the way of what he wanted.

The boy who gave me that silver dagger and taught me how to protect myself had never really existed at all.

"I'm going to be okay, Alex," I told him later in my quiet hospital room.

My voice was stronger now.

The tears had dried up. A strange calm had settled over me.

It was the calm of acceptance.

"My application to the Royal Healing Academy has been approved. I'm going to Europe."

Alex looked at me, surprise flickering in his eyes before being replaced by understanding.

"Good," he said firmly. "That's good for you, Sylvia. You deserve to get out of here and find happiness."

He squeezed my hand. "I'll support you. Whatever you need."