With a smirk, the Alphas who always sided with Irene picked up a phone.

It was playing that same video.

"Who sent this?"

"Little Luna, it was just a joke video we made up. You didn't actually believe it, did you?"

"But I guess it's possible you got jealous after watching it and pushed Irene."

With a few quick words, they had already convicted me, painting me as the villain.

"...Do you think so too?"

I asked Gabriel, my voice trembling.

Usually, if anyone framed me like this, his powerful Alpha aura would instantly crush everyone into silence before he pulled me into his arms.

But now, he just shot me an indifferent glance.

Then he pulled Irene into a protective, heartbroken hug.

The guests around us started to whisper.

"How could a pregnant Luna be so vicious?"

"That poor woman. Her mate died, and now she's being bullied by his brother and his mate."

"I heard she never liked her sister-in-law. But to try and kill her? Disgusting."

Their scornful looks felt like swords piercing my chest.

I clutched my chest and gave a bitter laugh, revealing the arm that had grown gaunt and bony from the curse.

"Gabriel, you know this. After taking on the Soul-Blight Blood Curse, my wolf is too weak. I can't even shift."

"How could someone like me have the strength to push her?"

The crowd fell silent.

Even Gabriel’s eyes flickered, and he looked like he was about to step forward.

Suddenly, a scream from Irene shattered the silence and clutched at my heart.

"The wolf-fang pendant Marcus gave me is gone! What do I do?!"

"Aria, go find it."

Gabriel's eyes turned cold as he ordered me into the sea.

Then, he soothed Irene by stroking her hair, apologizing on my behalf and taking the blame himself.

My hands clenched into tight fists. A bitter lump rose in my throat, making it hard to draw a breath.

"I didn't do it. Why should I go?"

My calm voice interrupted their intimate moment.

I turned and went back to our room. My phone buzzed.

Ding!

"What's the address?"

It was Dominic Ravencrest.

I didn't have time to reply.

Gabriel burst in and pulled me into his arms.

He whispered softly, trying to soothe me.

"Aria, you know how fragile she's been since my brother died."

"I had no choice. Can't you just let it go, for her sake?"

For a moment, it felt like the mate who loved me had returned.

My heart warmed for a second, but then I realized something was wrong.

The drawer had been rummaged through, and the room's incense had been replaced with a strange, cloying sweet scent.

I was about to ask him about it when I noticed his gaze was locked on Irene outside the window.

And on his neck, a faint red bite mark was just visible.

I clearly heard my inner wolf let out a painful whimper.

It took me a long moment to find my voice.

"...The Soul-Blight Blood Curse I took... was it all to spare Irene?"

His body went stiff.

Seconds later, Irene's wails started up again.