Brielle’s POV

All my life, I had dreamed of this moment—the day I would stand beside Alpha Xavier Raven and finally become the Luna of the Stormvale Pack. He was the man I believed I would grow old with, the one I trusted with every fragile hope I carried in my heart. This day was supposed to mark the beginning of our forever.

The ceremony hall shimmered in soft silver and black. Obsidian roses lined the aisle, their dark petals glistening beneath the crystal lights, while thin ribbons of silver draped elegantly across the pillars. Lavender incense burned at the altar, its gentle smoke drifting upward toward the high vaulted ceiling as pack members chanted blessings to the Moon Goddess. The atmosphere felt sacred, heavy with expectation.

My heart pounded wildly in my chest—part excitement, part nervousness, part disbelief. I had imagined this scene countless times, replayed it in my mind until it felt more like a memory than a dream.

But he never arrived.

At first, I told myself he would be here any second. A few minutes passed. Then more. Soon, those minutes stretched into an hour, and the silence in the hall grew heavier. The murmurs among the pack members became impossible to ignore, their voices hushed but restless. Even the priestess standing before the altar shifted uneasily, trying to maintain calm despite the growing tension.

I stood frozen in place, dressed in white silk, my hands tightening around the bouquet of moon lilies I had carefully chosen that morning. My fingers trembled, and I forced myself to breathe steadily, even as unease curled inside my chest.

“Maybe something urgent came up,” Beta Carter murmured quietly beside me. His voice carried uncertainty, and he kept glancing toward the large wooden doors at the end of the hall. “He left the packhouse early today. I assumed he was already on his way here.”

My mouth felt parched. “You’re his Beta, Carter… you don’t know where he is?”

He shook his head slowly, his expression tense. “No, Luna—” he hesitated, correcting himself softly, “Brielle. He didn’t mention anything to me.”

The priestess cleared her throat, her voice gentle but cautious. “Perhaps we should give him a bit more time—”

“No,” I interrupted quietly, though my voice trembled slightly. “It’s alright.”

Slowly, I lowered the bouquet, watching as the pale petals brushed against my shaking hands. I could feel the weight of everyone’s gaze—curiosity, sympathy, confusion—all pressing down on me. The once-warm hall suddenly felt too vast, too empty, too cold.

Without another word, I turned and walked down the aisle alone. The sound of my heels striking the marble floor echoed sharply, each step sounding louder than the last, like a cruel reminder that I was leaving without him.

When I stepped outside, the cold wind wrapped around me instantly, sending a chill across my exposed shoulders. My wolf stirred uneasily, her distress rippling through me.

He wouldn’t do this. There had to be a reason.

I clung to that fragile belief as I moved forward, trying to silence the growing dread inside me.

Then I noticed the crowd gathered across the street.

Several pack members had stopped in front of a large outdoor screen displaying the local news channel. Curious murmurs filled the air, and someone suddenly gasped, pointing toward the screen.

I followed their gaze.

And my heart stopped.

There he was.

Alpha Xavier.

Still dressed in his usual attire—black shirt, dark jeans—without even a hint of the wedding suit he was supposed to wear. In his arms, he held a small boy tightly, cradling him with unmistakable care.

The headline flashed boldly across the bottom of the screen:

“Alpha Xavier Raven Rescues Child from Rogue Attack Near Kindergarten.”

Reporters crowded around him, throwing questions his way, but I barely heard any of it. My attention was fixed on the way he held the boy—so protective, so gentle. There was relief in his eyes, warmth in his expression. His entire demeanor radiated tenderness.

For a moment, the thought crossed my mind that he looked… like a father.

Then a sharp realization struck me.

Why wasn’t he wearing his wedding suit? Where was the urgency? The apology? The realization that he was supposed to be standing beside me before the Moon Goddess at that very moment?

By the time I arrived at the hospital mentioned in the report, I had already taken off my wedding gown. I folded it carefully and left it in the backseat of my car. I couldn’t bring myself to walk into that place dressed as a bride whose groom had never shown up.

The hospital corridors carried the faint scent of antiseptic and metal. My heels clicked softly against the polished floor as I searched for him, ignoring the curious glances from the pack nurses. They probably recognized me—the bride who had been left alone at the altar.

“Alpha Xavier?” I asked the nurse stationed at the front desk.

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Room 207, Miss Nightwood.”

“Thank you.”

My heartbeat quickened with every step toward the room. I wasn’t sure what I expected—perhaps he was injured, perhaps there was a reasonable explanation that would ease the tightness in my chest.

But when I reached the door and peered through the small glass window, the ground seemed to shift beneath me.

He stood beside the hospital bed, holding a woman in his arms.

And I recognized her instantly.

I had seen her face before—in the old photographs hidden in his drawer, in the stories he shared with a wistful smile. The girl he once loved. The one he claimed had disappeared years ago, leaving behind a scar he thought would never heal.

Victoria.

My breath caught as I pressed my palm against the cold glass. My wolf whimpered softly, her sorrow wrapping around me like a heavy shadow.

Xavier gently brushed his fingers through Victoria’s hair, his voice low and filled with warmth.

“I never thought we’d have a pup together,” he murmured. “I’m grateful you came back to us. I’ll give you everything.”

The words tore through me.

I staggered backward, my vision blurring as the hallway spun around me. The boy on the news—he wasn’t just some child Xavier had rescued.

He was their son.

My knees nearly gave way, and I grabbed the wall for support, biting down hard on my lip until the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. Every promise he had made, every vow whispered beneath the moonlight, shattered all at once.

He had told me he had no mate. That Victoria was gone for good. That destiny had chosen me to stand beside him as his Luna.

Yet there he was… holding her like she had always been the only one who mattered.

Brielle’s POV

When I returned to the pack mansion that night, the quiet felt suffocating in a way it never had before. Each step I took echoed through the halls, the sound hollow and mocking, as though the house itself knew what had happened.

Sleep never came.

I lay in bed staring at the empty space beside me—the place where Xavier should have been if everything had unfolded the way it was meant to. The pillows remained untouched, the blankets smooth and cold. Outside, rain fell relentlessly, tapping against the windows like quiet sobs. It felt as though even the Moon Goddess mourned alongside me.

By the time dawn broke, I had already given up on sleep. I sat alone in the garden, wrapped in a thin shawl, watching droplets cling to the roses as the early morning air brushed against my skin. My wolf remained restless, uneasy.

I sensed him before I saw him.

His scent drifted toward me—oakwood and smoke, sharp yet achingly familiar. My chest tightened despite myself, my heart responding in a way I wished it wouldn’t.

Xavier stepped into the garden moments later.

He looked slightly worn, but otherwise unaffected. His clothes were casual, his dark hair tousled as though he hadn’t bothered to fix it. When his eyes met mine, I searched desperately for something—remorse, guilt, anything.

There was nothing.

“Brielle,” he began, his voice calm. “About yesterday…”

A soft laugh escaped me, though there was no humor in it. “You mean about the wedding you didn’t attend?”

He frowned faintly, dragging a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend for things to happen that way. But a child’s life was in danger. You have to see my side—weddings can be rescheduled, but when a pup’s life is at risk, there’s no second chance.”

A bitter laugh rose in my throat before I could stop it. My heart felt like it was being torn apart. So, in his mind, saving that child erased everything else—leaving me waiting before the Moon Goddess, humiliating me before the entire pack.

Still, I only nodded faintly. “You’re right.”

His shoulders visibly loosened, as though my response relieved him. “I knew you’d understand.”

Of course he did.

I had always been the understanding one. The calm, patient Luna-to-be who never caused trouble, who swallowed her pain and smiled through it.

His gaze shifted toward the mansion, and before I could question him, a familiar scent reached me.

Honeysuckle and rain.

Victoria Blackwell stepped into view, a small boy holding tightly to her hand. The child glanced around curiously, his wide eyes taking everything in.

Xavier’s expression softened immediately when he saw them. A gentle smile touched his lips—one that once belonged only to me.

“Brielle,” he said lightly, “this is Victoria. You may have heard me mention her before. We grew up together.”

Childhood friend.

The words twisted painfully in my stomach.

Victoria offered me a polite smile. “I apologize for arriving at such an awkward time, Brielle.”

Xavier continued casually, “Victoria and her pup will be staying here in the mansion for the time being. After the rogue attack, it’s safer for them here.”

My eyes drifted to the boy—Liam.

Dark hair. Familiar eyes. The resemblance was undeniable. I didn’t need the Moon Goddess to confirm what my heart already knew.

I forced my lips into a small smile. “Of course, Alpha. Whatever you think is best.”

Inside, something fractured quietly.

The following morning, I woke to unfamiliar noise—soft laughter, footsteps, the sound of furniture scraping across the floor.

“Omega May?” I called sleepily, rubbing my eyes. “What’s happening?”

But when I opened my bedroom door, I froze.

Victoria stood inside my room, surrounded by omega maids carrying boxes, blankets, and fresh linens. She turned toward me with a faint, knowing smile, her fingers trailing across my vanity as though she already owned it.

“Oh, Brielle, you’re awake,” she greeted sweetly. “I hope you don’t mind. I’m just… getting settled.”

“In my room?” I asked, my voice sharpening as the last traces of sleep vanished.

Her smile remained perfectly composed. “Well, technically, this used to be my room years ago. Before I left. It holds sentimental value for me.”

“This is my room now,” I replied, folding my arms. “Whatever it used to be doesn’t matter.”

Victoria sighed softly, her eyes glistening as though tears threatened to fall. “Liam really wants to stay here with me. He said the scent feels comforting, familiar somehow. I didn’t want to cause trouble.”

My jaw tightened. “Then perhaps you should ask Xavier to prepare another room. There are more than enough available.”

Before I could continue, the door swung open abruptly.

Xavier entered, his Alpha aura filling the space instantly—heavy, commanding. His eyes moved from Victoria’s teary expression to me, his features hardening almost immediately.

“What’s happening here?” he demanded.

Victoria sniffed softly. “I was just asking Brielle if Liam and I could stay in this room, but she—”

“She what?” Xavier cut in sharply, turning toward me.

“I told her this room belongs to me,” I answered firmly. “Because it does.”

He exhaled, rubbing his face with clear irritation. “Brielle, can’t you just give it to her? Why are you being so selfish?”

The word struck me like a slap.

“Selfish?” I repeated, disbelief flooding through me. “You didn’t show up to our wedding, and now you expect me to give up the only place that’s mine? What else do you want me to sacrifice, Alpha?”

For a moment, I hoped he might soften. That the man I once loved would show even a hint of regret.

Instead, his expression remained cold. “You’re still hung up on that? I told you, I saved a child. Are you really saying the wedding mattered more than a pup’s life?”

My voice trembled. “It’s not just about the wedding, Xavier. You made promises to me.”

He dismissed my words entirely. “Enough. Move your things out. Stay in one of the guest rooms downstairs.”

Victoria gently placed her hand on his arm, and he allowed it without hesitation. The sight made my stomach churn. He used to dislike being touched in front of others—unless it was me.

“Thank you, Alpha,” she murmured softly, glancing at me over her shoulder with quiet triumph.

Then they walked out together, her hand still resting on his arm.

The door closed behind them, and the silence that followed pressed heavily against my chest.

I remained standing there, staring at the room that was no longer mine. My scent still lingered in the air, clung to the sheets, yet it already felt unfamiliar. The omega maids shifted awkwardly, unsure how to react.

“It’s alright,” I whispered. “Just leave everything. I’ll pack myself.”

Once they left, I sank onto the edge of the bed, tears finally slipping free.

This wasn’t the Xavier I had fallen in love with two years ago. Back then, he had been gentle yet strong. He used to hold my hands and tell me I was the only she-wolf who brought him peace. He promised that once we were married, he would make me the happiest Luna alive.

Now, he felt like a stranger.

The Alpha who once chased away my fears had become the one haunting them.

I packed slowly—clothes, books, small belongings. Then I reached the necklace he had given me during a full-moon ceremony. I paused, holding it in my palm.

“Do you remember this, Xavier?” I whispered quietly. “You told me this stone would keep me safe as long as you were alive.”

The gem no longer sparkled the way it once had.

When I finished, the sky outside had already darkened into evening. I carried my boxes toward the guest room, feeling like an outsider in my own home. As I walked down the corridor, Liam’s laughter echoed faintly from somewhere ahead, followed by Victoria’s soft, affectionate voice.

And Xavier’s voice answered them.

Brielle’s POV

My birthday was only a few days away, and despite everything that had fallen apart between Xavier and me, the mansion was already alive with activity before the sun had fully risen. Omegas hurried through the corridors carrying boxes, ribbons, and folded banners.

For one brief, foolish second, hope flickered inside me.

Maybe… just maybe… it was for me.

Xavier had always gone all out for my birthdays. He used to say the Moon Goddess must have chosen that day herself, blessing his life by bringing me into it. Two years ago, he had transformed the garden into a sea of glowing lanterns, tiny lights floating in the dark like fireflies. That night, he gave me a moonstone necklace, telling me the stone reflected the quiet strength he saw in me. Last year, he organized a grand celebration that stretched until dawn, filled with music, laughter, and his arm wrapped around my shoulders the entire time.

So when I saw colorful banners being unpacked, boxes labeled “decorations,” and caught the warm, sweet scent of honey cake drifting from the kitchen, a small spark ignited in my chest.

Maybe he was trying to fix things.

Maybe he hadn’t completely forgotten the woman he left standing alone at the altar.

But when the final decoration plans arrived that afternoon, that fragile hope shattered before it even had a chance to grow.

I unrolled the blueprint across the long oak table in the hall, my fingers pausing mid-motion as I stared down at it. This wasn’t anything like the elegant, romantic celebrations Xavier used to plan. There were no silver accents, no moonlight themes, no subtle elegance.

Instead, bright balloons filled the design. Cartoon wolves decorated the corners. Little paw prints scattered across the layout.

I blinked slowly, convinced there had been some mistake.

“This… doesn’t look right,” I murmured quietly to the omega who handed me the design.

She shifted uncomfortably. “Alpha Xavier confirmed these are the final arrangements, Lady Brielle.”

I thanked her softly, though my chest tightened, then headed straight for Xavier’s office. With each step, dread crept deeper into my stomach. His door stood slightly open, and I could hear his voice before I even knocked—calm, composed, confident. The voice of an Alpha who believed everything was under control.

“Come in,” he called, not even glancing up as I entered.

“Alpha,” I greeted gently. “I just saw the decoration designs.”

He lifted his head briefly. “Oh? Good. What do you think?”

“I think they’re…” I hesitated, searching for the right word. “A bit childish.”

“Exactly,” he replied immediately, his pen continuing to move across the documents on his desk. “It’s meant for children. It’s Liam’s birthday celebration, after all.”

My breath caught in my throat.

“Liam’s… birthday?”

He looked up again, puzzled by my reaction. “Yes. It’s this Saturday. You should attend too. It’ll show the pack that things between us are still harmonious.”

Saturday.

My pulse began to race. “Alpha,” I said carefully, “Saturday is also my birthday.”

His eyebrows knit together as he tried to recall. Then, a brief flicker of realization crossed his face before it disappeared beneath indifference.

“Oh,” he said casually. “Right.”

Right.

That was it.

Silence settled heavily between us. I waited—hoping he’d say something more, offer an apology, at least acknowledge how much that hurt. But he simply lowered his gaze and resumed signing papers, as though my birthday were a minor detail not worth further thought.

There was a time when he counted down the days with me.

Now, he barely remembered.

I stood there, humiliation burning beneath my skin. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, he spoke again.

“By the way, your parents’ pack hasn’t sent their monthly support yet. Have you contacted them?”

My jaw tightened. “Support?” I echoed.

He nodded. “Yes. The Moonveil Pack usually sends contributions to help strengthen our resources. I was wondering if there’s been a delay. Maybe you could remind them.”

A hollow laugh nearly escaped me. My chest tightened painfully. “That’s what concerns you? My family’s contribution?”

He looked at me calmly. “It’s not about the money. It’s about maintaining alliances.”

I didn’t want to hear another word.

I turned and walked out before my anger spilled over into something I couldn’t take back.

By the time I reached the hallway, my hands were shaking. The image of his calm, detached expression lingered in my mind.

So this was what I had become to him.

Not his future Luna.

Not his mate.

Just a link to a powerful, wealthy pack. A convenient alliance.

That night, moonlight filtered gently into my room, casting soft shadows along the walls. I sat quietly at the edge of my bed, watching the shifting shapes while my wolf stirred restlessly inside me.

I didn’t plan what I did next.

I simply followed the ache in my chest, the faint bond that still pulled me toward him, even when it hurt.

Barefoot and silent, I walked down the hallway toward his quarters.

The scent reached me first.

Vanilla and rosewater.

Not mine.

Not the earthy scent that usually surrounded him.

Then I heard voices.

Soft, breathy sounds. A woman’s moan. And then—

His voice.

“Victoria… you’re incredible. So much better than Brielle. She just lies there like a lifeless log.”

The words cut through me like silver.

I froze outside the door, my breath trapped in my throat. My hands went cold, my heart skipping before shattering all at once.

I didn’t move.

I didn’t even cry at first.

I just stood there, numb, listening to the sounds of betrayal spilling through the door.

Inside me, my wolf let out a broken howl—rage, heartbreak, disbelief tangled together. I pressed my hand over my mouth, forcing back the sob threatening to escape, then turned and ran down the hallway, my bare feet silent against the marble floor.

By the time I reached my room, tears blurred my vision. My body trembled as I grabbed my phone, my fingers shaking so badly I nearly dropped it.

I dialed my brother.

He answered after two rings, his voice warm and steady. “Brielle? It’s late. Is everything alright?”

Hearing him broke whatever control I had left.

“Benedict…” My voice cracked. “He… he betrayed me.”

“What?” His tone sharpened immediately. “Who?”

“Alpha Xavier,” I whispered, choking on my tears. “He… he didn’t show up at our wedding because he was saving his child. With another woman. Victoria—his childhood sweetheart. She has his son. He’s been lying to me the entire time.”

Silence followed.

A dangerous silence filled with restrained fury.

“He did what?” Benedict’s voice dropped, his Alpha authority bleeding through. I could almost feel his power surge even through the phone. “I’ll gather our warriors right now. He won’t get away with this, Sam.”

“No!” I said quickly. “Please don’t.”

He hesitated. “Brielle—”

“I don’t want war,” I said firmly, though my voice trembled. “Just give me until my birthday. After that… I’ll leave Stormvale. For good.”

“Brielle…” His voice softened, laced with pain. “You don’t deserve any of this. You should’ve told me sooner.”

“I know.” My voice broke again. “I kept hoping he’d change… that maybe the man I loved was still there.”

“Then let him live with his choices,” Benedict said quietly. “And when you leave, make sure he understands exactly what he lost.”

“Thank you, Ben,” I whispered. “I just need a few more days. I’ll be alright.”

After we ended the call, I sat there for a long time, holding the phone close to my chest.

Outside, the full moon glowed pale and distant, silently watching everything unfold.

That night, I finally accepted the truth I had been avoiding.

Alpha Xavier Raven of the Stormvale Pack was no longer mine.

Maybe he never truly had been.

And on my birthday—the day he forgot—I would reclaim what he had taken from me.

My freedom.

My pride.

And the shattered pieces of my heart.