My chest tightened. I lowered my head, pretending not to notice their cold stares, but Evander did.

His voice turned hard.

“If you keep treating Luna Ivara like this, then don’t expect us to return to this den again.”

The hall fell silent until Alpha Wargrove slammed his palm on the table. The sound made me flinch.

“Watch your tone. Are you truly saying you would abandon your blood and pack for this woman?”

Before I could step back, Evander caught my hand and laced his fingers with mine, holding me firmly.

“Father, I’ve said this many times. Ivara is the one I chose under the moon. She is the only person I refuse to hurt. I would never raise my voice at her, yet every visit you greet her with ice. Do you know what that does to me?”

His grip tightened.

“If this happens again, I won’t just leave this den. I will sever myself from this family forever.”

The Alpha everyone feared—who could order executions with a single word—now sounded like a devoted mate ready to burn his kingdom for me.

Pathetic.

He thought I didn’t know about his betrayal.

After his words fell like blades, the room stayed quiet. He stood before me like a shield, the perfect protective Alpha. But I didn’t feel safe.

I felt tired.

Isolde let out a breath and muttered, “Enough. Let us eat first.”

At the table, only the scrape of silver and stone could be heard. Isolde kept clicking her tongue in irritation. My fingers tightened around my fork. I knew it was coming.

She dropped her utensil.

“It’s been nine moons. You’ve mourned long enough. Yes, you lost a daughter. But it’s time to give this pack a male heir. You cannot let the Wargrove bloodline fade.”

Her mate nodded, his eyes cold as frost.

“That pup died because you failed as a Luna. A simple stomach sickness, and she never returned from the healer’s den. Stop acting like the victim. Conceive again—and do it properly this time.”

The words cut deep.

Before I could speak, Evander set his fork down. His voice was calm, but sharp. “I’ve told you already. Ivara fears pain. I will not force her to suffer again. If we never have pups, then so be it.”

Their faces darkened with displeasure. The air grew thick. They were about to attack again when I finally spoke.

My voice was steady. “You will have a grandpup in half a month.”

The room froze.

Three pairs of eyes snapped to me.

Evander squeezed my hand, his face wearing that gentle, false worry. “My Luna… you don’t need to force yourself for me. I’ll protect you.”

I almost laughed.

Protect me?

He couldn’t even stop himself from running into Adrielle’s arms whenever he pleased.

I smiled anyway.

“You want an heir so badly. Then let it happen.”

Their expressions softened at once, satisfied. But Evander looked uneasy, like his wolf sensed danger he couldn’t see.

Then his comm-stone vibrated.

He glanced down. I saw the name. Adrielle.

Her voice came through softly.

“Evander, there’s a male here asking for a quick night. Would you mind?”

I counted silently. One. Two. Three.

Right on time, he stood.

“Ivara, I need to handle pack business at the council hall. Stay and finish the meal. I’ll return for you later.”

He didn’t wait for my reply. He took his cloak and left.

The moment the door closed, Alpha Wargrove and Isolde dropped their false smiles.

“We’ll give you less than one moon,” Isolde snapped. “If you don’t conceive, never step into this territory again.”

Alpha Wargrove’s voice was cruel.

“You come from nothing. No parents. No backing pack. No power. Without Evander, you are worthless. Don’t think we’ll endure you forever.”

Their words kept striking, sharper and sharper, until it felt like the stone walls were closing in.

And Evander?

He never came back.

That evening, Evander finally appeared, calm as always, as if nothing had happened. We entered the carriage, the leather seat still warm from the sun.

I looked out the window and asked lightly, “Finished with pack matters?”

He paused—just a breath—then replied softly, “Yes.”

His fingers tapped the reins in a slow rhythm. That was his habit when he was in a good mood.

After a moment, he asked, “Did my parents trouble you after I left?”

I was about to answer when my eyes caught something beneath the seat.

A torn pair of silk stockings.

Not mine.

So that was where he had been.

I already knew about Adrielle, but I hadn’t expected him to use this very carriage.

Seven years as mates, and I had always been careful. I wasn’t wild. I wasn’t bold. Sometimes I even asked him if he wanted me to change, if I bored him.

Back then, he would hold me close, kiss my hair, and whisper, “My Luna, I only want you. Even if you wore nothing but rags, you would still be my choice. Never force yourself to change. I love you as you are.”

But the Alpha beside me now smelled of lies.

I swallowed the ache in my throat. “What do you think?”

He thought I meant his parents. He had no idea I had already seen through him.

Suddenly, he pulled the reins hard and stopped. He turned, pulling me into his arms.

“I’m sorry, Ivara. I shouldn’t have left you alone. I swear it won’t happen again.”

His embrace felt like a cage.

I pressed my palms to his chest and gently pushed him away. “Just drive, Evander. I’m tired.”

Because deep down, I already knew.

There was no future left for us.

The moment I stepped into the den, my body went still.

Adrielle was already sprawled on the stone sofa, wearing a silk sleep-robe, crunching on dried meat chips like she ruled the place.

“Didn’t you say there was a pack gathering tonight?” I asked calmly. “You said you wouldn’t return.”

She gave me a shy smile.

“Oh, Ivara, I forgot to tell you. I fought with my mate, so I went to the gathering to make him angry. I even told him. He didn’t care. But the moment I arrived, he showed up and dragged me away.”

She tugged lightly at her collar. The fabric slipped just enough to reveal dark marks on her skin.

Fresh bite marks.

She glanced at me, proud, like she was showing off a trophy. “I didn’t expect him to be so jealous,” she said sweetly. “We ended up fooling around in the carriage. Three times.”

My nails dug into my palms until pain bloomed. Still, my voice stayed level. “When did you even take a mate? You never mentioned it.”

She laughed softly and tossed her hair. “Oh, around nine moons ago. After I returned from beyond the borders. My brother introduced him to me.”

Nine moons.

The exact time she moved into this den. The exact time Evander’s so-called friend asked him to watch over his sister.

What a lie.

My breathing grew heavy. Anger simmered beneath my skin.

Then I felt it.

Evander’s hands settled firmly on my shoulders.

“My Luna,” he said gently, “you’ve had a long day. Let me prepare a hot bath. You need rest.”

He guided me toward the bathing chamber as if nothing was wrong.

I stepped inside and closed the door. I began to undress, clinging to the thought of sinking into warm water. Then I realized I’d forgotten fresh clothes.

When I opened the door—

The world stopped.

Not far away, Evander had Adrielle pinned beneath him. His hand tore at her sleep-robe like it was nothing. His mouth was pressed to her skin, his grip tight on her waist.

She tilted her head back, letting out soft sounds. “Careful,” she murmured. “Ivara’s still bathing. Didn’t you have enough in the carriage earlier?”

A low growl left his throat, dark and possessive. “Be quiet. If you even think of letting another male touch you, you’ll regret it.”

She laughed softly, pleased—and then her eyes met mine.

I was frozen in the doorway.

“Alright,” she purred. “I won’t. I’m yours alone. You’re so jealous, aren’t you, Alpha?”

That was enough.

I grabbed my clothes, shut the door, and locked it.

The water was scalding when I sank into the tub, but it burned far less than the images replaying in my mind.

Seven years ago.

Our bonding journey on that island. I had glanced—just once—at another male with a strong build. Evander lost control. He locked me in the chamber for a full week.

When the bed broke and supplies ran low, he pulled me close and whispered, “Ivara, I have everything you need. Don’t look at anyone else. Just promise me.”

I promised. Again and again.

From that day on, I never dared to even glance at another male.

Yet now, he was just as obsessed.

Just not with me.

With her.

I sank deeper into the water and let out a trembling breath.

When I finally stepped out, Adrielle was gone.

Only Evander remained, sitting calmly as if nothing had happened.

On the table were neatly cut fruits and a cup of steaming ginger root tea. The sight made my chest ache.

He stood and handed me the cup. “I know your moon-cycle is near. This will help ease the pain.”

The warmth seeped into my hands, but inside I felt frozen.

Minutes ago, he was tearing at her clothes.

Now he stood before me, playing the perfect mate.

***

I barely slept that night.

One thought kept circling my mind: How many faces does he have?

Just before dawn, I must have drifted off. A sudden shout tore me awake.

“Ivara!”

He shot up, hands searching in the dark until he found me. He crushed me against his chest, breathing hard.

“Don’t go. Please… don’t leave me.”

I stiffened in his arms. “What’s wrong with you?”

His eyes were red, his breath uneven. “I dreamed you walked away from me. It was hell. I woke up and you were still here. Thank the Moon you’re here.”

I looked down, words heavy in my throat. I wanted to tell him the dream would soon come true.

But I stayed silent.

Maybe that nightmare shook him, because the next morning, he wouldn’t let me out of his sight. He insisted on driving me to the Alpha Council Hall himself, like he feared I’d vanish if he blinked.

The moment we entered his office, I froze.

Every surface of his desk was covered with images of me. Different days. Different angles. Some I didn’t even know he had taken.

A chill ran through me.

Before I could speak, he stepped behind me. His arms wrapped around my waist. His lips brushed my neck.

“Ivara,” he murmured softly, “many females chase me. But when I see these, I remember who I belong to. You don’t need to worry. I am yours.”

I stared at the images, lips pressed tight.

I couldn’t answer.

A knock sounded.

Cairos’s voice followed. “Alpha, the council meeting is about to begin.”

Evander sighed and held me a moment longer before letting go. “Stay here, my Luna. Walk around, rest. I’ll return soon.”

I nodded, though my chest felt heavy.

I didn’t want to stay in that office, surrounded by my own face. So I wandered—hall to hall, level to level—pretending to look, pretending to care.

By midday, my comm-stone vibrated.

My heart raced when I saw the mark.

I answered quickly.

“Luna Ivara,” a woman said politely, “your request for passage beyond the borders has been approved. Please come to the Moon Council to collect your seal.”

I opened my mouth to reply…

But a voice I knew far too well spoke behind me.

“Passage seal?”

My blood turned to ice.

I turned slowly.

Evander stood there. His face had gone white, like the ground beneath him had vanished.

“What passage seal?” he asked quietly, but his voice shook.

My heart skipped, yet I forced a small smile. “Not mine. A friend plans to leave the territories. She called to ask about it.”

For a moment, he only stared at me, like he didn’t fully believe it. Then suddenly, he pulled me into his arms, holding me so tightly I could barely breathe. His body trembled.

“Ivara,” he whispered into my hair, his voice rough, “don’t ever leave me. For a second, I thought you were going to disappear. I can’t… I can’t live without you.”

I rested my hand lightly on his back, pretending to comfort him. On the outside, I looked calm. Inside, my heart was already far away.

I knew the truth.

I was leaving soon.

That afternoon, while he was trapped in Alpha Council meetings, I slipped away. I went straight to the Moon Council Hall and signed the final seals on my papers. My hands shook, but my mind was clear.

***

That night was the Wargrove Pack’s grand gathering. Alphas, merchants, allies, warriors—all filled the great hall. Moon-lamps glowed, crystal cups sparkled.

I wore something simple and plain. I didn’t want attention.

Adrielle arrived in a deep blood-red gown that clung to her body. Every gaze followed her.

I saw Evander choke slightly on his drink when males crowded around her. His smile stayed perfect, but his jaw was tight. His anger simmered beneath the surface.

Whispers followed me too—how lucky I was, how Alpha Evander was obsessed with his Luna. Investors toasted to his devotion, calling me the envy of every female there.

When a male offered Adrielle a drink, Evander stepped in, took the cup, and drank it himself. His smile was smooth but cold.

“Can’t risk my friend’s sister being taken advantage of,” he said.

Adrielle laughed lightly. “Careful, Evander. Keep acting like this and Ivara might get jealous.”

I smiled, my voice gentle but firm. “No, I won’t. I know Evander loves me. He can’t live without me.”

He glanced at me then, unsure whether to feel proud or afraid.

That was when I noticed Adrielle’s wrist.

She was wearing a bracelet identical to mine.

She followed my gaze. Her smile faltered for a heartbeat—then she quickly excused herself and left the hall.

Evander grew restless. He checked his comm-stone under the table. Moments later, he stood with a polite smile.

“Excuse me. Urgent pack matter.”

Then he left.

I knew exactly where he was going.

When I tried to follow, one of Evander’s partners—a married wolf known for chasing others—blocked my way, trapping me in useless talk, smirking as he stalled.

I forced a smile. “I’m not feeling well. I’ll head home early. No need to trouble yourself. I’ll take a carriage.”

I slipped away, my heels quiet on the stone floor.

That was when I heard it.

A door left slightly open. Low voices. Sharp breaths. The clear sound of bodies moving together.

I froze.

Then leaned just enough to see inside.

Adrielle was on top of Evander, moving like she owned him. His hands gripped her legs, his head thrown back, a low growl leaving his throat.

Her eyes met mine.

She saw me.

And she smiled.

“Tell me, Evander,” she purred loudly, “do you really love me? If not, I’ll go to your pack partner right now.”

Evander gasped, desperate. “I love you, Adrielle.”

Her smile deepened, eyes still locked on me. “Then give me a pup. Do it inside me.”

His voice broke into a growl. “Yes… my flame.”

Tears blurred my vision.

My phone was already in my hand, recording everything. Every word. Every confession. Every betrayal.

Before they noticed me, I turned and walked away, silent as a shadow.

Back at the den, I pulled out my travel case. My hands shook as I opened it, but my heart was steady.

This time, I wasn’t just thinking about leaving.

This time, I truly was.

***

I sat in the skyport lounge, my travel scroll and pass clenched in my hand, my case beside me. My comm-stone buzzed.

Of course.

I answered.

“Where are you, my Luna? Cairos said you weren’t—”

“I didn’t feel well,” I said softly. “My head hurts. I went home to rest.”

“I’ll send Cairos with healing herbs.”

“No,” I said calmly. “I don’t need them. I just want to sleep.” I paused, then added, “But before you return, there’s a small gift waiting in our chamber. Please open it.”

On the bedside table:

The bond-breaking scrolls.

Our rings.

And the crystal shard holding his truth with Adrielle.

He chuckled softly. I heard a faint sound on his end—a breath, a moan—and my blood turned cold.

“I will,” he said, his voice already far away. “But I can’t return tonight. Important matters.”

Then I heard it.

Adrielle’s laugh.

“I’ll be home tomorrow,” he added, like nothing was wrong.

I smiled faintly.

“Alright.”

“I love you.”

“Rest well,” I whispered, ending the call before he could speak again.

My hand trembled—but my chest felt lighter than it had in years.

When the boarding call sounded, I stood, gripping my travel scroll like it was my lifeline. My comm-stone lit up again with his name.

I didn’t hesitate.

I turned it off.

As I stepped onto the skyship, freedom finally wrapped around me.

I whispered, “Goodbye, Evander. I am no longer yours.”