Aldric's eyes flickered at my question. "She ...."

Yet one of his packmates cut in before he could explain, chuckling. "No, no, she's my packmates? But hey, if she’s running with our pack tonight, we’re all packmates, right?”

“To be honest, I’m the one who brought her to Aldric after his helper resigned.” She added proudly. “She trained in administrative field, so it’s a good fit.”

“Exactly,” another packmates chimed in, elbowing Aldric casually. “Must be nice having a helper you’re already… familiar with, huh, Aldric?”

I caught the blush flicker across Aldric’s face, but kept my own expression composed.

“Oh, I see, so she’s a she-wolf you place your confidence in,” I replied with a mild smile.

The pack broke into howls of laughter, treating me like a clueless outsider.

Just then, the curtain dragged open and a voice rang out. "Here comes — our Mirael!"

Mirael swept in, her laughter echoing through the cavern as she greeted the pack.

She moved like the favored wolf of the night, basking in every admiring gaze.

As she mingled, she boasted loudly about her pregnancy tracing her stomach with exaggerated pride as the crowd showered her with praise.

I tilted closer to Aldric and murmured, “So… who’s her mate? Last I checked, your condition for hiring a helper beside you was staying unmated for five cycles. Mirael has only served you for a few lunar cycles.”

Aldric cleared his throat. "Well, I ... revised the condition. I didn’t want to lose another helper just because they wanted to get mating.”

“Oh, really? So she's already officially mated then?” I replied lightly, each word a quiet strike.

“She ….” Aldric stammered, eyes darting as he searched for an excuse.

Before he could gather whatever excuses he was scrambling for, Mirael approached, tail-high confidence radiating off her, her smile bright and entirely too pleased.

“Oh wow, you must be Luna Wolfsbane! I’ve been a huge admirer for ages.” She gushed brightly.

Not giving me a heartbeat to respond, Mirael slid into the seat next to me, her voice bubbling with forced enthusiasm.

“You know, everyone at the alliance keeps howling about how you and Alpha Aldric first crossed paths. Such a fated love story! Truly romantic.”

As Mirael edged closer, Aldric grew tense, pretending to mingle with the rest of the pack instead of facing me.

Once she realized Aldric’s attention had drifted away, her voice dropped into a hushed, conspiratorial murmur.

“You know, I used to get so envy of your love story. I mean, who wouldn’t want a mate like yours? But guess what—my dream finally came true!”

She giggled lightly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as if she thought the gesture made her irresistible.

“Oh? Is that so?” I replied coolly, barely restraining the growl beneath my words.

Mirael leaned in, speaking in a hushed tone like we were pack-sisters whispering forbidden secrets.

“Yeah … it’s hush-hush, but he’s just as handsome as your mate.”

Her boldness made my blood burn, but I didn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing it. I kept my expression perfectly calm and unreadable.

“Anyway.” She chimed in. “Can I follow your social-mirror? We should hang out sometime, maybe get some moon-spa treatments together!”

I passed her my username without fuss. “Sure,” I replied.

Once she added me, she hooked her arm around mine like we had grown up howling together, rambling about her mate who gave her a manor, a business and even an isle.

She had no idea that her loose tongue was giving me exactly the proof I needed to strengthen my unmating case.

At last, I seized a pause in her chatter and cut off with a courteous smile. “Pardon me, I need a moment to go to toilet-wood.”

Mirael’s eyes gleamed. “Oh, great! I need to go too—let’s go together.”

I let her follow, though unwillingly.

As we reached the toilet-wood entrance, Mirael dropped her knitted-pouch and her stuffs scattered on the ground.

Among the scattered stuffs lay an ultrasound scroll. She crouched to gather them and shot me a triumphant smile.

"Oops, you caught a peek my pup, right? Yes, I carry Aldric's pup."

I felt it in my bones—her smugness was meant to sting, to taunt me once more.

However, I refused to take the bait and simply stepped into the chamber.

When I stepped out, Mirael was already at the basin, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

“You are lucky to be mated to Aldric, the ever-romantic Alpha,” she purred, like two young she-wolves gossiping. “But alas, you cannot satisfy him. He told me that touching me is far more… satisfying than anything you could give him.”

“Oh, didn’t you see us in the runestone lift before? That’s our usual habit, so don’t be surprising if you see more about us.”

“And didn’t you in healer’s den too, before? Or did I get it wrong? We were there checking our pup, a moon along already.”

She leaned in, her voice dropping to a mockery. “One thing’s certain, I will be his Luna soon. So, shall I call you Seraphina, rather than Luna Wolfsbane?”

Her mockery sent a surge of fury through me, but I forced myself to stay calm, gripping my knitted-bag as I stayed in the chamber.

When I stepped out, she was already gone. I rushed to the basin, washing my hands in a fury.

If she appeared in front of me again, I swore I would rip her by the hair before she even blinked.

But when I stepped back into the gathering, my fur bristled.

I paused at the threshold, staring at the sight before me. It reeked of betrayal and shamelessness—truly sickening.

Mirael curled on Aldric's lap, lay her arm around his neck, laughing mischievously.

I clenched my claws, fury thrumming through my veins. She had no shame and Aldric ... took any opportunity to get closer to her when I was not near, forgetting I could return at any time.

Aldric’s attention was locked on Mirael, completely blind to my presence in the doorway.

A few packmates glanced my way, their gazes flickering with awkwardness—or barely hidden disregard.

The packmates ignored me, choosing instead to urge Adric, pushing him to flaunt his bond with Mirael. "Come on, Aldric, show us your joy with Mirael!" one called out, laughter ringing through the cavern like a chorus of hounds mocking the lone wolf.

Fueled by moonwine, Aldric yielded, dragging Mirael closer as the intimacy escalated.

The pack erupted in cheers and laughter, their delight twisting in my heart like sharpened claws.

It was unbearable—my heart shattered.

These were the same packmates who had never honored my bond with Aldric, even after our mating ceremony.

Yet now they howled in celebration of his betrayal with Mirael, treating her as if she were the true mate by his side.

My heart shattered into a thousand pieces, but I turned away from the pack's revelry and left the cavern behind

“Have a splendid night, Aldric,” I whispered, cold as a winter moon.

Outside, the rain fell on me relentlessly, soaking my whole body.

It mirrored the turmoil in my chest. I did not call a mooncharriot and ran into the rain, letting it conceal the tears falling on my face.

Mascara and eyeliner ran in wild streaks down my face, mingling with the rain. My hair stuck to my skin, my moon-dress soaked through—but I did not care.

I looked like a creature untamed, crying, drenched, disheveled. The rain became my shield, letting me release my fury, grief and despair.

Soon after, a message notification popped up in my crystal communicator.

[Aldric: Where did you go?]

[Me: Heading home. Not feeling well. Enjoy the gathering—don’t mind me.]

[Aldric: Alright, have a good rest, then. I’ll come home late, so call if you need anything.]

I was too lazy to give him a reply again. I already knew the reason behind his excuse to be “late.”

As soon as I reached our manor, I drew a hot bath and slid into the water as if it could cleanse my mind.

The warmth wrapped around me, but my body—pushed past its limits by heartbreak and being drenched for hours—finally gave out.

I must have collapsed in the tub. When I finally woke, an IV drip hung from my wrist and I lay tangled in healer’s den. Aldric hovered nearby, concern etched across his face.

And as if fate enjoyed mocking me, Mirael was there too.

I flickered, thinking I was hallucinating—no, she was truly there, sitting like some polite visitor, mocking everything I had endured.

Aldric noticed me waking and clutched my hand. “You’re awake?” he asked, voice thick with concern.

I glanced at him coldly and smirked, “Now, you’re worried?”

His brows drew together as he tightened his grip. “You collapsed through the whole night and woke at 9 this morning—do you know how terrified I was?”

“You said you weren’t feeling well. Why didn’t you alarm me it was this serious? I would’ve brought you here immediately.”

His words rolled over me, leaving no space for reply. Mirael, lounging close by, only flicked her eyes in annoyance but stayed silent. The affection Aldric once lavished on me—now meant nothing than an act.

I jerked my hand away. “You’re gripping too tightly. The IV pricked me.”

He leapt up, worry etched across his face. “I’m sorry! I’ll get the healer to check on you."

He glanced at Mirael. “Please watch over Seraphina for a moment for me.”

Mirael’s voice dripped sweetness. “Of course, Alpha Wolfsbane.”

As soon as he left, I turned my face to the side, refusing to look at her. Mirael, surprisingly, stayed silent, simply sitting beside the bed.

Perhaps she sensed the importance of keeping up her facade in public.

Just then, a notification appeared on my crystal communicator on the stone-table beside the bed. The crossing permit to the Lunebright Valley had been approved. Mirael, her eyes sharp as ever, caught it in an instant.

"Well," she said, her tone casual but sharp, "You don't need a crossing permit to go on holiday in the Lunebright Valley, actually, or do you intend to stay in the territory permanently?"

I snatched my crystal communicator from the stone-table. "Mind your own business," I snapped.

Before she could react, Aldric returned with the healer and I hurriedly hid my crystal communicator away.

After a brief check, the healer said I could be discharged tomorrow if my fever continued to drop.

The morning meal came soon after and Aldric—ever overbearing—insisted on feeding me.

"I can do it myself," I said, my tone firm.

“Ah, are you shy because Mirael’s here?” He teased, clueless as ever.

Mirael, the cunning wolf, offered a courteous smile. “Ah, sure, I shouldn’t interfere you. I'll excuse myself then and take care your duties today, Alpha Wolfsbane.”

"Good." He nodded in response. "Ensure everything runs smoothly, Mirael."

She slung her knitted-bag over her shoulder and gave me a sweet, insincere smile. "Recover soon, Luna Wolfsbane." She, with that, stepped out, her exit executed with the same practiced cunning as her entrance.

As the door clicked shut, I fought the instinctive urge to bare my fangs at Aldric.

I already found the truth—they had been together when the maid called him about my condition and he hadn’t left her side.

A helper accompanying her Alpha might look normal to outsiders, but I knew better.

The two of them could deceive the world, but not me.

Aldric, clueless to the tension creeping under my skin, continued feeding me. “I planned a trip for our anniversary,” he said, trying to sound concern. “But with you still healing … we might have to push it back.”

So, he did remember our moon-bond day. How amusingly ironic.

I let a faint smile cover the disgust coiling inside me. “It’s fine. A gift is enough. We can have a trip another time.”

“Great. I’ll make it something magnificent,” he said, proud of himself.

I nodded, keeping my voice low. “I’ll have something for you as well.”

His eyes brightened instantly, excitement sparking like a pup promised a new toy. “Really? I can’t wait to see it!”

He yawned and I asked him, “Did you stay up the whole night?”

“I’m fine. I’m used to stay up to handle my task.”

“No, no—you need rest. Go and sleep after the meal. I’ll be fine.” I urged.

He hesitated, then nodded. “Then, I’ll nap on the sofa.”

A moments later, he was soundly asleep.

I took a peek and ensured he was deeply asleep, then reached for his crystal communicator. The more proof I had, the faster I could end this bond.

Just as I unlocked it, both our crystal communicators buzzed at the same time.

My heart was beating so fast.

So, I hurriedly peeked at him, hoping him not to wake up. And as if hope was on my side, it seemed his tiredness made him fall into a deep sleep.

I checked his crystal communicator first.

Mirael texted him. [You owe me, since we didn’t get to enjoy our time last night.]

Below her message, she attached the scenic images of Silverhaze Plains.

[Mirael: When I was swiping my social-mirror, Silverhaze Plains kept showing up on my feeds. I think it’s a sign we have to go there. You said you wanted to celebrate my moon-blessed, right? How about a pupmoon in Silverhaze Plains tomorrow?]

When she was waiting for him to reply, she sent another message—an image of herself pouting.

[Mirael: Please? Our little pup will love it too.]

Her cunning and seductive tricks make me sick, “So disgusting.” I let out a long sigh.

Before scrolling up their chat, I checked my own crystal communicator.

Mirael had sent me a few provocative messages.

[Mirael: You pretended to fall ill just to stop me from spending the whole night with Aldric, right? I didn’t expect you to be this sly after I told you about our bond.]

And below the message, she also attached some images of her with Aldric, including the image Aldric was sleeping next to her, shirtless.

[Mirael: See, our relationship has already gone this far, Seraphina. You can’t do anything anymore. I’m carrying his pup, so I hope you accept it and stop causing trouble.]

Soon, she sent another threatening message. [Mirael: We’re leaving for Silverhaze Plains tomorrow. Don’t try to interfere, or I’ll release proof of our affair to the entire pack.]

She threatened me? Such a brave and arrogant she-wolf!

Her arrogance sliced through me like claws, but I didn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me in a rage. I gave her a short reply. [Just go.]

As soon as the message sent, her name flashed on Aldric’s crystal communicator, a call coming in an instant. I felt disgust, but I kept myself to remain calm.

I quickly locked his crystal communicator and patted to wake him up.

“Aldric, your crystal communicator is ringing,” I said calmly, “Maybe something urgent from the pack alliance.”

He woke up, rubbing his eyes before taking the call. Within seconds, his posture stiffened, his tone sharpening with alertness.

“I have to go,” he said abruptly, grabbing his cloak.

I looked at him with a calm expression.

“Just go,” I responded—echoing the exact words I had sent Mirael.

He hesitated for a while, then leaned down to kiss my forehead.

“Please make sure you have a good rest and take your medicine.” He reminded before stepping out the chamber in a hurry.

When the door clicked shut, I finally released the breath I had been holding.

The empty space he left behind mirrored the hollowness of our bond.

At night, as expected, Aldric didn’t come back to the healer’s den. Instead, a message notification appeared on my crystal communicator.

[Aldric: Seraphina, I have an unexpected business trip to Silverhaze Plains. I’ll have the maid bring you to the manor from the healer’s den tomorrow. Take care. I promise I’ll bring the finest anniversary gift.]

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. The finest gift? He said.

Sure, he gave me the finest gift ever compared to the one in past cycles, so finest till shocking me to the core.

A moments later, another message appeared, my request to erase my identity from the Moon Registry had been approved. My new identity was ready.

Such a perfect timing. While Aldric and Mirael flew off together to celebrate their affair, I would erase myself from his world completely.

***

The next morning, I didn’t waste time. My body was still weak from the fever, but my determination fueled me. I prepared everything carefully.

This time, instead of selling my stuffs, I donated them to an auction helping victims of pack-territory disasters. It felt symbolic—turning the ruins of my life with Aldric into something good and valuable for other wolves.

Among my stuffs, I prepared an exceptional gift for Aldric, a glossy, luxurious box holding the credit sigils he had given me, the rune-key to the luxury wolf-carriage and the bond severance scroll I had marked.

On top, I placed a handwritten note: [I hope you find joy with your new Luna.]

I left the box in his study chamber, knowing he would eventually find it.

However, what I didn’t expect was the nonstop buzzing of my crystal communicator throughout the day.

Notification after notification appeared on the screen—Mirael clearly had no intention of letting me leave in peace.

She sent images one by one, images of her and Aldric in intimacy, shamelessly showed off to stab her claws deeper into my heart.

Each image was bolder than the last. A selfie image of them enjoying a private night meal, Mirael was curling in his arm, chuckling, while he was placing his hand on her bulging belly.

[Mirael: See, how happy we are now. This is why you should give up, Seraphina.]

Her messages kept coming—taunting, provocating but they no longer pierced me.

Instead, I calmly removed my moon-crystal card and tossed it into the wastebasket.

I didn’t need it anymore.

I didn’t need any thread tying me to Seraphina Greyclaw.

I took one last time looking at my social-mirror I had create over the years, then deleted them all with a few touches.

“Goodbye, Seraphina Greyclaw,” I whispered into the silent room, feeling sadness and relief at the same time.

I was no longer her.

I was Orelia Nightreaver—stepping into a new chapter of life, free from the past.