LUNA CLARA

As Odette raised her hand to slap me, I caught her wrist mid-air. My grip was firm, but what truly made me pause was the bracelet on her arm.

It was unmistakable—that bracelet was mine. A custom piece Landon had given me during our first mating anniversary. Seeing it now on Odette's wrist sent a sharp pang through my chest.

Odette's lips curled into a smug smile as she noticed where my gaze had fallen. "Oh, this?" she said, twisting her wrist to flaunt it. "Alpha Landon gave it to me as a welcome gift. Jealous?"

Her words stung, but I refused to let her see it. Instead, I forced a smirk. "I could never be jealous of you, Odette." My voice was calm as I released her wrist and turned away. Without another glance, I walked off, leaving her standing there.

That night, Landon didn't come home as usual, but sleep eluded me regardless. My mind was restless, turning over the events of the past few days. Seeking clarity, or perhaps just peace, I decided to step outside. A walk under the cool night air might help ease the storm in my mind.

As I wandered through the quiet alleyways of our pack's town square, something caught my eye—Landon's car, parked conspicuously near the Moon Hostel. My breath hitched and my heart sank.

What could Landon possibly be doing here? The question gnawed at me, and before I could second-guess myself, I followed my instincts and stepped inside the Moon Hostel.

"Good evening," I said hastily to the clerk at the front desk. "Has Alpha Landon checked in here?"

The clerk shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. "Luna Clara, I apologize, but I cannot disclose that information to you."

I forced a smile, though the tension in my chest made it feel brittle. "You know what? Never mind. I'll check in myself. Please give me a room." I slid my card across the counter, my tone leaving no room for argument.

"But Luna—"

"I said I need a room," I interrupted, my glare cutting through her hesitation.

Reluctantly, she took my card, processed the payment, and handed me a key. "Room 101," she murmured, barely meeting my eyes.

I smiled faintly, then quickly walked away. I didn't actually need the room. My only goal was to get inside and figure out what Landon was up to. His car outside had already confirmed his presence, and now, so did the faint trace of his scent lingering in the air.

Clutching the key, I moved deeper into the hostel, my heart pounding as I prepared myself for whatever truth I was about to uncover.

When I reached the second floor, I spotted him immediately. My breath hitched as my worst fears came to life. There he was, Landon, holding hands with someone. They stood in the dimly lit hallway, completely at ease, as if the world around them didn't exist.

Then, as if to twist the knife in my chest, he leaned in and began making out with her, his hands roaming to her waist. I felt a lump in my throat. The sight of his betrayal is too much to bear.

Desperate to remain unseen, I ducked behind a large decorative pot. Tears streamed silently down my face as I bit down on my lip, trying to stifle the sobs threatening to escape.

"I've waited two whole years just to hold you in my arms," Landon's deep, tempting voice carried over to where I hid. "Now, finally, I can do it freely, whenever I want. I just can't get enough of you."

He pulled her into another kiss before guiding her into one of the rooms, the door shutting firmly behind them.

My heart shattered.

Suddenly, everything clicked—the coldness, the distant behavior, the cruel words he'd started throwing at me two years ago.

He'd been having an affair.

And the worst part of it all? The woman in his arms was my own sister.

Him welcoming her back wasn't because her sins were lifted—it was because he needed her for his personal benefit.

Pleasure, perhaps.

LUNA CLARA

The next morning, I was startled to find Landon in the house. He greeted me with an oddly warm smile, followed by an unexpected peck on my cheek. Then, as if trying to be a good partner, he handed me a single red rose.

"This is for you, Clara," he said softly.

But I couldn't even muster the energy to pretend. Without a word, I took the rose from his hand and dropped it carelessly onto the floor. His smile vanished, replaced by a scowl as his brows drew together.

"What's wrong with you? Fine! If you don't want the flower, clean the horse barn instead!" he snapped. The idiot still didn't realize I was aware of his infidelity.

When I stayed silent, Landon grabbed my arm. "Why are you ignoring me, Clara? Can't you hear me? You're not allowed to act like this!"

I met his anger with indifference. "First, no, I don't want your pathetic flower. Second, it's not my job to clean the barn. And lastly, I don't need your permission—I can ignore you whenever I want to." My voice was icy as I yanked my arm free from his grip.

The moment I stepped outside, the scent of freshly baked croissants hit me like a warm embrace. It was so rich and inviting that my mouth instantly watered for my favorite bread. Drawn by the aroma, I followed it, expecting to find myself at a bakery. But instead, I ended up at the edge of the forest.

Standing there was an old man I'd never seen before, yet something about him exuded an air of calm familiarity.

"Don't be afraid, Luna Clara," with a knowing smile, he opened a basket brimming with golden, freshly baked croissants.

"Are you… selling those?" I asked.

"I do, but the croissants can wait." He stepped forward. "I am Sage Atlas, a servant of the Moon Goddess," he continued, holding up his wrist to reveal a glowing tattoo—a sacred mark that proves his claim. "She sent me to you, Luna Clara. She knows the weight of your burdens, the pain, and the sorrow inflicted by your mate. She wishes to help you heal and find peace."

"Heal? How?" I asked, confused.

Sage Atlas extended his hand toward me. "Come with me to the Moon Goddess Pack. Leave your mate and this pack temporarily. It will give you the space you need to heal and move forward. Trust me, your absence would make Landon's heart fonder. He'll look for you, regret his actions, and perhaps… realize your worth."

His words were tempting, offering a chance at freedom and clarity. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to decide right then. I needed time—time to think, to weigh my options, and to determine if leaving was truly the right path.

But later that day, it was as if the Moon Goddess herself was urging me to make a choice. I had an unexpected encounter with Healer Franca, a woman who had always been like a mother to me.

Her face was etched with worry. "Luna Clara…" she began.

"What's wrong?" I asked gently.

Franca hesitated for a brief moment, her gaze darting around as if afraid someone might overhear.

"I could be risking my life by telling you this, but it doesn't matter—you need to know… Alpha Landon is having an affair with your sister, and they came here together earlier for a check-up."

"Check-up for what?" I asked.

Franca held my gaze. "A pregnancy check-up. Odette Sawyer is pregnant with Alpha Landon's child."

Fuck that. Landon—the man who always dismissed the idea of having children with me, claiming it was unnecessary—had gotten my sister pregnant.

Tears streamed down my face, but somehow, I managed a bitter smile.

This was it.

This was my sign.

At that moment, I knew I'd made my decision.

I would leave, and I wouldn't tell anyone.

That night, I quietly returned home to begin packing the essentials. But fate seemed determined to test me as Landon crossed my path before I could start.

"Where have you been all day, Clara? Avoiding your duties and acting lazy, hmm? Do you want me to beat you again?" he sneered. Then, without warning, he slapped me across the face—once, twice—his fury palpable.

I stepped closer to him. "Go ahead. Beat me. I'm not scared anymore."

His jaw tightened, his hand twitching at his side. "Where'd you find this sudden bravery? Who taught you to defy me?"

"Just because you're an Alpha doesn't mean you have the right to control everything and everyone like puppets in your hands. You're not even a good leader, Landon—let alone a good mate!" I shot back.

Before he could react, I drove my knee hard into his groin, watching as he curled over in pain, groaning. Then, without another word, I turned and walked away.

Before the rays of sunlight kissed the horizon the next day, I was already out of the pack borders, meeting Sage Atlas at the agreed spot. The journey to the Moon Goddess Pack took about ten hours.

But it was worth it. The pack was immaculate, the air filled with a sense of peace I hadn't felt in years. The members greeted me warmly, and for the first time in forever, I felt like I belonged.

As I strolled around, taking in the beauty of the place, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Sighing, I sat on a bench and pulled it out.

Damn.

104 missed calls. 87 messages.

All from Landon.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I began scrolling through his messages.

[Where are you? Why didn't you prepare my breakfast and clothes?]

[Clara, I need you to meet me at the pack hall, right now.]

[WHERE ARE YOU? WHY AREN'T YOU ANSWERING MY CALLS? I CAN'T EVEN REACH YOU THROUGH MINDLINK!]

[Clara, I swear, when I see you!]

I continued scrolling until I reached the last message, and it made my stomach churn.

[I know you're pissed at me. I'm sorry, okay? Talk to me now, and let's fix this. Where are you? This is weird, but I miss you already.]

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

Sage Atlas was right—Landon was already searching for me.

But he was too late.

After everything he'd done, after all the pain he'd caused, there was no fixing this.

Without hesitation, I blocked his number and turned off my phone.

The next time Landon saw me, there would be no apologies or second chances. The only conversation we'd have would be about severing our mating bond.