The sharp, clinical scent of antiseptic permeated the room, mingling with the dull throb of pain that radiated through my body.

I lay immobilized, the weight of helplessness pressing down on me like a heavy blanket.

Just days before, I had held the esteemed title of Luna of the Crescent Moon Pack, standing proudly beside my mate, Ethan Blackwood, the Alpha.

We were the envy of many, a couple everyone aspired to emulate. But now, everything felt like a cruel mirage, and I found myself questioning everything.

It all began with a mission that went disastrously wrong.

Our pack was ambushed during what was supposed to be a routine patrol.

I fought bravely alongside my warriors, but in the chaos, I was overwhelmed.

The last thing I remembered was the howl of a rival pack closing in around me, and the world faded into darkness.

Now, as I lay here, the shadows of doubt crept in.

Could Ethan have conspired with them to end my life?

I was still grappling with my disbelief, the notion that the man I had devoted myself to for the last five years could betray me.

My heart raced as I recalled the moment I had caught him in a hushed conversation with the pack’s healer.

“I want her legs rendered useless,” Ethan had said, his voice cold and merciless.

My blood ran cold.

“Use that secret potion on her; it will keep her incapacitated until I decide to finish her off. She needs to be out of the picture. And remember, this stays between us.”

The healer stood beside him, a striking woman with silver hair—Mia, my best friend and the pack’s most formidable warrior. Ethan’s hand rested on her shoulder as he continued,

“Get her ready for the trials. She will carry my heir, and this is where Lila’s reign comes to an end.”

The betrayal struck me like a blade. The man I had loved, who once vowed to shield me from harm, was now plotting my downfall while envisioning a future with my own best friend.

Had I been blind to the signs all along? What had I done to warrant such pain?

In the corridor, I could hear snippets of nurses chatting.

“The Alpha is incredibly devoted to the Luna. I’ve never witnessed a man wielding such power while being so romantic. He booked this entire floor for her recovery,” one remarked, her voice brimming with admiration.

Another chimed in, “He wept for days after the ambush. I’ve never seen a wolf so heartbroken.”

If I had heard this before, it might have swelled my heart with pride. But now, it twisted my stomach into knots.

Suddenly, Ethan’s furious voice erupted from a nearby room. “You’re all worthless! This is the Luna of our pack, and you can’t even protect her?! If anything happens to Lila, I’ll make you regret it!”

His rage echoed through the walls, reminding me of the last time he lost control—when I was nearly taken by that rival pack. He had charged into enemy territory, risking everything to save me. But now, his anger felt different, almost hollow.

I stepped into the room, my heart pounding. “Ethan, I’m here.”

His eyes brightened when he saw me, concern washing away the anger.

He hurried to me, wrapping me in his powerful embrace. The familiar aroma of pine and earth surrounded me, a comforting shield against the chaos of my thoughts.

“Lila, where have you been? I was worried something had happened!” His voice trembled, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like we were back in the past.

“I just needed some fresh air,” I said softly, pulling away. I craved space to gather my thoughts, to process the betrayal that clawed at my insides.

“That’s good,” he replied, still gripping my hand firmly. “You need to take your medicine.” He pointed to a bowl filled with a thick, dark liquid that made my stomach churn.

A wave of dread washed over me. Remembering what I had overheard, I shook my head. “I don’t want it.”

His expression shifted, the warmth in his eyes dimming. “Lila, please. If you don’t take this, you won’t get better. Please, my Luna.”

But trust had slipped away from me like sand through my fingers. Acting on impulse, I knocked the bowl from his grasp, the contents splattering across the floor.

“I said I’m not drinking it!” I glared at him, my heart racing.

For a brief moment, his gentle facade slipped, revealing a flash of anger. Yet, he quickly replaced it with a forced smile.

“You’re not thinking clearly, Lila. You need to be strong for me and the pack.”

“Am I not strong enough? I told you I'm fine. Why don’t you just leave me alone?” I retorted, my voice unwavering.

His eyes widened in disbelief. “What are you saying? Don’t you want to get better?”

As I glared at him, the tension in the air thickened. I could feel the fear clawing at my insides, but I tried to mask it with anger.

“Lila,” he said, his voice low and edged with urgency, “you’re not thinking straight. This is for your own good. You need to trust me.”

“What part of “I don't want it” don't you understand, why do you keep forcing me, or is there an inside reason?”

Ethan’s jaw clenched, and I could see the internal battle waging within him. “You’re twisting my words. I am trying to protect you from a far worse fate! You think I wanted any of this? Do you know how I felt the night I thought you died?”

Ethan took a step back, his expression shifting from frustration to something darker, almost predatory. “ You are my Luna. You don’t get to decide that, I know what's best for you! Please drink this, so you can go back to bed”

I hesitated, fear creeping into my mind, making it hard to breathe. “I—I just want to be left alone!” I stammered, my resolve wavering as I took a small step back.

Ethan’s eyes glinted, a mix of anger and something else I couldn’t quite place. “You’re pushing me, Lila. You don’t understand what I’m capable of.”

The weight of his words settled over me like a heavy fog, and I felt the panic rising within. “Just… just go,” I whispered, my voice shaking.

“Lila…” he started, but I cut him off, the fear choking my thoughts.

“I don’t want to hear it!” I shouted, the desperation spilling out. “Just leave me alone!”

Just as his expression shifted to one of anger, I felt my vision blur, the room spinning around me. I fought to remain upright, but the darkness encroached, swallowing me whole.

“Lila…”

Before I could answer, darkness enveloped me, and I lost consciousness. The last image etched in my mind was Ethan’s face, a blend of anger and something darker—something far more menacing.

As I finally blinked awake, the morning sun poured through the hospital window, casting a warm glow on the stark white walls that felt as frigid as ice.

A wave of panic washed over me as I pulled the blanket aside, only to discover that my legs were completely unresponsive, their chill making them feel almost unreal.

No... this can't be real; it has to be a nightmare from which I will soon awaken, because I can't bear the thought of this reality.

I glanced over at Ethan, my mate, who was seated beside me, his expression etched with worry.

"Lila, you fainted last night," he said, his voice calm yet tinged with urgency that made my heart race. "The healers found significant damage to your spine. They had to perform surgery."

Before I could respond, he handed me a medical report. My hands shook as I read the alarming details—extensive damage that necessitated radical surgery.

If I hadn’t caught wind of his earlier chat about incapacitating me, I might have been fooled by his act.

Just like that? I am now crippled for life? So, Ethan was actually handing me over to the healers, turning me into some sort of experiment for them to do as they pleased with my body?

Ethan pulled me into his embrace, his intention to soothe me only fueling my rage.

"I understand how much you wanted to fight for our future, but your well-being comes first. I can’t bear the thought of losing you, Lila. Don’t worry, I’ll be your legs when you need me, alright?”

I jerked away, my voice quaking with emotion. “You’ll be my legs? My life is over! I can’t move, I’ll be stuck in a wheelchair, and you think that’s okay? Just call the healers to inject me and let me go! I can’t live like this! I’d rather die!”

His expression darkened, frustration evident in his gaze. "Please don’t say that, love. After everything we’ve been through, I can’t stand the idea of losing you. Not now.”

"Not right now. Do you even understand what it’s like to be crippled?" I retorted, my heart pounding as I fought to keep my composure, desperate not to divulge the secrets I had overheard.

He held the power to end my life, and the fact that he hadn’t yet meant he had more devious plans in mind.

Before he could reply, the door creaked open, cutting through the tension of our argument.

Mia stepped in, my best friend and a rising star within the pack. Her silver hair cascaded like a shimmering waterfall, and her infectious energy lit up the room.

She entered with a fruit basket in hand, her radiant smile nearly blinding. "Sorry to barge in! I just wanted to check on you, Lila," she chimed, her voice bright and uplifting.

Ethan straightened up, adopting a facade of indifference. "Mia, thanks for coming. I was just discussing Lila's predicament."

“I feel so sorry for my best friend! I swear the rival packs will pay for this,” she said, wiping away the tears that streamed down her cheeks.

In a world full of pretenders, Mia takes the center stage.

I turned away from them, gathering the strength to quell the storm raging inside me. "I’m exhausted. I need to rest," I murmured, shutting my eyes.

To my astonishment, Mia didn’t leave. She took a seat nearby, keeping Ethan company while I felt like a mere shadow in my own existence.

He continued his gentle massage on my shoulders, pretending everything was normal, while Mia sat there, perfectly embodying the role of a supportive friend.

Yet, beneath that calm facade, I noticed Mia’s hand gradually moving closer to Ethan’s thigh. He didn’t push her away; instead, he let her flirt until her advances grew bolder.

Eventually, he grasped her thigh, his expression turning serious as he tried to halt her teasing. "Mia, not now," he said, but the warmth in his voice contradicted his words.

Mia leaned in closer, her tone sultry. "You’ve been so preoccupied with Lila. The baby and I miss you." She traced her fingers along his arm, and my stomach twisted at the implications of her words.

I watched, rage boiling within me. How could he betray me like this? I had given everything for our pack, and now he was choosing her over me—she was pregnant!

Mia leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ethan, we could have a little fun. No one’s around on this floor, and Lila is sound asleep."

A surge of betrayal coursed through me, and I felt my heart race. I turned to leave, but a glance through the glass stopped me in my tracks.

Ethan moved in closer to Mia, and just as I gathered the courage to walk away, their lips brushed together in a gentle kiss. My breath hitched, a wave of disbelief and sorrow crashing over me.

But reality hit hard. I couldn’t have children.

For three long years, I had been unable to conceive, all because of Ethan.

Back in college, I had made the choice to have an abortion, sacrificing my ability to bear pups.

It was a forbidden risk for Alphas during their training, and I was terrified of losing my position and Ethan.

He had insisted that proving my love meant giving myself to him completely, and when I found out I was pregnant, he vanished, leaving me to navigate the aftermath alone.

Yet, I still found myself returning to him whenever he offered an apology.

My emotions threatened to engulf me. I was no longer the fierce Alpha who fought for her pack; I was a shattered woman watching everything I held dear slip away. I needed to escape.

As I feigned sleep, their kisses grating on my nerves, I caught a fragment of their conversation.

"I need her to sign the pack documents to claim this pack as mine," Ethan murmured, his tone low and secretive. "After that, we finish her off completely.”

It had been three weeks since I left the hospital, three weeks since I found myself confined to this wheelchair, and three weeks since everyone began to label me as the “crippled Luna.”

The council of elders had decided that Mia would take over my role, stepping in as the Luna to support my mate during official events while I remained a mere spectator.

Not a single person had the bravery to defend me, to voice that this was unjust.

As my maid wheeled me into the hall, laughter rang out around me, and a wave of bitterness surged through my heart.

I felt like a discarded puppet, easily replaced. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on Mia, my so-called best friend, sharing a laugh with Ethan.

My hands shook with fury at the sight of their happiness while I languished, left in the dark about their intentions for me.

Without a second thought, I commanded my maid to roll me toward them. “Mia!” I shouted, my voice cutting through their laughter. Heads turned, and an uneasy silence enveloped the room.

Mia's smile faded the moment she spotted me. “What do you want, Lila?” she snapped, attempting to mask her discomfort.

My heart raced, emotions threatening to spill over. “Aren't you embarrassed? Don’t you have any dignity? What kind of best friend takes over for her best friend? Why do you act like I’m invisible when I’m right here?”

Mia’s eyes widened, disbelief washing over her. “What are you saying? You’re just being paranoid. You shouldn’t even be here—you're crippled, Lila.”

“Paranoid?” I repeated, my voice rising in intensity. “I heard everything! You thought I was asleep, but I was wide awake. I overheard you two talking about your affair, you didn't even care I was there, you were kissing your best friend's husband shamelessly!”

Gasps echoed through the crowd, their eyes flitting between us. I felt their gazes pierce me, but I pressed on. “You think I’m oblivious? You think I’ll just ignore this?”

Mia’s face turned red with fury. “You’re out of your mind! Ethan would never do that to you!”

“Wouldn’t he?” I retorted, bitterness dripping from my words. “You’ve been pretending to be the loyal friend while sneaking around with my mate! How could you betray me like this?”

Ethan, who had been quiet until now, finally stepped forward. “Lila, this isn’t the right moment—”

“This is the moment!” I interjected, my voice trembling with emotion. “You’ve both turned your backs on me! Do you think I don’t understand what it’s like to be trapped in this body? To feel utterly powerless? I’m finished with your games, and I’m putting a stop to it right now!”

Mia moved closer, a mix of defiance and fear flickering in her eyes. “You’re just trying to play on everyone’s sympathy. You’re upset about your situation, but that’s not my doing!”

My heart raced, anger surging within me. “You believe I’m upset solely because of my legs? I’m furious because you’ve stripped everything away from me! Everyone calls you Luna now—do you even know how that feels?”

“It was the elder council's choice, not mine! Why are you blaming me?”

“I heard you! How could you betray me like this?” I yelled, tears streaming down my cheeks. “You were meant to be my best friend!”

Mia’s face contorted in disbelief. “I don’t know what you think you heard, but you’re mistaken! This is all in your imagination!”

Ethan finally rose to his feet, his expression hardening. “I’m done tolerating your nonsense,” he said, looking directly at me. “I grew weary of you long before your accident. I won’t stand by while you accuse me of betrayal.”

I let out a dark chuckle, the sound cutting and bitter. “You’ve left me broken, Ethan.”

“Don’t say that!” he retorted, but I could see the cracks forming in his bravado.

I turned to the healer, who was cowering in the corner. “You! Get over here!” I commanded.

The healer approached, visibly trembling. “I… I didn’t mean to—”

“Speak up! Tell them what you know!” I urged, my voice rising with urgency.

The healer stuttered, “Alpha Ethan ordered me to… to do something horrific. But I couldn’t follow through. The Luna has always been kind to me. He asked me to poison the Luna with a portion to make her crippled and eventually kill her”

Ethan lunged at her, rage burning in his eyes, ready to silence her for exposing the truth. But he halted when I raised my hand and stood up, my body shaking with newfound strength. “No, Ethan. Guards! Seize him!”

“She’s lying about me, sweetheart, you know I care for you,” he pleaded, desperation creeping into his tone.

“Save your words for the day you face the flames. As you can see, Ethan, I’m not truly crippled; she merely gave me injections that numbed my legs for a few days. How could you do this, Ethan?”

“Why isn’t Mia being arrested too?” he yelled, his voice rising in panic. “She’s just as guilty!”

Mia let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “You’ve been played, Ethan. We were testing you to see if you were worthy of marrying Lila—worthy of leading her pack as Alpha. And like the greedy fool you are, you failed.”

The room fell into stunned silence, the weight of her words sinking in. Ethan’s face twisted in disbelief, his bravado crumbling. “You... you can’t be serious.”

“I’m very serious,” Mia replied, her voice steady. “We needed to know if you truly loved Lila or if you were just using her to gain power. And it seems you’ve shown your true colors.”

“You can't just arrest me Lila, I'm the only man you love and I love you, what would become of me if you do this?”

“Perhaps you should have thought about that before you decided to betray me” I said, my voice steady. “You lost the right to call me yours the moment you plotted against me.”