Lian sat outside the Alpha's chamber, her back pressed against the cold wall. The wooden floor beneath her felt harder than usual, as if the entire packhouse rejected her presence. She wasn’t a real Luna—only in title. The wolves despised her, and Bruce, her husband, made sure she knew her place.

She clenched her fists. Her father, Alpha Edgar, had given her away like an unwanted possession, a burden to be cast aside. He never wanted her, not after her mother died giving birth to her. It was as if Lian had taken everything from him—his fated mate, his happiness, his pride. He blamed her, hated her, and now she was nothing more than an outcast even in her own husband’s pack.

A loud moan echoed from the chamber, making Lian’s stomach churn. She squeezed her eyes shut, but it didn’t help. Her werewolf senses picked up every sound, every groan of pleasure between Bruce and Rashel. His favorite Beta. His chosen mate.

Luminous, her wolf, stirred inside her. “Leave. You don’t need to hear this.”

Lian sighed. “I can’t. If I leave, he’ll punish me.”

Her wolf growled in frustration. “This isn’t a life. Even rogues have more dignity than this.”

Freedom. The thought made Lian’s heart ache. What would it be like to run through the forest, to live without fear? The idea was tempting, but the reality was bleak. She had no allies, no one to turn to. The Betas always watched her, ensuring she had nowhere to escape.

The sounds from inside ceased, and Lian knew it was time. Taking a deep breath, she stood and knocked softly on the door.

“Come in,” Bruce’s voice rang out, void of warmth.

She pushed the door open, and immediately, the overwhelming scent of sweat and desire hit her. The air was thick with the mingling smells of Bruce and Rashel, and Lian fought the urge to gag. Her eyes stayed downcast as she stepped inside, her hands trembling slightly.

Bruce didn’t even glance at her. “Clean up.”

Lian obeyed without a word. She moved swiftly, picking up discarded clothes, fixing the bed, and wiping away the remnants of their time together. As she reached Rashel’s side, the Beta suddenly let out a sharp scream.

Lian flinched and looked up in shock. Rashel clutched her arm, blood dripping between her fingers.

Bruce was at her side in an instant. “What happened?”

“She—she cut me!” Rashel cried, glaring at Lian. “She had something sharp and scraped me on purpose!”

Lian shook her head, her eyes wide. “I didn’t! I swear, I was just cleaning!”

Bruce’s expression darkened. His hand shot out, grabbing Lian’s hair and yanking her down. Pain shot through her scalp as she stumbled, barely catching herself before she hit the ground.

“You dare harm Rashel?” he snarled before slapping her across the face. The force sent her reeling, and her cheek burned from the impact.

“Bruce, I didn’t—”

Another slap silenced her. He gripped her hair again, dragging her across the wooden floor. Lian winced as splinters dug into her skin. Her heart pounded, but she didn’t fight back. She knew better.

By the time they reached the outside of the packhouse, several Betas had gathered. Bruce threw her forward, and she landed harshly on the dirt.

“Teach her a lesson,” Bruce commanded, his voice cold. “Make sure she remembers her place.”

Lian’s stomach twisted in fear. The Betas grinned, their eyes gleaming with cruel anticipation. They enjoyed this—hurting her, humiliating her. She had no allies, no protection.

The first punch landed in her stomach, knocking the air from her lungs. Before she could recover, another blow struck her ribs, followed by a kick to her back. She curled into herself, shielding her face as best she could, but the assault continued. Pain consumed her, and her vision blurred.

She turned her head slightly, searching for Bruce—searching for anything that might make this stop. But his gaze was cold, indifferent. And then she saw Rashel.

Smiling.

Enjoying her suffering.

Lian’s chest tightened. How could they? She had done nothing, yet they relished in her pain as if it were entertainment. Why?

She closed her eyes, pleading silently. Moon Goddess, please… Her body ached, her spirit breaking. Save me…

Another kick to her side made her gasp. She tasted blood, the metallic tang bitter on her tongue.

I don’t want to die like this.

Luminous whimpered inside her, but there was nothing either of them could do. Not now.

When they are satisfied, Bruce gives her the final kick and leaves. Leaving her on the floor battered and bruised.

Luminous whimpered. “Lian, let’s leave this place. I can’t… I can’t watch you like this anymore.”

“I don’t have any strength in me… It’s not like I can transform like everyone else,” Lian whispered with a bitter smile.

“I’ll give you some, so let’s leave! Let’s run away!”

Lian felt her body warmed and she felt she regained her strength. With that, even there is pain she ran. Ran away. When she arrived at the border of the pack settlement, Lian immediately passed them.

“Hey! Capture her!”

Lian ran through the dense forest, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to outrun the Betas pursuing her. She had to escape the Evergreen pack. She couldn't endure another day under Bruce's cruelty. But as she pushed forward, her feet skidding on damp earth, she found herself cornered at the edge of a steep cliff. Below was nothing but darkness, an abyss with no visible end.

The Betas smirked, their eyes gleaming with amusement. "Are you really going to jump?" one of them sneered. "No one’s stupid enough to throw their life away. You should be grateful the Alpha still lets you live."

Lian's jaw tightened. "I’d rather be thrown away than stay in that place."

Luminous, her wolf, spoke firmly. “Jump, Lian!”

Lian hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. Before she could respond, Bruce arrived, his presence sending a chill through her veins. "Lian! Come here!" he ordered, his tone eerily calm. "Don’t be stubborn. I’ll overlook this—just this once."

Lian met his eyes, the cold, cruel promise lurking beneath his forced composure. If she returned, she would never escape again. The bruises and scars on her body told her the truth: if she went back, she wouldn’t survive.

Glaring at Bruce, she made her choice. "I don’t believe you," she said, her voice firm. "But never forget this face, Bruce… I’ll hunt you down.."

Then she turned her back on him and let herself fall.

The wind howled around her as she plunged into the abyss. She braced for the impact, expecting pain, but instead, she crashed into the cold embrace of water. The shock stole her breath, and darkness consumed her.

Lian's eyes fluttered open to a white ceiling. Panic seized her as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings. Her heartbeat quickened. Was she in a hospital? Had they called Bruce?

Her body trembled as fear clawed at her throat. She tried to move, but before she could react, several people entered the room. "Calm down," one of them said gently. "We won’t hurt you."

“Who are you? Let me go!”

Lian's mind screamed at her not to trust them. Hadn't she heard the same empty reassurances before? And what had they done? Nearly killed her. Her breathing turned erratic, and she thrashed against their grip. "Let me go!"

Before they could tighten their hold, a deep, commanding voice filled the room. "Let her go."

The hands restraining her immediately withdrew. The scent that followed was intoxicating, soothing her frayed nerves. She turned her head and saw a tall, well-built man approaching. His aura radiated authority, his cold eyes scanning the room before settling on her. When he looked at her, the ice in his gaze melted, replaced by something gentler, warmer.

He spoke softly. "Are you okay?"

Lian swallowed, her throat dry, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes."

The other people in the room hesitated before one of them, a woman, stepped forward and addressed him. "Alpha Kaizer."

Lian's breath hitched. Alpha Kaizer? She had heard of him—the powerful leader of the Black Wood Pack, the neighboring pack of Evergreen. Fear and relief warred inside her.

Kaizer’s gaze flicked to his Beta. "Leave us."

The Beta hesitated. "Alpha—"

A low growl rumbled from Kaizer’s chest, and the woman flinched before nodding and exiting the room.

Once they were alone, Kaizer turned his attention back to Lian. "Are you in pain?"

Lian shook her head, but the simple movement made her realize how weak she felt. Kaizer noticed and stood, pouring a glass of water before handing it to her. She accepted it with trembling hands, taking small sips to ease the dryness in her throat.

Kaizer watched her carefully. "We found you by the riverbanks near our pack. You were unconscious, covered in bruises." His voice was steady but laced with an unspoken question. "What happened to you?"

Lian’s grip on the glass faltered. The moment his words sank in, her body stiffened, and fear swallowed her whole. The glass slipped from her hands, shattering against the floor.

She curled into herself, arms wrapped tightly around her trembling frame. Panic surged, memories of pain and cruelty flashing behind her eyes. Her breaths came in rapid, shallow gasps.

Kaizer’s expression darkened. He hadn’t expected this reaction. Whatever she had gone through, it had left deep, raw wounds. His voice softened. "Hey, you’re safe here. No one will hurt you."

But Lian wasn’t sure she could believe that yet.

Then Luminous voice rang. “MATE!”

“What?”

Lian’s breath hitched as she processed Luminous’s words. Her wolf was certain—Alpha Kaizer was their mate. But how? She felt nothing special toward him. No sparks, no instant connection, nothing like the stories she’d heard about fated mates.

“Luminous, what are you saying? How could he be our mate? I don’t feel anything.” Lian questioned through their mind link.

Luminous huffed. “Then why do you feel safe with him? Why does your heart calm in his presence? It was a year ago when we met her.”

Lian clenched her fists. Maybe it was just relief. After all, he had saved her. He was nothing like Bruce. But could fate be so cruel as to give her another Alpha as a mate?

Kaizer studied her carefully, noting how she’d stopped trembling. It had been a week since he’d found her near the riverbank bordering his pack’s territory. He knew exactly who she was.

Lian Allens, the Luna of the Evergreen Pack.

He had seen her before, a year ago at a gathering, standing beside Bruce. To others, they seemed like a devoted Alpha and Luna, but Kaizer knew better. He had witnessed the truth firsthand.

It was his birthday banquet, and Kaizer had been searching for his mate. Many said that finding one’s fated mate unlocked a werewolf’s true potential. Hopeful, he had invited every pack leader, along with their Betas, in the chance that his mate might be among them.

And she was.

The moment she entered the hall, his wolf, Night, went wild.

“She’s here! Our mate is here!” Night howled excitedly in his mind.

Kaizer turned sharply, his eyes locking onto a petite figure beside Alpha Bruce Allens. A soft floral scent wrapped around him like an intoxicating spell. She was beautiful, but something was wrong.

She did not react.

No widening of the eyes, no recognition—nothing.

Kaizer’s heart clenched. ‘How could she not feel it?’

Determined, he approached.

“Alpha Bruce,” Kaizer greeted, forcing calmness into his voice. “And this is?”

Bruce smirked and placed a possessive hand on the woman’s shoulder. “My Luna, Lian Allens.”

Kaizer stiffened. ‘His wife?’ Night whimpered in pain.

Still, Kaizer studied her closely. Her eyes were downcast, her body unnaturally still. A faint bruise peeked from under the sleeve of her dress—one most would miss, but not him.

Her scent held traces of distress and… fear.

His hands clenched into fists.

Bruce continued speaking, mostly about alliances and trade, but Kaizer barely listened. His focus remained on Lian. She never once looked up, never once spoke.

Beside Bruce, a Beta woman draped herself against him, speaking for him as if she were the true Luna. It irritated Kaizer.

“Beta,” he interrupted coolly. “I wasn’t addressing you.”

The woman stiffened but said nothing further. Kaizer sighed, excused himself, and walked toward the garden for some fresh air.

“Something is wrong, Kaizer. She’s hurting,” Night murmured. “Did you see her eyes? They’re empty.”

Kaizer exhaled sharply. “And what do you expect me to do? She’s married.”

“Then why does she feel so lost? Why can’t she sense our bond?” Night growled. “Something is blocking her from feeling us.”

Before Kaizer could respond, a sharp sound split through the night. A slap.

His entire body tensed. He turned back, and what he saw made his blood boil.

Bruce had just struck Lian across the face. She didn’t fight back. She simply lowered her head, baring her neck in submission.

Kaizer’s vision blurred red.

Bruce’s words dripped with disdain. “How dare you humiliate me in front of Alpha Kaizer? Acting so stupid in front of him. Do you think I didn’t notice as if you’re playing victim!”

The Beta beside Bruce looked smug, a cruel smile playing on her lips.

Lian stood there, silently crying.

Kaizer’s fingers twitched. He wanted to rip Bruce apart. Wanted to take Lian away from him. But he knew he couldn’t—not yet.

But now, seeing her lying in his pack’s infirmary—battered, broken, and in a far worse state than before—Kaizer felt something snap within him.

Bruce would pay.

And not just for Lian.

Kaizer had his own grudges against the Evergreen Pack. Grudges he could no longer ignore.

His sharp gaze softened as he looked at her. “You’re safe now, so don’t worry.”

Lian met his eyes for the first time, uncertainty swirling in her expression. Could she trust him? Was she truly safe?

Kaizer held her gaze, determined. He would protect her, no matter what.

But Lian had one thought echoing in her mind.

‘What happens when Bruce finds out where I am?’