Everyone thought she was blessed by fate—

Luna of the Ironspike Pack, daughter of the Silverlight Alpha,

and mate to Cassian Simmonds.

Three years after swearing eternal love under the Blood Moon,

she finds him holding another woman—his first love.

When the truth shatters their bond, Trista stops begging for love

and starts taking back her power.

But Cassian isn’t ready to let go.

He’s in her dreams, her bed, her every breath—his voice a promise and a threat.

“You think I’ll let you go? The mate bond isn’t something you can cut.”

He thinks she’ll stay broken.

He doesn’t know her rebirth will ignite a storm

that could tear the werewolf world apart.

She’s no longer his.

She’s the backlash beneath the Blood Moon.

Trista's POV

Rain tapped against the windowpane. It was a low, mournful sound, like the night sighing, making the quiet evening feel heavy.

I sat alone on the spacious balcony. My fingers aimlessly traced patterns on the tablecloth.

My gaze kept flicking to the empty chair across from me. Hope and anxiety wrestled inside my chest.

Tonight was my three-year anniversary with Cassian, the Alpha of the Ironthorn Pack.

He had promised we would bathe in the Blood Moon's glow every year, announcing our bond to the pack.

But tonight, he was late. He was still away on his "business trip."

The dinner I'd prepared sat on the table: roasted venison, stewed root vegetables, a pitcher of Silverflame wine, and a small cake I'd baked myself. The candle, shaped like the number "3," flickered weakly.

My hope, my love, my tenderness—all focused on this meal. Now, the cold night air swallowed it all.

Time dragged on. The food went cold. The candle flame was barely a spark.

A deep sense of dread crept into me. The air felt thick and crushing.

Suddenly, my communication stone vibrated softly.

It wasn't Cassian. It was his sister, Wynn Simmons.

"Trista," her voice was hesitant and stressed. "Look at the visual crystal I sent you..."

I poured a weak trace of magic into the crystal. The image that shone back instantly froze my blood.

In the vision, Cassian—my mate—stood by the lakeside at Sacred Springs Valley.

That was supposed to be our mating ceremony location. The Blood Moon should have been high tonight.

Instead, brilliant fire magic shimmered above the lake. Starlight glittered in the night sky. In his arms, he held a wolf cub, maybe five years old.

Cassian's hand—the one that placed the vow ring on my finger—was now draped intimately around another woman's waist.

It was Samantha Fernandez. His first love. They broke up six years ago.

The name hit me like a sharp arrow, right in the heart.

The pain was an icy wind, spreading quickly through every nerve ending.

She was the woman who only existed in Cassian's stories and on that cherished old photo in his study.

He loved her deeply. She was a rogue, and the Ironthorn Pack didn't accept her. She had to leave the States back then.

I could barely keep watching. But the next thing Cassian murmured on the image was a sudden gust of wind. It ripped away all my remaining hope.

"I made the lemon cake myself," he said softly. "May my love and my flame always protect you both."

The crystal slipped from my hand. It crashed to the floor. The sound was like an axe splitting my skull.

Shards cut into my ankle. Blood welled up, but I felt nothing.

Panicked, I tried to link with Cassian's mind-mark. All I found was emptiness.

This sight shattered the last of my illusions about him.

I grabbed my comm-stone and desperately tried to call him. Silence. Nothing but silence.

I called again. Still no answer.

On the third try, he finally picked up.

My knuckles were white. My voice was surprisingly calm. "It's our anniversary today."

There was a pause. Then his voice, sharp with impatience, cut through a loud background noise. "What is it? I'm handling important matters."

It was curt and annoyed. He spoke as if I were a trivial servant.

Then, Samantha's soft voice was faintly audible. "Am I bothering you? Maybe I should just..."

She didn't finish. Cassian cut the connection.

Helplessness, rage, and the pain of betrayal slammed into me. The deep connection I thought we shared suddenly felt ripped apart.

I curled up on the cold stone floor. I felt the tearing of our soul-bond, and I let out a low wail only I could hear.

I grabbed my long hair and let out a suppressed, almost wolf-like shriek. Then, the tears came. Endless tears.

A knock came at the door. I struggled up and walked to open it.

Wynn stood outside. She gasped when she saw my state. "Luna Trista! Your hands and feet are bleeding!"

I looked down. I hadn't realized my nails had dug into my palms. Lines of blood ran down my wrists.

I shook my head numbly.

"We need to go! Let's face him at Sacred Springs Valley right now!" Wynn's eyes flashed with fierce protectiveness. "You are Ironthorn's Luna. I won't accept any other she-wolf."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to be calm. "Wynn, this is between your brother and me."

My mother, whose strength was depleted protecting our former pack, was resting at the Healing Center. She couldn't handle any stress.

I couldn't break down completely now.

Wynn watched me. She seemed ready to argue but finally left.

It was late. The night outside was silent.

I wandered the cold Alpha's house like a ghost.

I was born into the Silverlight Pack. I was an Alpha's daughter.

Cassian and I grew up together. I gave him everything I had. But his heart always belonged to a woman he couldn't forget.

That wasn't a secret.

Our mating was only an ancient alliance pact.

For three years, I had poured everything into being the Luna he deserved, trying to melt his frozen heart.

I didn't get his love. Instead, I got his dramatic "return" with his old flame and their child.

From the first crush to the adult, unconditional love, I had spent twenty-five years of my life and passion on him.

It was time to wake up.

Trista's POV

Cassian never came back to the Ironthorn Pack that night. He didn't come home.

For the next three days, I stayed with my mother at the Healing Center.

My father, Randolph, insisted I needed rest. He said Mom's condition was stable.

Only when it was late did I finally relax a bit. I drove back to the Ironthorn territory, hoping to fall asleep quickly from sheer exhaustion.

I was just drifting off when I heard the bedroom door click open. Then came the sound of running water from the bathroom.

Drowsily, I turned. Cassian was already beside me in bed.

I felt his body heat. It was a simple movement, but it told me he was finally back.

He'd been gone a month for his "trip." I guessed he was happy with his new family.

His hand wrapped around my shoulder. Instinctively, my body stiffened.

Cassian realized I was awake. He pulled me close quickly, turning me to face him.

His warmth radiated next to me. The air filled with his familiar scent—his pheromones.

My body reacted almost automatically. I felt my wolf stirring.

It let out a low growl inside me, yearning for him, wanting his deep strength.

My heartbeat quickened. The blood in my neck began to warm.

My wolf urged me closer, desperate for the warmth of his hands.

My skin started to flush. I could hear my own breathing get ragged. A simple touch from him felt like a match to tinder.

But my mind was clear. I couldn't do this.

I took a sharp breath, trying to regain control.

Cassian's hand tightened around my waist. He yanked me against him. His big, familiar hand didn't hesitate. He pulled down the strap of my nightgown, touching my bare skin.

In that instant, those images flashed through my mind: him and Samantha at Sacred Springs Valley. The flare of the fireworks. His arm tight around her waist. His eyes full of tenderness—a look he'd never given me.

His hand held her child. His wedding ring hand was wrapped around Samantha's own.

I couldn't stop the scenes from playing. Every detail tore at my heart.

My wolf fought inside me, but my reason was stronger now.

I couldn't be a casualty of his betrayal.

"Don't," my voice was low, but shockingly firm.

Cassian paused. Maybe he thought I was shy. Maybe he thought it was a game.

He didn't stop. He grew bolder.

His kiss became more aggressive. His hand explored my body, searching every inch of my skin.

I pushed hard against him, trying to break free of his weight. The longing burned like fire inside me.

My wolf wanted to rush forward, but I knew I couldn't.

The second I pushed him away, my stomach turned over violently.

All the desire and emotion converged into unbearable pressure. I couldn't stop it. I shoved Cassian off and leaned over the side of the bed, dry-heaving violently.

The low lamp flickered on, driving away the tension and intimacy.

Cassian rolled off the bed. He patted my back lightly. His tone was concerned. "Are you sick?"

I forced myself to stand. I rushed to the bathroom and closed my eyes.

I wasn't sick. I was disgusted by him. That revulsion and humiliation, rising from my core, were too much to bear.

Cassian didn't seem to get it. He stood behind me, frowning slightly, watching me leave. He walked downstairs to get me water.

He hadn't noticed my red eyes, my scratchy throat, or the cuts on my ankle.

A few minutes later, he came back with a glass of water. He held it out. "I'll book a restaurant tomorrow. We'll make up the anniversary."

"Make up?" He didn't even sound sorry. He just offered a mechanical arrangement.

I looked at the water. I couldn't believe he was so casually trying to move on.

"You remembered our anniversary?" I asked.

Cassian seemed surprised. He hesitated a moment before answering, "Of course I did."

His eyes held no sincerity. My heart was already ice.

He remembered the date, yet he chose his ex-lover and her son. He threw away three years of vows.

He made her lemon cake. He celebrated with her. I got nothing from this mateship.

I didn't answer him. Only anger and despair remained.

The betrayal and rage swept over me. It was a sharp blade slicing through my chest.

I felt powerless, yet stuck.

The air went rigid again. Cassian didn't push me further. The atmosphere turned instantly cold.

Just then, his comm-stone flashed.

He glanced down. He quickly sent a low, short reply. Then he turned the screen off.

He looked up at me, clearly distracted. "Go to sleep."

I wanted to respond, but I stayed silent. I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself.

Yet, Cassian and Samantha's images kept flooding my mind.

Suddenly, Cassian's comm-stone lit up again.

He checked it, then stood up and left the house.

I slowly opened my eyes. I heard his car engine fading away.

A text message. One simple text was enough to make him leave in the middle of the night.

It was Samantha. She had taken over his world again.

I wanted to scream, to unleash all the pain. But my body felt drained of all strength. I couldn't even make a sound. All I could do was breathe.

The next day, I forced myself to get ready. I took breakfast to my parents.

My mother, Ulva, looked at me, worried. "Trista, what's wrong?"

I quietly reassured her, "Don't worry, Mom. I just didn't sleep well."

Randolph stood beside me. He handed me a bottle of water. "Your mother is recovering well. The doctor says she can leave the Healing Center in a few days."

Seeing my mother doing better, I went to the main treatment hall.

Passing the billing office, I saw Cassian.

He should have been at the packhouse, leading the morning meeting. My gut told me why he was here.

I wanted to confront him. But I knew I couldn't.

Trista's POV

I was afraid I would lose control. I was afraid I'd cause a scene.

I worried my parents would see.

I also worried I'd go crazy before fixing anything.

So, I stayed put. I fought hard to suppress the pain and the rising anger of my wolf.

My wolf had never been this wounded.

Every time Cassian came close, I should have felt that familiar tug, the yearning from our mating bond. But now, I felt nothing.

Our connection, thin as a thread, had frayed the moment Samantha returned.

Every encounter with Cassian felt like ants chewing at our bond. The pain got smaller, the connection weaker, more futile.

I waited for Cassian to speak, or to just walk away in silence.

I was done trying to excuse this broken mating.

Cassian finally reached me. He extended his hand, reaching for the billing forms I held.

Just then, his comm-stone buzzed a few times. He quickly pulled his hand back, checked the screen, and glanced at the message.

"Someone needs me. You go on with your business," Cassian said shortly. He turned and walked toward the elevator.

He was rushing. As he spoke into his comm-stone, his voice was low and gentle, "Be good. Stop fussing."

That gentle murmur pierced my heart. His patience, his indulgence toward her—I had desperately wanted that. Now, all I felt was emptiness.

I couldn't take it anymore. I turned and rushed into the restroom.

I couldn't control myself. Tears streamed out like a flood.

So he COULD use that tone to comfort someone.

Twenty-five years I'd known him, yet he had never shown me that kind of patience.

Now, all his tenderness went to her. I was just the neglected bystander.

After calming down a little, I came out of the restroom.

I quickly fixed my makeup, trying not to look so ragged, and returned to the room.

Mom immediately sensed something was wrong. She sent Dad out and held out her hand to me. "Trista, did you argue with Cassian?"

I lowered my eyes. I shook my head, feeling guilty. "No, Mom. We're fine."

Just then, Dad and Cassian walked into the room together.

Mom smiled when she saw Cassian. "Cassian, you're so busy with the Ironthorn Pack. You don't need to keep coming over."

Cassian put down the supplements he carried. "I've arranged for an expert doctor. You'll get a full checkup when you leave the Healing Center."

Dad looked at Cassian, his eyes full of pride. "You're so thoughtful. We owe you so much for all these years."

Cassian walked to the bedside. He paused, looked at me, then told Dad, "We're family."

I moved to give him space. He lightly pressed me back down onto the bed. "I can stand."

Watching the comfortable interaction between him and my parents, I felt a sharp pang of pain.

Three years ago, my father's company failed. We couldn't afford the huge expenses of running a pack and were deep in debt.

Cassian solved our problems. He helped us disband the pack members but kept the pack territory intact.

The Silverlight Pack was no longer worthy of an alliance with the Ironthorn Pack, but Cassian still mated with me.

Back then, I naively thought he had feelings for me.

It wasn't until after our mating, when I overheard a conversation between him and my father, that I finally understood. Cassian chose me purely out of calculation.

To him, I was a tool to solve a problem. And Samantha—she was the only one in his heart.

The emptiness and pain surged, almost overwhelming me.

Mom asked Cassian to take me home to rest.

We walked to the elevator in silence. Cassian suddenly stopped and pulled my arm. "You look terrible. Didn't you sleep well last night?"

I managed a bitter smile. "No."

He thought I was just tired. He had no idea what my real pain was.

I pulled my hand away. I spoke coldly. "You go do your business. I'll walk around myself."

The elevator doors opened. I started toward the other side of the hall.

Cassian grabbed my arm again and pulled me into the elevator with him. "I made a reservation at your favorite restaurant."

I had zero interest. I felt nothing but resistance, maybe even numbness. I just whispered, "Okay."

I followed him to the restaurant. Cassian ordered for me. I watched his every move, a detached observer.

Then, he handed me a jewelry box. "Anniversary gift."

I gripped my water glass and nodded, barely glancing at the box.

I had loved Cassian for twenty-two years. We'd been mated for three. I knew better than anyone how cold his heart was beneath his polite, gentle exterior.

I used to beg him for gifts.

He'd give in when he was annoyed enough. I'd show them off to my friends for weeks.

After the Silverlight Pack collapsed, I never dared to ask for anything again.

Seeing my lack of reaction, Cassian opened the box himself. He pulled out a diamond bracelet.

I could tell instantly it was worth at least $200,000.

He reached out to put it on me. I didn't resist.

The bracelet was cold on my wrist. I murmured, "Thank you."

Cassian frowned but didn't ask anything more. He began serving me food. "Your favorite matcha truffles."

Seeing Cassian patiently prepare all this gave me a faint flicker of hope.

I finally spoke, holding onto one last weak expectation. "If I wanted to eat something you made yourself, would you learn to bake it for me once?"