The Luna He Lost, the Pack He Ruined

Ive already prepared the separation decree and my withdrawal seal from the Nightreaver Pack, I said quietly. Im leaving Alpha Haldrick for good.

My closest friend stared at me like shed just heard blasphemy. Didnt the Alpha Nightreaver swear hed finally announce you as his Luna? After all these years, why walk away now?

I curved my lips into a smile that tasted bitter.

Five years.

I had endured five full winters as Haldrick Nightreavers hidden matehis Luna in name only, never acknowledged beneath the moon banners. And yet, my feelings for him went back far longer. Fifteen years, ever since we were cubs running through the forest borders together.

He was born with frost in his bloodcold, distant, untouchable.

I told myself that if I stayed warm enough, patient enough, if I whispered I choose you again and again, one day even an ice-bound alpha would thaw.

Everyone believed I would never leave him.

But two weeks ago, when my mother lay dying, I begged him to drive me to the healers hall beyond the western ridge. The skies split open with rain and the moon was swallowed by storm clouds. Yet Haldrick stopped the car at the edge of the territory and told me to get out.

His reason?

His first mate had summoned him.

By the time I reached the healers hall on foot, soaked to the bone and shaking, my mother only had enough strength left to squeeze my hand once before her breath faded away.

Something inside me shattered beyond repair.

I had always told myself Haldrick was simply distant by naturethat alphas carried burdens heavier than others.

But that day, I learned the truth.

Later, in the healers corridor, his first love smiled gently at me and said, Cant you tell? Hes cold to everyone except me.

Then she showed me a crystal image.

In it, the alpha who hated disorder and avoided touch was leaning close, wiping milk from the corner of her lips with careful fingers. His gaze was softtender in a way I had never once received.

I stopped lying to myself.

I was not the one who could warm his frost.

She was his fire.

So I let go.

A week ago, I left the separation decree on his desk beneath the Nightreaver sigil. He didnt even read it before pressing his seal.

Seven days

Seven days and the bond would dissolve.

Outside the caf carved into the stone of the central territory, Haldricks black rune-marked car waited. He had come to collect me, as alwaysnever asking if I wished to ride with him.

He glanced over, faintly frowning at my silence.

That document you asked me to approve the other day, he said, voice cool. Which trade clan was it with?

I opened my mouth, but

Never mind, he added flatly. It doesnt matter. I trust your judgment.

That sentence struck harder than claws.

For five years, I clung to those words like a blessing.

I trust you.

I thought it meant reliance. Respect. That I mattered.

Now I finally understood.

It wasnt trust.

It was indifference.

He didnt care what I handled, only that I never embarrassed him beneath the moon councils eyes.

I wanted to scream, That wasnt a trade pactit was our separation decree!

But his communicator lit up.

One glance at the name and the ice in his eyes melted.

Youre not feeling well? His voice softened instantly. Dont move. Ill come now.

My strength drained away.

When the car slowed at a random street corner, I opened the door and stepped out without a word. The night wind cut my skin, but it was nothing compared to my heart.

We grew up togetherif that could be called love.

I was always the bright one, chasing after him through forest paths, calling his name like sunlight breaking frost. I believedfoolishlythat warmth could change destiny.

But real life isnt a moon-blessed legend.

In high school, I watched him fall for another girl. Clumsy. Gentle. Helpless in the most endearing way. She burned his cold world without trying.

And me?

I tried for years.

Loved for years.

Endured for years.

Until I finally understood

This bond meant nothing anymore.

Seven days.

Just seven more days and I would be free.

The next morning, I arrived at the Nightreaver Packs central tower as I always had.

The Alpha Court was already awakeclerks moving between rune-lit corridors, messengers carrying sealed scrolls between departments, the low hum of territory wards vibrating through the stone walls.

I set my leather satchel on my desk and activated the crystal screen, preparing to finalize my handover reports.

For the first time in years, I did not step into the communal hearth room to prepare Haldricks morning brew.

Normally, I would grind moon-roasted beans myself, adjusting the bitterness precisely to his preference, then deliver it to his office before he even asked.

Today, I poured a cup of dark wolfroot coffee for myself and drank it alone, its sharp taste grounding me as I reviewed contracts in silence.

When Haldrick emerged from his office, his gaze swept across the room out of habitand stopped.

There was only one cup on my desk.

Mine.

He paused.

Just briefly.

Then he said nothing and continued forward.

The atmosphere in the office felt unnaturally quiet.

I used to fill the space with idle chatter, light laughter meant to soften the rigid formality of the Alpha Court. Today, I didnt even lift my head.

Haldrick slowed near my desk.

Is something obstructing your work? he asked, his tone flat, carefully controlled.

No, I replied, eyes still on the screen.

He lingered.

There was something sharp in his stare, like he was searching for a crack in my composure. For a fleeting second, I thought he might finally mention the severance scroll he had signed without reading.

Then

A sharp cry rang out from the stairwell.

Haldricks head snapped toward the sound, his wolf surging violently beneath his skin.

I followed his line of sightand my stomach dropped.

It was Danella Evergrove, stood halfway up the stone steps, arms wrapped around an overflowing crate of archived documents. One heel had slipped into the edge of the stair, throwing her balance dangerously off.

Below her stretched a hard stone floor and a steep drop of more than ten steps.

Her arms shook. The crate tilted.

She could fall at any moment.

Danella! Haldrick shouted.

The sound tore from himraw, panicked, stripped of all restraint.

Before I could react, he shoved my chair aside and lunged forward.

Haldrick! I called instinctively. Dont run like that

I reached for him, fear spiking sharp and sudden. I didnt care about Danella. All I saw was him, charging headlong toward danger.

I even shouted for the sentries stationed nearby.

But Haldrick didnt look back.

He tore his arm free from my grasp, striking my hand aside without hesitation. Heat flared across my knuckles where hed knocked me away.

He took the stairs in a blur, faster than the guards could respond.

I watched as he caught Danella just in time, pulling her against his chest.

But the momentum carried them both backward.

The crate spilled.

They fell.

The impact echoed through the hall like thunder.

I froze at the top of the stairwell.

Haldrick lay sprawled on the ground, his body curved protectively around Danellas. His shoulder had slammed hard into the iron railingI heard the sharp grunt of pain he tried to suppress.

Yet when he looked at herhis eyes were impossibly gentle.

As if the frost that had ruled him for years had finally melted.

My hands were shaking.

The fall hadnt been fatal.

But it could have been.

If his head had struck the stone instead of his shoulder, he might have died in that instant.

And still

He hadnt hesitated.

Not even for a heartbeat.

I stared down at my reddened handthe one he had flung away moments beforeand let out a hollow, broken laugh.

There was no warmth left in it.

Only something cold and bitter, settling deep in my bones.

I turned back to my desk.

My fingers trembled as I slid the silver mating ring from my hand.

The ring his mother had chosen. The one I used to press my lips to in secret, pretending it represented love instead of obligation.

Enough, I murmured.

I stood, walked to the hearth room and dropped the ring into the refuse bin.

It struck the bottom with a soft clink.

A small sound.

Like something final breaking.

Irreversible.

I pushed open the infirmary door of the Silverclaw Pack and warm moonlight spilled out.

Haldrick was propped against the bed carved with protective runes, one arm wrapped tightly in healing bandages infused with lunar herbs. His wolf aura was calm, steadyas he leaned close, murmuring reassurance to Danella, who sat beside him with reddened eyes.

I already told you, he said softly, his voice unusually gentle. This wasnt your fault. I chose to move that fast.

Danella sniffed, tears clinging to her lashes. But if I hadnt slipped on the steps, you wouldnt have been injured

Her shoulders curled inward, her posture small, fragilelike she was afraid of taking up space.

Haldricks mother sat at the bedside, patting Danellas hand fondly. Youve always been tender-hearted. Even as a pup, you cried for days after cracking a ceremonial bowl.

She smiled nostalgically. And Haldrick was so distant back then. If not for you, he never wouldve learned how to soften.

His father laughed quietly. True. You even cooked for him during your academy days. The food was terrible, but he ate every bite. Said he didnt want to hurt you.

We all believed you two would end up as mates, he added easily.

The room glowed with warmthlike a perfectly balanced pack unit.

I stood frozen at the doorway, gripping the basket of spirit-fruit until the woven handle dug into my palm.

For years, I had been the one tending Haldricks wounds, managing his duties as Alpha heir, caring for his parents through illness and ritual fasting. I had endured their indifference, smiled through their coldness.

And yet, not once had I been spoken to with this warmth.

Haldrick finally noticed me.

The gentleness in his eyes vanished instantly.

What are you doing here? he asked coolly.

Danella startled and hurried to her feet, bowing slightly. LunaVireya, Im sorry. Alpha Haldrick was hurt because of me.

Please dont blame him. This was my mistake. I never meant

Her voice trembled, light and harmless, like a frightened bird.

Before I could reply, Haldrick stepped forward and placed himself squarely between us, shielding her without hesitation.

Stop, he said firmly. This was my decision. Danella had nothing to do with it. Dont direct your anger at her.

His mother sighed, clearly displeased. Dont make trouble here. Haldrick chose to protect her. Theres no reason to be upset, understand?

I looked at themevery single one standing instinctively on her sideand felt something twist sharply in my chest.

I smiled.

Not aloud. Just a thin, bitter curve of my lips.

As if I were the unreasonable ex-Luna. The jealous woman threatening an innocent she-wolf.

Danella stepped forward again, trying to speak. Vireya

I cut her off with a calm smile sharp enough to wound.

Be thankful you survived, I said evenly. I came to see that much for myself. Thats all. You may continue playing family.

I turned and walked out.

Vireya! Haldrick called after me.

I didnt slow.

Outside the ward, I pulled out my communicator rune and activated it. Trevian?

His familiar, warm voice answered. Thats rare. Everything alright?

I stared at the glowing sigils lining the corridor.

I want to leave the pack residence, I said quietly. Can you help?

When? he asked, without hesitation.

This afternoon.

***

Back in the infirmary, silence settled thickly.

Danellas tears spilled over as she sobbed, Did I make her angry? I swear, I never meant to

Haldricks mother squeezed her hand gently. Sweetheart, you did nothing wrong. Haldrick wouldnt have risked his life if you didnt matter to him. Dont blame yourself.

His father nodded. Exactly. Vireya has always beensensitive.

Haldrick said nothing, staring at the closed door, an unfamiliar pressure tightening in his chest.

Haldrick Danella whispered. The den Im staying in isnt safe. My former mate keeps finding me. Im frightened.

Can I stay with you for a while? Like before during academy?

Before Haldrick could respond, his mother answered briskly, Of course she can. Right?

Haldrick hesitated.

He knew bringing an unmated she-wolf into a Lunas territory was improper.

But when he saw the fear in Danellas eyes, he finally said, Fine. You can stay for now.

***

That evening, he brought her home.

Shell stay temporarily, he said. Her territory isnt secure. Dont misunderstand. Shes only a friend.

Oh, I replied simply, not looking at either of them.

Haldrick frowned, unsettled by my calm.

The old me wouldve argued, cried, demanded explanations.

But now, I watched Danellas faintly swollen eyes as though separated by glassdetached, unmoved.

Then the door opened again.

Heavy footsteps echoed.

Done hauling your things, a familiar voice drawled. You collect junk like youre prepping for war.

Trevian stepped inside, dragging two suitcases.

He crossed the room and casually wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

You owe me dinner, he said with a grin. The expensive kind.

Haldricks aura darkened instantly.

What is this? he demanded coldly. Vireyaexplain.

I didnt react.

Whats there to explain? I said calmly. Moving out of the Alpha residence isnt something I can do alone. So I asked someone I trust to help.

I still didnt lift my head as I added, Dont be tense. You know Trevian. Hes pack-family to me.

Haldricks jaw tightened, his throat bobbing as if words were stuck there.

After all, just yesterday, hed told me Danella was like a younger sister.

Strange how harmless it sounded when it came from himand how suspicious when it came from me.

Trevian glanced at Haldrick, lips curling slightly. Dinner? Forget it. Save that for the celebration when the mating bonds officially severed.

What did you just say? Haldrick snapped, alpha pressure flaring.

I paused briefly.

My cousins father and stepmother are dissolving their bond, I replied evenly. Were throwing a feast to celebrate.

Relief flickered across Haldricks face.

I felt it toorelief that he believed it.

Because in his world, I would never leave him.

I loved him too deeply didnt I?

The next morning, I woke later than usual.

When I descended the stairs, the great hall was already thick with the heavy scent of simmered meat broth. Danella sat at the long table, carefully ladling soup into a bowl, her expression gentle and earnest.

Haldrick, she said softly, I remember you used to love rib stew like this. Back at the academy, youd drink two bowls in one sitting. I kept it over the fire for three hours.

Haldrick said nothing. He took a sip. Then another.

When his gaze rested on her, it softenedfar more than it ever did with me.

He even allowed her to straighten his collar and adjust the clasp of his coat, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I stopped at the foot of the stairs.

I had adjusted his cloak countless timesawkwardly, maybe, but always carefully. He used to brush my hands away, frowning, complaining I was too slow or that my scent bothered him.

Now?

He didnt flinch.

Even though her hands were warm from cooking, even though they touched his collar directly.

I forced myself to look away and walked to the table.

I took a spoonful of the soup.

It was terrible.

The smell alone made my stomach churn and the taste burned down my throat. Still, I swallowed.

Seconds later, my body rebelled.

I sprang up and rushed to the sink, retching.

Behind me, Danella gasped. Is it that bad? Did I do something wrong? Should I leave?

She twisted her apron nervously, eyes shimmering, voice trembling with guilt and innocence.

I wiped my mouth calmly. Im just not used to it. Ill make something else later.

Before I could return to my seat

Clack!

Haldrick slammed his spoon down.

The sharp sound froze the room.

She put effort into this, he said coldly. If you didnt want it, you couldve said so. There was no need to humiliate her. From now on, prepare your own meals.

The words struck harder than a blow.

There was warning in his eyesannoyance mixed with disgust.

I didnt even feel anger.

I simply turned and walked into the kitchen.

Behind me, Danella whimpered softly, Haldrick maybe I overstepped. I shouldnt have

He didnt come after me.

Instead, he rested a hand on her shoulder. Dont think too much. Shes always been like this.

I stopped.

My hands hovered above the cutting board, trembling.

He didnt bother hiding it anymore.

For five years, I cooked until my hands blistered, memorized his tastes, studied recipe scrolls late into the night just for a single word of approval.

I never received it.

Danella boiled a pot of barely edible broth and it became effort.

He shielded her from meas if I were the aggressor.

At the Alpha Tower, they stood side by side in the lift.

I stayed behind them and pressed the rune for my floor.

Other pack members entered, whispering without much care for secrecy.

Did you see the recording yesterday? The Alpha nearly shifted to save that she-wolf!

Theyre former academy mates, right? They look like a bonded pair.

I thought Alpha Nightreaver had a Luna already. Dont tell meits her?

Danellas cheeks flushed pink. She waved her hands lightly. No, no. Were just old classmates.

The way she said itsoft, shy, fragilewas worse than admitting it outright.

She let their imaginations do the work.

Haldrick didnt deny it.

I remembered once draping my cloak over his shoulders in the council hall. That night, hed pulled me aside and said icily, This is official territory. Dont create misunderstandings.

But now?

He stood there in silence while they assumed she was his mate.

I stepped out of the lift and walked straight to the administrative wing.

Id like to submit my resignation, I said.

The clerk stared at me. Youre stepping down?

I placed the sealed letter on the desk. Yes.

She lowered her voice. Is it because of the new she-wolf? But I thought you were

I smiled faintly and said nothing.

Everyone in the pack had already decided who the real Luna was.

And it wasnt me.

Just as she was about to speak again, a guard burst in. Theres trouble at the front gate! Alpha Nightreaver is fighting for Danella!

I ran.

A crowd had gathered near the boundary stones. Three or four rogue wolves circled Danella, one wielding an iron rod.

Haldrick stood before her, shielding her completely. Blood streamed from a cut above his brow.

Get back! he snarled, alpha aura flaring.

Then he chargedfighting bare-handed.

My heart nearly stopped.

I rushed forward, shouting, Haldrick! Are you insane?! Youd die for her?!

He turned sharply and shoved me aside.

What? I gasped.

He stepped toward me, fury twisting his features.

Vireya, he demanded coldly, was this your doing?

My breath caught. What are you talking about?

Dont lie, he growled, teeth clenched. Youve always despised her. Is this your retaliation? Did you send these rogues after her?

My world lurched sideways.

I stared at him, disbelief tearing through my chest. You think Id sink that low?

Haldrick didnt avert his gaze.

Youre clever, he said coldly. You know how pack politics work. Stirring up rogues wouldnt be difficult for someone like you. His voice sharpened. I never realized how vicious you truly were.

Stop! I screamed.

Pain detonated in my chest, stealing my breath.

You think this is about jealousy? I cried. That Id hire rogues just because you protected her? Haldrick, I have never stooped that far.

His eyes hardened. The entire pack knows you despise her. Dont pretend otherwise.

I laughedshort, hollow and freezing.

She sheds a tear and the whole world shields her. I tighten my jaw once and Im a monster? My voice trembled. You only see her. You always have.

For a moment, he falteredthen Danella clutched his sleeve.

Haldrick, she said softly, eyes brimming, dont argue. Its not worth it. This is my fault. I I panicked because back in the academy, she once had others intimidate me.

That was it.

The final spark.

I lifted my chin, voice sharp as broken ice. You think Id waste my time plotting against you?

I turned to Danella, eyes blazing. If Id wanted you gone back then, you wouldnt have survived initiationlet alone stolen my mate.

Enough! Haldrick roared.

His hand came down.

The sound cracked like thunder.

My cheek burned as I stumbled backward, crashing onto the stone ground. My palms scraped raw, blood seeping through torn skin.

He hit me?

Haldrick didnt help me up.

He didnt even look at me.

Instead, he turned and swept Danella into his arms, holding her as though she were fragile glass. He carried her away, the car door slamming shut like a final judgment.

He left me there.

Discarded.

A sharp, unbearable pain exploded in my abdomen.

I staggered forwardand warmth spilled down my legs.

Miss! Youre bleeding! someone screamed, rushing toward me. Youre losing too much blood!

I tried to say it was nothing.

I couldnt.

Darkness swallowed me whole.

***

The healers wing was a blur of white light and frantic voices.

Shes hemorrhaging!

Wheres her bonded mate? We need his consentnow!

Shes married, but the Alpha isnt answering. Weve tried repeatedly.

If we wait any longer, the pup wont survive!

The words drifted around me like water.

My body felt distant, fractured, no longer my own.

My chest felt heavy, my throat burning as though lined with glass.

I forced my arm up and gripped the healers sleeve with the last of my strength.

Ill sign, I rasped. Release the pup. I dont want I cant keep it.

The words fell like stones.

The healer froze. Are you certain?

I nodded, biting back a scream as tears finally slipped free.

The ritual chamber was freezing, far colder than moonstone walls should allow. The scent of herbs and silver filled the air. Tools clinked softly as they were laid out.

Stay still, a nurse murmured. It will be over soon.

The sedative hadnt fully taken hold.

I felt everything.

Every pull. Every burn.

I bit my lip until blood filled my mouth, swallowing the sob I refused to release.

Im sorry, I whispered silently. Im sorry, little one.

You werent born of love.

You were an obligationa demand from an Alphas bloodline.

I couldnt bring you into a den where your father would never look at you the way he looked at another.

Letting you go was the only mercy I had left.

***

When I woke, the pain was dull but constant.

My stomach felt hollowempty in a way that went beyond flesh.

No one sat beside my bed.

Not even him.

I hadnt expected him to come.

But somewhere deep inside, I had hoped.

Reality answered clearly.

Haldrick never came.

Not for the blood.

Not for the screams.

Not for the life he never knew existed.

My communicator buzzed on the bedside table.

A new post from Danella.

With shaking fingers, I opened it.

The images sliced through me.

There they wereDanella and Haldrick at Moonfall Glades, wearing matching enchanted ears shaped like cartoon mice. He was smiling, laughing softly as she clung to his arm.

They looked happy.

I remembered begging him once.

Please, Haldrick, Id laughed. Just once. I want to go to Moonfall Glades. I want the silly headbands and overpriced sugarfloss.

Hed always frowned. That place is childish.

Yet here he was.

For her.

My chest tightened until I couldnt breathe.

Letting go of Haldrick hurt like tearing out my own spine.

He wasnt just my mate.

He was my childhood longing, my teenage dream, my entire youth bound to one cold Alpha.

But I was done lying to myself.

I pitied myself.

I turned off the screen, catching my reflectionpale, hollow-eyed, lifeless.

A new message arrived.

From the legal scribe.

[The dissolution of the mating bond is nearly complete. We can arrange the final signing tomorrow.]

I stared at the words.

And for the first time

I didnt cry.

Just then, my communicator chimed.

Haldricks name glowed across the crystal screen.

I stared at it for a few heartbeats before accepting the call.

You ignored my calls earlier, he said, his voice taut beneath a carefully controlled calm. What happened?

I closed my eyes and answered evenly, Nothing important.

Silence stretched between us.

Then his tone shifted, softer, cautiousalmost apologetic.

Vireya I traced it. Those rogues werent sent by you. They were hired by Danellas former mate. I was wrong.

A pause. Im sorry.

Sorry

Such a small word.

It struck my heart like a war hammer.

I didnt respond.

As if afraid Id hang up, he rushed on, Tomorrow marks our sixth year as bonded mates. Ive decidedits time to announce our union to the Alpha Council. I want every pack to know youre my Luna.

He continued, voice growing earnest. And I noticed your bond ring is missing. Are you upset? If you dislike it, Ill have the silversmith craft you a better one

Haldrick, I interrupted.

Yes?

I swallowed the ache rising in my chest and said simply, Its nothing. You should return to your duties.

He hesitated, clearly wanting to say more, but I severed the call.

***

I stayed out until dusk before returning to the den.

When I pushed the door open, cold, stagnant air greeted me.

There was no trace of me left inside.

Instead, the space was saturated with Danellas presence.

Her shawl lay draped over the sofa. A half-finished cup of warm goats milk rested on the low table, her unfamiliar floral scent clinging to the air. Near the entrance, a pair of soft pink house-slippers sat neatly alignedlike she had always belonged here.

Like I never had.

I stepped into the bedroom.

On the nightstand lay an old, forgotten notebook.

My academy journal.

The cover had yellowed with age, the edges worn thin. I flipped it open and the first line of clumsy handwriting made me laugh through the burn in my eyes.

Haldrick, you probably dont notice me, but I like you.

Back then, I believed devotion could conquer fate. That if I stayed warm enough, patient enough, Id melt his frostjust like in those na?ve romance legends whispered under the moon.

But real life wasnt a legend.

Love didnt reward endurance.

I sat at the desk and, for the final time, wrote him a letter.

Not truly for him.

For the girl I used to be.

Ink soaked into the parchment as my tears fell silently.

Haldrick,

I have loved you for nearly fifteen years.

From that first foolish note in the academy to the night I became your Luna, I believed loving you harder would make you see me.

I was wrong.

I thought a bond was between two souls. In the end, I was only an obstacle to your happiness.

I cant wait anymore.

This time, I release youand myself.

Let us never meet again.

I dont wish to love you anymore.

I placed the letter on the desk.

Beneath it, I tucked the healers parchment.

A termination certificate.

Six weeks gestation.

Then I erased myself.

My scent. My access rune from the warded door. Every trace of my existence.

I packed my single suitcase and walked away from the den I had once mistaken for home.

When sunlight brushed my face outside, I smiled for the first time in years.

Happy severance, Haldrick, I whispered. There will be no next life for us.

***

By the time Haldrick returned, night had fully claimed the sky.

He entered carrying two bags of moon-sugar dessertsmy favorites. He looked weary, as though procuring them had cost him effort.

Then he saw the letter.

The color drained from his face.

His hands trembled as he unfolded the parchment, the ink still faintly smudged with dried tears.

The words Let us never meet again struck him like a blade through the chest.

Then he saw the second document.

The healers report.

Six weeks pregnant. Complications. Procedure completed.

His communicator vibrated.

A new message appeared:

[Alpha Haldrick Nightreaver, the dissolution of your bond with Vireya Bloodwyn has been finalized.]

The den was silent.

For the first time

So was his heart.