The Rejected Luna Returns as the Rival Alpha’s Mate

My pup, Elian, died because my Alpha mate, Malven Wolfsbane, cut off my moon-accounts. Not because our pack was poorbut because his favored she-wolf whispered poison into his ear. He was busy soothing her pups fabricated belly pain beneath the healers lamps.

I called from the Moonfang Infirmary, blood-moon light flickering over white stone.

Malven please, I begged through the crystal link. Hes dying.

Viora, stop this nonsense, he snapped. Ryke is crying in pain. If you summon me again, Ill invoke the severance rite. Deal with it yourself.

The link shattered.

Two hours later, my pup died in my arms, his small body shaking as moonfire faded from his veins.

Mom it hurts he whispered.

I held him long after his heart went still, until the healers pried him from me beneath the silent Moon Mothers gaze.

That night, I bowed before my fatherthe Alpha Sovereign I had once defied.

I will accept Raizens bond, I said.

The rival Alpha King I had rejected because I believed Malven loved me.

Before the bond was announced, I returned to the manor for one last thing: Malvens bloodmark on the severance decree.

He was laughing with his favored she-wolf when I entered. Her pup lunged for my satchel, tore it openand the urn etched with lunar runes shattered.

Elians ashes spilled across the sacred marble.

I screamed and fell to my knees, scooping what I coulduntil the pup giggled and ground his heel into my pups remains.

Malven didnt stop him.

He snarled at me instead. Viora, stop behaving like a mad wolf!

By dawn, the bond was severed. Then I disappeared.

Weeks later, whispers spread across the Wolfsbane Pack.

When Malven finally saw us standing together beneath the coronation moon, his blood ran cold.

He stepped forward, desperate.

Viora come back to the pack. Please. I was wrong. Ill make it right. Just return to me.

My mate, Malven Wolfsbane, was an Alpha Lordruler of the Wolfsbane Pack.

Cold. Unapproachable. Revered by wolves who would spill blood at a single command.

And yet, on the night our pup was dying, he was in another moon-healers hall, soothing his favored she-wolf because her pup suffered nothing more than a minor stomach pang.

I called him from the Moonveil Infirmary. I begged him to release my sealed lunar accounts. I needed silver marks for the high healer. I needed the transfer nowor my pup would not survive.

He exhaled sharply, irritated. Viora, stop acting. Ryke is truly unwell. I wont indulge your jealousy.

Malven, please, I cried. Elian cant breathe. Just let me pay the healer

If you summon me again, Ill invoke the severance rite, he cut in. Deal with it yourself.

The bond-link went dead.

Just like that. As if our pup meant nothing.

So I stayed alone beside a pup who trusted me with his entire world.

I held Elians hand as moonlight drained from his skin. I whispered to him while the crystal runes dimmed to silence. I kissed his brow and watched his chest still forever. My arms locked around him until the healers gently forced me to let go.

***

The Moonfire Chamber smelled of scorched stone and cold iron. Ash motes drifted through pale light filtering from the high windows. Perhaps some of them already belonged to another grieving mother.

Soon, my pup would join them.

I stood in a black mourning robe hanging loose on my hollow body. My eyes were swollen, but no tears came anymore.

I slipped my hand beneath the white shroud and touched Elians fingerscold, unmoving. I placed two small blue paper stars into his palm. I had folded them the night before with trembling hands, unsure what a mother was meant to give her pup for his final crossing.

Elian

The attendants exchanged looks and drew back the cloth.

There he was. My Elian.

Seven winters old, yet far too small, as though life had been starving him long before death arrived.

Cracked lips. A fragile chest. Bruises from healing needles marked his arms.

There was no peace in himonly fear. Only pain. All because his Alpha father chose another wolfs pup over his own.

I stood frozen. Too tired to scream. Too empty to cry. I had sworn to protect him.

And I failed.

A healer murmured, Im sorry. The sickness spread too quickly. Without the Moon Sage, there was no chance.

I said nothing.

I brushed his hair from his eyes. He always hated when it fell there.

Then I whispered, You may release him. Let him go where pain cannot follow.

They hesitated, then placed his tiny body into the moonfire. Perhaps they pitied me. Perhaps they felt nothing.

I felt nothing too.

Elian was free now. No more waiting for love that never came. No more questions that cut me open every time.

Mom, why doesnt Father visit me?

Mom, why does he only care about Ryke?

Mom, did I do something wrong?

I remembered every lie I told to shield him. Every truth I swallowed to keep his heart whole.

But Malven broke him anyway.

My mate sealed my accounts while our pup was dying. He chose his favored she-wolfs pup over his own blood.

I pressed my cheek to Elians forehead and whispered, Mamas here. Mamas here. You have me.

But I was too late.

He crossed the veil without waiting for his father. Without hearing Malvens voice one last time. Without the healer who could have saved himbecause I could not pay.

Ever since Rivelle returned with her gentle smiles and false tears, Malven treated me as a threat. He confined me within the stronghold. Called me unstable. Told the entire dominion I was jealous, delusional, dangerous.

You harmed Rivelle and her pup, he once said coldly. Ill make you repay it twice over.

And he did. He stripped my life down to nothing but loss.

Now I stood outside the Moonfire Hall, clutching the urn they gave me.

Small. Light. Blue.

Elian loved blue. I pressed it to my chest as if it still held warmth.

Were going home, my pup, I whispered.

The sun shone bright. The air was warm. Yet winter crept beneath my skin. I felt empty. I felt alone.

When I returned to the Alpha stronghold with Elians ashes, the first thing I saw was Rivelle. Her hand rested on Malvens arm. She leaned in and kissed his cheek in gratitude.

Thank you for staying last night, she said softly. Ryke feels much better now. But is Elian well? Viora called earlier and sounded so

Malven didnt move away. His hand stayed at her waist. Calm. At ease.

Viora exaggerates to gain attention, he said carelessly. Shes always been dramatic. Unbalanced. A poor mother. I regret coddling Elianhe grew weak.

I stopped breathing. The urn nearly slipped from my hands. I thought I had no tears left, but they fell anywaysilent and burning.

If he wanted her, he could keep her.

Malven finally noticed me in the corridor. His hand dropped from Rivelles waist. His expression flickeredguilt, or perhaps annoyance.

You should have warned me you were returning, he muttered. I wouldve sent someone.

He didnt mention the night I begged for help after being stranded near his coastal territory, followed by strangers. He said he was busy.

When I asked for guards, he snapped that his warriors werent servants and threatened divorce if I kept acting helpless.

I walked alone that night and nearly vanished into a van. When I called him in terror, he said, Youre foolish for going alone. What did you expect?

But when Rivelle needed transport, he sent escorts. Wolves. Himself.

I tightened my grip on the urn and said quietly, Its fine.

He studied me for a long moment. Something strange crossed his gaze.

Did Elian recover? he finally asked.

I gripped the satchel on my shoulder until my fingers went numb. The weight inside felt heavier than boneheavier than sin.

Elians

The words died in my throat.

A small body crashed into me, sending me sprawling across the moon-polished marble. My wrist burned as it scraped the floor and the urn nearly spilled from the bag. I caught it at the last heartbeat and crushed it to my chest.

Watch yourself, I snapped.

It was Ryke, Rivelles prized pup, freshly released from the healers hall after nothing more than a mild ailment. His young face twisted with the arrogance he learned from the Alpha standing behind him.

You watch it, fool! he barked. Why are you even here?

Malvens voice cracked like thunder. Thats enough, Ryke.

Then he turned his cold gaze on me. Viora, hes a pup. Dont cause a disturbance.

Rivelle glided forward, steps soft, intentions softer still. She laid a calming hand on Malvens chest.

Please, dont be angry, she murmured. This is my fault again. Ryke and I can leave.

Malvens jaw tightened. His finger liftedpointing at me.

You did this. Not her.

Something shattered deeper inside me, in a place I didnt know could still break. They stood there like a bonded family. I was the outsider who returned carrying ashes.

Ryke lunged for my satchel again, fingers clawing at the clasp.

Im hungry. Why are you hugging it? Is there food inside?

The urn slipped free.

It struck the floor with a hollow crack that stole the air from my lungs.

Nodont touch that!

Ryke crouched, reaching for it with filthy hands. What is it? I want it.

I shoved him away. Hard. I didnt care anymore. Everything worth protecting was already gone.

Malven roared, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!

His face twisted with rage. He just left the healers hall. Hes still weakand you dare strike him?

Ryke screamed and clawed at me, yanking my hair until my eyes burned.

Its Elians, I choked. Its my pup.

Rivelle gently pulled Malven back, her voice coated in false kindness. Let it go. If it belonged to Elian, Ryke shouldnt touch it.

Malven scoffed. This is my stronghold. I decide what is touchedand by whom.

I pressed the urn to my chest until my ribs ached and walked away without a word.

To him, I must have looked petulant. A dramatic Luna playing the victim. I heard his derisive breath behind me. His muttered insult.

Then the sound of him escorting Rivelle and Ryke out like an Alpha king sending honored guests to their carriage.

That night, in the chamber he no longer shared with me, I packed my belongings. I completed the severance decree with hands that wouldnt stop shaking. I placed Elians urn beside me on the bed and stared at it until dawn bled through the curtains.

***

That night, Elian came to me again.

In the dream, he wandered a long corridor of crystal moon-glass. No shadows. No reflections. Bare feet padding softly as his shoulders trembled. Tears streamed down his face while he clutched his stomach in pain.

He kept calling for him.

Father? Where are you?

Not me. Never me. He wanted Malven. He always did.

My heart broke open inside the dream. I chased him, calling his name, begging him to stop. But the faster I ran, the farther he driftedsmall hands dissolving like mist.

I collapsed to my knees, sobbing.

Im sorry, my pup. Im so sorry. I should have protected you. I should never have left you alone.

I repeated it until my throat burned.

***

When I woke, I was already on the floor beside the bed. My hands were clasped in prayer though I didnt remember kneeling. I begged the Moon Mother that wherever my pup had gone, he felt no pain. That death gave him the mercy life never did.

The Alpha stronghold remained silent. Malvens dominion was built on power and fear, yet it was the loneliest place in the realm.

Beautiful stone. Gleaming halls. Endless emptiness.

It had never been a home.

Then the memories returned.

Malvens change. His slow withdrawal. The way Rivelles return sharpened him into something cold enough to cut.

He compared the boys often.

Ryke is strong, he once said, pouring firewine. Good presence. Healthy. Resilient.

Unlike Elian. The words were never spokenbut they sliced all the same.

Only weeks before Elian fell ill, Malven looked me in the eye and said, Sometimes I wonder if that pup is even mine. And if he is, hes unfit to inherit my legacy. Too frail. Always sick. Weak blood weakens a kingdom.

I couldnt breathe.

I spent years reshaping myself into what he might acceptquieter, sharper, more obedient. But I never believed he would withdraw his bond from our pup.

Elian adored him. Idolized him. He showed Malven every drawing, every little charm made from foil and hope, but Malven never looked.

My pup died without his fathers scent in the room. Without his voice. Without the Alpha he worshipped lifting a single claw.

Footsteps sounded outside. Unsteady. Drunk. Muffled voices followed.

I cracked the door and saw Malven leaning against Rivelle, his arm wrapped around her waist as she supported him.

Are you sure you want to check on her? Rivelle whispered, fingers tracing his jaw. Its late. She might still be awake.

Malven laughed low. Why would I? She was cruel to Ryke.

Rivelle guided him into her chamber, leaving the door carelessly ajar. I heard everythingher soft cries, his rough groans, the bed striking the wall.

I didnt move. I didnt weep. I folded my hands like a forgotten spirit and stared at the wall until morning came.

***

At dawn, I prepared his hangover broth as I always had. The kitchen smelled warm, though I felt nothing. Malven entered, rubbing his temples.

He sat, avoiding my gaze. I came back late, he muttered. Didnt want to wake you. Slept in the guest quarters.

I nodded. Alright.

He relaxed instantlythinking I was still the quiet Luna. The obedient one. The woman who never questioned.

Then I slid a parchment across the table.

The severance decree.

Elian isnt improving. I need to return to the Moonveil Infirmary, I said quietly. Sign this travel sigil.

Malven didnt even look at the parchment. He scrawled his mark with a careless flick of his claw and shoved it back.

Go, he said flatly. Handle your own pup.

I left before the sun dared crest the horizon. The Alpha stronghold lay silent behind me, cold as its stone bonesnever a home at all.

***

The journey to my fathers territory took five hours. The gate rose taller than memoryblack iron gates crowned with spikes, sentinels standing like carved wolves along the walls.

Everything was immaculate. Controlled. Unmoving.

However, I was not. Thinner. Worn down in places no eye could see. Aged in ways no mirror could name.

I stepped from the car alone. No attendants came. No greeting awaited.

The halls stretched empty, watching. Judging.

Then I saw him.

My fatherthe Alpha Sovereign who raised me in silence, whose gaze cut sharper than steel.

You, he said. After all your defiance. After burying your own life with your choices.

I didnt bow. I didnt weep. Malvens dominion had drained that from me.

The alliance you once proposed, I said evenly, does it still stand?

No. That Alpha is mated nowto someone who doesnt stain my bloodline.

He turned to close the door. I held his gaze. He stilled, hand on the handle.

But, he added slowly, his younger brother remains unmated. Your sister was meant for him, but ambition called her elsewhere. Youif you acceptmay take her place.

I didnt question. I didnt hesitate. I nodded.

I would survive. I would play their game. I would reclaim whatever remained of myself.

That night, they placed me in a guest chamber smelling of dust and cold polish. Even the servants avoided my eyes. It felt as though I had died long ago and returned as a shadow.

Before midnight, I was summoned.

The younger brother. The overlooked heir.

Raizen Wildbriar.

He waited in the old observatory, dressed in black, moonlight carving sharp lines across his face. I expected frailty. Instead, he moved like a hunting wolfmeasured, assessing, dangerous.

So, he said softly, the runaway Luna returns.

I couldnt speak.

Tell me,his voice lowered, edged with threat, are you here to seek absolution or vengeance?

I bit my lip to stop the tremor.

He gave a low chuckle and turned toward the window. Moonlight spilled across the glass floor like blades.

Go, he said. Return when your bond is fully severed.

I wanted to protest. To say it wasnt so simple. The words lodged in my throat.

I left and returned to the empty roomno blankets, no memories, no proof I had ever belonged anywhere. I sat on the bed, breathing, trying to remember who I was before love hollowed me out.

***

I didnt sleep.

Dawn arrived without warmth, only more silence. My body moved by habit aloneevery motion unchanged since Elian fell ill. Rest had long abandoned me.

The keep remained cold, sterile, alive with a quiet that crushed sound. I sat at the long table when the communicator chimed. Malvens name glowed on the crystal.

I answered.

Were heading out, he said lightly. Ryke wants to try sky-sailing. Rivelle couldnt say noyou know how she is. He laughed. My parents will stop by later. Make sure everythings prepared.

Alright.

The link ended. No date mentioned. No word of Elian.

Today was Elians birthday.

I returned to the glass-walled stronghold. Each step echoed. My hands shook as I went straight to my chamberthe only place that still held him.

I lit a small candle beside his portrait and the blue urn beneath it. His favorite dinosaur plush rested against the wall, waiting.

Elian once begged me to take him sky-sailing. Hed seen it in a moving picture and promised to wear his pirate socks while flying over the sea. I remembered the light in his eyes. Malven had laughedsharp, dismissivesaid it was too dangerous for a fragile pup. Said hed be blown away.

Now Ryke would fly. And Elian didnt even have a birthday.

I stood by the door, trembling, until the gates chimed. The front doors opened. Footsteps echoed. Servants ushered them in like royalty.

Malvens parents.

I sank against the wall, silent. They didnt smile. His mothers gaze brushed over me with open contempt.

Wheres the sickly pup? she asked coldly. Deador still clinging to breath?

I parted my lips to answer, but Malvens father cut in smoothly.

Enough of that, he said. How is Ryke? I heard Rivelle may be carrying again. Is it true?

I stayed silent, fingers clutching my skirt. My chest ached as though it might split.

You see, his mother went on coolly, she brings new life into Malvens pack without chaos. No outbursts. Calm. Proper. Unlike some.

I lowered my eyes.

Then his fathers voice fell like an iron gavel.

Go assist the kitchen wolves. But first, pour our tea. Inform Malven we expect him at the Moon Hall next week for our mating anniversary. You may bring your ailing pup if you wish.

I nodded, voice barely sound. As you command.

I went to the hearth-kitchen, told the cook they preferred jasmine leaves, arranged the tray myself. Polished porcelain. Balanced. Flawless. Yet inside me, something was screaming itself raw.

As I set the cups down, my hand trembled. One slipped and shattered against the stone with a sharp, final crack.

His mother gaspedthen glared.

Youve always been careless, she snapped. Even pouring tea is beyond you. Bitter, just like the life you lead.

I stared at the broken shards, then straightened my spine.

Forgive me, I whispered. Not for the cup. Not for today. For the girl who once begged them to accept her. That girl had died with Elian.

They didnt stay for a meal.

Malvens parents rose, faces carved from quiet contempt. His mother adjusted her gloves slowly, deliberately.

Ill tell Malven how feeble youve become. Perhaps now hell see the truth. You never belonged here. Never worth the inconvenience.

The doors closed. Hooves rolled down the drive. Silence reclaimed the strongholdthe same silence that had lived here long before Malven ruled it.

I turned to the maid. You can stand down. Lunch wont be needed.

She nodded. I climbed the stairs, one heavy step at a time. My legs felt borrowed, my body distant.

Halfway up, whispers drifted from the kitchenlow, quick.

She didnt even cry.

Did you see the urn in her chamber? That pup Elian gone.

Alpha Malven only speaks of Ryke now. Sends Lady Rivelle moon-flowers. Never visits the burial stone.

Even if he did, it wouldnt matter. Elian was too gentle. Always prey.

She used to be Luna here. Now? Just surviving.

I kept walking. Didnt turn. Didnt defend myself. Perhaps they werent wrong.

I entered my chamber and closed the door.

My communicator chimed. It was from Malven.

Once. Twice. I stared until it went dark. No message. No follow-up.

The silence returnedheavy, settled, permanent.

***

I changed in quiet.

I chose the soft blue dress Elian loved, stitched with small white clouds. He used to press his tiny hands against it and smile. Mama, you look like the moms in story scrolls, hed say. The safe kind. The happy kind.

I lifted his urn, holding it as though I were holding him again, heart to heart. Warm sunlight spilled through the curtains.

I left the stronghold without a word and drove to the only place Elian had ever begged to visit on his name-daysMoonveil Park.

Just once, Mama, hed whisper every year. I want to see the sea-wolves. Ill behave. I promise.

Malven always refused. Too dangerous. Too fragile. Too sickly. The world was perilous for Elianbut never for Ryke.

I bought a pass. Paid for two seatsone for me, one for him.

I kept him with me, told him stories, laughed softly as the sea-creatures leapt through the waves.

Those nearby may have thought me unbalancedsitting on a bench, murmuring to a blue urn as if it might answer.

I didnt care.

This day wasnt for them. Not for Malven. Not for his pack. Not for his bloodline. Not for Ryke.

It was for Elian. Only him.

I lit a small candle by the railing, letting the wind toy with the flame.

Happy name-day, my pup, I whispered.

When I returned, night had swallowed the stronghold, turning its glass halls into long, dark veins. The air felt thick. Even the lights seemed afraid to burn bright.

I stepped into the foyer.

And Malven emerged from the shadows.

Before I could draw breath, his hand struck my facefast, savage. The crack echoed through the halls like thunder. My head slammed into the doorframe. White stars burst across my vision. A ringing filled my ears.

But I didnt release the urn.

My pup. My last fragment of him. My arms locked around it as if loosening my grip would end me.

Malvens voice thundered through the stairwell, thick with Alpha fury. Have you lost your senses, Viora? You dare disgrace my parents inside my own den?

I blinked, swallowed blood, and said nothing.

He stalked closer. My mother told me everything, he snarled. You insulted her. Picked up her tea. Threatened our lives. His nostrils flared. Do you find that amusing? Playing the mad Luna?

I opened my mouthand pain exploded.

My head snapped sideways. Fire tore down my spine. The taste of iron filled my mouth.

Rivelles voice drifted down the steps, sweet and venomous. Malven please dont harm her. She isnt worth it. Shes just unstable. You know how fragile she is.

He turned to her, and the rage vanished instantlysoftened into something almost gentle.

Youre too merciful, he said quietly. Thats why she still forgets her place.

Rivelle sighed. Shes been strange all day. I tried to understand her, but she hates me. I can feel it.

From the couch, Ryke didnt even pretend concern. His sound-crystals hung loose around his neck, music still humming. He smirked at me.

Entertainment. This was sport.

None of the servants intervened. They gathered at the archway, whispering like restless spirits.

Shes still holding the urn

She never raised a claw

I heard she went to the sea cliffs alone with the ashes

My heart had turned to ash long before they spoke.

Malvens gaze finally droppedto my arms, to the white moon-urn cradled against my chest like a newborn.

Whats that? he asked.

Before I could move, he tore it from my grasp.

No!

Too late.

He held it as if it were refuse. Turned it over. Scoffed.

You carried this through the city? Wailing for strangers? He shook it lightly, as if expecting sound. What is this? Another pitiful performance?

My breath stopped.

Its an urn, he sneered. Who died this time? Your pride?

Rivelle laughed softly behind him. Ryke snorted.

Blood dried at my lip. My face burned. I spoke.

Give it back.

Malven lifted it higher, mocking. Why? Whos inside, hmm? You collecting remains now?

I didnt blink.

Its Elian, I said quietly.

Silence fell like a snapped bond.

Malvens grip stiffened. Rivelles smile vanished. Rykes gaze dropped. The servants stopped whispering.

One long breath passed. Then

He let go.

No!!!

The urn struck the floor.

A single, clean crackthen ruin.

Ash. Bone dust. Shattered moon-ceramic.

My pup scattered across the tiles as if he had never been held, never been cherished, never existed.

The scream tore out of me. I collapsed, clawing at the floor, gathering what I could into shaking hands. My nails split. I didnt feel it. I felt nothing but the hollow where he had been.

Behind me, Malven sighedas if annoyed by dirt near his boots.

Stop howling like someone killed you, he said coldly. Youre not the victim.

My hands were black with ash. My breath stuttered. Tears blurred the world.

Then he said, casually, I got word from the healer this morning. Elian is fine. Alive. Sitting up. Smiling. They even sent images.

I froze.

Alive?

Impossible.

No. I was there. I held him when the runes went dark. When his chest stilled. When the healer covered him and I couldnt move.

You lied, Malven said, stepping closer until his shadow swallowed me. You staged his death. Drugged him. Built this farce because you wanted sympathy.

I lifted my face, shattered. H-he died he died in my arms

Enough, he snapped. Spare me.

Rivelle glided to his side. Maybe she did it to wound me, she whispered, trembling with false terror. Maybe she hated me so much she wanted me to feel her pain. Her eyes flicked to the ashes. Maybe she wanted me to imagine myself like that broken. Scattered.

She gasped, collapsed onto the couch dramatically, shaking like glass.

Come, sweetheart, she sobbed, pulling Ryke close. Lets go. Mommy cant breathe around this filth. I dont want you seeing such darkness.

Ryke didnt look afraid. Just obedient. A pup trained early.

Malven wrapped an arm around Rivelle, holding her close. Dont waste tears on her, he murmured. Youre the only one who matters. Lets go upstairs. Leave her with her mess.

I was still on the floor, sweeping my pup into my palms. Ash smeared the stone like a ghost begging to stay.

Then Ryke broke free.

He charged toward me.

His boots came down hardright onto the ashes.

Witch! he screamed. You made my mommy cry!

He stomped again.

And my boy scattered even furtherto the corners of the den, as if he had never been mine at all.

No.

Ryke kicked the shattered moon-urn so hard the fragments skidded across the stone floor, splintering against the wall. Runed ceramic burst like glass under a curse.

I couldnt move. My breath locked in my chest. My body refused me.

Something ripped up my throattoo mangled to be a howl, too broken to be a cry.

Malven stepped into my space, his Alpha aura crushing. His hand clamped around my face, fingers digging into my jaw until bone screamed.

Enough, he snarled. Enough of this disgrace.

I stared at him. His face was carved from granite. No remorse. No mourning. Nothing.

For a moment, he said coldly, I almost believed you. Almost pitied your little corpse.

His thumb dragged along my jaw, scorching like brand-fire.

But the Moonfang Healers sent proof. Crystal-recordings. Elian laughing. Sitting upright. The healer swore you exaggerated everything. Said you used the pup. Let him act worse just to harvest sympathy.

A lie. Her lie.

My eyes slid past himto the stairs.

Rivelle stood halfway up, fingers curled around the banister. Moonlight caught her gaze, and there it wasthe faint smile at the corner of her lips. Quiet. Victorious.

She bought the visions. Paid the healer. Wove the story. And Malven swallowed it, as he always did.

They turned away. Rivelle rested her head on his shoulder, steps light, fragile.

Come to bed, my Alpha, she murmured. I cant breathe another moment near her.

Ryke glanced back once, disgust flashing in his eyesthen lifted his chin and followed his mother like a trained cub.

Silence swallowed the den.

I stayed on the floor, palms torn and bleeding, gathering the last traces of my pup with hands that wouldnt stop shaking.

Hours passedor maybe the moon simply forgot to move.

I didnt sleep. I couldnt. I sat outside my chamber, knees drawn tight, dried blood crusted on my skin, salt still burning my tongue.

Past midnight, I heard coughing.

Then Malvens voicesharp, panicked.

Rivelle. Look at me. Where does it hurt?

I didnt move.

Her cries thundered through the stone walls.

I cant breathe, she gasped. Malvenmy chest, my wombshe cursed me. That urn! Ever since she brought death into this packhold, somethings choking me!

Footsteps pounded. Malven swore.

That witch.

Rivelles voice dropped into a trembling whisper.

I heard the servants they said she bought poisonous herbs. Moon-bane meant for me. Maybe she hid it in the urn. Maybe she wanted me gone. She sobbed softly. Im carrying your heir, Malven. I dont want to die. Not me not the pup.

The door burst open.

Malven stormed toward me, fury thick as blood-mist.

He seized my wrist and hauled me up.

You did this.

My ankle twisted. Fire tore through my arm.

You poisoned my den, he roared. You cursed her. You knew she carried my heir and still brought death under my roof.

I didnt

He yanked me so hard my breath broke.

She nearly died tonight! Is that what you want? Her dead?

He dragged me into their chamber and shoved me forward.

KNEEL.

I stayed upright.

I said kneel.

No.

The slap crackedstars exploding behind my eyes.

On your knees.

I stood.

He kicked the backs of my legs. Agony surged. I crashed down, skin splitting open again, blood staining the floorstones.

Rivelle reclined on the couch like a queen receiving tribute. Hair flawless. Belly rounded beneath silk. One hand pressed weakly to her chesteyes sharp. Devouring.

I dont believe her, she murmured. She doesnt sound remorseful. Make her louder, Malven. I want to hear her shatter.

Malven loomed behind me, a shadow ready to crush.

Apologize, he hissed. Until she forgives you.

My lips shook. My voice broke.

Im sorry.

Again.

Im sorry.

Againuntil my throat burned, until my voice split, until something inside me tore open and bled.

Rivelle rose slowly, clutching her belly, swaying.

M-Malven somethings wrong, she whispered, terror perfectly rehearsed. My womb I think Im bleeding

She collapsed neatlystraight into his arms.

He caught her instantly, clutching her as if she carried the last Alpha heir alive.

Rivelle. My moon. Stay with me, he choked, cradling her face. Look at me. Dont close your eyes. Breathe. Pleasebreathe.

Her lashes fluttered like a saint struck down.

Malven Im scared

He spun toward the hall and roared, his command shaking the den.

GET THE CARRIAGE. NOW.

I stayed kneeling.

Blood soaked through my trousers. My hands were slick and torn. My pups name burned like a brand inside my chest, refusing to fade.

Malven lifted Rivelle in his arms as if she were spun from moon-glass. She curled into him, whimpering, clutching her womb like her spirit was leaking out.

Before leaving, he turned back.

Those eyesonce warm, once sworn to me under a full moonwere blades now.

Dont move, he said flatly. You dont even deserve breath.

I didnt respond.

You dont deserve a bed.

The door slammed. Silence devoured the chamber.

I dont know how long I remained there. My legs felt petrified. My skull rang. My throat burned raw.

Thenthe door creaked.

Light footsteps padded closer.

I didnt look up until his shadow crossed mine.

Why are you sitting like that? Ryke asked.

He dangled a small blue rune-car between his fingers, swinging it idly. His sleepwear was spotless. Hair neatly combed. Eyes brightrested, satisfied.

He crouched beside me, elbow on his knee, studying me like a stain on stone.

My moms really good at pretending, isnt she, witch? he whispered, grinning.

The word cut clean through me.

I opened my mouth. Nothing came out.

He pushed the toy car across the floor. The wheels clicked softly.

Alpha Father always believes her, Ryke said. Every time.

Then he stood and walked away, hummingas if he hadnt crushed my pups remains hours earlier.

I bowed my head. My voice barely existed.

Soon.

Soon this would end. The severance scrolls were already with the Moon Council advocate. I only had to wait.

Then I would be free.

Then they would understand what it meant to lose everything.

***

Malven returned before dawn. He tossed a vial at my feet. It rolled and stopped. Pain draught. Unmarked.

Try not to curse anyone next time, he muttered, not looking at me.

He grabbed his cloak, then paused at the doorway.

My parents bond-anniversary is this weekend. Youre still my mate in name. People will expect you. His voice hardened. Bring Elian.

I felt nothing. Not rage. Not grief.

You heard me, he said. Bring him. Clean him. Smile. You know how this pack works.

Then he leftback to Rivelle, back to the healers den.

***

The anniversary arrived.

Malven didnt allow me beside him. He sent me to the front seat with the driver, like hired hands.

Behind us, Rivelle leaned into him like a crowned Luna. Ryke sat tucked under her arm.

She whispered something. Malven laughed softly, brushing his thumb over her knuckles.

I looked down at my dressblack, coarse, ill-fitted. Everyone else wore enchanted silk and moon-gems. Rivelle wore white. Pearls cascading down her spine. Innocence crafted at great cost.

No one spoke to me before we arrived.

No one looked.

At the Moonclaw Estate, crystal-lenses flashed like lightning. Scribes and heralds crowded the gates. Malven stepped out first, adjusting his cuffs, the image of a devoted Alpha.

He opened Rivelles door himself.

She emerged as if the night belonged to her. Ryke followed, holding her hands.

I stepped out alone, gravel biting my soles.

Speak only when spoken to, Malven said quietly.

I nodded. And he didnt look back.

The great hall gleamed with gold and dominance. Chandeliers hung like captured stars. Music flowedsoft, arrogant.

Malven raised his glass.

Everyone, he declared, meet Rivelle Ashenfell. The she-wolf who will carry this bloodline forward.

Applause thundered.

She dipped her headhumble and royal.

And this, he said, drawing Ryke forward, is our future. The next Alpha heir.

Malvens parents embraced the boy as if he were a living crown.

I stood near the cloak racks. Unseen. Disposable.

Someone near the feast table whispered, Whos she?

Oh, Malvens mother said lightly, just the former mate. She couldnt even raise her own pup properly. Sickly thing she hid away. Moon knows what became of him.

Rivelle pressed a hand to her chest.

Elian is still recovering, she said softly. Too weak to travel. Then she turned to me, pity perfected. Poor Viora still mourning.

She kissed Malvens cheek.

My nails bit into my palms.

A servant stumbled. A silver serving tray crashed, echoing through the hall.

Laughter roseMalvens father loudest.

Were here to celebrate, he boomed, then pointed at me. Let her clean it. Shes used to that.

Some guests laughed.

Rivelle stepped forward, voice sweet as venom.

She used to host beautifully, she said. Perhaps she can help serve the moon-wine. Just until the staff recover.

Malven said nothing. So I picked up the tray. I moved among the guests, offering crystal flutes. One servant met my eyes with quiet sympathy.

By the bar, someone whispered, Is that the first mate? I heard she cursed the den.

With her dead pups ashes, another replied. Can you imagine?

I kept walking. Calm. Steady.

They couldnt take anything from me. I had already lost everything worth losing. Let them mock the ghost they thought I was. Soon, they would remember my name.

And when they didthey would learn it screaming.

While serving moon-wine near the garden fires, I tried to fade into the lantern glow, praying the pack wouldnt see me. But they did. Every whisper burned like acid beneath my skin.

Alpha Malven and Lady Rivelle look perfectly matched.

She moves like a true Luna of Wolfsbane Pack.

That pup is disciplined. She raised him well.

Alpha Malven finally chose a worthy mate.

I kept pouring, fingers tightening around the silver tray until my knuckles ached. My plain black servants dress clung to me like a mark of disgrace. Around me, wolves glittered in moon-gems and blood-earned power.

Then it happened.

RykeMalvens prized heirslid his polished boot into my path. I saw it too late. My heel caught.

I pitched forward. Crystal shattered across marble. Moon-wine splashed over a noblewomans ivory gown, the stain blooming like an unforgivable curse.

Gasps tore through the garden. Music died.

I stood amid the wreckage, hands shaking.

Ryke lifted his chin and said clearly, She destroys everything. Just like she destroyed my little brother.

Silence crushed the air.

Rivelle rose slowly, one hand resting on her womb, eyes shining with practiced fear.

Please hes only a pup, she said softly. Hes been terrified ever since that cursed urn entered our den. He has nightmares.

A pause, then poison. About her. About what she did.

Someone whispered, The urn Moon Mother preserve us

I murmured to myself, unheard, The urn that held my pup. The one you all shattered.

Malven cut through the crowd like a blade. His grip crushed my arm, yanking me forward.

You dare shame me before the packs? Before Rivelle?

His voice burned. You ruin everything you touch.

His palm struck my face. Blood filled my mouth, but I didnt fall.

Rivelle gasped softly. Malven dont hurt her. Shes still the mother of your pup. Her hand stroked her belly like a blessing.

Then his mother arrived, heavy with jewels, a queen ready to pass judgment. Sever the bond tonight, she ordered. I wont have filth tied to our bloodline.

This time, I raised my head.

No need, I said, my voice cracked but steady. The severance was approved this morning. You can keep your heir. I want nothing more from this pack.

Malven frozeconfused, insulted, almost afraid.

His mother slapped me hard enough to ring my ears. How dare you speak as if you have a choice? You should be grateful we ever tolerated you!

Whispers erupted.

She should be locked away again.

Shes unstable.

Shes mad.

She wont survive without the Alpha.

My wrist crystal vibrated. Two words glowed: Bond severed.

For a heartbeat, the world blurred. Then I smiledthin, sharp, free. I wiped my lip, lifted my chin, and walked toward the gates.

Malven shouted after me. Viora! Where do you think youre going?

I didnt turn. Somewhere youll never cage me again.

He moved to command his guardsbut Rivelle gasped and collapsed right on cue. Panic erupted. Wolves surged forward. Moon-crystals flashed.

No one stopped me.

***

Back at the den, the maid opened the door, eyes wide with guilt. I passed her in silence and climbed to Elians room.

His scent still lingeredsweet, untouched by their rot.

I packed his toys. His gnawed storybooks. His small clothes. I pressed each to my chest, memorizing the weight of what Id lost.

Then I removed my mating ring and placed it on his pillow.

The maid watched, gripping the railing. I walked past her, out to my rusted car and sat behind the wheel. The Alpha mansion gleamed in my visioncold, monstrous, beautiful the way a coffin is beautiful.

Goodbye, Malven, I whispered. Wait for the day I burn your kingdom to ash.

My crystal buzzed again and again.

[Come back now. You humiliated me. Ungrateful woman. Leave, and youll suffer.]

I smiled faintly and sent one words:

Never!

Then I drove.