Get Back The Abandoned Luna

Chapter 1 The Undoing I stood motionless in front of the full-length mirror at the boutique, watching as the saleswoman styled my hair. "Luna, you look absolutely stunning," the saleswoman gushed, stepping back to admire her work. "Tomorrow night, you'll definitely be the se**est queen at the banquet," she added with certainty. Her nimble fingers curled a few strands of my auburn locks, while another assistant made the final adjustments to my gown. "By the way, someone in the group chat mentioned that there's going to be a big celebration at the castle tonight. I wonder if it's some kind of early arrangement." The salesgirl muttered absentmindedly as she continued sorting through the dresses. I paused for a second, then let out a self-deprecating laugh. It had to be a mistake-my memo clearly said it was scheduled for tomorrow night. The gown was truly exquisite-made of white silk, with diamonds intricately sewn into the neckline and cuffs, reflecting light with every subtle movement. It hugged my figure perfectly. I had helped design it alongside the designer, although I wasn't one myself. It was all for tomorrow night's grand pack banquet. To celebrate our pack's rise in the rankings, we had finally climbed from tenth place to second place. I had sacrificed a great deal to get us here. "This is the one," I nodded with satisfaction, then instructed the saleswoman to package it. I left carrying the beautifully wrapped box. When I returned to the pack house, the maid, Ruby, looked shocked to see me. "Luna. I thought you'd be attending the banquet tonight." Banquet? What banquet? "Luna? Did you forget? Alpha told me there was no need to prepare dinner tonight because there's a huge celebration for the pack's rank promotion," Ruby said, clearly surprised. No way. I bit my lip and quickly pulled out my phone. My memo clearly stated it was tomorrow. I hurriedly changed into the gown and rushed to the hotel. As I passed through the main hall, I made sure my heels clicked loudly against the marble floor. The pack members quickly moved out of my way, sensing the barely restrained fury radiating from me. As I approached, Alexander's Beta jumped in front of me. "Luna. I thought you were sick." I shot him a cold glance. "Move." He froze on the spot, then quickly notified Alexander through the mind link. Then I saw my husband-Alexander-with his strong arm around that wh**e. Oh no, I shouldn't be so mean-let's call her what she truly is-his one true love, Faye. When did she return to the pack? No one was allowed back into the pack without Luna's approval. I could punish her according to pack rules, but Alexander would definitely protect her, and no one would dare oppose him. Anger drowned out my pain. How dare Alexander? Didn't he know how much I had given up for him and his pack? I was the daughter of the Winter Pack's Alpha. I'd fallen in love with Alexander, heir to the Crescent Moon Pack, since I was a child. He was the one I had chosen to be my mate. After my father passed, our packs merged during the memorial ceremony. We became one-the Crescent Moon Pack-and I became Luna. Honestly, the only reason Alexander agreed to mark me was because his beloved Faye had just left him. I took it as a sign from fate, dancing to its tune. I began working hard to win his heart, pouring all my love into him over the years. I remembered how much the Winter Pack hated him at first. I had to convince them he was worthy of being my man. Especially after he proposed to me, all my doubts disappeared. I worked tirelessly to restore balance between him and my people, even pretending that he had been in control all along. And now, when our pack had reached its peak glory, Alexander chose to throw me aside. But I was no longer the girl waiting for his validation. The people of the Winter Pack would not tolerate betrayal. I walked toward them. Everyone stopped and watched as I approached-Faye's eyes filled with fear. But when Alexander's hand landed on her back, a triumphant smile curled her lips. Bi**h. I held my head high and strode toward Faye, but Alexander immediately stepped in front of me and barked, "Scarlett, now's not the time for this conversation." His voice carried a stern warning. "I think now is exactly the time," I said, glancing at the flustered Faye before speaking firmly. "If you plan to humiliate me in public, then I will defend my dignity in public." That ba**ard-he dared disgrace me like this? Attending the pack's celebration with his lover, in front of everyone? My fists trembled again. He wanted the whole pack to know that only Faye was his true Luna. "That son of a bi**h. I should gouge out his eyes right now-he clearly can't see who the real gem is," my wolf, Kara, snarled with fury. As I squared off against Alexander, Faye stepped forward nervously. "Scarlett." She tried to speak again, but I cut her off. "Call me Luna. Or are you choosing to ignore the pack's rules?" Faye's face went pale. She knew the rules. Any wolf who disrespected the Alpha and Luna would be banished from the pack. "Scarlett! That's enough." Alexander growled lowly again. His wolf appeared on his shoulder, and I flinched slightly. I caught another smug smile from Faye. I turned to Alexander. His gaze was icy, as if he'd forgotten that before I came to his pack, he was on the verge of being dethroned for failing to lead them into prosperity. My arrival had helped solidify his position as Alpha. Now, he looked at me like I was a piece of chewed gum on the floor. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I would not show weakness in front of two venomous snakes. My father's words echoed in my mind: "Pumpkin, remember-only you can defeat yourself. I'll always be watching over you." I fought the overwhelming urge to punch Alexander and Faye in the face, forcing myself to speak calmly. "So, Faye, why did you suddenly return to the pack? I remember you rejected Alexander as your mate. Didn't you?" satisfaction rising in my ch**t. "Luna. don't get me wrong. I'm just here to help," Faye said hesitantly. "Help with what?" I stared directly at her, raising my voice just enough for everyone to hear. "If by 'help' you mean getting between me and my husband, then I suppose I should thank you." The air froze in an instant. Every pair of eyes locked onto us. The crowd began to stir. Whispers spread like wildfire: "Oh Goddess, I thought Luna Scarlett was ill, and that's why she didn't come." "Obviously, they lied to her. And look, she's even holding the Alpha's hand." "She's more shameless than a homewrecker." "I can't believe our Luna was replaced by someone like her." Faye's face went deathly pale. Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she choked out a trembling sob. "Alpha Alexander, I. I realize now it was a mistake to come here. I should leave." She turned and tried to run. But Alexander grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly as if staking a claim. He glared at me and said coldly, "That's enough, Scarlett. You know how important this celebration is to our family. I need everything to be perfect." His voice dropped, low and threatening. "If you keep making a scene, our family's reputation and perfume orders will suffer." He wasn't wrong. Now was not the time to lose control-especially with my perfume business on the brink. "You're right, my husband," I said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "So, when you're finished attending to your ex, I hope you'll remember where your wife sleeps." He turned, still holding Faye, and walked away. And the crowd? They parted for him like he was Moses on marble. But their silence was heavy now. Judgmental. Watching. I stood there for a long moment, letting their eyes cling to my skin like ash. Then I turned and walked out. I went back to the packaging facility- The night outside was thick and breathless. Stars drowned in clouds. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling as if it owed me answers. The night hung heavy over the roof like thick ink. I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. I was waiting for him to come home. In the darkness, my pain only magnified. My mind kept replaying that image-Alexander holding Faye, glaring at me. What were they doing now? Faye had rejected Alexander. He wouldn't forgive her. Would he? My soul was at war. I couldn't find peace for even a second. I wanted to barge into Alexander's office, drag her out, and shove her back where she belonged. But before I could move, a sharp, ripping pain shot through my neck. I curled up instantly, cold sweat pouring down my back. Staggering into the bathroom, I clutched my stomach and vomited until there was nothing left but bile. This wasn't ordinary pain. It wasn't just a stress response. I knew it-this was the Moon Goddess's punishment. When an Alpha who has marked you sl**ps with another woman, your body bears the full consequence. Alexander had sl**t with Faye. My body knew. My soul knew. I knelt on the cold tile floor, hands braced on the sink, my entire body trembling. When I finally had the strength to stand and rinse my mouth, I looked up at my reflection. My makeup had melted. Tear stains sliced down my cheeks like kn**e wounds. My eyes were red and sw**len, my lips pale. I looked like I'd clawed my way out of h**l. Then I broke down. I curled up on the bathroom floor and sobbed-not from heartbreak, not from sadness, but from the humiliation of being st**pped bare. "Why would he do this?" I whimpered. "I helped build his pack's strength. I'm his Luna." I hated the Moon Goddess for punishing the faithful while the unfaithful went free. I hated Faye's innocent, victorious face. But most of all, I hated that Alexander didn't even glance back at me. He didn't come home all night. And me? I was sleepless from pain-and still waiting. But I wouldn't be destroyed. I took a hot shower, fixed my hair and makeup. I put on that aquamarine silk gown-Alexander's favorite color. I tied my golden hair high, coated my lashes to make my emerald eyes sparkle. Faye might be pretty. But I wasn't any less. I was the mate he publicly acknowledged. I was the true Luna of this pack. I opened the door. And there he stood, just as I expected. But his first words made my heart clench and my whole body freeze- Chapter 2 Scarlett's POV--Broken and Betrayed "Faye is pr**nant!" Alexander announced. I froze. I blinked slowly, trying to process Alexander's words. The sincerity on his face told me he wasn't lying. He had not only brought back his lover, but also gotten her pr**nant. "You ba**ard!" I screamed. So that explained it-the constant burning on my mark these past few weeks, the searing pain I'd felt on my neck. Every time I asked him about it, he dismissed it as my imagination. Before I could s**p that arrogant face of his, he caught my wrist mid-air. Pain shot up my arm. "Scarlett, don't do something you'll regret," he warned, his voice low and sharp. "If you dare challenge my authority as Alpha, you'll see who I really am." My wolf snarled. "Ba**ard!" "You heard her, Scarlett!" Alexander's claws extended in warning as he grabbed my shoulders. My wolf whimpered and recoiled. She was in agony, just like me. She had longed for our mate's acceptance, only to be cast aside by both Alexander and his wolf. My pain meant nothing to him. I stared at his cold, detached expression and asked with icy clarity, "Are you going to name Faye as the new Luna?" "No!" Alexander's wolf flinched, stepping back. "You are still the Luna of Crescent Moon." "What do you mean by that?" "I still love you," Alexander said. "But that doesn't mean I'll abandon the mother of my pup. And as Alpha, I need my true mate by my side." "Bulls**t! Then reject me!" I roared. "I won't tolerate my mate betraying me in public." Alexander stepped closer, hissing, "There will never be a rejection! Understand? This is final. The sooner you accept reality, the sooner you can go back to being the beautiful Luna you were." "Alexander, you know me. I don't just roll over and take it," I said through gritted teeth. "If you stay on this path, then I'll choose my own." My fists clenched again. I racked my brain, trying to make sense of his sh**eless logic. How could he be this despicable? He was basking in triumph while grinding me into dust. Three years of marriage-did they mean nothing to him? Did he forget how I helped him rise from nothing to lead the second most powerful pack? Tears welled in my eyes. Alexander only sneered. "You think you still have a choice?" He stood up and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Calm down, darling. Look around you. You'll see-nothing changes unless I allow it." My eyes widened. A knock on the door interrupted us. Alexander opened it. Faye stood outside. "Alpha Alexander, I saw you rush out of our room. I was worried you and Luna Scarlett might argue because of me. That's why I came," she said, hesitating. Then she turned to me, feigning concern. "Oh my, Luna Scarlett, you don't look well. I'm so sorry-I didn't come here to break you two apart. I only came to help the pack. Alexander said he really wanted a pup, but you. you haven't been able to get pr**nant." She st**ked her belly as she spoke, flaunting her success. I swear I saw her roll her eyes-even if just for a second. But I couldn't refute her. I didn't know why pr**nancy was so difficult for me. Still, that wasn't a reason for Alexander to betray me. "You're so generous," I said with a cold smile. "But. didn't Alexander tell you that I will always be Luna of Crescent Moon? Which means-your child will be mine. And you'll forever be the Alpha's hidden lover, kept in the shadows." I saw Faye's expression change. It was clear now-Alexander knew she could never be Luna. He'd chosen to lie to her. But he had given her his heart. Faye clutched her belly, gr**ning. "Ah, Alexander, my stomach hurts. I need to leave." "Enough, Scarlett. Faye's pr**nant. You need to be kinder to her. That's a warning," Alexander said, glaring at me before chasing after her. He scooped her into his arms and comforted her gently-loud enough for me to hear. "Faye, I'll always treasure you. I'll make sure the pack knows-you're more deserving of my love than any Luna." As they vanished down the hall, pain surged back through me. I collapsed onto the floor. Alone now, the vulnerability drowned me like a flood. The room was suffocatingly cold. My knees buckled, but I refused to fall completely-not here, not like this. Not for him. I pulled myself into the nearest chair and forced my breathing to slow. My hands trembling, I picked up my phone and began calling every name I could think of. The Wolf King. Allies. Elders. The men and women who once stood beside my father. No one answered. Desperation clawed at my ch**t. I tried again and again. Still nothing. Finally, on the fifth try, a familiar name lit up my screen-Alpha Reno, an old friend of my father's from the Stormhowl Pack. I answered instantly. "Alpha Reno," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "It's Scarlett. Alexander brought Faye back. She's pr**nant. He did it behind my back-and paraded her in front of everyone at the ceremony. He didn't even tell me." There was a long silence on the other end. "Scarlett," Reno finally said, his voice heavy. "I'm sorry this happened to you. But we can't interfere with internal pack matters. That's council regulation." "But there's no punishment for an Alpha who betrays his mate?" I pressed, unwilling to give up. "Morally, yes. We all condemn it. But legally-there isn't one," Reno said, with a sigh. "So I'm supposed to just rot in this toxic pack until I die?" I whispered, broken. "You can divorce him. Find a pack willing to take you in and start over," Reno suggested. "But if I do that, I lose my claim to my pack, don't I? Even though it's still right here!" My voice cracked, the black hole inside me growing deeper. Reno spoke cautiously. "Yes. The council hasn't passed the bill allowing female Alphas. Unless you launch a new proposal and get enough votes. but we both know that's nearly impossible. Most Alpha wolves are male-they don't trust women to lead." The black hole inside me widened. Just as I was about to hang up, Reno's voice turned urgent. "But. if you can get the support of the strongest Alpha, others may follow more easily." The strongest Alpha? A face flashed in my mind-my best friend's brother's pack. Nightshade Pack. That powerful man. I thanked Alpha Reno for his willingness to help, then hung up. I had to try. "Kyra." I whispered to my wolf. "Kyra, are you there? Are you okay?" But she didn't respond. The repeated betrayal from our mate was too much for her. I feared she'd disappear completely. I had to be strong-for both of us. I turned and walked away. Now, I needed to contact the one man who might help-Kathleen's brother. The only one powerful enough to stand with me. Chapter 3 Scarlett's POV--Marking Territories When I woke up again, the familiar scent of disinfectant rushed into my nose. The pack's hospital-I had lost count of how many times I'd ended up here. Through the hospital window, a faint ray of sunlight streamed in, cold and distant, mirroring the state of my heart. The sound of a chair scraping against the floor jolted me. I turned my head and saw Coby's anxious face. He looked exhausted, his golden hair messy, and his gray-blue eyes filled with unmistakable worry. "Scarlett, you're finally awake," he let out a breath of relief and gently held my hand. "How are you feeling?" "What happened? Why am I in the hospital?" I asked in confusion. The mark on my neck was still burning hot. "You fainted at the packaging plant. Ruby found you and contacted me," Coby explained, his voice laced with concern. Memories from last night came flooding back-Alexander and Faye showing up again. After I explained everything to the council, I thought they would help me. Among all supernatural species, werewolves valued the mate bond above all else. It was the very reason we had remained strong for so long. But Alexander no longer cared about that. His pack was now second only to Nightshade. He could do whatever he wanted. I guessed the pressure finally got to me, and I collapsed. I felt Coby's concern wrap around me like a blanket. Forcing a faint smile, I shook my head, though guilt welled up from deep inside me. "I'm sorry. for worrying you again, Coby." His face tightened, brows furrowed. "You don't need to apologize to me. Alexander is the one who should be apologizing. No Alpha treats their mate this way-this is a betrayal of our species' most sacred vow." I let out a soft sigh and closed my eyes for a moment. The cold faces of the council members surfaced in my mind again. "But the council won't get involved. Alpha Reno made it clear-they don't interfere with internal pack matters." Coby clenched his jaw, fists tightening. "So we're just supposed to sit here and watch them destroy you?" No! I suddenly thought of Kathleen's brother-Lucien. His eyes came to me instantly: deep, intense, and always tinged with a possessive fire. "I'll reach out to the Alpha of the Nightshade Pack. Lucien." "Nightshade Pack? You mean the Alpha of the most powerful pack in the country would support us?" Coby asked, visibly shocked. But I remembered the one and only time we'd met, and doubt crept in. I shook my head lightly. "I'm not sure. He's never shown me any special treatment, not even as Kathleen's best friend. He's always kept his stance. unclear." Coby fell silent, running a nervous hand through his hair. "Still, we have to try." "Yes. Once I'm discharged, I'll contact Kathleen. She might be able to help us." I nodded with conviction. Just as the words left my mouth, the door was suddenly pushed open. Faye strolled in uninvited, dressed in a maternity gown, one hand gently ca**ssing her belly, a hypocritical smile plastered on her face. Faye's smile faltered for a split second, then twisted into something sharper. "Coby, are you seriously ignoring me? Don't forget who I am." Coby scoffed coldly. "Who you are? A homewrecker with a lover's title? What kind of identity is that worth respecting?" But Faye didn't get angry-at least not outwardly. She wore her mask well. She smiled sweetly at him. "I only want peace, Coby. We're all part of the same pack now. Or. at least, some of us still are." "Tell me you're f**king kidding," Coby snapped, the veins in his arm bulging. I immediately reached out to stop him. "Coby, don't get into trouble for me." He looked at me reluctantly, then stood up with a grunt of frustration and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. The room fell silent. I turned to Faye with an icy stare. "What are you doing here?" She placed her hand on her belly again and said softly, "I came to share good news, of course. You remember I said I had stomach pain yesterday? Alexander was so worried-he said this was his only pup, so he had to be sure nothing was wrong. But the doctor just confirmed-our pup is perfectly healthy." My fingers gripped the sheets. I didn't know why I could never co**eive with Alexander. My silence only fed Faye's confidence. She raised her voice dramatically. "Oh, Luna Scarlett, you don't need to feel guilty for not being able to bear children. I'll do it for you. After all, Alexander and I were mates once. Our pup will be strong. He'll grow to be the best heir." Outside the room, I noticed members of the pack listening. Their expressions flickered, as if her words made a bit too much sense. I felt the weight of their eyes, and my heart sank further. I curled my lips into a calm smile. "Faye, you're so thoughtful. Thank you for taking on such a big responsibility. But I do worry about you, you know? Not long ago, a similar situation happened in the Northern Pack. The Alpha brought back a pr**nant mi**ress. But once the child was born, she was cast out. She had no real place-just a womb. I hope you're luckier than she was." Faye's smile froze. Her expression shifted ever so slightly-clearly, she hadn't expected me to fight back using her own tactics. Her eyes darkened with a flicker of resentment. Suddenly, she clutched her belly and collapsed with a cry. The door burst open. Alexander stormed in, fury written all over his face. "Alexander. Luna. she-she used her pheromones on me. my stomach." Faye whimpered weakly, pitifully. "I told you-I got pr**nant for the good of the pack, not to take her Luna title. But she's so angry, she wants me dead." Alexander dropped to the floor beside her, cradling her protectively in his arms. He turned to me with a glare that could slice skin. "Scarlett, are you insane? You attacked a pr**nant woman?!" The blow to my ch**t felt literal. I could barely breathe. "You'd rather believe her over your own mate?" Alexander's eyes were sharp and cold. "How can I believe you? Haven't your actions been unhinged lately? Scarlett, stop pushing me-before I lose every last bit of patience I have for you!" He scooped Faye into his arms and stormed out, kicking the door open in rage. Outside, the wolves' murmurs picked up again. "I mean, we really do need pups, especially now that we're the second-ranked pack. That's going to attract more enemies." Alexander heard it. His spine stiffened. He turned toward me. "Take Luna Scarlett back to the packaging plant. Until I say otherwise, she's not allowed near Faye." With that, his Gamma, Carson, stepped forward. "Luna, please come with me." I clenched my fists. I had to contact Lucien-fast. If I didn't, my situation would only worsen. I yanked out the IV, ignoring the stares from the others, stood up, and followed Carson out of the room-ready to fight. Chapter 4 Scarlett's POV--A Brand New Plan I was dragged roughly out of the pack hospital by Carson. Pack members saw it-but not a single one dared speak up for me. Not even those who had once belonged to my father's pack. When we arrived at the pack manor, I immediately knew something had changed. The exterior was still as grand and opulent as ever, but inside, all the warmth had vanished. The maids who once welcomed me with bright smiles were nowhere to be seen-only Ruby remained, standing at the door, pale-faced, her hands clenched tightly. She looked at me with sympathy in her eyes. Alexander had made his decision clear. His authority outweighed mine. I couldn't blame them. I blamed myself-for being so easily deceived from the beginning. Carson shoved me inside and slammed the door shut, glaring at me coldly. "Listen up, Scarlett," his voice was laced with threat and indifference. "Alexander's orders: you are not to step foot outside the Alpha residence. Your movements are restricted to this house. And stay away from Faye. No more trouble." I let out a bitter laugh. "You think you have the right to give me orders?" A dark smile spread across Carson's face. He leaned in suddenly, letting his fingers graze my lips with blatant disrespect. His tone turned mocking, almost fl**tatious. "You'd better behave, Scarlett. You're not a noble Luna anymore." Fury exploded in me. I sl**ped him hard, the sound echoing through the room. "Remember your place, Carson! I'm still the Luna! Try that again and I swear you'll regret it!" His face turned beet red, a flash of rage in his eyes. "Scarlett, I'll be waiting for you-at the border of the pack." He stormed out, the door slamming behind him like a gu**hot. Silence fell again. I collapsed onto the bed, consumed by a storm of anger and humiliation. If they were going to degrade me like this, they might as well have thrown me in the dungeon and let me rot. Hours passed. I curled up at the edge of the bed, my numb fingers tracing the edge of a silk pillow. My little wolf, Kara, had been silent ever since the hospital. I told myself she was just resting. That she needed time-just like I did. But as evening crept in, something felt wrong. Kara? I reached inward with our mental bond. I need you. Silence. Cold. Empty. My heart pounded in panic. I tried again, diving deeper into my soul, searching desperately for any trace of her presence. Kara, please. Nothing. It was like losing a limb. No-it was worse. Like losing the last piece of myself that still believed I could survive this nightmare. Her absence echoed in my bones, and for the first time, I felt truly, utterly alone. Alexander's betrayal hadn't just broken my heart-it had severed the connection between my humanity and my wolf. Kara's silence wasn't her choice. It was a punishment from the Moon Goddess herself. Tears welled in my eyes, hot and bitter, merciless. "Don't do that," Ruby said softly, kneeling in front of me. Her calloused hand brushed a strand of hair from my cheek. "You're stronger than this. I know you are." Her touch was gentle, but her voice was firm. Steady. Confidence, when I had none left. A sob caught in my throat. "She's gone, Ruby. Kara. she's just. gone." Sorrow flickered in Ruby's eyes, but she didn't pull back. "Then we'll find her. Together. You're not alone, sweetheart. Not as long as I'm breathing." Her words struck something deep within me. The pain didn't disappear-but it softened. Ruby's loyalty wrapped around me like a blanket, woven from quiet trust and all the sleepless nights we'd whispered in the dark. She wasn't just a maid. She was my friend. In a world that had betrayed me, she was my only harbor. I needed to get out. I needed a plan. If I stayed here, I'd rot into a ghost wearing a crown of memories. But not yet. Not until I held onto one last thread of hope. Not until I realized-I wasn't completely alone. After making sure Ruby wasn't watching, I crept to the deepest part of the wardrobe-where the maids never cleaned. There, hidden beneath a false bottom in an old keepsake box, lay my secret weapon: a black burner phone I'd stashed two years ago during a safety drill. Thank the Moon Goddess I hadn't thrown it out. The battery was half full. The signal was weak-but usable. I dialed the only number I'd memorized. The one person who would never hang up on me. "Kathleen?" My voice came out raw the moment I heard the click. "Scarlett?" Her voice was confused, then alarmed. "Are you okay? Where are you calling from? This number-" "I don't have much time," I cut her off, pacing like a lioness trapped in a cage. "I need your help. I'm being held here. Alexander wants me gone from the pack." "What?!" "He's taken everything-my freedom, my title, my wolf. He brought back his true love, and she's carrying his heir." My voice shook. "Kara is gone, Kathleen. I can't feel her anymore." "Oh, my goddess." she breathed. "What do you need me to do?" "Lucien," I said quickly. "Can you talk to your brother? He's on the council. Maybe he can help me. Maybe there's a way to break the bond without losing my title-" "You want to divorce Alexander?" I hesitated. But the past few days replayed in my mind like a burning reel, and I reminded myself-when a man tries to strip away your voice and everything you represent, he will never belong to you. Then I nodded. "Yes. I want out." She was quiet for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. I'll talk to Lucien. But Scarlett. the council is brutal. Even with his influence, this won't be easy." "I'm not looking for easy. I'm looking for possible." "I'll arrange a few things. But you'll have to stay quiet. Alexander has ears everywhere." "I know." After she hung up, I sat on the floor, leaning back against the wardrobe, my gaze empty. Kathleen had always been my best friend. She knew the darker parts of me-my ambition, my pride, the years I'd spent proving myself. She also knew about my silly little crush on Lucien. Lucien, with his silver eyes and untouchable aura. Always composed. Always regal. He was three years older than me, and by the time I was a scrawny teen dreaming of my first transformation, his wolf was already formidable. I remembered watching him during council visits. Every time he glanced in my direction, my heart would pound like crazy. Of course, he never truly noticed me-not the way I wished he would. But I wasn't a little girl anymore. I was the Luna of Crescent Moon. A betrayed woman. A prisoner. A woman with nothing left. If anyone could untangle this web-it was Lucien. Ruby tapped gently on my door. "Luna, your tea." I scrambled to hide the phone and stood up. "Leave it at the door, Ruby. I need to rest." "Yes, Luna." Her footsteps faded. Only when I heard the distant click of a closing door did I breathe again. I paced slowly, trying to steady my racing heart. With every step, the walls of the room seemed to close in. The chandelier above swayed slightly, but the air remained still. I closed my eyes, pulling strength from memory. My father's voice. The scent of snow-covered forests. Kara's first words to me during my patrols. They were all I had now. Because here, in this gilded prison disguised as a palace, I had no friends. No voice. No wolf. But I had a fire still burning deep inside me. And I would use that fire to burn Alexander's lies to the ground. Chapter 5 Scarlett's POV--Hope Blossoms I spent the whole night tossing in bed, thinking about how much Alexander had cost me. Talking to Kathleen had lifted something off my ch**t. Not everything-not the crushing weight of heartbreak, betrayal, and isolation-but enough. Enough to breathe again. Enough to remember who I had been before I let love blindfold me and lead me off a cliff. It sparked hope in my ch**t, and I desperately clung to it. I was still the Luna of this pack, whether Faye wanted it or not. It didn't matter if she had Alexander wrapped around her finger or if they both thought they could erase me by imprisoning me in my quarters. I barely got any sleep that night, and now I was up early, even before Ruby. I sat up slowly in bed, my thoughts spiraling out of control, and realized I'd made a mistake far greater than falling in love. I had forgotten who I was. I forgot the girl who trained longer, fought harder, and stood straighter in council meetings just to be taken seriously. I forgot the wolf who had howled under bl**d moons and stood defiant against older, stronger males. I forgot the woman I had been before Alexander's pretty words and burning blue eyes melted the edges of my resolve. I had forgotten my friends. Myself. And Alexander? He never forgot who he was. He took everything I had given and gave back only control. But no more. Now, I would wait. Kathleen had promised to speak to her brother on my behalf. Until then, I needed to keep my head low, my mouth shut, and my hands steady. The day dragged on too slowly for my liking. I finally got out of bed after Ruby brought me breakfast. I had no appetite for food; I had too many things going on in my head. She didn't speak much, only giving me a look that said she understood without prying. I appreciated her more than words could ever say. My stomach churned. Eating felt like admitting I belonged here. "Eat, Luna," Ruby said softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You'll need strength. You don't win wars on an empty stomach." I looked up at her and saw not just my maid but my sister-in-arms. I picked up the fork and forced down a bite. It tasted like ash, but I swallowed it anyway. "I hate him," I whispered. "I know," she said gently. I didn't expect the sound of boots. My spine went rigid as I heard the door open behind me, a gust of crisp morning air sweeping into the room. Then the scent of spice, cedar, and that faint undertone of something uniquely his wrapped around me like poison-laced honey. Alexander was here. I didn't turn around at first. My hands curled into fists. The audacity to walk in here and act like everything was fine was jarring. "Scarlett," he said, his voice deceptively warm. I hated how my name sounded on his tongue, as if he still had the right. I hated even more how his voice made me feel. I turned slowly, gaze narrowing, ready to meet him with cold silence. But he was holding a bouquet of peonies-my favorite. My breath caught in my throat. What the h**l was he trying to do? I caught sight of Ruby slipping out of the room to give us privacy. "I saw these and immediately thought of you," he murmured, stepping closer. "I had them brought in from the southern gardens." I didn't take them. What use would they be to me anyway? He moved closer to where I was seated and took the seat next to me. The intensity of his scent was invading my space; he knew it too, judging by the soft smirk on his face. He leaned in anyway, and before I could stop him, his lips brushed against mine. The bond snapped to life between us, as powerful and overwhelming as ever. My body betrayed me-every nerve lit up, every memory of the way he used to hold me came rushing back. My lips almost moved to meet his, and memories of his betrayal slipped far from my mind. Then his phone rang. He pulled back, sighing, and checked the screen. That's when reality pu**hed me in the face. Faye. I saw her name flash in bold across the screen. My ch**t tightened. I shoved the bouquet into his ch**t and moved back, my voice cold and clear. "You have the mother of your child to worry about. Why are you here?" His brows furrowed. "Scarlett, stop." "You ki**ed me, knowing you got her pr**nant. What kind of monster are you?" "Stop being dramatic." Dramatic? "You've locked me up in a corner of this palace like I'm diseased. You confiscated my devices, cut me off from everyone I care about, and now you dare call me dramatic?" He sighed like I was a nuisance. "I didn't come here to fight. I want us to talk this out like adults." "No, you came here to manipulate me into silence. Again." His eyes hardened. "You're my Luna." "Then treat me like one," I snapped. "Or better yet, strip me of the title and let me go." He didn't respond to that. He never did. "You think punishing me will break me," I added, stepping closer. "But you forget that I was raised in the Winter Pack. We don't break. We freeze and come back sharper." He laughed bitterly. "This is why I didn't choose you." There it was. The final blow-and the truth. I had just been a placeholder for his true love. I stared at him, every ounce of warmth turning to ice. "Good. Because I would never forgive a man who cheats. No matter how many times he tries to manipulate me into thinking all is fine." His jaw clenched, the vein in his temple ticking. Then, like the coward he was, he turned to leave. "Go on," I said mockingly. "Faye's waiting. Go comfort your little mi**ress." He paused, glanced at his phone again, then walked out. He slammed the door behind himself, and I sighed. I sat still, heart hammering, lungs gasping for air. I felt like I'd just come from battle. I hated how much the bond still affected me; I wouldn't let my guard down around him anymore. Ruby burst in not ten seconds later, eyes wide. "There's a call for you. On the landline." I blinked. "What?" "The landline. Downstairs. I told them to hold. Said it was urgent." I was already moving before she finished the sentence. The hallway blurred as I ran, bare feet slapping against polished floors. The old black phone sat in the corner of the sitting room, half-hidden by velvet drapes. I snatched it up. "Hello?" Silence. Then a deep, commanding voice filled the line. "Luna Scarlett." I froze. "Alpha Lucien speaking." He had called. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &2&