Chapter 3

I awoke to the sound of my chamber door being slammed open with such force that the hinges groaned in protest. Marcus stood in the doorway, his powerful frame silhouetted against the morning light, his face contorted with rage. The events at the sacred clearing last night had clearly festered in his mind overnight.

"You dare defy me?" he snarled, crossing the room in three long strides.

I rose from my desk where I'd been organizing my remaining research notes, determined to face him with dignity. "I was attempting to speak with my father. As is my right—"

Before I could finish, Marcus's hand shot out, gripping my upper arm with bruising force. He shoved me against the wall, his face inches from mine, his Alpha aura pressing down on me like a physical weight.

"Ancient pack law forbids a Luna from seeking independent counsel from other Alphas without her mate's permission," he growled, his breath hot against my face. "Even if that Alpha is your father."

"Marcus, you're hurting me," I said, refusing to whimper despite the pain shooting through my arm. Selene snarled within me, desperate to protect us.

"Good." His fingers tightened, and I knew there would be bruises—evidence of his dominance, his cruelty. "Perhaps pain will remind you of your place."

"My place?" Something cold and clear crystallized in my chest. "Is my place to watch you parade your mistress around our pack? To have my life's work stolen?"

His eyes flashed dangerously. "Your place is wherever I decide it is. And right now, I've decided it's no longer as Luna."

He released me abruptly, and I fought to keep my balance, refusing to crumple before him. The bruises on my arm throbbed in time with my heartbeat, but the pain in my chest was far worse.

"The weekly council meeting is in an hour," he said, straightening his Alpha robes. "Be there to witness your replacement."

After he left, I pressed my forehead against the cool wall, breathing deeply to center myself. "He can't do this," Selene whispered in my mind.

"He's already done it," I replied, moving to my wardrobe to select a dress that would cover the bruises. "But this isn't over."

* * *

The grand oak at the center of our territory had witnessed countless pack ceremonies, celebrations, and councils. Today, it would witness my humiliation. I stood at the edge of the gathering, my face carefully composed despite the storm raging within me. Pack members avoided my gaze as I passed, their discomfort palpable.

Marcus stood on the raised stone platform beneath the oak's sprawling branches, Amanda at his side, her smile triumphant. The sight of her wearing Luna ceremonial colors made Selene howl with rage inside me.

"Shadowmere Pack," Marcus's voice carried across the clearing, his Alpha tone compelling attention. "For too long, we have suffered under inadequate leadership. Today, I rectify that mistake."

Murmurs rippled through the assembled pack members. Some looked confused, others uncomfortable. A few—those who had worked directly with me on training or healing—looked openly distressed.

"I hereby strip Victoria Hayes of her title as Luna of Shadowmere Pack," Marcus declared, his eyes finding mine in the crowd. "She has failed in her duties and attempted to undermine pack authority."

The collective gasp was audible. No matter how cold our relationship had become, no one had expected this public dismissal. I stood straight, refusing to lower my gaze despite the humiliation burning through me.

"In her place," Marcus continued, taking Amanda's hand, "I present Amanda Clarke, who has proven her loyalty and value to this pack. She will serve as Luna-to-be until our official ceremony."

Amanda stepped forward, her smile sickeningly sweet as she addressed the pack. "I accept this honor with humility and dedication," she said, though there was nothing humble in her posture or tone. "I will lead Shadowmere to greatness alongside our Alpha."

I watched as she deliberately tilted her head, displaying Marcus's mark on her neck. The temporary claim bite had been refreshed, angry and red against her pale skin—a deliberate insult to me and the mate bond we shared.

Caleb, our head warrior, caught my eye from across the clearing. His expression was thunderous, his loyalty clearly torn. Beside him, Maeve, our senior healer, pressed her lips into a thin line of disapproval. Their silent support was the only thing that kept me standing.

"This council is dismissed," Marcus announced. "Prepare for the Alpha Council meeting tomorrow, where Luna-to-be Amanda will present her revolutionary training system to our neighboring packs."

As the pack dispersed, whispers following in their wake, I remained rooted to the spot. The title of Luna had been stripped from me, but something else had taken its place—a cold, clear purpose that would not be denied.

* * *

The Shadowmere hall had been transformed for the Alpha Council meeting, adorned with our pack's colors and symbols of strength. I stood at the back, no longer entitled to a place at the front with the pack leadership. The neighboring Alphas and their Lunas filed in, their curious glances sliding over me before settling on Amanda, who sat proudly beside Marcus.

"Welcome, honored Alphas," Marcus began, his voice smooth with practiced diplomacy. "Today, Shadowmere Pack is proud to present a revolutionary training system that will strengthen all our territories against rogue threats."

Amanda rose gracefully, wearing a dress that mimicked traditional Luna ceremonial attire but with modifications that emphasized her figure rather than her status. She began a polished presentation, her words flowing confidently as she described MY training protocols, MY healing techniques, MY life's work.

"These formations maximize our warriors' natural strengths," she explained, gesturing to the diagrams I had spent countless nights perfecting. "And the integrated healing protocols ensure faster recovery and stronger pack bonds."

The visiting Alphas nodded appreciatively, clearly impressed by the comprehensive system. One Luna leaned forward, her brow furrowed in confusion as she glanced between Amanda and me.

As Amanda concluded her presentation, she tilted her head deliberately, ensuring everyone could see Marcus's mark on her neck. "As the chosen of my destined Alpha and protector," she said, her voice carrying a note of triumph, "I am honored to contribute to our collective strength."

The applause that followed was polite but superficial—the kind given out of protocol rather than genuine admiration. Several of the older Alphas exchanged glances, clearly sensing that something was amiss in Shadowmere Pack.

I remained still, my face a careful mask hiding the storm within. As Amanda basked in her stolen glory, our eyes met across the hall. Her smirk of satisfaction told me everything—she thought she had won.

Little did she know, this was just the beginning of her downfall.