Chapter 3

Werewolf society had a strict hierarchy.

When I became Damon's fated mate, everyone said I had married above my station. A common she-wolf blessed by the Moon Goddess and chosen as the Luna of the Blackwood Pack's Alpha was a stroke of luck many wolves would not even dare imagine.

But no one knew that I was not common at all.

I was Elara Nightshade.

Five years ago, my name represented the highest level of prestige in the design world. My work had won multiple international awards, and powerful packs fought to invite me to design ceremonial gowns for their bonding rituals.

Until I met Damon.

Back then, he was only a young designer just starting out. I did not even know he was an Alpha at first.

I fell in love with him. I believed his promises. I gave up a career at its peak and willingly became an assistant whose life revolved around his pack.

I thought my sacrifice would earn his gratitude.

I was wrong.

As the Blackwood Pack's business continued to expand, Damon found more and more fault with me. He disliked my aging face and the body that had changed after childbirth. He brought beautiful Omegas into the pack, took Kelly to every event, introduced her to everyone, and locked me at home, saying I was not worthy of appearing in public with him.

He even forbade me from using the surname Nightshade, saying it would steal his spotlight.

How ridiculous.

The name Elara Nightshade was a glory in itself.

Three days later, Kaelen's condition stabilized, and I brought him home from the hospital.

As soon as we stepped through the door, suggestive sounds drifted from the bedroom.

"Damon... be gentle..."

"Baby, you're so sweet..."

Expressionless, I walked down the hallway and pushed open the bedroom door.

The two people in the bed froze instantly.

Damon scrambled off Kelly, his face both embarrassed and furious. "Why are you back?"

"This is my home," I said calmly. "Do I need to report to you when I come back?"

"You..." Damon's face flushed red. "Can't you see we're busy? Get out."

Kelly wrapped herself in the blanket, exposing one pale shoulder, and said in a delicate voice, "Luna, please don't be angry. We were just... discussing work."

"Do you need to take your clothes off to discuss work?" I asked.

Kelly's face went white.

Damon flew into a shame-fueled rage. He grabbed the ashtray on the table and hurled it at me.

I did not dodge.

The ashtray grazed my forehead, and blood ran down my cheek.

"Mommy!" Kaelen screamed and threw himself forward, hugging my leg.

Damon froze. He seemed not to have expected that he would actually hit me.

"I... I didn't mean to..." he stammered. "You pushed me..."

I wiped the blood from my face, and my heart went completely cold.

In that moment, I made my decision.

"Damon, I reject you."

"What did you say?"

"I said, before the Moon Goddess, I, Elara Nightshade, reject you as my mate."

Damon's eyes widened. He could feel the stabbing pain of the bond being torn, and then he let out a cold laugh.

"Are you insane? Without me, you are nothing. You can't even support yourself."

"That is my problem. Now accept my rejection."

"You think I will give you Kaelen? Dream on. He is the pup of the Blackwood Pack's Alpha. What right do you have to take him?"

I looked at him and suddenly smiled.

"Damon, do you remember how you begged me to marry you five years ago?"

Damon's expression changed.

"You said you would love me forever and treat me well forever," I continued. "You said you would make me the happiest Luna in the world."

"That was in the past."

"Yes." I nodded. "It was."

I took a document from my bag and threw it onto the bed.

"It doesn't matter if you refuse to accept it. I have applied for divorce through the Werewolf Court. These are the divorce papers. I have already signed them. If you know what is good for you, sign quietly. Otherwise, we can meet in court."

Damon picked up the documents, glanced at them, and his face turned livid.

"You're insane. You're asking for half my assets?"

"They are marital assets," I said. "Under marriage law, I am entitled to half."

"Dream on!" Damon tore the papers to shreds. "I will not give you anything."

"That's fine." I smiled. "I have copies."

With that, I picked up Kaelen and left that house.

Behind me came Damon's hysterical roar and the sound of things being smashed.

But I did not look back.

Because I knew that from today onward, everything would be different.