Chapter 1
My father and brother died for the pack, and the Alpha King promised to accompany me in honoring their memory each year.
But on the day of the memorial, Lawson stormed into my chambers, demanding I surrender the Luna’s pendant.
He bared his claws at my throat.
“My true mate has always been Armani! You’ve clung to this position for far too long, leveraging your family’s sacrifice. It’s time for you to step down!”
“Besides,” he added coldly, “I don’t need a Luna who can’t even bear an heir. From now on, you’ll serve Armani in her daily needs. Consider it a mercy.”
Years ago, during a rogue attack, I had stood before him with my wolf form, shielding him from harm.
Now, he wielded his claws against me for another she-wolf.
Heartbroken, I handed over the pendant and the ceremonial scrolls.
When I appeared before him with my hair shorn, ready to retreat to the healer’s sanctuary, he lost all reason.
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“Luna—no, I suppose you’re not the Luna anymore. How can a rejected she-wolf still hold her head high?”
The Beta, Kyson, sneered as he knocked over a pair of glass vases in my chambers.
Those vases were a marking ceremony gift from my father, the last thing he ever gave me.
Back then, Lawson was just an overlooked Alpha heir, but I believed in him, choosing him against all odds.
As the shards scattered across the floor, I felt a choking sensation, tears trapped in my throat.
I regretted it all—if I hadn’t misjudged him, my father and brother wouldn’t have died for his ascension.
Kyson laughed mockingly. “What? Still clinging to your delusions of grandeur? You’re nothing but the Alpha’s cast-off trash!”
Lawson entered, carefully supporting Armani, who leaned on his arm. He carried blueprints in his hand, plans to renovate my chambers as a lavish gift for her.
Kyson’s insults continued, and Lawson watched silently, his indifference a sharper blade than any words.
I knelt on the floor, gathering the broken pieces, my hands bleeding from the sharp edges.
Lawson merely frowned, his voice icy.
“Don’t act like I’ve wronged you. It’s only natural for a barren Luna to step aside. It’s the way of the pack.”
At the mention of barrenness, a flicker of defiance stirred within me.
“A pup? I did carry a pup.”
I touched my abdomen, remembering the life I’d fought to protect, only to lose it due to Lawson’s neglect and Armani’s schemes.
For a moment, Lawson’s expression softened, almost apologetic.
“You were once my Luna, Haley. You should have the grace to accept this. Armani is carrying my heir, and you should rejoice for the pack’s future.”
“Once her pup is born, I’ll grant you a position of honor. It’s the least I can do to honor our bond.”
Before he could finish, Armani feigned a swoon, collapsing dramatically against him.
The calm, commanding Alpha instantly panicked, shouting at the healer, Edwin, who rushed in.
Kyson dropped to his knees.
“Alpha, perhaps there’s something in the chambers’ scent harming Armani and the pup!”
Blinded by rage, Lawson turned on me, convinced I’d poisoned the air.
He strode forward and kicked me to the ground.
“You’ve lost a pup yourself, Haley. How could you harm Armani’s?”
I tasted blood, wiping it from my lips with a trembling hand.
“Alpha, when have you ever given me a chance to defend myself?”
This wasn’t the first time. When Armani first arrived, she’d claimed illness after visiting my chambers.
Back then, Lawson had interrogated my attendants, searching every corner for evidence of foul play.
Even when nothing was found, he’d remained suspicious.
Now, Armani’s act was just as transparent, yet Lawson fell for it again.
Edwin examined her, his voice trembling as he spoke.
“Alpha, Armani shows no signs of harm. She’s simply fatigued from the pregnancy. Rest is all she needs.”
At the same time, a servant returned, confirming the scent contained nothing harmful.
Armani, realizing her ploy had failed, “woke” with a soft groan, calling for Lawson.
He rushed to her side, his concern for her eclipsing all else.
I rose to leave, unable to stomach the charade, but Lawson stopped me.
“Haley, Armani collapsed in your chambers.”
“Perhaps it’s your presence that’s cursed her and the pup.”