Chapter 2

I sat motionless at the breakfast table, the untouched teacup before me like a viper poised to strike. The morning light streaming through the windows felt harsh against my eyes, a stark contrast to the darkness that had settled in my heart. Marcus's voice droned on as he discussed border patrol schedules with the Beta team, but his words reached me as if through water—distorted and meaningless.

*He poisoned us*, Luna growled within me, her presence stronger than it had been in months, burning with righteous fury. *For months. With wolfsbane.*

I lifted the teacup to my lips but didn't drink, merely allowing the steam to warm my face as I pretended to sip. The familiar scent of the herbs—once comforting—now made my stomach churn with revulsion. I watched Marcus from beneath lowered lashes, studying the man I had called mate for eight years. Had his smile always held that edge of calculation? Had his eyes always cooled so quickly after turning away from me?

'Are you feeling well this morning, Luna?' Emma asked, her concerned gaze fixed on my face. My loyal Beta female had been watching me closely these past weeks, sensing something amiss even before I had.

'Just a touch of a headache,' I replied, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. 'Nothing serious.'

Marcus's attention snapped to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. 'Perhaps you should rest today, my Luna. I can handle the territory negotiations.'

'Nonsense,' I said with a practiced smile. 'I'm perfectly capable of fulfilling my duties.'

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly before he nodded. 'As you wish.'

The morning pack run was agony. Without the wolfsbane dulling my senses, Luna pushed against my skin, desperate to break free and seek vengeance. I forced myself to focus on each footfall, each breath, as we raced through the forest. Ahead of me, Marcus ran alongside Raven, their wolves moving in suspicious synchronicity. Behind me, I could feel Emma's concerned gaze boring into my back.

When we returned to the pack house, I made my excuses and headed toward the healer's cottage on the edge of our territory. The small stone building was nestled among ancient oaks, herbs growing in neat rows along the pathway.

'Luna Aria,' Sage Meadowlight greeted me with a respectful bow, her weathered face creasing with concern. 'What brings you to my door?'

'My migraines have been troubling me,' I said, loud enough for any passing wolves to hear. Then, lowering my voice to a whisper, I added, 'I need to speak with you in private, Elder Sage.'

Understanding flickered in her ancient eyes, and she ushered me inside, closing the door firmly behind us. The cottage smelled of dried herbs and healing poultices, a lifetime of knowledge hanging from the rafters in bundles of plants.

'Something is very wrong,' I said without preamble once we were alone. 'I need you to test my blood for wolfsbane.'

Sage's eyes widened, her gnarled hand flying to her throat. 'Wolfsbane? But that's—'

'Forbidden. Yes. And yet I found it hidden in our kitchen, and I believe it's been added to my tea for months.'

'By whom?' she whispered, though I could see in her eyes that she already suspected.

'Marcus,' I said, the name like ash on my tongue. 'My mate. My Alpha.'

The old healer's face hardened with resolve. 'Give me your arm, child.'

I rolled up my sleeve, watching as she drew a small amount of blood with practiced efficiency. She mixed it with various solutions, muttering ancient words under her breath. The final mixture turned a sickly purple color before my eyes.

'Goddess have mercy,' Sage breathed, her hands trembling. 'It's true. Wolfsbane poisoning, administered consistently over a long period. It's weakened your bond with your wolf and suppressed your mate connection.' Her eyes met mine, filled with righteous anger. 'This is a violation of the most sacred laws, Luna.'

I nodded, a cold calm settling over me as the final confirmation of Marcus's betrayal sank in. 'Can you treat it?'

'Yes, but it will take time for your system to fully recover.' She hesitated. 'Luna Aria, what will you do with this knowledge?'

I stood, smoothing my clothing with steady hands that belied the chaos within me. 'Nothing. Yet.'

'Nothing?' she echoed, clearly confused.

'I need to understand how deep this betrayal goes before I act,' I explained, my voice low and controlled. 'I need to know his plans, his allies, his weaknesses. And for that, I need him to believe I remain ignorant and weakened.'

Sage studied me, something like admiration dawning in her ancient eyes. 'You are more wolf than many who shift with ease, Luna Aria.'

'Will you keep this between us?' I asked. 'I cannot risk him discovering that I know.'

The old healer drew herself up, pride straightening her bent spine. 'I serve the pack and the Moon Goddess, not an Alpha who would poison his mate. Your secret is safe with me.'

As I left the healer's cottage, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the territory. Inside me, Luna paced restlessly, her strength growing with each passing hour as the wolfsbane began to leave my system.

*Patience*, I told her. *We will have our vengeance.*

For now, I would return to the pack house. I would smile at my betrayer. I would nod politely to his lover. And I would begin gathering the evidence that would destroy them both.