Chapter 6

That night, Marina ended up going to the party in her everyday clothes.

She stood out like a sore thumb at this fancy gathering where everyone wore fine gowns, yet it was way better than being exposed.

After shooting Marina dirty looks over her T-shirt and jeans, all the guests' eyes drifted over to Adrian and Lucy.

"Alpha and his new girl really make a striking pair," someone said.

"She does look good, but she is still no match for Marina. Man, Marina's features are absolutely breathtaking," another added.

Some guests caught sight of Marina keeping to herself in the corner, their eyes flickering with pity and disgust.

"Back then, so many she-wolves envied Marina. Alpha treated her like she was the apple of his eye, spoiling her rotten."

"I heard he confessed to her in a rose thicket under the full moon to give her an unforgettable sea of flowers."

"Alpha also had an exquisite ring forged from moonstone, one of a kind in the whole world."

"Exactly. For years, loads of folks dreamed of becoming Luna. I can't figure out why she went after Alpha's brother."

"She couldn't keep her legs closed. She deserves everything she is getting now. But Alpha was way too soft. He has kept her around and even let her stay Luna."

"If it were me, I would've killed her the moment she cheated."

Marina had heard whispers like these countless times over the past three years.

She slipped into the restroom and splashed water over her face, thinking she wouldn't need Adrian to kill her because she was going to die soon anyway.

At the party, the auction was in full swing. "Next up for auction is a pearl and emerald gemstone. Starting bid: 30,000 dollars," the auctioneer announced.

Marina glanced at it, her eyes going wide. It was a treasure her grandma had left her, said to have been passed down through the Whitehowl Pack for nearly ten generations.

Five years ago, after her mom passed away, their place got robbed, and the gemstone was gone.

"Marina, do you like that?" Lucy caught the look in Marina's eyes. She nudged Adrian's arm. "Adrian, why don't you bid on it and give it to Marina?"

Adrian didn't spare Marina a glance. "She doesn't deserve it."

Marina shook slightly. She still remembered clearly: when the gem first went missing, she'd cried every night out of panic.

Adrian sent out countless werewolves and poured so much effort into hunting for it.

When they turned up nothing, he looked defeated and heartbroken. He held her close and swore, "Marina, even if I have to give up everything, I'll make sure you get your gemstone back."

But now, the gemstone was right in front of her, and he said she didn't deserve it.

"Then why don't you bid on it and give it to me instead?" Lucy said.

"You want it?" Adrian asked.

"Yeah."

Adrian raised his paddle. "300 thousand dollars."

With a sharp bang of the gavel, the gemstone was handed to Adrian. Lucy snatched it up and passed it to Marina. "Hey, Marina, isn't today your birthday? Happy birthday."

Marina's eyes dimmed. She'd forgotten it was her birthday.

Back in the old days, Adrian was the one who kept track of her birthdays. Every year, he gave her as many gifts as her age.

There were precious things like the moonstone passed down only to Luna within the Whitehowl Pack, fresh flowers Adrian had grown on his own, and once he'd even commissioned a one-of-a-kind gown for her.

She never expected that this year, she'd only get a birthday present thanks to the other she-wolf.

A bitter taste burned in her throat and chest. Still, she reached out to take the gem.

But the second Marina's fingers brushed it, Lucy let go. The stone hit the floor and broke clean in half.

"Marina, Adrian spent 300 thousand dollars on this. Even if you can't stand me, you shouldn't waste his generosity." Lucy pouted, looking all pitiful as she buried herself in Adrian's arms. "Adrian, does Marina hate me?"

Adrian's eyes were icy. "Marina, you really don't know what's good for you."

Marina looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief.

She wondered why Adrian believed Lucy's lie that she'd smashed the old family hairpin out of spite against him, and when she'd become so worthless in his eyes.

Swallowing her pain, Marina quietly crouched down and carefully picked up every shard.

Suddenly, someone cried out in alarm from above. "Marina, why do you have a bruise on your neck?"

Marina instinctively pulled her collar up. It was from her failing organs; her blood wouldn't clot properly anymore.