Chapter 2

After that night, Owen vanished for five days. He didn’t show up at our daughter Rachel’s funeral, just as he’d promised. Paula, an Omega in the Silver Moon Pack, had been supportive, but she subtly warned me about the female werewolves gravitating around the Alpha. I let out a harsh laugh; as if I, the Luna, could control that.

Taking a break, I headed to the pack’s training grounds to hand in my resignation as Gamma warrior. Quinn, the Gamma in charge of training, was caught off guard. “Luna Cecilia,” he said, his voice tinged with concern, “think this through. We don’t just train anyone easily around here. Are you sure you want out?”

I signed the papers without hesitation and got a ticket to return to my ancestral pack in two days. In my previous life, the monotony of my duties had drained me. My role as Gamma had pulled me away from Rachel, and I wouldn’t let that happen again.

On my way back to the village, I spotted Owen walking with Regina, the rogue werewolf who had re-entered his life. His expression shifted awkwardly the moment he saw me. Regina asked him what was wrong, and he looked away, his voice dismissive. “Just someone annoying.”

For a second, I hesitated. I thought I had moved on, but his words still cut deep. Suddenly, Royalty Thomas, a Delta warrior, stood in my way, her voice sharp and arrogant. “Luna Cecilia! Don’t you dare hold that funeral for your pup! Our pups can’t sleep with all that racket!”

I replied calmly, masking the hurt in my voice, “I’ve never played music at night. Stop blaming me for your issues.”

Royalty spat on the ground, her tone mocking. “Messing around with those ancient artifacts, maybe it’s karma that took your daughter.”

The mention of Rachel’s illness brought tears I couldn’t hold back. With desperation, I said, “I was only working at an auction house!”

She sneered cruelly, her words like daggers. “Who knows if you brought about your own pup’s death? Even the Alpha can’t tolerate you. Maybe it’s ’cause you killed your daughter!”

Seeing Owen pause felt like grabbing at straws. Clutching his sleeve, I pleaded, “Alpha Owen, you know why Rachel was sick, right?!”

I longed for him to defend me, even just with a glare at Royalty. But his eyes were cold as he pulled away, his voice icy. “Who cares what people say as long as you know the truth?”

Royalty smugly leaned in, glancing at Regina before taunting, “Divorced not long, and you’re cozying up with a rogue again. What a piece of work.”

Owen turned back sharply, his expression dark and intense. “Who do you think you are, talking about Regina like that? Watch your mouth!”

Royalty instantly shut up, her voice trembling as she apologized to Regina. Holding Regina’s hand with a stern edge to his voice, Owen said, “I won’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of Regina. Treat her with respect!”

Watching them leave, I forced a sad smile. Regina was untouchable, yet I, the Luna, could be humiliated without restraint. Owen knew I wasn’t to blame for Rachel’s death but chose not to defend me.

It took ages to dull my love for him, to grow accustomed to the heartbreak. My heart, scarred by his disregard, still felt the sting of his hurtfulness. My wolf whimpered softly in the back of my mind, her pain mirroring my own, but I pushed her down, refusing to let her vulnerability show. I was the Luna, even if Owen no longer saw me as his mate. I would endure, as I always had.