Chapter 3

The healer's den was dimly lit, the scent of herbs and salves heavy in the air. I lay on the narrow cot, my body still weak from the miscarriage. The pain had dulled to a dull ache, but the wound in my heart remained raw and gaping.

The door burst open with a crash, and Jonathan stormed in, his eyes blazing with cold fury. I flinched, my wolf Selene whimpering in the back of my mind as his Alpha aura filled the small room.

"How dare you," he snarled, his voice low and dangerous. "After everything I've done for you, you would endanger the pack like this?"

I stared at him, my throat constricting. "Jonathan, I—"

"Silence," he growled, his Alpha tone cutting through the air like a whip. "You will apologize to Madison for your reckless behavior. And as for this...this incident, it only proves what I've suspected all along."

My heart clenched as he gestured toward my belly, now empty and aching. "You are unfit to be the mother of my heir."

Selene let out a mournful howl within me, and I felt her retreat, curling into herself in pain. I opened my mouth to protest, but no words came out.

Jonathan turned on his heel and strode out, slamming the door behind him. The sound echoed through the den, leaving me shaken and alone.

The council meeting was held in the grand hall of the Silvermoon Pack's main house, the room filled to capacity with pack members and elders. I sat at the far end of the table, my hands clasped tightly in my lap as I tried to still my racing heart.

Madison stood at the head of the table, a confident smile on her face as she addressed the gathered crowd. "Today, I am thrilled to present a breakthrough in our healing protocols," she announced, her voice carrying across the room. "Through tireless research and experimentation, I have developed a comprehensive system that combines traditional remedies with modern techniques."

As she began to explain her "innovative" methods, my blood ran cold. Every word, every detail, was stolen directly from my private journals—the notes I had poured my heart and soul into, hoping to improve the health and well-being of our pack.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Elara Hayes, Jonathan's mother and the former Luna, her eyes shining with pride. "Isn't Madison remarkable?" she whispered, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Such a brilliant mind, and a true asset to our pack."

The elders nodded in agreement, their faces filled with admiration for Madison's supposed genius. I sat there, frozen, as she continued to present my work as her own.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I pushed my chair back and stood, my legs trembling beneath me. "That's not true," I said, my voice shaking but firm. "This is my work. You stole it from me."

Madison's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Oh, Luna Sarah," she said, her voice dripping with false concern. "I think the stress of recent events has gotten to you. Perhaps you should take a seat."

But I stood my ground, my eyes locked on Jonathan's. "This is my research," I repeated, my voice stronger now. "I poured my heart and soul into it, and you took it from me."

Jonathan's expression darkened, his Alpha aura flaring. "Enough of this nonsense," he growled, his Alpha tone booming through the hall. "We will not tolerate such baseless accusations."

I felt the weight of his command pressing down on me, my knees buckling under the pressure. But I refused to back down.

"Jonathan, please," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Look at me. See the truth."

For a moment, our eyes locked, and I thought I saw a flicker of doubt in his gaze. But then his mask slipped back into place, and he turned away.

"Guards," he called, his voice cold and final. "Remove Luna Sarah from the hall."

As the guards approached, I felt a surge of desperation. I couldn't let this stand. I wouldn't.

With a choked cry, I turned and fled the hall, the whispers of the gathered pack members echoing behind me. "She's lost her mind." "Poor Alpha, stuck with such a troubled mate." "Maybe it's time for a change in leadership."

I didn't stop running until I reached the safety of my quarters, the door slamming shut behind me. I leaned against it, my breath coming in ragged gasps as tears streamed down my face.

Selene stirred within me, her presence a faint comfort. "We'll get through this," she whispered. "Together."

But as I looked around the empty, sterile room, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was truly alone.