Chapter 2

The air in Archer's office crackled with tension as I stepped forward, my Luna aura flaring around me like a protective cloak. Five years of diplomatic training had taught me how to control it, to reveal just enough power to command respect without overwhelming those around me.

"I am still Luna of this pack," I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. "And you will show me the respect that position demands."

Sariyah's eyes widened slightly—she hadn't expected resistance. Good.

But before she could respond, Archer moved with startling speed, placing himself between us. His Alpha aura exploded outward, a crushing wave of dominance that slammed into my Luna power.

"Bellamy," he growled, his voice deepening with Alpha command. "You will stand down."

The force of his power pushed against mine, not just challenging but actively suppressing it. I felt Selene recoil inside me, shocked and hurt by the betrayal of our mate using his strength against us.

"Archer," I whispered, fighting to maintain my composure as his aura pressed down on me like a physical weight. "You're using your Alpha power against your fated mate."

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes—doubt, perhaps, or a memory of what we once were. Then Sariyah placed her hand on his shoulder, and his expression hardened again.

"I'm protecting my chosen mate," he said coldly. "Something you clearly can't accept."

I felt my chest tighten as his words cut deeper than any physical wound could. The sacred bond between us, blessed by the Moon Goddess herself, meant nothing to him now.

"You've changed," I said quietly, struggling to keep my voice from breaking.

Sariyah's lips curved into a predatory smile. "He's found his true strength," she purred, stepping around Archer. "And I think it's time you understood your place."

Before I could react, her body began to contort. Bones cracked and reformed as her human form gave way to something feral and dangerous. In seconds, a sleek brown wolf stood before me, teeth bared in a snarl.

"Shift back, Sariyah," Archer commanded, but there was no real urgency in his voice.

She ignored him completely, lunging forward with a ferocious growl.

I barely had time to raise my arm as she leapt at me, her claws slashing across my face and shoulder. Pain exploded through me as her teeth sank into my flesh, tearing through muscle and sinew.

"Stop!" I cried out, instinctively pushing back with a pulse of Luna power—just enough to force her back without causing serious harm.

Blood streamed down my cheek and shoulder as I staggered backward, my hand rising to touch the warm wetness on my face. The metallic scent filled my nostrils as Sariyah circled me, her wolf eyes gleaming with triumph.

"You provoked her," Archer said coldly, not moving to help me or to restrain Sariyah. "Challenging my chosen mate was a mistake, Bellamy."

"She attacked me!" I gasped, pressing my hand against the wound on my shoulder.

"And you used your Luna power against her," he countered, his voice hardening. "That's not how a proper Luna behaves."

The betrayal cut deeper than Sariyah's claws ever could. Our mate—our fated partner—was not only choosing another but actively enabling her attack on me.

I gathered what remained of my dignity, straightening my spine despite the pain radiating through my body. "This isn't over," I said quietly.

Archer's eyes narrowed as he raised his hand. The door burst open as pack warriors flooded in, their expressions grim as they formed a circle around me.

"Bellamy has attacked my chosen mate," Archer announced, his voice carrying through the room. "She is to be contained until we decide her fate."

The warriors moved closer, their eyes avoiding mine. I recognized some of them—wolves who had once bowed to me as their Luna. Now they obeyed a different command.

"You're all making a grave mistake," I said, my voice steady despite the blood still flowing down my face.

Sariyah shifted back to human form, her naked body somehow not looking vulnerable as she pressed herself against Archer's side. "The pack has already chosen," she hissed. "They want a real Luna, not some weak placeholder who's been hiding abroad."

I looked at the warriors surrounding me, at Archer's cold eyes and Sariyah's triumphant smile. The pack members who had gathered at the doorway whispered among themselves.

"Is that really her? She looks so... ordinary."

"I heard she doesn't even have a wolf."

"Our Luna is supposed to be stronger than that."

Each whisper was a knife twisting in my heart as I backed toward the door, my hand still pressed against my bleeding shoulder.

"The pack has spoken," Archer said, his voice final. "Leave, Bellamy. Return to your father if you cannot accept your place here."

As I turned to leave, blood dripping onto the polished floor behind me, I felt something inside me harden into resolve. They had no idea who they were dealing with—no idea what power flowed through my veins.

But they would learn soon enough.