The Luna Who Invited Her Ex-Mate to Her Mating Ritual

Avelyn’s POV When I opened my eyes again, silver moonlight filtered through the ward’s frost-glass windows. The scent of wolfsbane and ashroot stung my nose—a healer’s chamber for the packborn, where the scent of pain never faded. My body throbbed with dull agony, every nerve raw, as though I’d been dragged through shards of moonstone. The healer stood beside my bed, his coat marked with the insignia of the Lunar Court’s Medical Guild, his expression tight and guilty. “Luna Avelyn,” he murmured, avoiding my gaze, “if something like this happens again, you might lose your ability to bear heirs. The Moon’s blessing upon your womb is fading.” My throat went dry. “How much?” I rasped. He blinked, startled. “Pardon?” “How much did he pay you,” I said, voice shaking, “to drain my bloodline essence and kill my son?” His hand froze midair. “Luna, I… I don’t know what you’re talking about—” “Don’t lie to me,” I hissed. The faint glimmer of my suppressed wolf aura shimmered through my skin. “You siphoned my moon essence for Vionne’s transplant. You helped them. Now discharge me before I show you how an Alpha’s mate punishes treachery.” His shoulders slumped. Without a word, he slid the release tablet toward me. I pressed my trembling claw-tip to the rune, sealing it with a signature of silver flame. “You should remain here for a few more moons, Luna,” he whispered. “I’d rather die beneath the eclipse than spend another second here,” I said coldly. He lowered his gaze. “Then… may the Moon forgive us all.” I said nothing. I gathered what little remained of my strength and walked out. My steps were weak, but fury burned steadier than blood. *** When I reached the Valloren Manor, the manor that once pulsed with the warmth of my pack’s laughter, the air felt wrong—empty. The silverwood gates I had carved myself now gleamed cold under the moon. I had chosen every color, every curtain, believing it would be the den where our pups would grow. Now, it felt like a tomb. I pushed the great doors open. Laughter drifted from the inner hall—soft, lilting, and cruel. Vionne was lounging on the stone couch, curled into Zayne’s chest, her swollen belly glowing faintly with the Lunar Bond mark. His hands, those same hands that had once refused to touch me, were gently massaging her feet. A bitter laugh escaped my throat. I remembered the night I was heavy with our son, when I had begged him to ease my pain. He tossed me a handful of silver coins and said, “Ask a maid. I don’t do lesser chores.” Now, here he was, smiling like a fool, tending to her every need. “You two look cozy,” I said, my voice sharp as frost. Zayne stiffened. His amber eyes narrowed. “What are you doing here, Avelyn? You were supposed to remain under the healer’s ward.” “Why?” I asked quietly. “So you could keep pretending I’m dead?” He glared. “Don’t start this again. Vionne carries my heir. You’re supposed to support her, not cause turmoil.” My throat burned. “You killed my child for her.” His aura surged, gold flames licking the air. “Enough! If you weren’t so unstable, maybe the Moon would’ve spared your child!” The words struck like claws across my heart. I turned away before he could see me break. “Don’t worry, Alpha. I’ll be gone soon.” *** Upstairs, I stopped outside the the room I had enchanted with moon crystals to hum lullabies when touched by light. The faint scent of milkweed lingered, but it was overpowered by something else—rosewater, Vionne’s favorite. The door was ajar. I pushed it open and froze. Everything was gone. The silver cradle I forged under the crescent, the soft wolf-hide rug, even the azure curtains I had sewn by hand—all replaced. The walls gleamed with pink moon-paint, and above a new cradle, etched in curling silver letters, was the name: “Baby Ravyn.” My knees weakened. I stepped forward and saw my baby’s last relic—his ultrasound rune crystal—shattered on the floor. My trembling hands reached for it. “My sweet boy…” I whispered. A sharp heel pressed down on my hand, grinding the shards into my skin until blood welled. Pain burned through me, laced with wolfsbane. “Oops,” Vionne’s voice cooed, sweet and venomous. “Did I step on something sacred?” I looked up, shaking with rage. “What is wrong with you?” She smiled, her eyes gleaming silver in the moonlight. “Don’t be angry, Avelyn. Zayne said I could claim this chamber since… well, you don’t need it anymore.” I rose slowly, blood dripping down my palm. “You’re a monster.” “Oh, my dear,” she said louder, feigning panic, “are you hurting yourself because of me? You should’ve just said so! You’re scaring me!” My voice cracked. “What are you doing, Vionne?” “Oh!” she cried theatrically. “Zayne! She’s hurting herself again!” Before I could breathe, Zayne stormed into the room, his golden aura flaring. “What are you doing now?” he demanded, voice full of cold disdain. “I didn’t do anything—she’s the one—” But Vionne cut me off, eyes brimming with fake tears. “I made her upset, Zayne. She hurt herself after you said I could use the nursery. It’s my fault…” My heart stopped. “That’s not—!” “Enough!” Zayne barked. “I’ve tolerated your madness long enough.” Vionne’s eyes glinted as she reached for a small box on the table. She lifted a diamond pendant shaped like a crescent moon. “Ooh, this is lovely,” she said. “Is it yours?” “No—wait, don’t—” The necklace slipped from her fingers and shattered on the floor. For a heartbeat, all sound vanished. The pendant—my son’s Lunar Naming Crystal, the last piece of his soul tethered to this realm—lay broken among glinting shards. “Oops,” she whispered, smiling. My knees buckled. “How could you? That was his tether… the only link to my child’s spirit!” Zayne’s voice was cold as iron. “It’s just a trinket, Avelyn.” “Just a—?” I gasped, staring up at him. “You think the Moon binds trinkets? That was our son!” Vionne’s lips twitched. “Poor thing,” she whispered sweetly. “Maybe the healers should purge her. She’s clearly unwell since the accident.” “I don’t need purification!” I shouted, trembling. “I need her to stop stealing what isn’t hers!” Zayne sighed. “You need help, Avelyn.” Two pack guards appeared at his command, shadows moving fast as smoke. Their grips clamped down on my arms. “What are you doing? Let me go, Zayne!” I cried, thrashing. He crossed his arms, jaw clenched. “You’ve lost control again. You’re a danger to the pack—and to yourself.” “I’m your Luna!” I screamed. “And she’s using you!” Vionne whimpered, clutching her belly. “Please, Zayne, don’t let her near me. The pup—he can feel her rage.” That was enough for him. His gaze hardened to stone. “Take her to the Moon Asylum. Now.” “Zayne, please—” My voice broke. “You’re casting me out for her?” He didn’t look back. His hand rested protectively on Vionne’s waist as he guided her away, the mark of his loyalty burning like a brand on my heart. The guards dragged me down the stairs as her voice followed, dripping with mock pity. “I’ll take good care of your Alpha while you heal, Avelyn.” I screamed her name, my voice echoing through the halls of Valloren Manor—once my home, now my cage—until the doors slammed shut behind me.

Avelyn’s POV The first thing I felt when I woke was the chill of moonstone restraints biting into my wrists. I lay on a narrow cot inside a sterile chamber that smelled of iron and burning sage. Silver runes glowed faintly across the walls — wards meant to suppress one’s wolf. A man in healer’s robes stood beside me, humming softly as he prepared a vial of shimmering blue liquid. “Where… where am I?” I whispered, my voice hoarse. He smiled without meeting my eyes. “Your Alpha requested healing. Don’t struggle, Luna Valloren. I’m here to cure your mind.” Before I could react, the needle plunged into my arm. The potion burned like liquid frost in my veins. My vision spun, my wolf howled in my head — but the wards silenced her. I tried to speak, but my tongue felt heavy, my strength stripped away. “Just relax,” the healer murmured. “This is part of the moon correction process.” Then came the shock — raw, magical lightning surged through my body, searing every nerve. I screamed, my cry echoing off the cold walls. “Shh…” he whispered. “It’s for your own good.” Time lost all meaning. For two days — maybe more — I was trapped in a haze of pain and sleep spells. Whenever I begged to go home, they forced another dose down my throat. I heard the attendants whisper when they thought I was lost to the sedatives. “Lady Vionne said not to leave scars,” one muttered. “Pity,” the other replied. “She paid so well.” That was when I realized — Vionne had sent me here. This wasn’t treatment. It was punishment disguised as healing. By the second night, my body had stopped trembling. I couldn’t even cry anymore. I just stared at the glowing ceiling sigils and waited for the torment to end. When the restraints finally released, I was too weak to stand. Hours later, the door opened — and Zayne entered, his presence cold as winter rain. I thought I’d scream, curse him, demand answers. But I didn’t. I just looked at him, hollow. “You look awful,” he said flatly. “It’s only been two days.” Two days. That’s all it took for him to destroy what little was left of me. He turned toward the door. “Let’s go. Vionne’s waiting at the manor — she needs me.” Of course she did. He didn’t even offer his hand. I followed in silence, my legs burning with every step. Outside, storm clouds swallowed the moon, and rain poured like the heavens themselves were mourning. We rode in silence across the misted ridge. The lights of the pack city flickered in the distance. I stared out the window, trembling, soaked in silence. Then his communicator flared. Vionne’s voice filled the air — soft, panicked. “Zayne! Please, come home — the pup’s not moving! Something’s wrong!” His knuckles whitened around the reins. Without a word, he halted the spirit-carriage and opened my door. “Get out,” he said. I blinked. “What?” “Get out, Avelyn. Vionne needs me.” “You’re leaving me here?” He looked at me, eyes void of warmth. “You’ll manage.” The door slammed. Hooves pounded. The carriage vanished into the rain, leaving me on the muddy roadside. I stood there trembling as the storm drenched me, my white cloak clinging to my skin. When I tried to cross the bridge toward the lower packs, light flared — a carriage horn, a scream of wheels — and then, darkness. *** When I opened my eyes again, I was in a ward beneath the Moon Healer’s Spire. The air smelled of blood and lavender. My body ached with every breath. A healer approached, his face grim. “Luna Valloren,” he said softly, “the spirits spared your life, but the damage was grave. We had to remove your moonwomb. I’m sorry… you won’t be able to bear a pup again.” My world shattered. I stared at him, lips trembling. “What… what did you just say?” He lowered his gaze. “There was too much internal bleeding. The goddess preserved you, but your gift of life is gone.” My chest heaved; tears burned my cheeks. The moonstone monitor beside me pulsed erratically. Then came the knock. Vionne glided into the room in a silk gown the color of blush dawn, her swollen belly framed by moonlight. “Oh dear,” she cooed, feigning pity. “I heard you had an accident. Such a tragedy about your womb.” Her lips curved. “But look at the bright side — now you can help me raise our pup.” My claws ached to unsheathe. “Why are you here?” I rasped. “Haven’t you done enough?” She laughed softly. “I came to admire my handiwork. I did tell those brutes not to kill you, but perhaps I should’ve been clearer.” Rage surged through me. I seized her by the hair, tears spilling down my face. “You killed my pup! What more do you want from me?” “Help!” Vionne screamed. The door burst open. Zayne stormed in with the healer, eyes flaring with fury. “It’s barely been a day, and you’re attacking her again?” he snarled, shoving me backward. I fell, my stitches tearing open, blood staining the sheets. “Zayne,” I gasped. “She did this — she sent those wolves after me—” “Enough!” he barked. “I’ve already spoken to the guards who caught the driver. He said you paid him to cause the accident. You disgust me, Avelyn.” I froze. “What? That’s a lie!” He scoffed. “You’d do anything for attention.” His voice dripped with venom as he stepped closer. “How far will you go to make yourself a victim? Vionne’s done everything to care for you, and this is how you repay her?” “I lost my child, Zayne!” I cried, shaking. He turned away. “You lost your sanity. Enough of this. Vionne’s moon blessing is tonight. Try not to embarrass yourself — or me.” Vionne leaned close, her eyes glittering like frost. “Don’t worry, Avelyn,” she whispered. “I’ll make sure Zayne saves you a slice of the celebration cake.” Then they left, leaving only the sound of the door slamming and the storm raging outside. I sat there, staring at the crimson stain spreading across my gown. My hands trembled as my crystal communicator buzzed beside me. A message blinked across the glowing surface: “Divorce rites completed.” — Advocate Darian Melvere A single tear slipped down my cheek — the last one I would ever shed for Zayne Valloren.

Avelyn’s POV A few hours after Zayne stormed out of my recovery chamber, the healers from the Healer’s Hall infirmary discharged me. The elder healer looked at me with quiet pity, his eyes glowing faintly under the moonlight rune etched on his brow. “Please, Luna Valloren,” he said softly, “you must rest. Your wolf’s core is fragile — another strain could tear your life-thread apart.” I didn’t reply. I only signed the moon-sealed parchment — my Bond Severance Declaration — and stumbled out of the ward. My legs trembled, and my lower abdomen throbbed with pain where my spiritual womb had been torn apart. I half expected Zayne to be waiting outside the infirmary, especially after his relentless mind-link messages commanding me to return to the Valloren Manor and assist Vionne. Of course, he wasn’t there. Why would he be? A mate who had left me for dead twice wouldn’t bother showing up now. When I returned to the Valloren stronghold, the great hall of the Alpha’s manor was alive with laughter and chiming goblets. Gold and sapphire banners hung across the marble walls, and moonlight lanterns shimmered in the air. A large crest gleamed above the dais: “Welcome, Pup Ravyn Valloren.” It took me a second to realize that tonight wasn’t just Vionne’s pup-blessing. It was also Zayne’s and my second bond anniversary. And yet, not a single bloom of moonroses, not a single glance from Zayne, hinted that he remembered. The pack elites whispered as I stepped in — sharp, gleaming eyes of wolves in human skin. “There she is. The Luna who couldn’t bear an heir.” “I heard her spirit womb was destroyed. Poor thing, still clinging to Alpha Zayne.” “She truly thought he’d forget Vionne? They shared a blood bond as children.” Each word sliced through my soul like silver, but I kept walking, chin high. At the center of the grand hall, Vionne stood draped in a gown spun from moon-silk, her aura glowing with pregnancy’s warmth. Zayne stood beside her, adjusting her shawl, his gaze soft and reverent — a look he once reserved for me. “Avelyn,” Zayne said flatly, barely glancing my way. “You’re home. Vionne’s blessing begins soon. Make yourself useful.” My voice stayed steady. “Of course, Alpha. I wouldn’t dare ruin your night.” Before he could respond, Vionne turned to me, her tone dripping honey over venom. “Oh, Luna,” she cooed, “you’re just in time! The feast is nearly ready, but I’m craving something warm. Could you prepare it for me?” I frowned. “There are plenty of servants for that.” She feigned hurt. “Oh, I just thought your meals were… special. Never mind, I’ll ask someone else.” Zayne cut in sharply. “You have nothing better to do, Avelyn. Do as she asks.” I bit my tongue and limped toward the kitchens. Then, as if summoned by the Moon herself, Vionne called out again, “Oh, and Avelyn? Be a dear and fetch the parchments for Zayne to sign — the ones about the new carriage he promised me.” At his desk, I found the contract — a golden sigil for a new Nightfang chariot, the very one I’d once asked Zayne for. My name had been erased, replaced with hers. My lips curled bitterly. I slipped two other scrolls beneath it — one containing the bond-severance, and another transferring half of his assets. Zayne signed everything without reading. “At least you’re still useful in paperwork,” he muttered coldly. I smiled faintly as I walked away, clutching the signed documents. Just a few more days, and I’d be free. *** When the guests arrived, the hall shimmered with lunar crystals. Music floated through the air, and laughter echoed off silver pillars. Vionne moved among them like a queen bathed in moonlight. I stood behind the crowd — invisible, forgotten. Then, Zayne’s mother, Nerina, and matriarch of the Valloren line, swept into the room in her flowing ivory gown. “Vionne, darling,” she crooned, kissing her cheek. “You look divine. Finally, a true heir for our pack!” Her sharp gaze cut toward me. “Avelyn. You’ve returned.” “Yes, Mother,” I murmured. She sneered. “You should have stayed in the infirmary. You’ve brought enough bad luck already.” Vionne touched her arm gently. “Don’t say that, Mom. Avelyn didn’t mean for the accident to happen.” “You’re too kind,” Nerina sighed. “But it’s no surprise Zayne’s wolf turned cold. A Luna who can’t bear pups brings only darkness.” Laughter rippled through the pack. My claws dug into my palms. “My pup didn’t die because of me,” I whispered. “He died because your son let him.” The room went still. Zayne’s jaw tightened. “Avelyn.” “She killed him!” I screamed, pointing at Vionne. “You let the healers drain my life to save her womb! You chose her over our child!” Gasps filled the hall. Vionne covered her mouth, eyes glistening with fake tears. “I never wanted this,” she whispered. “Zayne, she’s sick — she’s ruining your night.” “Enough, Avelyn,” Zayne said coldly. “This is Vionne’s day, not your pity play.” I trembled. “Do you even remember what today is?” He blinked. “What are you talking about?” “Our bond anniversary.” Laughter erupted — cruel, sharp. “Oh, poor thing,” Vionne smiled. “You must have confused the dates.” “Don’t ruin the joy,” Nerina added. “This is a night for life — not your mistakes.” My heart clenched. Then Vionne suddenly gasped, clutching her belly. “Zayne… the pup! My pup—” He rushed to her side. “What happened?” Between sobs, she whimpered, “Avelyn… she made me food earlier. I think it had moon-nuts… I’m allergic!” The hall exploded into chaos. “What kind of Luna would do that?” “She’s jealous!” “She cursed the unborn heir!” “Avelyn!” Zayne roared, his aura blazing like wildfire. “If anything happens to them, you’ll regret it!” I tried to speak, but no sound came. “I am taking her to the Healer’s Chamber. Don’t follow us!” He carried Vionne out, slamming the doors behind him. I stood alone in the hall. Silence fell. The pack’s laughter faded down the moonlit path. I looked around — at the celebration, the banners, the roses — all honoring the woman who had stolen everything. My hands trembled as I reached for the sealed envelope on the table. The one holding the signed parchments. A bitter smile curved my lips. “Happy bond anniversary, Zayne,” I whispered. “You just signed your ‘empire’ away.”

Avelyn’s POV The next morning, I woke to the sound of footsteps — heavy, deliberate, filled with fury. The door burst open, slamming against the stone wall. Zayne stood there, his aura cold as frost, flanked by two enforcers of the Silvercrest Pack. “Take her,” he said flatly. My heart pounded. “Zayne, what are you doing?” He didn’t answer. The guards seized me, their grips iron-tight, dragging me across the corridor. I cried his name, but he never looked back. They threw me into an old moonstone cellar deep within the manor — a place long unused since the wars. Dust and the scent of rust filled the air. My knees hit the cold ground. “This is your punishment,” Zayne said, his voice cutting like winter steel. “For what you did to Vionne during her pup-blessing.” “I didn’t do anything!” I shouted. “She’s lying—” “Enough!” he snapped, his power crackling through the air, making my wolf recoil in fear. “You’ll stay here until you learn obedience.” He tossed something into the room. My heart froze — a cluster of lunar lilies. Their silvery petals shimmered under faint light. My throat closed instantly. He knew I was fatally allergic to their scent. “Zayne, please,” I gasped, my chest tightening. “Not that… you know I can’t breathe—” “You should’ve thought about that before endangering Vionne,” he said coldly. “Maybe the Moon will teach you manners.” Then he slammed the door. I clawed at it, my breath coming short. The air grew heavy, each inhale burning my lungs. I pounded until my hands went numb. My wolf whimpered weakly inside me, fading as I gasped for air. After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open. I collapsed into the corridor, coughing violently. Zayne stood over me, his eyes emotionless. “If you ever touch Vionne again,” he said slowly, “I swear on the Moon’s name, you’ll regret it.” Then he turned and left. I lay there trembling, the scent of lilies still haunting my skin. Then my crystal communicator buzzed beside me. My mother’s voice echoed softly through the rune-etched stone. “Sweetheart… your father has arranged passage to the Crescent Isles in two days. Come home, Avelyn. Please.” Tears filled my eyes. “I’ll come,” I whispered. “I promise.” When the call ended, I stared at the wall until my body stopped shaking. Something inside me — something human, something wolf — broke completely. I went to my chamber and pulled out the cedar box hidden beneath the bed. Inside were fragments of a life that no longer belonged to me — a moonstone pendant from Zayne, our mating vows sealed in silver wax, the tiny blue pelt I’d woven for our lost pup. One by one, I tossed them into the fireplace. The flames devoured them greedily, curling photographs and parchments into ash. The scent of burning memories filled the air. I packed my clothes and the signed bond-severance scrolls into my travel chest. When I turned around, Zayne stood by the doorway, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. “So,” he said coldly, “you’re finally packing. Good. When Vionne returns from the healer’s den, she’ll move into the Alpha chamber. You can take the servant’s quarters.” I said nothing. He smirked. “I’m glad you’re finally learning your place. Perhaps you’re not completely useless.” I turned back to my chest. “Is that all, Alpha?” He ignored the bite in my tone. “Vionne’s healer says she needs a blood infusion. You’ll come with me.” I froze. “No. I’m not giving her my blood again.” His jaw tightened. “You will do as I command.” When I didn’t move, he seized my arm. “You owe her for what she’s suffered because of you.” *** The healer’s chamber was filled with silver mist, moonlight filtering through enchanted glass. The pack physician looked alarmed the moment he saw me. “Alpha Valloren,” he began carefully, “your Luna isn’t fit for a life draw. Her essence is already weak — she might not survive another.” Zayne’s glare silenced him. “Vionne’s life matters more. Do it.” The healer hesitated. “If I extract more spirit blood, her wolf may—” “DO IT!” Zayne’s roar shook the chamber. The healer’s hands trembled as he inserted the silver needle into my arm. The chill spread instantly through my veins, and the faint red glow of my life-force began to fill the vial. The sound of the dripping essence echoed in my ears. Zayne stood by the wall, arms crossed, his eyes on Vionne — never on me. “Hurry it up.” Minutes dragged by. My vision blurred. The room began to tilt, and the healer’s voice became distant. “Alpha, she’s at her limit—” Vionne’s pitiful whimper cut through the air. “Zayne… it hurts…” “There’s nothing—” the healer started, but Zayne’s shout drowned him out. “Take more!” “Alpha, she’ll—” “I said TAKE MORE!” The healer paled but obeyed. The needle dug deeper. Pain tore through me. My body shook violently. “Zayne…” I whispered weakly. “Please… stop…” He didn’t turn. He brushed Vionne’s hair from her face, whispering softly, “It’s all right, love. You’ll be fine.” Each drop of blood felt like my soul slipping away. My skin turned cold, my heartbeat faint. “Alpha!” the healer cried. “She’s going into shock!” “She’s faking it,” Zayne said coldly. “She always does this when she wants pity.” My vision dimmed. The beeping from the rune monitor quickened. I could barely breathe. Finally, the healer shoved Zayne aside and yanked the needle free. “That’s enough! You’ll kill her!” Crimson splattered across the sheets. My body went limp. “Stabilize her!” the healer barked to his assistants. As the world darkened, I saw Zayne holding Vionne, murmuring, “It’s not your fault, my love. Avelyn just wants attention.” I stared at the man who once promised to protect me — my mate, my Alpha — until the world faded into black.

Avelyn’s POV When I opened my eyes, I thought I had crossed into the Moon’s afterrealm. Everything around me was glowing white — soft, weightless, otherworldly. Then I saw Zayne sitting beside the healer’s cot. His head was bowed, his hands tangled in his hair. His aura — once bright and commanding — now flickered weakly, like a dying ember. “You’re awake,” he said quietly, his voice rough with fatigue. “You were unconscious for two nights. The healers said your wolf almost slipped into stasis.” I stared at him in silence. He exhaled shakily and turned away. “I didn’t mean for it to go that far. I panicked. Vionne needed a blood offering to stabilize her wolf essence, and I... I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t mean for you to suffer.” His words were hollow — drifting like smoke in a cold wind. “I realize I’ve neglected you lately,” he continued. “I forgot our Binding Moon anniversary, and I’ve been... distant. I want to make it up to you.” He reached for a parcel beside him and placed it on the bed. “There’s a gown inside. When you’re discharged, my driver will take you to the Silverfang Hall. I’ve reserved the Alpha’s table.” I looked at the parcel without expression. He forced a small smile. “Try to look radiant again, Avelyn.” Then he leaned in, brushed his lips against my forehead, and walked out. The door shut behind him with a dull thud. The chamber felt colder. I slowly sat up, the ache in my body pulsing through every nerve. My wolf whimpered faintly inside me. When I reached for my moonstone communicator, there was a message from my father: “Your flight rune activates at the ninth bell. My sentinels will come for you. We’re tracking your scent signature. Come home, Avelyn.” Two hours after dinner with Zayne. I almost laughed — but the sound came out broken. The healer returned shortly after. “You’re being discharged, Luna Valloren,” he said softly, avoiding my eyes. “Alpha Zayne has already cleared the moon dues.” “Of course he has,” I murmured bitterly. He handed me the release scroll and left. Two handmaidens followed, carrying a crimson gown woven with lunar silk and a bouquet of white moonlilies — my favorite flowers. “Alpha said these are your favorites,” one of them whispered nervously. I looked at the bouquet. The petals shimmered faintly under the healer’s lantern — a cruel reminder of what love once felt like. I dressed quietly. The gown fit perfectly, molded to every curve, as if Zayne still remembered the shape of my body — but not the weight of my heart. When the driver came, I followed wordlessly. The carriage glided through Lunaris City, its crystal towers catching the dying light of dusk. At the Silverfang Hall, the attendant led me to a secluded table overlooking the river of stars. When I reached it, Zayne stood to greet me — and beside him sat… Vionne. She looked luminous, her aura calm and smug. Her hands rested gently on her rounded belly, her wolf essence glowing softly beneath her skin. Zayne’s smile faltered when he saw my face, but he masked it quickly. “Avelyn, I’m sorry,” he began. “Vionne didn’t want to dine alone. Her pup stirs when she’s anxious, and I... couldn’t refuse her.” “Of course,” I said flatly. “You never could.” He cleared his throat and tried to soften his tone. “Let’s not argue tonight.” From a small velvet box, he lifted two necklaces — crystal pendants shaped like crescent moons. He handed me one. Inside shimmered an ethereal glow — the image of our lost son, sealed within a drop of moonlight. “I had it crafted for you,” he said quietly. “So you’ll always have him close.” For a fleeting moment, my heart ached. Then he turned and lifted the other pendant — brighter, rimmed with diamonds — and clasped it around Vionne’s neck. Vionne smiled sweetly. “It’s beautiful, Zayne. You always know what suits me best.” My fingers tightened around my pendant before I set it on the table. “I don’t need reminders of something I’ll never have again.” “Avelyn—” “I said I don’t need it.” He fell silent. The rest of the meal passed in dull conversation — Zayne asking meaningless questions, Vionne filling the air with tales of their shared youth: running through moonlit meadows, playing the pack’s hymn together, sneaking into the training grounds. Each word was meant to cut — and it did. Then, before I could even stand, a sharp tang filled the air. The ground trembled. A deafening roar split the night — BOOM! The Silverfang Hall exploded. The walls shattered in bursts of light, shards of enchanted crystal raining down. A wave of heat threw me backward, my body crashing into a marble pillar. “AVELYN!” Zayne’s voice cut through the chaos. “Zayne!” I gasped, coughing through the smoke. “Help me!” Vionne clutched at him, fake tears glistening. “Zayne! The pup — I can’t move! Please!” But she wasn’t hurt. Not a single scratch marked her skin. Zayne hesitated — his eyes flickering between me and her. For one brief heartbeat, hope sparked in me. Then his face hardened. “Hold on, Avelyn! I’ll come back for you!” He turned — and carried Vionne away. Through the smoke, I saw her look back, a small smile curving her lips before the flames swallowed her. The heat seared my lungs. I tried to crawl, but rubble pinned my legs. My wolf whimpered weakly, her strength fading. So this is how it ends, I thought faintly. Even at the end, he still chose her. My head slumped forward as darkness spread. Then — faintly — voices broke through the roaring flames. “Lady Avelyn! Hold on! Your father sent us from the Wynclaw Pack!” Four silhouettes pushed through the smoke — wolves cloaked in silver sigils. “Please hang on, my lady!” one shouted. And then everything went black.