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The Truth about the Barren Luna
NovelShort
Hoàn thành
The day my world shattered was supposed to be a celebration of our Moonbond. I had spent hours preparing a quiet feast at the table, lighting moon-candles and tuning the wind-chimes, imagining how the...
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第1章
The day my world shattered was supposed to be a celebration of our Moonbond. I had spent hours preparing a quiet feast at the table, lighting moon-candles and tuning the wind-chimes, imagining how the night might reignite the lost fire between us.
Instead, Raiden, my mate, did not even cross the threshold on time.
It was deep into the night, the greater moon high, as I sat alone at the stone table staring at untouched plates, that my crystal communicator hummed. A pack-wide rune-message shimmered.
It showed Raiden with another she-wolf from the Silvercrest pack. She wore a silky red dress that clung to her figure, with his hand resting possessively on her lower back.
I heard him speak faintly. "Celebrating life with someone who makes every moment brighter."
I gazed at the glowing stone, my hands trembling.
The woman was Kaia, his neighboring allied pack, whose laugh always seemed a little too loud and smile a little too wide whenever he was around. The audacity of it all hit like a slap to my face.
Then, I whispered through the mind-link. "Nice."
My crystal communicator pulsed almost instantly with his call. I watched his name glow before answering.
"Don't take this the wrong way, Freya," he began defensively. "It's just a formal gathering between packs. You understand how these duties are."
"Duty?" My voice was eerily calm. "Is that why your hand looks so comfortable on her back?"
Raiden sighed. I could hear the frustration in his tone, barely concealed. "You are always overthinking things. We might not be having these problems if you weren't so controlling.
I severed the connection without another word and turned to my faint reflection in the moonlit glass.
Outside, the lanterns along the ridge blurred into glowing trails, mocking how hollow I felt inside.
His excuses were an old chant. I'd heard them too many times. They always made me feel like the villain and the irrational one.
Raiden arrived home many hours later, smelling heavily of fermented elderberry wine and foreign perfume. He did not offer an appeasement or even a greeting. Instead, he flung his cloak onto the divan and noticed the small wooden box I had carved earlier. It was a token I'd intended to give him for our anniversary.
"What's this?" he asked indifferently.
"Your anniversary gift," I replied flatly.
He frowned and left it unopened. "I didn't have time to bring you anything. Kaia was in charge of planning tonight's celebration. And everything took longer than expected."
Of course, Kaia.
Then his gaze flicked toward the moon-herb vials on the table.
"You've skipped your fertility tonics again? Is this your way of throwing a tantrum?" he asked irritably.
"I'm not angry," I replied evenly. Still, my heart ached after saying that.
He faked a laugh. "Could've fooled me. You know you need those tonics if you still want a pup. You've wanted this for cycles, Freya. Don't mess it up now."
I swallowed hard. "I have my audience with the pack healer at dawn."
He didn't acknowledge it. Instead, he drew a wooden box from his hunting satchel. "Kaia wanted to apologize in case you got the wrong impression earlier. She chose this for you."
Curiosity clashed with fear as I unwrapped it, revealing a handkerchief. The edges were embroidered with Kaia's sigil. I tightened my grasp on the fabric, resisting the temptation to toss it across the chamber.
How dare he present this to me as a gift?
"She thought it would make you feel better," Raiden added. Annoyance was plain in his voice, as if he expected my immediate gratitude.
I placed the box down. "Inform Kaia I express my thanks."
Raiden's face went gloomy. "Freya, what's with the attitude? You know, she didn't need to do this. Unlike you, Kaia is considerate."
The sting of his words was an old pain, one I'd experienced before. Yet, it lost none of its sharpness. I excused myself and retreated to the sleep-chamber early. I curled into a ball, overthinking. The faint sound of the fire crackling in the hearth and the occasional clink of his pewter mug against the wooden mantle did nothing to soothe my restlessness.
At midnight, the hushed sound of his crystal communicator vibrating woke me. I reached over and saw Kaia's name illuminated on the surface.
I could hear her muffled voice, "Cannot stop recalling our time tonight. Wish you were still with me."
I stared at the message. The voice seared itself into my mind. My finger hovered over the crystal.
A hundred furious rebuttals formed in my mind, but I stopped myself. Instead, I erased the message without a flicker of hesitation and returned the crystal to the stand. If Raiden noticed, he made no mention of it.
At dawn, I sat at the edge of the bed as I stared at the moon clock. A decision slowly rooted itself within me.
I wouldn't fight for someone who wasn't fighting for me. Not anymore.
During the morning meal, Raiden seemed oblivious to my silence as he scanned through his crystal, letting out a soft chuckle at something. I observed him from across the table, absorbing every detail of him.
The subtle tension between his brows and the way his lips curved when he smirked. For years, I had cherished those details, clung to them as proof that we had a bond worth protecting.
However, they now served as a reminder of what I had sacrificed for someone who considered me to be an inconvenience.
"I'm going to work early today," Raiden declared without even looking up. "I have a hectic day planned."
I nodded indifferently. "Don't forget your handkerchief. Kaia would hate for it to go to waste."
第2章
A full cycle of the moon had passed, with us arguing every time we had the chance. All because of Kaia of the Silvercrest pack.
Having dispatched a message to my pack elder about initiating the mate bond revocation, I sought the comfort of my den early. It wasn't cold, but I drew my bedding tightly around my shoulders.
For the first time in many moons, the crushing weight upon my spirit seemed to lighten. It was as if the oppressive burden I'd carried had finally begun to dissolve.
Close to midnight, a loud voice from the mind-link jolted me awake. I blinked as I massaged my temple. It was Raiden.
"Don't be so dramatic, Freya. Let's talk this through."
His arrogance made my blood heat. The fact that he couldn't scent the ruin he'd caused, that he believed this could be mended with a few hollow words, was ridiculous.
I ignored the voice and turned my back on it. Alas, sleep refused to return.
Every time I closed my eyes, memories of Kaia's smug smile and Raiden's dismissive tone replayed in my mind like a haunting loop.
By dawn, I dragged myself from the bed. I determined to reclaim my life, even if I didn't know where to begin.
As I sipped my morning Moonbrew and observed the situation outside through the crystal communicator, I saw a vision of Kaia.
Against my inner wolf's warning, I took a look a little closer. I was right.
The crystal displayed Raiden and Kaia, their arms linked, standing before a sleek, obsidian carriage. She said, "When the moon finally sends you the mate you deserve, everything aligns."
A sharp laugh escaped me. I had to admit that her audacity was unmatched. They weren't even trying to hide anymore.
At the Alpha Hall, Raiden was already in the council chamber when I arrived. He looked perfectly composed, as always.
None of the pack knew about our mate bond. Raiden insisted it remain hidden, claiming it was for the good of the pack, though I suspected he simply wanted to maintain his image as an untouchable Alpha.
"Freya," he called as I walked past the doors.
I paused, keeping my face straight. "Yes?"
"Enter the chamber a moment," he said, gesturing to the seat opposing his.
Reluctantly, I stepped inside. A coil of dread tightened in my stomach.
The scent of Kaia lingered in the room, even though she was not present.
Once the door closed behind us, Raiden leaned back, studying me like I was a troublesome subordinate rather than his mate.
"About last night," he began. He softened his tone, maybe thinking kindness would make me forget everything.
"I'm not interested in discussing it," I cut him off.
He frowned, clearly unused to being denied. "Freya, I feel your anger, but we've survived bigger storms. Don't make impulsive decisions."
I crossed my arms. "Impulsive? You've been pushing me out of our life for months, Raiden. I'm just finally reacting."
His jaw clenched. For a fleeting instant, his Alpha composure cracked, revealing raw frustration. "You speak unjustly. You understand the demands of my high Alpha duties. I have been striving to provide for our pack, for the future we have sworn to build."
"Our future?" I could not prevent my voice from rising. "You mean the one where you play house with Kaia while I linger in the shadows, waiting for scraps of your attention?"
Not long after, Raiden's crystal communicator vibrated on the polished table between us. His eyes flickered down to the surface.
I tracked his gaze. I could see Kaia's signature mark pulsing brightly at that moment.
He hesitated, but the pull of his other mate was too strong. Snatching the crystal, he moved towards the window.
He lowered his voice, yet I clearly heard the murmur of his words. "Kaia, I am currently busy. I'll talk to you later."
The open, unapologetic dismissal wounded me more deeply than I cared to admit.
As he concluded the short call, I seized the scroll I had carried in and rose to my feet. "This is useless," I muttered, heading for the door.
"Freya, wait."
I turned back, my hand resting on the smooth door handle. "For what purpose? To hear a new justification? Another deception?"
Raiden stared at me. His usual self-assurance began to crumble. His mouth opened, yet no sound emerged.
Then, I walked out without looking back.
Back at my own station, I tried to focus on my duties. Unfortunately, my thoughts kept wandering. Memories of our first runs together flooded my mind, how he used to leave secret tokens of affection tucked into my satchel. How he'd hold my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
However, that former version of Raiden felt like a ghost now.
By midday, the atmosphere in the hall felt suffocating. I told my aide I was stepping out, then wandered into the forest clearing near the borders.
Sitting on a moss-covered bench, watching golden leaves flutter around me, my crystal communicator hummed again.
This time, the message was from my pack elder. The rune glowed through the surface.
"The severance is prepared. Send word when you are ready to set the seal."
My fingers trembled as I read the message. It felt like crossing a bridge and letting it burn behind me, but maybe that was exactly what I needed.
Drawing a steadying breath, I sent my reply. "Set the seal."
第3章
The day passed in tense silence.
At the Alpha Hall, Raiden hovered near the edge of my station several times, clearly wanting to speak. But each time, I kept my gaze fixed on the glowing runes of my ledger.
In the end, he chose to give up. He retreated into his chamber and shut the door.
It wasn't that I didn't want to talk to him. I did. The words even burned in my throat like silver-taint, threatening to spill out.
Still, I held them back because I was already weary of speaking and sparring with him over the she-wolf, Kaia.
What was the point of another clash when he'd already decided whose side he stood on?
By the time the evening meal rolled around, I was too emotionally drained to bother with the pack politeness. I ate alone at the long table, not waiting for him as I once did.
When Raiden finally walked in, shrugging off his mantle and setting his satchel by the door, I barely acknowledged him.
"You didn't wait for me," he remarked, his gaze sweeping over the half-finished bowl of savory stew on the stone table.
I didn't look up. "I wasn't sure you'd return before the stars changed."
His lips tightened, but he said nothing as he pulled out a chair and sat down across from me.
For a while, the only sounds were the scrape of his utensils and the low hum of the birds outside. Finally, he sighed as he set down his meat. "Freya, how long will you give me the silent treatment?"
I shrugged, swirling what remained of my elderberry wine. "Until you figure out why I'm angry."
"That's the issue," he muttered, fingers dragging through his dark hair. "I don't understand why you're making this a whole territorial dispute. Kaia didn't mean to disrespect you."
I set my glass down harder than I meant to. "You always have a defense for her, don't you?"
His gaze sharpened. "That's not fair."
"No, Raiden. What's unfair is having to compete with your ally for your attention. What's unfair is you choosing her side every time she openly disregards me."
He groaned, leaning back in his chair. "This is why I want us to settle things. Let's have lunch tomorrow, just the three of us. You, me and Kaia. I want you to see there's nothing between Kaia and me."
A humorless laugh escaped me as I shook my head. I would rather face a silver blade than share a meal with Kaia.
"Thank you, but no. I have a territorial council during the sun-high."
"Then dinner," he insisted as he leaned forward with his elbows on the table. "There is a new trout lodge I've been meaning to sample. We'll sit down, share a proper meal and talk as packmates should."
"No thanks," I insisted.
He frowned, looking clearly frustrated. "Why not? What's wrong with a feast?"
I pushed my chair back and I stood as I wiped the corner of my lips with a napkin. "Because I have an adverse reaction to river-caught fish."
Raiden's eyes narrowed instantly. "You can't eat the fish?"
"Yes," I lied smoothly while clearing my table. "But don't let me stop you. I'm sure Kaia would be thrilled to accompany the Alpha of Ironwood pack."
His mouth opened to argue, but I didn't give him the chance.
I turned to depart. Before passing the doorway, I gave him a final glimpse. A bitter twist touched my mouth when a realization struck me.
He didn't even know I was lying.
The Alpha I had bound my life and spirit to didn't know one of the most basic truths about me. Or perhaps he did. But he just didn't care enough to remember.
"Freya," Raiden's voice stopped me halfway.
I glanced over my shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "What is it now?"
His gaze was sharp as a claw, his knuckles already white where he gripped the edge of the stone table. "You're being willful as a lone wolf. You know that, don't you?"
I didn't answer. I waited for him to continue, to say something that might mend the tattered bond between us.
Instead, he stood abruptly, shoving his chair back. "Fine. Keep howling at shadows. But don't say I didn't try to call you back."
After that, he stormed out of the dining den without another word.
For a moment, I stood frozen, staring at the space where he'd been. I should've felt relief that he was gone, but all I felt was the bitter sting of his words.
It wasn't until I reached the stone stairs that I noticed something. A faint, enchanted humming reached my ears.
His crystal communicator lay forgotten on the corner. The runes on its surface glowed with a name that made my blood run cold: Kaia.
The message preview shimmered into view. "Can't wait for tomorrow. I've got a surprise for you."
第4章
What I hadn't foreseen was running into Raiden and Kaia at the neutral den where I was meeting the Red Moon pack Alpha.
I had come early, hoping to find a quiet place to get ready. My fears were soon calmed by the moon brew scent coming from the rear, till they entered and laughed heartily.
Kaia's hand rested in Raiden's arms. Her flawless smile was more radiant than the overhead moonstone. He laughed at what she whispered as she leaned closer.
I forced myself to remain composed as I gazed at my goblet, but Raiden saw me.
"Freya," he called out. I could hear the surprise and guilt in his voice
I forced myself to keep my face straight. "Alpha Raiden."
Kaia flowed to his side, pulling out a chair at my stone-hewn table. "Do you mind if we join your den-space?"
I wanted to say yes, but they sat down uninvited.
"This little den is charming," Kaia said sweetly. "Do you come here often, Freya?"
"Occasionally," I sharply retorted.
"Are you meeting someone?" Raiden asked, studying me with too much interest.
"Yes, the Red Moon pack Alpha."
"Always working," he smirked. "So dedicated."
I ignored him, checking the time as the moments stretched painfully long. Kaia giggled at her crystal communicator, occasionally showing Raiden something that made him laugh.
"Isn't this adorable?" she cooed, showing a pup wearing tiny fur clothes. "Raiden, we should do this someday, don't you think?"
My jaw clenched, but I refused to react.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Kaia," Raiden replied awkwardly.
She pouted, then smirked at me. "Oh, right. Freya doesn't like pups. Or was it that you can't … "
"That's enough, Kaia," Raiden cut her off sharply.
My future ally, Rowan William, showed up shortly after, providing a much-needed diversion. He was tall, with a friendly handshake that made me feel at ease right away. "Sorry, I'm late," he said.
"No problem." I smiled, grateful for the excuse to shift my attention.
Raiden extended his arm. "Raiden of the Ironwood pack. Freya and I hunt under the same Alpha. Would you mind if I joined your counsel?"
I sent him a warning look, but Rowan nodded courteously, unaware of the tension.
The discussion of territory lines and moon-tithe began, but Raiden kept inserting himself, interrupting with unsought opinions. His presence was a weight in the air, suffocating.
By the time Rowan took his leave, I was fuming. "What was that about?" I snapped.
Raiden feigned innocence. "What do you mean?"
"You had no business being here," I growled.
Kaia smirked. "Relax, Freya. Raiden was just helping. Isn't that what packmates do?"
"Packmates?" I repeated, locking my gaze with hers. "Strange, I scent no bond-of-oath that ties you to this duty."
Her smirk faltered briefly before she turned to Raiden. "Darling, would you fetch us some refreshment? A moon-mint elixir for me."
Raiden hesitated, his eyes darting between us. "Keep the peace, both of you."
The moment he moved toward the server corner, Kaia leaned across the table. All her false sweetness was gone in an instant.
"Let's be honest, Freya," she remarked sternly. "You don't matter. Raiden is mine now. You're just an obstacle."
I refused to show any sign of weakness. "And yet you are the one putting forth such effort to provoke me. It would appear that you are the one who senses a threat."
Kaia's lip twitched. She extended her hand across the table with a fake smile. "A truce, then?"
"I think not." I moved to dismiss her gesture, but she seized the moment.
She grabbed my hand, twisted and threw herself to the ground with a dramatic gasp.
The Moonbrew den fell into a chilling silence, every head turning toward the commotion.
With tears in her eyes, Kaia gripped her wrist. "Why did you push me, Freya?"
My jaw dropped. "I didn't … "
Before I could continue, Raiden dashed back, dropping two goblets onto the table as he crouched beside her.
"Kaia! Are you alright?" he inquired. His voice was full of panic.
She whimpered as she leaned into his compassion. "She simply pushed me. I tried to reconcile with her, but she ... "
The absurdity of the situation left me stunned. The other folks' judgment was oppressive as they glared and murmured.
"What on earth, Freya?" Raiden became enraged.
"She's lying!" I shot back. "You weren't here. You didn't see … "
"I've seen enough!" he interrupted. His glare was piercing through me.
Kaia wiped nonexistent tears from her eyes. "I shouldn't have reached out. I just thought … maybe we could finally move forward."
Raiden's expression darkened. "You've crossed a line this time, Freya. This behavior won't be tolerated in any pack."
My hands trembled as I looked at him, not because of his words, but because of the realization that came over me.
Raiden would trust Kaia no matter what. No matter what deception she spun, no matter what truth I voiced, he had made his choice.
And it wasn't me.
第5章
The silence that followed Raiden's words was deafening.
His accusation hung in the air like a gathering storm, thick with an Alpha pressure. It pressed on my lungs until it hurt to breathe.
I stared at him and my heart splintered beneath the weight of a blame I didn't deserve. After everything he had done, every humiliation, every betrayal of our bond, he still saw me as the problem.
I swallowed the howl rising in my throat. "You speak truth, Raiden."
My voice, my body, every shard of me quivered with pain and exhaustion.
"I've crossed the line … so far in loving an Alpha who was never worthy of the bond. I'm done. I want to sever our bond."
When I stated those words, his mouth dropped and his eyes widened. His expression briefly changed from shock to rage.
"Sever the bond?" he spat in disbelief. "You're being ridiculous."
I kept my eyes on him. Even though tears were on the verge of spilling, I was strengthening myself. "I've never been more serious."
Raiden's jaw hardened, his fists clenched at his sides. Without another exchange, he spun and stormed out.
Kaia, who had been observing the turmoil with barely concealed triumph, lingered momentarily. She stepped closer. There was that familiar smug smile playing on her lips.
"Sever the bond?" she purred with feigned compassion. "I suppose it was unavoidable. But don't worry, Freya. I will tend to your Alpha. Better than you ever could."
Her remarks were painful, but I declined to give her the satisfaction of a reply.
Instead, I turned away, fixing my attention on the untouched elixir before me. Its heat had long since dissipated.
Minutes after their departure, I finally gathered my belongings and exited the place.
The evening air brushed my face, but it did nothing to steady the whirlwind inside me. My chest ached relentlessly. Now, the world around me felt blurred and distant.
Raiden's voice echoed in my mind as I crossed the cobbled road. I was too consumed by my own thoughts to notice the deafening roars.
Everything seemed to slow down at that moment.
A swirl of dust blinded my eyes. Instantly, panic surged through my veins.
Yet my body froze, unable to move, as the carriage sped toward me.
But out of nowhere, a firm hand grabbed my arm and yanked me back onto the sidewalk.
I stumbled, my ears filled with the frantic drumming of my heart. When I looked up, I saw a face I recognized.
"Freya. Are you harmed?"
It was Rowan, the leader of the Red Moon pack earlier. His brow was furrowed with concern as he steadied me.
"I … I didn't see it," I stammered.
"You were distracted," he replied. Then he guided me to a nearby bench. "You could've been seriously hurt."
I nodded, the shock leaving my legs useless. My legs felt weak, like newborn wolf-cubs' and I was grateful for his presence as I slumped onto the bench.
He crouched before me. "Allow me to escort you to your den. You're in no condition to be walking around alone."
I wavered, embarrassed by my lapse but too distressed to decline the offer. "I … very well. I thank you."
He directed me to the neighboring location where his carriage was, then helped me inside.
The journey was quiet at first. After a few moments, Rowan glanced my way. "Forgive the intrusion into your affairs, but … what's your relationship with Raiden Thatcher?"
The inquiry caught me off guard. I looked down at my hands, my fingers tightly interlaced. "It's … complicated," I almost whispered.
He nodded. "Alright then. I won't press."
Silence fell between us once more.
As we neared my dwelling, I turned to voice my gratitude. "I appreciate the escort, Rowan. And I apologize again for today's disruptions."
He shook his head, dismissing my apology. "No apology needed, Freya. You held your ground well, especially under those circumstances."
His words were unexpected. For an instant, I felt acknowledged, truly seen, in a way I had not been in cycles.
He stepped out and opened the door for me. "And regarding the pact you proposed earlier," he added with a slight smile. "I have chosen to proceed with your firm's proposal. I sense we will form a formidable alliance."
I froze, caught off guard. "Are you serious?"
"Absolutely." His gaze held mine firmly. "My beta will finalize the scrolls tomorrow. I have a feeling we'll be working closely together from now on."
第6章
I could still catch the sharp scent of herb clinging to my skin even after I'd changed back into my clothes. I ran a hand over my face as I stepped out of the Healer Sanctum. The healer's verdict echoed in the hollows of my mind.
"This is spirit-drawn depletion. You need to rest, eat properly and take care of yourself."
I'd nodded, but we both knew rest wasn't something I could claim right now. My life was unraveling like a frayed bond-thread and stopping to patch it seemed impossible.
By the time I reached my den, exhaustion was a stone lodged in every muscle. My legs felt heavy, my arms were weak and my head pounded from the lingering dizziness. I gripped the doorknob for a second before turning it, bracing myself for whatever awaited me inside.
What I did not expect was to find my personal nightmare standing in the heart of my kitchen, Kaia.
At that time, she used my handkerchief as a napkin for his dirty hands. She also acted as if she owned the place.
She hummed a cheerful melody as she stirred something in a pan, moving around the room as if she lived there. The scent of honeyed meat instantly filled the air, but instead of being consoling, it was sickening.
Raiden stood beside her. He was leaning against the stone bar while looking as comfortable as ever. My gaze locked on the familiar cloth around his waist.
Our old bonding handkerchief, a foolish thing we'd claimed together during the last moon gathering. Something that once held meaning; something we used to joke about. Now, seeing him using it while standing next to her made my stomach churn.
They hadn't noticed me yet. For a moment, I considered leaving. So, I turned around and pretended I hadn't walked into this mock-den setup they'd created.
Still, something inside me snapped. My satchel hit the floor with a heavy thud and the noise shattered the cozy illusion they had built.
Finally, their heads lifted.
Raiden shook his head after giving me a fleeting glance. "You look awful."
My mouth fell open slightly as raw disbelief surged through me. That was the first thing he had to say? Not, 'Where have you been?' Not, 'Are you unharmed?'
Just another complaint and another cut.
Kaia turned with a practiced look of concern, though the smirk tugging her lips betrayed her. "Freya! You're finally back. We were just talking about you."
I clenched my jaw as I resisted the urge to snap at her. "I can tell."
Raiden sighed and set down his Moonbrew. "You didn't mention going anywhere."
I folded my arms tightly. "I was unaware I required your leave."
His eyes narrowed, but he didn't push. He likely assumed I'd been off brooding somewhere—unaware I'd spent the night under a healer's care, drained and lightheaded because of the near-death experience that I had yesterday.
Kaia wiped her hands on my handkerchief and flashed a bright smile. "We were just making breakfast. Thought I'd do something sweet."
"In my kitchen?" I asked coldly. "Using my handkerchief?"
She glanced down and let out a light laugh. "Oh, this? I just grabbed the first thing I saw. Hope you don't mind."
Mind? I wanted to tear it off her and toss it into the firepit.
Raiden groaned, as though my presence was the problem. "Freya, don't start. She's trying to be nice."
I scoffed, my gaze cutting between them. "You really don't see how this looks, do you?"
Kaia suddenly clapped her hands together. "Oh! That reminds me. Freya, you must come to my moon-birth celebration next week."
I stared at her. "What?"
She nodded. She was all too pleased with herself. "I insist. It'll be a great night. We'll celebrate, have a few drinks and just enjoy ourselves. Right, Raiden?"
He barely looked at me before taking another sip of his moon brew. "It's up to you."
Up to me? As if my decision mattered at all.
I should have refused. Should have told her precisely where she could bury her false invitation.
But something in her smug gaze, the self-satisfied glint in her wolf-bright eyes, gave me pause. She wanted me to refuse. Wanted me to howl my outrage and run, proving once more that I had no place in this picture they were painting.
So I offered a thin, tight smile. "Very well. I will come."
Kaia's expression flickered for the briefest moment before she recovered. "Perfect."
Raiden took a quick look at me. I couldn't figure out what was on his mind, but he said nothing. He had absolutely no idea what he had just agreed to, nor did Kaia.
But I did. Because I was already done playing their game.
第7章
The night of Kaia's moon-birth celebration arrived as if it were inevitable. The invitation had been delivered with the politeness of the Silvercrest pack, but I understood its true purpose.
It was a calculated display. An opportunity for Kaia to flaunt her triumph, while I was expected to sit quietly and pretend to admire her.
Too bad, I would not grant her the satisfaction of fleeing.
Dressed in a sleek black moon-silk gown that hugged my figure just enough to radiate confidence, I stepped into the celebration hall. It was a grand, dimly lit chamber filled with floating crystal lanterns and the clinking of silver goblets.
The air carried the scent of rare night-flowers and murmured conversations from the elite wolves of various territories. I slipped through the crowd while keeping my face straight.
It didn't take long to find Raiden.
He was seated in the Alpha's circle with Kaia curled against his side. Her fingers lazily traced patterns along his thigh.
They seemed far too relaxed, portraying the perfect image of a powerful pair that the packs were meant to admire.
For a heartbeat, I thought to avoided them and left before the night twisted itself into another public humiliation, but then Kaia's gaze found mine.
Her lips curved into a sickly-sweet smile and I knew I had made the right decision by coming.
"Freya! You actually came." Her voice dripped with honey as she unwrapped herself from Raiden and glided toward me. Her dress shimmered with tiny sewn-in moonstones.
"Of course. I wouldn't miss it," I responded smoothly, matching her false warmth with a composed smile of my own.
Her gaze swept over me, seemingly searching for a crack in my composure. Finding none, she simply gave a light laugh and linked her arm with mine. "Come, let's get you a drink. It's a celebration, after all."
I let her guide me to the stone bar, where she handed me a glass of sparkling Elderberry wine. She watched as I took a small sip.
The liquor warmed my throat, but my attention drifted to Raiden. He was still staring at me as though my presence unsettled him. He hadn't believed I would dare show up.
Good.
As the night deepened, Kaia basked in the pack's admiration. She played the gracious future-Luna perfectly. She even laughed prettily at the right moments, touched Raiden often enough to remind every wolf watching that he was hers and made sure I witnessed all of it.
However, I had my own role to play.
I moved through the crowd, smiled and exchanged courteous words with elders, warriors and nobles who had once known me as Raiden's chosen mate.
I made sure my presence was noted and that my name was still spoken among them. A reminder that I was not some broken she-wolf, forgotten in the lesser territories.
Then came the sweets.
A towering confection shaped like a moon spire was wheeled in, greeted by applause and enchanted crystal flashes. Kaia, as the star of the night, stepped forward with a coy smile. She raised her glass, waiting for silence.
"I give thanks to the pack for sharing this moon with me," she began with her perfected charm. "It's been an incredible cycle for me. I'm blessed with loyal allies and …" She turned, placing a hand over Raiden's heart before continuing, "a fated bond."
The hall echoed with approving growls and raised cups. I stood silent, watching her savor the moment.
"But before the sweets are shared, I have one more blessing to ask of the moon."
A curious murmur rippled through the pack. Kaia tilted her head and locked her eyes with mine. "This year has gifted me so much. Love, standing and soon, a strong pup to carry our bloodline." She rested a hand low on her belly, a small yet unmistakable gesture. "So, my moon-wish is for Freya to find that kind of happiness, too. For her to finally have a pup of her own."
A ripple of gasps swept through the hall. My stomach churned, but my face stayed calm.
She had done it; she had humiliated me before the entire alliance and twisted my greatest wound into a pretty joke at her moonlit celebration.
The whispers flared instantly.
Everyone knew about my supposed infertility, how Raiden and I had fought for so long to conceive. So when Kaia used that very wound against me, it cut straight through the last of my dignity.
I could feel their eyes on me, their unspoken pity hanging in the air. But what Kaia didn't know, what none of them knew, was that the laugh had never been meant for me.
I set my goblet down on a stone ledge and took one step forward. My lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. "Oh, I will, Kaia."
Her smug look faltered, just for a flicker. "What?"
"I will," I repeated, keeping my voice light, almost mocking, letting the words leave my tongue with a lethal calm that felt immensely satisfying.
Why? Because I knew the truth.
Just hours earlier, after leaving the Healer Sanctum following my physical examination, I had learned what Raiden and I had never considered during all our years of trying.
It was never me. He was the barren one.
The knowledge settled like a heavy stone in my chest, but I held steady. The hall continued to watch me, hungry for more. Still, I offered nothing else.
I simply smiled.
Kaia blinked at me. Her mind was surely racing, but she had no idea what was running through mine.
The moment of tension stretched between us. Then, the silence was shattered as the crowd began to cheer, urging her to finish her moon wish.
Later, the celebration continued.
第8章
The aftermath of Kaia's humiliating toast hung in the air like a thick mist drifting across pack territory. Nonetheless, I refused to let it settle over me.
I could feel Raiden watching me from across the hall. His gaze flickered between confusion and suspicion.
For years, I had always poorly reacted whenever it came to him and Kaia, unable to hide my disdain. Yet tonight, I was the picture of grace, unfazed by every one of Kaia's little challenges.
He had no idea what all of these were about.
Well, that was good for me. Just let him wonder, let him drown in the confusion of my sudden poise.
I took a sip of the Elderberry wine and savored the way Kaia squinted as I simply smiled at the packmates offering me pitying glances.
"Poor Freya."
"Such a shame that Alpha Raiden's mate never gave him an heir."
If only they knew the hidden truth.
The chatter returned, the music from the howl-flutes rose and soon the celebration filled the hall again. Kaia played the perfect Luna-hostess, flitting between high-ranking wolves and basking in her victory.
However, I often caught her glancing at me. It was as if she were waiting for me to lose control.
Too bad for her, I would not. Instead, I raised my glass and walked toward the center of the hall.
"A moment, packmates," I called, my voice effortlessly clear over the murmur of growls and conversation.
All eyes were instantly on me. Even Raiden and Kaia stopped moving.
I smiled. "Before the night runs further, I think it's only right to honor our lovely Luna-to-be truly."
A ripple of agreement moved through the hall as I raised my drink. Kaia's expression slipped into something forced and I saw her hand tighten possessively on Raiden's arm.
"To Kaia," I started warmly. "To her triumphs, her mated bond and most of all, to the new life she's bringing into the pack."
Kaia beamed under the sudden attention. She automatically placed her hand on her belly while Raiden's body went rigid.
I tilted my head, studying him. Then, with the same controlled grace I'd shown all night, I returned my gaze to Kaia. "I just have one swift question," I went on.
The hall was still silent, hanging onto my every word. At the same time, Kaia's forced smile wavered.
I let the pause stretch out, enjoying the moment. Then, I asked it plainly. "Is the pup truly Raiden's bloodline?"
A sharp, sudden gasp cut through the gathering. Kaia's hand dropped from her stomach as Raiden stiffened like a stone.
The silence was thick, pressing against us all like a physical force. And then, like a perfectly scripted hunt, murmurs spread through the guests.
For most of them, this was brand-new knowledge. They hadn't known my old, deep connection to Raiden. They also hadn't known I was his first mate and his soon-to-be severed mate.
All they saw now was a pack scandal unfolding beneath the moon's gaze.
"Oh, how wonderful!" An elder wolf clapped happily. "Alpha Raiden will be a great father!"
"Yes! You must start preparing for the Moonbond ceremony," another chimed in.
Laughter and happy shouts rippled through the pack. It was as if my serious question had been nothing more than a playful joke. But I saw how Kaia's smile was too fake and how Raiden's fingers curled into a hard fist at his side.
Raiden's jaw tightened. He had always been skilled at hiding his feelings in front of the pack. But tonight, I had finally broken through his control.
However, Kaia regained her composure first. She let out a breathless laugh and looped her arm tightly around Raiden's. "Well, Freya, what a thoughtful toast. But of course, the pup is Raiden's."
Her voice was steady, but not with her eyes. Panic flickered inside them.
She hadn't expected this. She thought she had me cornered, humiliated and powerless. But instead, I had flipped the entire hunt on its head.
"I just had to ask," I said, acting innocent. "You know how these things go. So many rumors around the territories. Wolves talk."
That talk certainly happened. The guests began whispering among themselves. Their eyes darted back and forth between Kaia and Raiden, their curiosity intensely aroused.
"Alpha Raiden! When's the Moonbond ceremony?" someone called out, sparking another burst of laughter.
Raiden still hadn't said a word. I watched him closely, then noted the way his lips were pressed into a thin line and his shoulders rigid with tension.
For years, I had begged for his attention. I also pleaded for his affection, even wasted tears over the growing distance between us.
But tonight, for the very first time, I wasn't waiting for him to respond. I was simply watching him fall apart.
Kaia, sensing the pressure closing in on them both, forced another loud laugh. "Let's not rush things, everyone! This is my night, after all."
A collective cheer rose. Just like that, the charged moment was smoothed over and the rising tension was skillfully swept away under the thick rug.
Nevertheless, I knew better.
As the pack members returned to their drinks and dancing, Raiden finally looked at me. He truly looked at me.
I met his gaze head-on, without flinching, with no sign of fear in my eyes. Then I smiled before taking another slow sip of my drink, letting the sweetness linger on my tongue.
Because only I knew the truth and nothing Kaia said could ever change that.
第9章
The hall was filled with bustle and laughing, but all I could see was Raiden's confused expression. His eyes were fixed on me, as if he were trying to figure out why my manner had changed so abruptly. The way I smiled at Kaia instead of screaming and accepted her criticisms with grace rather than hatred, had frightened him.
That was precisely what I wanted.
I drifted across the hall, holding a wine glass, towards him. He got tense when I reached him, but he tried to hide it by putting a blank look on his face. Meanwhile, Kaia, still happy from the unwanted attention of my toast, barely noticed.
I looked up and smiled at him. I managed to keep my voice light and airy. "Congratulations, Alpha Raiden."
His frown got deeper. "Freya."
I cut him off by moving close and wrapping my arms around him in what looked like a loving hug. But as I pressed my lips close to his ear, my voice dropped to a whisper.
"No need to thank me," I murmured. "The severance scroll will be delivered to your den by the next moon."
He froze. His hands hovered over my back but never touched.
I immediately withdrew. Then I gave him one last lingering look before turning around, leaving him frozen in place.
I didn't bother looking at Kaia's reaction, because I already knew she was watching. I also already knew the victory she desired was slipping through her perfectly polished fingers.
Afterward, I strode out of the hall and with every step, it felt like a heavy load was coming off my shoulders. The burden that had kept me tied to a Luna bond filled with loneliness and lies had finally gone.
Tonight, I was free.
***
The Moonveil Valley was mesmerizing, its enchanted lanterns gleaming over the bustling streets despite the late hour. The chilly night air brushed against my skin, jolting my senses awake just a little.
My footwear clicked against the dirt path. The sounds of market carts and distant, wild laughter from a nearby tavern filled the space around me. But inside, there was only silence. A silence that felt like true peace.
I let the night take me wherever it liked. I walked with no plan. Just a desire to feel the liveliness of the land, to exist beyond the suffocating confines of the Alpha's compound and a life that had leashed me for far too long.
I passed groups of pack-mates, their laughter spilling into the street. Mated pairs walked close, their shared whispered secrets as softly as the lunar orbs above. For once, I didn't feel like the outsider watching life from the edges.
I was here, existing and for the first time in years, I wasn't waiting for someone else's command to dictate my next move.
Then, I saw it—the soft glow of a local tavern, with its entrance thrumming with anticipation. A line of people stretched down the path, all eager to step inside and lose themselves in the ancient folklore songs, in the moment.
A part of me hesitated. This wasn't something I usually did. But then again, what was usual anymore?
I didn't stand in line. I walked straight to the guard, carrying a confidence I wasn't even sure I truly had. He barely looked at me twice before moving aside.
The moment I stepped inside, the heavy beat of the music hit me, shaking my bones. The air was thick with wolf scents and the pungent reek of strong drink. Meanwhile, their bodies moved in a dreamy rhythm under the dim lights.
It was intoxicating.
I moved toward the bar and sat on a stool, crossing my legs. Then, the server came over.
"Elderberry wine," I ordered.
As I waited for my drink, I let myself take everything in—the people, the energy and the shameless enjoyment of the moment.
No expectations. No past. Just now.
Then, just as the server set my drink down, I heard a voice. "I'll pay for that."
The server nodded before I could speak.
When I turned around, I found a familiar face watching me.
There he was, the Alpha of the Red Moon pack. Or should I say, Rowan William?
He was leaning against the stone bar with his sharp, knowing eyes fixed on mine. The same man who had seen me at my lowest, who had pulled me back when I had almost lost myself in the street.
A soft smile played at his lips. Just like that, the night took an unexpected turn.