When the Luna walked away

When I opened my eyes, a sharp scent of medicine and antiseptic filled the air. "You are finally awake." A man sat beside my bed, his posture untouched by exhaustion. "If there had been even a minute of delay last night, the baby would have suffocated." I sucked in a cold breath as panic tore through me. My shaking hands flew to my stomach, pressing down trying to feel my child. "Don’t worry." he said immediately seeing my swollen eyes. "You gave me the moonflower's cure, I saved both you and your baby." Instant releif washed over me but the very next second, the man beside me reached forward to check my temperature. It was then a jolt of electrifying sparks burst across my skin, igniting my nerves. My fingers rose shakily towards the warmth blooming at my neck and I froze-A mate's mark. No ordinary Alpha could leave a mark like that and claim another wolf's mate, only the strongest wolf can. "This"I whispered choking bitterly "What does Lycan King Darius want from me…you claimed me why?" My breathing slowed as his gaze held mine careful as if I might fracture. "Alpha Zyan murdered someone under my protection. By that act alone, the Blood Moon Pack became my enemy." His gaze sharpened. "You are their Luna. You know their borders, their alliances, their weaknesses. And now you share my enemy, we are perfect as partners Lianna. " My throat tightened. "So you mark me…turn my life upside down…and call it strategy? " He didn’t deny it. "I call it necessity Lianna. Saving your dignity last night was my duty but marking you was a choice." I looked away, my hand instinctively covering my stomach, grounding myself in the one thing that still belonged to me. "I need time. "I said quietly. "I can’t give you an answer like this." Darius looked at me gently. "Rest assured. I will not cage you with a decision made in blood and shock." He rose from the chair and turned away, then paused at the door. "When you are ready, when you choose not to fight alone call my name once. " His voice was steady, absolute. "I will come." After Darius's departure, the silence inside me became unbearable. It was until a notification lit the screen. [Victoria Hale sent you a video. ] A decorated room came into view, walls lined with baby toys and pastel posters. Then the large rose bouquet in Zyan’s arms lowered. And the world narrowed to one impossible detail- Victoria’s belly. Round and heavily swollen…impregnated. Victoria laughed softly. "You’re worrying too much. The ultrasound report shows both our sons are strong. " Zyan laughed in joy lifting Victoria off the bed without effort, spinning her once as joy tore out of him. "Two heirs, Victoria? You have given me what I have always dreamed of! In a week I will organise the biggest wedding our pack has ever seen and welcome you like a princess. " Victoria’s eyes glimmered with tears as she tightened her fingers around the bouquet. She glanced at the camera, spoke gently. "Alpha… if you take me as your wife now…won’t sister grow jealous? She loves you so deeply, won’t she resist? " Zyan didn’t even look concerned. "Jealousy only matters when a woman is allowed to speak." he replied calmly. Victoria looked up, pretending to be confused. "I have already prepared everything." Zyan continued "Lianna's biological father and brothers know her lies well. They cannot see you being bullied by her anymore and were almost releived to sign the documents: Medical records and evaluations from pack healers-every piece of evidence needed to prove Lianna is mentally unstable." "Her family already believes she caused her mother’s death." Zyan added indifferently making my entire body tremble. "Who do you think will defend her when she screams?" Victoria’s lips wobbled in worry. "On paper, she is unfit to make decisions for herself let alone carry a baby. So when I abort her child and sign her up for a uterus removal surgery, in front of the pack, I will already be doing her a kindness by keeping her as a secondary wife instead of discarding her completely. " The phone felt too heavy to hold. The world blurred, as if I had been shoved underwater and a sense of rage coiled in my heart like a serpent. Victoria’s voice came out soft, almost fearful. "And if sister bullies me at home then? " Zyan's gaze turned cold. "Once the trade agreement takes effect, Lianna will be useless to me." Zyan said calmly. "If she mistreats you I will send her to the mental hospital until she learns where the fault lies. " A loud ringing filled my ears as Victoria looked at the camera with a mocking smile. "Alpha we both would be your wives… I-I don't want to fight sister Lianna. " Her voice cut in gently. "I want to make sister feel less lonely after you terminate her pregnancy. She can help me raise our child. In the future, it will be as if she never lost anything. " "Also one day…"she added with a shy smile" when I give you a daughter you have always dreamt of… we can make sister her handmaid, so she won’t feel useless. " A moment of silence followed before Zyan pulled her into his arms and kissed her without hesitation, his fingers already undoing her clothes. "It’s your innocence I can’t get enough of. "he murmured. "Look at you caring about my lifelong dreams. If Lianna were half as devoted, she wouldn’t be here now. I am happy to have my heirs but if you can give birth to a daughter for me, I will give you everything. " A sharp pain sliced through my heart as Zyan's past words echoed in my head. 'Lianna, a son is for politics but a daughter would be my own, the child whom I can spoil endlessly. A daughter like you is my lifelong dream, please accept my love Lianna, I promise to keep you happy.' I closed my eyes. A single tear slipping free before I could stop it. ‘Zyan. The one thing you dreamed of is already here, But you…you don’t deserve her! ’ The phone felt heavier than my hands could manage. I didn’t throw it. I didn’t cry. I just sat there, listening to the sound of my blood moving through my ears. Zyan was trying to destroy me and I wouldn't let him succeed. I dialed a number then. "Luna Lianna? The Trade Pact documents are ready. We await your confirmation-” "The contract is void. Effective immediately. " I cut in. A sharp inhale answered me. "Void? Luna, you negotiated this for half a year, the Blood Moon Alpha will have the control over all the territories in south with this!" "I am no longer the Luna of Blood Moon. My work is no longer theirs to claim. " I said calmly. “I once saved your life and today,I am asking you for a favor. Seven days, get me all the classified border maps, underground passages… all the dirty treaties done under table.” "…If this leaks, Blood Moon won’t survive the winter Luna. "the voice said hoarsely. “That’s why I need you to keep it a secret” I replied. “Conceal the cancellation for seven days.” There was a heavy pause on the other side, the voice finally said."Understood, Luna.The agreement will be nullified quietly. As you once saved my life, this will remain between us." The phone disconnected and my palm rubbed small circles on my belly. Three years ago, when you were captured by the enemy pack, Zyan, it was I who surrendered in exchange for your freedom. I remembered the chains. The cold. How I told myself it was worth it. How naive I had been to give my heart to a monster like you. It's time I collect my debts one by one Zyan.

Two days passed in blur when I returned to the Blood Moon estate, the world felt foreign…too beautiful and clean for someone whose soul was dipped in tar and simmering with rage. I knocked on the study door. "Come in" my mother-in-law said, her tone slightly dismissive. I pushed the door open and saw her writing a proposal- [PROPOSAL FOR CO-WIVES] Primary Luna: Victoria Hale (child bearing) Secondary wife: Lianna Rose (children born will be illegitimate) I stared at those lines for a long time. Strangely, I didn’t cry. Only a hollow space opened in my chest….so I had already been erased from their future so strategically. “Illegitimate.” I suddenly remembered an evening years ago in the healer’s ward. Zyan stood inside the room, holding a practice newborn doll in his arms. His movements were stiff, overly careful. When I caught him, he laughed like a child who had been discovered doing something embarrassing and pulled me into his arms. “I have to learn Lianna” he said. “When our baby is born, I can’t afford to be clumsy.” Back then, I truly believed him, believed that he would love our children even more than me. Only now did I realize..the future had always existed. It simply didn’t include me. "Lianna Rose, I heard you disappeared for days, I had told Zyan not to mate with a lowly girl. One day she is serving him, another day warming the bed of another man." Her insult landed like ash on a corpse. "Shut up. " Her pen slipped as stared at me in shock. "Y-You dare speak to me like this! I-I will have Zyan skin you alive! " My bloodshot eyes looked at her emotionless. "Years ago, you gave me an offer-Name my price and leave Zyan forever. Today I am here to take that deal. I want all the northern territories to be named after my child. " She inhaled sharply. "You greedy orphan-" "I am not here to negotiate. "I held her gaze without flinching. "I am here to end this farce. Sign the agreement and me or the child will have no ties to Zyan or the Blood Moon Pack. " "…Fine"she said tightly. "But Zyan must never know you are leaving.” She searched my face for fear and yet didn’t find any. "Let's do it this way. " I leaned closer. "Seven days. That’s all you have. After everything is done, I will leave Zyan completely." Zyan will never know that I will take our daughter and disappear from his life forever. I ignored my mother-in-law's astonished expression and turned to leave. The walk to my marital home felt endless. As soon as I turned the knob, a burst of confetti exploded in my face like a cruel joke. "Surprise Lianna! "Zyan stood at the far end, smiling softly, like a man certain of forgiveness. Candles flickered everywhere. The house glowed with careful celebration. And on the table were Blue irises, Victoria’s favourite flowers, those that developed severe rashes even if I touched them once. Earlier, this would have destroyed me. Now I barely registered it. "Lianna" Zyan said, walking toward me. "Where have you been all this time? Just because I cancelled the wedding, you disappear and leave me worried sick?" As soon as his fingers grazed my hand I almost lost my mind. In a small corner of the pack he had arranged for a dilapidated church asking me to decorate it myself for our wedding. His words- 'too much luxury doesn't suits you Lianna, the simpler… the better. ' I cooked, decorated and waited till midnight only for him to message me at last- 'This time the rescue operation of wounded wolves is too difficult, my life is in danger. If I live, let's marry next week Lianna.' After that I crawled through the pack's most dangerous parts and plucked the moonflower from the cliff just to save him. And my reward? Humiliation "Worried sick? "I forcefully smiled, "I thought you stood me up at our wedding because Victoria called at the last moment." "Lianna, she was attacked by rogues. What was I supposed to do? Ignore her because you wanted a white dress and flowers?" He leaned closer to me and offered a hypocritical explanation. "She was the one attacked? " "She is your sister and yet you are so heartless…Why can’t you learn from Victoria huh? " he pressed, frustrated. "She was worried about you even while she was injured. She kept asking if you were alright but the first thing you do is complain. " "This is why your father is tired, Lianna. He asked me what happened to the daughter he raised. Why she keeps pushing everyone away. No matter how much I spoil you, the pack will always be above your petty tantrums so don’t ruin my mood. " This was the man who had once covered the bruises from my father with trembling hands. The same man who held me the night my mother died, when my father brought his mistress and illegitimate daughter home before mom’s body was even cold. And now he used my secrets to collude and stab a dagger in my back. He stepped closer gently coaxing me, as if I were a child throwing a fit. "Let's celebrate Lianna. "he murmured. "I know tonight means alot to you. First cut the cake and then we can go to the fireworks festival like every year-" "What…are we celebrating? " Zyan froze. He stared at me as if I had struck him. "You don’t remember? " "Lianna…tonight is our mating anniversary. " "You cried the last time I forgot." he added quietly. "You held onto my shirt and begged me not to make it meaningless. " Silence stretched between us when a sharp echo of Zyan’s call tore through the atmosphere, his caller ID flashing for a second before he snatched it from the table. [Baby rabbit] Years ago I had shyly taken his phone and entered my name as 'Love bear.' That day Zyan had returned from the packhouse and slapped the phone against the wall making it shatter into millions of pieces. 'Are you fucking stupid! Don't you know that I hate such childish nicknames! Don't you dare touch my things again!' After that he threw all the couple items I gifted him straight into the thrash. But with Victoria, he didn't mind it at all. The difference between love and indifference was clear. "Nothing important. I will come right now. " He muttered on the phone. The candle on our anniversary cake fluttered and went out just like the last three years where I cooked him a lavish meal and waited the entire night only to wake up and chew the cold food alone. "Lianna, I don’t think the childish fireworks festival you visit every time is too crucial right? "he added, already slipping on his coat. "There is some emergency regarding the southern trade deal so I need to leave immediately. You-" "Alright." I agreed quietly. It was at that moment, Zyan froze, he tried. "You don’t mind? " "No"I said quietly. Zyan studied my face, his eyes narrowing slightly like he was searching for the familiar cracks… the plea, the tremble, the question he was used to silencing. "You understand…this is for the pack, right?" he added slowly. "Don’t overthink. I will be back soon." He brushed past me so fast the air stung my cheek. The table hit my side, sharp pain bursting through my abdomen and yet he didn’t stop, the silent gasp leaving my lips as I doubled over in searing pain. I used to think he ignored me because he was busy. Now I know. He simply didn’t think of me at all. My palm rubbed small circles on my belly. "Don’t worry, baby…I will take you to see the fireworks, from now on I will fulfill the responsibility of both mother and father." *** The carnival lights blurred, and in the glow the memories rose-a past version of us…. two teenagers sharing candied fruit, Zyan brushing sugar from my lips as he whispered: ‘If you like it, I will buy you hundreds more Lia.’ Him tugging my hand through these very stalls when we were twelve, lifting me onto his shoulders so I could see the fireworks. I stared at the places where our laughter once lived…and felt detached, like a stranger passing through. "Look, sweetheart…your first festival-" My words were drowned by thousands of fireworks erupting all across before my smile froze. The night sky shone with [HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICTORIA] And on the ground I saw Alpha Zyan kneeling with a smile. In his hand was my mother’s diamond ring I thought I had lost forever. I remembered how I panicked, sobbing into his chest, hating myself for losing my mother's blessing to me. His past words still echoing in my ears- ‘Just a silly ring, I will buy you hundreds more Lianna, just don't cry.’ Now it glinted between his fingers as he held it up to Victoria-a birthday present amidst cheers. This was his "emergency. " My palm drifted instinctively to my belly as Victoria stepped onto the ferries wheel, her lips locked with Zyan's. "Sweetheart…let’s go. "I whispered, "Mommy can’t breathe here. " The fireworks kept bursting, bright enough to blind as I stepped back until the noise dulled into nothingness. Seconds, minutes and hours passed until a sickly sweet voice called out knocking out the pastries in my hand onto the ground. "Oh my, so you came alone sister? "

Victoria walked forth the shadows, rubbing her stomach, smiling in provocation. "I knew it must be you from that worn out dress! Don't worry Zyan has gone to bring me and the babies something sweet, if you would like, I will give a small piece to you as well. " I didn’t answer her mock concern, my calm making her smile twist with a flash of frustration. "Ah! don’t tell me you are still trying to stay strong? "she whispered. "God, how sad, you were almost raped, your naked body livestreamed across the internet becoming every dirty man’s wet dream-" "Let me tell you a secret today…A month ago, Zyan took the strategic pact you spent half a year building and presented it as mine. " Her smile widened, wicked. "He told the elders I wrote every word. That I was the mind behind the southern trade alliance." That treaty was my blood, my sleepless nights, my years of sacrifice. Zyan presented all my hardwork to his mistress on a silver platter. "And for my ‘brilliance…"she continued sweetly, "your loving mate rewarded me with properties…land…and an obscene amount of money." "Do you want to know what I did with it? " "I replaced all your loyal guards, signed a contract with the rogue King to make me stand at the pinnacle of power and…. hired those vile men to make your life worse than death." "Do you even know it was on your birthday party that he first held me. Oh sister, he took me everywhere, on the desk you wrote him love letters, in the small rose garden you made him bouquets, in the bed you innocently dreamed about him…and near the cemetery where your mother's tombstone laid." Her smile widened, wicked and victorious. "Only when I needed a break that I told him…how about he use your body as an outlet until he can control his strong urges and handle me gently." Three years ago Zyan entering my bedroom while I cried for my mother before holding me gently. 'No buts, Lianna.' he had murmured, fingers tightening. 'I need you tonight. Just this once…be good for me. ' I was exhausted. It hurt. I told him. ‘Just once more darling’ he whispered instead, while my body was already trembling, bruised and hollowed out. And I let him because I thought it was love. Victoria lifted one manicured finger, her smile widening as she saw my face morphing into shades of anguish, as if whatever slept within me had heard those words and hated them. "Shame the result of that day was born a bastard. But then again…children copy their mothers right? "Her smile was gentle. "Even now a whore like you will breed a whore, won’t you-" Before she could say another word, a thunderous slap cracked through the atmosphere violently. Crack! The sound was so brutal that Victoria’s face twisted to a side, blood trailing down her lips. For the first time, the woman who always looked untouchable looked small. Her face went blank with shock before twisting with humiliation, rage and disbelief. I stared at my own hand, breath ragged, that furious strength wasn’t me. For the first time in my life, I felt it. My wolf. A slow presence simmering in my heart. Not roaring, not awakened completely but still there breathing inside me. "Lianna, you lowly whore, how dare you hit me?! " "The whore was never me. " I leaned closer, fury settling into my bones like winter frost. "And If what you said is true then get ready to be replaced by another woman. …younger and more beautiful because men never keep mistresses forever. It's like a matching shoe, once old and used…it will be discarded for another. " The last thread of sanity snapped inside her eyes and she stared at me like she wanted to rip my soul out of my chest. "Fine" she whispered" Then tonight…you will see who is the real wife! " Before I could move, her nails dug into my skin as she dragged both of us into the freezing river with a violent splash. My scream drowned inside my throat as my hands frantically slaped the water to stay afloat. It was then I heard a small laughter. "Remember, how I drowned your pet dog as your birthday gift and framed you sister? Lets play that game again. " I gasped at the ruthless memory when Victoria's hand pressed down on my head, forcing me under ruthlessly. "Sister, you can't swim because of that trauma right? Tonight I will make you relive that hell." Her monstrous satisfaction quickly shifted to a gently cry. "Lianna…please don’t be angry…I just wanted to see the festival…Sister, don’t hurt me…. No! I didn’t mean anything! " My body convulsed, drowning, the world going dark at the edges. Through the muffled chaos, a loud roar shattered the night. "VICTORIA! " A splash followed immediately as Zyan jumped in the river, pulling Victoria in his arms immediately. "Victoria! Are you hurt? Don’t be scared! I am here! " It was then with the last of my strength, my arm shot out of the surface, water filling my lungs, mouth and ears as my daughter twirled in my stomach like she was crying frantically. And only then Zyan looked at me. One glance. One cold, raged glare. "Zyan…go save sister…I don’t blame her…she was just upset…she pushed me, but it’s alright…I am willing to die to prove my loyalty to her…" Her tears fell on his shirt as she sobbed fakely while my entire being suffered in icy horror. At last Zyan spoke. His voice cutting deeper than any blade. "Lianna, I am disappointed to have a mate like you. In childhood Victoria went through your relentless bullying just because she understood your pain of losing a mother. She went abroad to study because you hated her living in this pack! She saved my life because she wanted to see her sister's husband alive, so that you remain happy!" The cold wind blew but his tone was colder than ice. "And you dare scheme against her?!" Scheming? I sank deeper, lungs burning, unable to breathe, unable to fight anymore. His final words cracked through the night: "Since you shamelessly planned this then get out of the water yourself! "And then he walked away with her. Darkness covered my vision as my eyes closed. No, I can't die here! I must save my unborn daughter! Just before my consciousness faded completely, I summoned Darius through the fragile mind link. "Darius, save me. . . save my daughter. . . "

Just as everything faded, strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me out of the death's embrace. "Lianna! "The voice rumbled like thunder through fog. Darius. His worrying eyes were the last thing I saw before going limp in his arms. When I woke, the gentle sweet scent of lilies filled the room. A large bouquet rested on the table beside my bed, white petals fresh and trembling like they had been placed there with care. My fingers trembled as I reached for the folded note left beneath the flowers. [Darius:The baby in your belly is doing well, please don't worry about her. I know Lilies are your favorite and bring you comfort. I wanted to stay, but the borders were attacked and I had to leave immediately. I don’t want you to face anything alone again Lianna. . . not now, not ever. Please answer me Lianna, are you willing to marry me?] My breath caught as I lifted my phone to reply. [Lianna: Okay. On this full moon, let's get married. ] Three days passed in the hospital, and not once did Zyan show up. On the third day, I finally opened my phone only to find it flooded with Victoria’s photos. Rumpled sheets in the background as shadows mingled intimately in the candle light. Photos of Zyan kissing her belly affectionately, cooking for her and spending every night at her place. The memories flooded my mind like a curse. When I was nineteen, I burned dinner so badly the kitchen filled with smoke. I stood there on the verge of tears, but Zyan sat down and ate every bite, smiling like it was the best meal he ever had. Then he gently pushed me out of the kitchen, kissing my forehead and said softly ‘You are already everything to me, Lia. Let me do the rest’ then with a shy smile added. ‘That way….that way I will know how to cook when our daughter arrives.’ That careful, earnest love was gone and reduced to cold hatred I felt in this instant. It was then a message chimed on my phone. [Zyan:I am willing to overlook what happened earlier. Tomorrow, I will accompany you to choose the wedding dress. Don’t disappoint me again, Once the Southern trade deal is finalized everything will be in order. ] I stared at the screen for a long moment before replying. The deal you feel smug about is already cancelled Zyan. [Lianna:Fine. ] I didn’t bother explaining that the wedding gown I would be choosing had nothing to do with him. The next morning, I was discharged only to find Victoria accompanying Zyan to ‘help her sister’. I didn’t speak, sitting with my hands folded in my lap, watching the city blur past the window as Victoria filled the silence. The car finally stopped before the most exclusive bridal boutique in the city. Victoria smiled and turned to me, her eyes shining with soft triumph. "Look Sister. "she said gently. "Everything here is reserved for the most deserving bride. " As soon as we entered, the sales assistant greeted us with polished enthusiasm, guiding us through the season’s finest designs. My steps slowed as one dress caught my eye. Ivory and elegant…just like my mother’s wedding gown that was 'accidentally' torn by Victoria. My fingers trembled as I reached out slowly, afraid to taint it when a voice echoed lightly. "That one… that is my dream dress." Before I could touch it, a sharp pain bursted across my skin. SLAP! My hand flew back as the sound echoed through the boutique, red bruises bloomed instantly where Zyan’s palm had struck. For a second, Zyan stilled, his hand frozen mid-air as if he had only just realized what he had done. "Lianna…I…that…that doesn’t suit you." he explained hurriedly before pointing towards another rack randomly. "That one is best for you." The sales assistant hesitated, confusion flickering across her features. "Sir…are you sure? You really want your bride to wear that? " The moment my gaze followed where Zyan pointed, a dull ache blossomed into my chest. Black. A mourning dress that shone like gems. I saw the realization strike his eyes a second too late, his lips parting as if to correct himself. "I saw wrongly, if you are upset choose whatever you like-" "I will wear it. "I said softly. The words fell into the boutique like a final bell. "Lianna you… "Zyan’s said stunned, his gaze searching my face unsettled, like he was looking for tears that never came. Before the silence could stretch any further, Victoria’s voice slipped in gently. "Sister. . . I am so sorry. . . today was ruined because of me. " "To make up for it, would you…come to the family dinner tonight? " she offered, eyes reddening as if guilt weighed heavily on her heart. "Father misses you terribly. His heart condition worsened after you cut off all contacts. " Hearing those words, the small flicker of guilt lingering in Zyan’s eyes vanished instantly. "Alright. "I replied, making her innocent facade crack for a moment. I agreed..not for her. But because once, my brothers had been my shelter, my twin’s footsteps always half a breath behind mine, his hand reaching for mine whenever he was afraid. Before bloodlines mattered, they had loved me without conditions. This would be my final farewell to those memories. When we finally reached my childhood home, everyone was already seated. Father didn’t look at me. My brothers didn’t greet me. Their attention solely belonging to Victoria. "You shouldn’t strain yourself."bFather said gently, his voice softening in a way I barely recognized. "Especially in your condition." Then, as if continuing a thought already settled in his mind, he said "Victoria was always a kind child…gentle and considerate. She would make a far better Luna." Only then did his gaze flick toward me cold and already done. "When Lianna ran away, I feared she would truly go astray. Alpha, we are grateful you took responsibility for this rebellious child." Something cold slid down my spine. The room stilled. "It wasn’t me who was impregnated by an unknown man and still walked the pack without shame. " My eyes lifted, steady. "Shouldn’t father first ask his ‘good daughter’ which man she chose to share her bed with? " CLANG! A hand slammed hard against the table. "You shameless woman, do you think Victoria is like you! "my elder brother exploded, his voice ripping through the room as he stood up furiously. "Wasn’t killing mom enough that now you even want to sow discord between our family? ! " My fingers went numb against the edge of the table. "I-I never-" "Oh really? " My twin brother Damien stood, his gaze sliding downwards slowly until it landed on my stomach with disgust. "Let it be brother." He smirked "Maybe God saw what kind of woman she was and kept her barren for years, even when she conceived…. it was all but a dead child.” Something broke then. Not loudly. Not dramatically. Just the quiet understanding that I had loved people who never once tried to love me back. For years, I had stood between my twin and father’s temper, taken the blows meant for him, swallowed my own pain so he could remain unscarred. But from beginning to end, none of them ever looked back. "Brother Damien" Victoria sobbed softly then, clutching at his sleeve. "Please…don’t say such things. Sister didn’t mean it. " Zyan looked at me sharply and did not bother to defend me as if saying I deserved it. It was then father cut in sharply, his impatience freezing the room. "Enough. Victoria especially cooked the meal herself despite being pregnant. Must you always ruin the atmosphere, Lianna?! Go on and serve the food, that’s all you are good for! " I stood unable to breathe. "I am leaving. " Zyan’s hand closed around my arm, rough and unyielding. "You will not" he said quietly. "Didn’t you already ruin everything…I am already at my limit Lianna. " "No-" "Do it" he said quietly, his grip tightening. "Or I will announce to the entire pack that your mother died because of your weakness. That the rogues came for you and she stepped in to die because you couldn’t even shift." My world tilted violently as he twisted the deepest of my wounds and tore it open. I turned toward the kitchen because there was nowhere else to go. Each step felt heavy as I carried the food back, settling with a heavy silence, each mouthful felt like I was chewing on cold wax. Then warmth touched my lip. I wiped it absently and stared at the blood on my fingers. It dripped slowly onto the table. My chest tightened, breath coming shallow and sharp. I lifted my eyes to Victoria. She met my gaze and smiled, mouthing a word when no one was watching. ‘Peanuts’ I huffed clawing at my chest, deathly allergic. "Lianna-" Zyan noticed first before Victoria screamed. "My stomach! " She doubled over, clutching herself as panic erupted instantly around her. Chairs scraped back. Zyan rushed to her side. My father and brothers surrounded her, voices overlapping in fear. "Call the doctor! " No one looked at me. I gripped the edge of the table, blood trickling down as my vision darkened, my lungs burning as if the air itself had abandoned me. They rushed her out. And I was left behind struggling to breathe.

The ambulance siren wailed through the night. My vision swam in and out as I was wheeled inside the hospital. "Miss! " The doctor caught my face gently, forcing my unfocused gaze to hers. "Listen to me. If you can hold on for one hour, we can save the baby. But I need to give you this injection right now." "This will stabilize you. If I don’t administer it, your heart will fail before labour finishes, your body can’t handle both shock and blood loss. " My hands trembled as I clutched my belly, terror clawing its way up my throat. "Do it. "I whispered. "Please…do it. " The needle had barely touched my skin BANG! Guards flooded in and behind them, Zyan strode forward, his arms holding Victoria trembling like a wounded lamb. Zyan’s gaze landed on the syringe before something ugly twisted in his eyes. He strode forward and slapped the doctor’s hand away. The syringe…my last chance..flew through the air and shattered against the floor, the life saving medicine spilling out uselessly. "You! No! "the doctor screamed. "That shot was her only chance! The baby won’t make it! Even Lianna’s heart-" "There is a limit to shamelessness! You found Victoria was getting her treatment here and hired all doctors faking your illness! "Zyan didn’t let the doctor finish. "Get her out and prepare for Victoria’s treatment immediately! "he ordered coldly. The nurse interjected quickly. "Sir, Miss Victoria seems fine, its Miss Lianna-" The doctor was taken away despite resistance and the door slammed shut. Silence crashed down before a thunderous sound echoed. SLAP! My head whipped sideways, the taste of blood bursting across my tongue. The room spun as my ears rang from the force. For half a second, Zyan gaze faltered when he saw my state before Victoria’s cry echoed, making his guilt disappear completely. "You have crossed every limit, Lianna! " Zyan snapped, his eyes burning with rage. “ Victoria was perfectly fine until you brought that food! What the hell did you mix in it? ! " "Nothing "I said hoarsely. "It was her who mixed the peanuts-" "Nothing? " His eyes darkened, voice dropping to ice. "You still dare lie!" "Today I will teach you a lesson you will never forget, I, Alpha Zyan Gray strip you, Lianna Rose of your luna title! From now onwards your status will be reduced to an omega unworthy to lead the pack. Apologise or else this won't be it!” he commanded. "No!" I spat. "What did you say? "His eyes sharpened into ice, a tinge of shock at my calmness. "I said no! I will not-" He reached into his pocket. And the world…stopped. Hanging between his fingers was a small, tarnished locket belonging to my mother. The very locket I had given Zyan as a promise when we were thirteen-’If you keep this, you keep me.’ "You shouldn’t be so stubborn Lianna. "His thumb traced it lazily. "Apologize now or this disappears for ever." A chill crept into his eyes, his tone leaving no room for refusal." My vision blurred. Not from weakness, but from grief so sharp that it crushed me. I got up with the last of my breaths, my knees hitting the cold floor. Pain ricocheted up my spine. I could barely breathe, barely stay upright. Slowly…painfully…I lowered myself until my forehead touched the cold floor. "I am sorry" I whispered before looking up at Zyan, and the moment our eyes met, his entire being faltered. Broken, destroyed and utterly ruined. The red-rimmed eyes that once held an ocean of love looked at him with raw despair…empty. This time, he hesitated, his expression complicated. It was then Victoria sniffled delicately, wiping a perfectly timed tear. "Oh sister…I didn’t want this." It was then she gently took the pendant from Zyan. "Here, sister…I will give it to you."she murmured, stepping toward me with a gentle, angelic smile. My fingers shook as I reached out, bloodshot eyes only focused on it, but before I could grasp it…the pendant fell. Clink. The glass center shattered like a small, dying cry, breaking into millions of pieces. "No! "I screamed, a raw sound that rippled through the ward. My knees scraped the floor, pain burning through bone as I scrambled on my palms across the broken glassed as I desperately tried to gather the tiny fragments. "Lianna, stop it. "Zyan looked momentarily at a loss but still hardened his expression. "NO!!"I shouted, my voice unrecognizable. Victoria jumped at the sound, then instantly clutched her stomach dramatically, gasping. "Z-Zyan…sister is scaring me…I am sorry…I didn’t mean to drop it…please don’t be angry…" A flicker of pity rose in Zyan but the moment he thought of Victoria, that it disappeared. His eyes turned cold, flat. "Stop this pathetic tantrum. "he said to me, voice low with disgust. "If you were so concerned about it then maybe you shouldn’t have tried to kill your sister! " I stared at the ground, my chest rising violently, my hands still digging through glass. And yet he didn’t see the wounds on my hand, the tremors racking my body as I went paler each passing second. He only saw Victoria. "You can always buy another trinket. "he snapped. "Why destroy your dignity over something useless? " Useless. My throat closed. The pendant that survived the night my father poured kerosene on my mother’s belongings and burned her from our lives. Useless. The only proof my mother ever existed. The only reassurance I had that she still watched over me. The only thing I thought would protect my daughter in my womb. Something inside me fractured so fatally that I forgot to breathe. "If you understand your mistake, go home and wait for me, this pendant…I will compensate you after our wedding tomorrow. " He turned away, guiding Victoria out as the door slammed shut behind them. Silence settled, heavy as ash. I remained kneeling on the floor, fingers trembling over the bloodied shards. Then a warm wetness trickled down my thigh. Slow, heavy and dark red. Spreading like a quiet massacre beneath me. At first I stared at it blankly as if it belonged to someone else, as if it couldn’t possibly be my baby. My daughter. But the crimson blood keep blooming beneath me. My throat closed so tight I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t scream. Couldn’t move. It felt like watching my entire life drain out onto the floor as nurses rushed inside, holding my head before it hit the ground. "She is going into shock labour! move, now! "

The night passed in a blur when I finally reopened my eyes in the cold hospital. My hand moved before my mind could stop it, trembling as it reached for my stomach. Flat. Hollow…empty My daughter was gone. They didn’t ask if I wanted to see her one last time as I was handed her mortal remains. They knew better I buried her myself. No pack rites. No prayers were spoken as I lowered her to the ground, my hands trembling as I laid fresh roses on her grave. This should have been me baby, if only I could exchange my life for yours. The name plate-Daisy "There wasn’t a moment mom didn’t love you baby."I whispered bidding my farewell. Atleast now she wouldn’t be hurt again and again. Won’t suffer in my womb as her father tried to smother her breath. My phone rang. Once. Twice. I didn’t answer until the third time. Vanessa’s voice came through elated and mocking. "It’s done."my mother-in-law said. "The northern territories are now under your name as agreed. You have what you wanted. From this moment on, disappear." She paused as though savoring good news. “My dear daughter-in-law, Victoria, also brought me good news. Our wolf pack's trade agreement is about to be finalized.” There was pride in her voice now. “With her by his side, my son will soon become the strongest Alpha in the South.” She paused, rubbing the words in my face. "Don’t cling to the Blood Moon Pack anymore. You have no mate. No title. No place here, after Zyan marries Victoria today no one will even remember you." The line went dead. She believed Victoria’s trade agreement with the Blood Moon Pack was set in stone, thinking she could still look down on me and taunt me just as she always had. She mocked my uselessness, she mocked the fact that I couldn't shift. But soon, her arrogance will be stripped away. The trade agreement is about to be scrapped, and I, the "wolfless" girl she once held in utter contempt can feel the wolf inside me slowly beginning to awaken. Smile and celebrate all you want, I will push you all to the point of no return! I looked down at Daisy’s grave, my fingers tightening around the roses until the thorns bit into my skin. A tear slipped free, silent and burning. "Sleep, my love. "I whispered. "Since this pack failed you…I will reduce it to ash." I stayed there a long time after the call ended, until the sky dimmed and the wind carried the scent of damp earth over my daughter’s grave. Only then did I turn away. I went back to the pack estate and gathered my things in silence, the servants watching dared not stop me. The sparkling black dress laid on the bed for me was first thrown to the fireplace as I watched fire burn all of it. The last version of myself that knew how to love and forgive burning with it. It was at that moment a string of messages beeped on my phone. [Zyan:Be at the ceremonial hall by 7 PM. ] [Zyan:You don’t need to worry. Everything has been arranged. ] [Zyan: If you cooperate tonight, I will make sure you aren’t treated unfairly. ] [Zyan: You should learn to be sensible, Lianna. This is the best outcome for everyone. Don’t make things difficult. I will still take responsibility for you. ] I stared at the screen until the words blurred before taking out the SIM card and throwing it into the thrash. Then I closed my eyes. The mate bond stirred, no longer distant and restrained by me. Darius. I didn’t fight it this time. I accepted. The pull was instant, overwhelming. The world tilted as I felt the powerful aura seep into my bones. Before I left, I handed a sealed envelope to the driver waiting at the entrance to take me to the wedding. “Deliver this to Alpha Zyan. ” I said calmly. “Tell him, it's my sweet wedding gift to him.” It contained proof of the child he killed and the empire he thought he still owned. He will soon find out that the daughter he once longed for most was killed by his own hands. When I stepped outside, Darius stood beneath the fading sky, his tall frame still radiating battle-worn power. Fresh scars traced his arms and collarbone, blood barely dried at his temple. His gaze dropped immediately to my stomach and something dark and furious crossed his face. "I will cancel everything. "he said without hesitation. "The wedding. No one will touch you. You need time- "No, the wedding will be tonight. My daughter is waiting for me to avenge her. " With that I got into the car, the Blood Moon Pack blurring behind my vision. Now, the tables have turned. It’s time for Zyan and Victoria to suffer !