Get Back The Abandoned Luna

The night I discovered my husband’s whore was carrying his heir, I smiled for the cameras—and plotted his ruin. Scarlett was born a queen—heir to a powerful legacy, Luna of the Dark Moon Pack by blood and by sacrifice. She gave everything to Alexander: her love, her loyalty, her life. In return, he paraded his mistress before their pack... and dared to call it duty. But Scarlett won't be another broken woman weeping in the shadows. She’ll wear her crown of thorns with pride, tear down every lie built around her, and when she strikes, it will be glorious. The Alpha forgot that the woman he betrayed is far more dangerous than the girl who once loved him. Chapter 1 Betrayed Scarlett's POV I smelled him on her before I saw them together. Sandalwood and cedar—Alexander's scent, the one that used to make my wolf purr with contentment. Now it clung to another woman's skin like a brand of ownership, thick enough to taste at the back of my throat. Faye. His childhood sweetheart. His "true love" who'd rejected him five years ago, who'd walked away to chase her dreams in the city, who'd abandoned him when his pack was on the brink of collapse. But as Luna, I didn't even know when she'd returned. No one had asked for my approval—pack law be damned. And by the time I found out, she was already standing in my place, basking in the glory I'd bought with blood. The grand ballroom glittered with success. Pack members laughed, champagne flutes clinking in toasts to our rise—from tenth place to second in the Continental rankings. A victory I had bled for. Sacrificed for. And my husband was celebrating it with his mistress in his arms. I stood frozen in the arched doorway, still wearing my coat from the drive over. My fingers crushed the fabric of the garment bag I carried—the white silk gown I'd designed for TOMORROW NIGHT, diamonds sewn into every seam. Yes. Tomorrow night. Everyone had told me the banquet was tomorrow. I'd believed them like a fool. If I hadn't overheard the seamstress mention it during my fitting, I would've stayed in the dark. Excluded from my own pack's celebration while another woman took my place. "Luna?!" My maid, Ruby's shocked voice cut through the music like a knife. Every head in the ballroom swiveled toward me. The whispers started immediately: "Didn't Alpha say Luna was sick?" "Are you a puppy? You still believe those lies—" "Oh goddess, so both of them are here—" Each word was a needle piercing my chest. But the real fool wasn't these guests. It was me. I was the biggest idiot of all. My wolf, Kara, snarled deep in my chest. "Rip their throat out." I wanted to. I was supposed to be the bravest female warrior in our pack. But right now, I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. Across the room, Alexander's hand slid lower down Faye's back—possessive, deliberate, public. And he was looking directly at me while he did it. His blue eyes, the ones that used to soften when they found mine across a room, held nothing but cold warning now. Don't make a scene. You know what's at stake. Bastard. That's when Faye saw me. Her green eyes widened with theatrical surprise, her red lips forming a perfect O of false concern. She pressed one manicured hand to Alexander's chest—a gesture of intimacy that made bile rise in my throat—and leaned in to whisper something that made his jaw clench. Then she looked at me again and smiled. Triumphant. Victorious. Mine. Bitch. How could I possibly tolerate this? The ten steps across that ballroom floor felt like walking through fire. Every eye tracked my movement. The music faltered, then died completely. Conversations cut off mid-sentence. Even the servers froze, champagne bottles suspended in mid-pour. I could smell their fear spreading through the room like smoke. Good. They should be afraid. I was the daughter of the Winter Pack. I had chosen Alexander as my mate when he was nothing but a struggling heir to a dying pack. I had merged our territories during my father's memorial ceremony, had convinced my people to accept him as their Alpha when they'd wanted to tear him apart. I had worked tirelessly to repair the rift between him and my people, had even pretended he'd been in control all along. IT'S ME who had made him. And now, when our pack had reached its peak, he dared to humiliate me like this? What was his purpose in doing this? He wanted the entire pack to know that only Faye was his true Luna? Impossible. The Winter Pack would never tolerate betrayal. My heels clicked against marble—each step a declaration of war. Alexander moved to intercept me, stepping in front of Faye like a shield. His broad shoulders blocked her from view, but I could see her peering around him, watching me with barely concealed glee. "Scarlett." His voice carried the tone he used in Council meetings—authoritative, dismissive, as if I were a subordinate instead of his mate. "Now's not the time for this conversation." I stopped three feet away, close enough to see the muscle jumping in his jaw. Close enough to smell Faye's jasmine perfume mingling with his scent. The combination made my stomach turn. "I think now is exactly the time," I said, my voice ringing clear across the silent ballroom. I looked past him to Faye, who had the audacity to meet my gaze with feigned innocence. "If you plan to humiliate me in public, then I will defend my dignity in public." Chapter 2 Pregnancy Scarlett's POV "Faye, darling—remind everyone here. Didn't you tell Alexander he wasn't good enough for you? That you were leaving to find someone worthy of your time?" The crowd stirred like disturbed water. Heads turned toward Faye, who'd gone from pale to crimson in the span of a heartbeat. "That was years ago," she stammered, her perfect composure cracking. "I came back to—to help—" "Help with what, exactly?" I stepped closer, and this time Alexander's hand twitched as if he wanted to stop me but didn't dare. Not with all these witnesses. "Because if by 'help' you mean climbing into bed with my husband, then I suppose I should thank you for making his betrayal so obvious." Someone gasped. Another person cursed under their breath. Faye's eyes brimmed with practiced tears. Real fear flickered behind them now as she realized the crowd was turning. She turned to Alexander, her voice breaking beautifully. "Alpha, I—I realize now it was a mistake to come. I should leave before I cause more trouble—" She made it three steps before Alexander caught her arm. Time seemed to slow. I watched his fingers wrap around her wrist, watched him pull her back against his chest, watched his arm slide protectively around her shoulders. Every wolf in that ballroom saw it. Every witness to our mate bond watched him choose her over me. The mark on my neck—the one he'd given me three years ago during our mating ceremony—began to burn. Not the pleasant warmth of a bond being honored, but the searing pain of betrayal made manifest. "Scarlett." Alexander's voice was low, dangerous, vibrating with barely restrained Alpha command. "You know how important tonight is. I need everything to be perfect for the Council representatives." His eyes bored into mine, and I saw the threat there, cold and clear. "If you keep making a scene, it won't just be my reputation that suffers. Your perfume business, all those contracts you've been negotiating—they'll disappear overnight." He wasn't wrong. Half my clients were in this room right now, watching this disaster unfold. The Council representatives he'd invited were already whispering among themselves. But I was done being managed. Done being threatened. Done being his puppet Luna who smiled and stayed silent while he destroyed everything we'd built. "You're absolutely right, ALPHA," I said, loud enough for the nearest cluster of pack members to hear. My smile was sharp enough to draw blood. "This celebration is far too important to ruin with messy emotions. So please—" I gestured toward Faye with exaggerated courtesy, "—take care of your ex. Just remember where your wife sleeps when you're done." I held his gaze for one more second, letting him see everything he'd destroyed in me. Then I turned on my heel before he could respond, before I could see whether he'd follow or stay with her. We both knew which he'd choose. The crowd parted for me like I was toxic. Their silence was worse than any insult—heavy with judgment, thick with pity, loaded with the weight of witnesses who'd seen their Luna humiliated and done nothing to stop it. I walked through them all with my head high and my spine straight, even as my heart shattered with every step. Even as I felt Kara retreating deeper into my consciousness, whimpering like a wounded animal. Behind me, I heard Alexander say something in a low voice. Heard Faye's tearful response. Heard the music resume—tentative at first, then growing bolder. The celebration continued. As if nothing had happened. As if I hadn't just been erased in front of everyone who mattered. *** I barely made it through the front door before my legs gave out. My hands hit the marble floor first, then my knees. The impact sent shockwaves up my thighs, but the pain was nothing compared to the fire spreading from the mark on my neck. "Luna!" A voice echoed from somewhere in the house, panicked and distant. I couldn't answer. Couldn't do anything but crawl toward the nearest bathroom, my coat dragging behind me like a wounded animal's tail. The bathroom tile was cold against my palms. I barely got the toilet seat up before I vomited again—violent, wrenching heaves that brought up nothing but bile and champagne I didn't remember drinking. The mark burned hotter. Inside, Kara was howling. The sound echoed through my skull like a death knell. "He's killing us," she whimpered. "Every time he touches her, it kills us a little more." I knew. God, I knew. Because this was the Moon Goddess's punishment. When the Alpha who marked you takes another to his bed, your body bears the consequences. Every thrust, every moan, every moment of his pleasure becomes your pain. The bond doesn't lie. It can't. I had felt it before—those unexplained moments of nausea during pack meetings, the sudden weakness that hit me in the middle of training sessions, the burning sensation that woke me from sleep at 2 AM. I had thought I was sick. Overworked. Stressed from managing both the pack and my business. Now I understood. Every time my body rebelled, it was because Alexander was with her. In our bed. In our home. While I bled myself dry trying to build his empire. I sat there on the bathroom floor, my back against the tub, and stared at nothing. I hated the Moon Goddess for this. Hated her with every fiber of my being. She punished the faithful while the betrayers walked free. She bound women to men who destroyed them and called it divine will. She watched her daughters suffer and did nothing. Nothing. *** I spent the night in the bathroom. And Alexander didn't come home. Till 8 AM, I heard the front door open. Alexander's footsteps in the hallway—heavy, purposeful, heading straight for my office. I set down my coffee cup carefully and turned to face the door. He walked in without knocking, still wearing last night's suit. His hair was mussed, his tie undone. He smelled like Faye's jasmine perfume and sex. The mark on my neck twinged. We stared at each other across ten feet of expensive carpet. Then he opened his mouth and detonated my entire world with a simple sentence: "Faye is pregnant." Chapter 2 Broken and Betrayed Scarlett “Faye is pregnant.” For a second, I thought I had hallucinated the words. I blinked slowly, trying to process Alexander's words. The sincerity on his face told me he wasn't lying. He had not only brought back his lover, but also gotten her pregnant. I stared at Alexander, waiting for the smirk, the punchline, the sign that this was some sick joke. But his eyes were steady—unashamed. Not only had he brought back his lover, but he’d also given her what I’d been trying to give him for years. An heir. “You bastard!” The scream ripped from me before I could stop it. So that explained it. The burning on my mark these past weeks, the phantom ache on my neck—every time his wolf mated with someone else, my body paid the price. And every time I asked him, he brushed me off, claiming I was “overthinking.” I swung my hand at him, but he caught my wrist mid-air. My fingers digging into flesh. “Scarlett,” he said with controlled calm, “don’t do something you’ll regret.” My wolf snarled through me. “Let go, bastard!” His claws slid out, just enough to threaten, not enough to draw blood. “If you challenge my authority again, I will remind you who rules this pack.” Not us. Not together. Just him. My wolf whimpered, wounded deeper than I was. She had begged for our mate’s acceptance for three years. Begged, compromised, endured. Only to be replaced by the woman he truly wanted. I swallowed the metallic taste rising in my throat. “Are you naming her Luna?” “No.” The word was immediate, almost panicked. His wolf flinched, retreating behind his eyes. “You are still the Luna of Crescent Moon,” he insisted. I laughed, not from amusement but sheer disbelief. “You claim to love me, yet you impregnated someone else.” His jaw tightened. “I didn’t plan it.” “That’s worse.” His eyes darkened. “Scarlett, listen to me. The pack needs an heir. You couldn’t give me one.” The words hit harder than the infidelity itself. You couldn’t. As if my body’s silence was a moral failure, a betrayal equal to his. “You could have talked to me,” I breathed, voice shaking. “You could have tried.” “I did try,” he snapped. “For years. The council is pressuring us. Our allies are watching. I can’t risk Crescent Moon crumbling because you refuse to step down.” “Step down?” I repeated. “From your role as my mate. Not Luna. I need both. My power, and my lineage.” There was no remorse in his words, making my heart tightened. “You want the title wife and the womb mistress,” I whispered. “Two women, one throne.” “Stop being dramatic. She’s just carrying the heir.” “And what happens after she gives birth?” His silence was a confession. Faye would always have him. And he would always let her. “Reject me,” I said, voice cracking. “I won’t stand beside a man who humiliates me.” “No.” His hand tightened painfully. “There will be no rejection. Ever.” “Why?” “Because the moment I reject you, half the pack becomes loyal to you, not me. And I won’t risk rebellion.” There it was—finally, the truth. Not love. Not devotion. Control. My laughter was hollow. “So I’m your safety net? Your hostage?” “You’re my Luna,” he hissed. “And you don’t get to walk away.” Before I could spit another curse, a knock sounded. Alexander opened the door. Faye stood there, draped in white silk that conveniently highlighted the swell of her stomach—barely visible, but deliberately accentuated. Her hair was braided, her lips glossed, powder hiding the exhaustion of early pregnancy. “Alexander,” she murmured sweetly, stepping inside. “I was worried. You left so suddenly.” Her doe-eyes flicked to me with performative concern. “Oh, Luna Scarlett, you look pale. I didn’t mean to disturb you two. I just worry I’ve caused trouble. I know you’ve tried for so long, and I’m sure it must be painful.” She stroked her stomach, smiling softly. The gesture was subtle, but I caught the message. ‘Look what I gave him. Look what you couldn’t.’ I smiled back and answered her sharply. “Painful? No. What’s painful is that you don’t understand your place.” Her expression faltered. “You’re a surrogate, Faye. Nothing more. Your child belongs to the pack—and to me as Luna. You will never be anything but the Alpha’s hidden lover.” For a moment, fear cracked her perfect mask that almost made me laugh. Then she clutched her belly, gasping dramatically. “Alexander—my stomach—” He rushed to her instantly. What made me sick wasn’t her act. It was his. “Scarlett,” he snapped over his shoulder, “be careful how you speak to her. She’s carrying my heir.” Your heir. Not our heir. As he helped her out, his voice lowered, but not enough that I missed it. “Faye, don’t listen to her. You deserve more love than that cold Luna ever gave me.” ~ I swallowed the grievances and fury swell deep in me and left the scene. As I walked downstairs, forcing myself to keep my chin high—I was Luna and yet eyes followed me with pity and some of them looked at me in satisfaction—whispers trailed behind me. “I heard the Luna couldn’t conceive?” “Maybe that’s the reason why the Alpha chose Faye.” “Our pack needs heir—good thing Faye was there to provide one.” “I pity our Luna.” Pity. That’s the least I wanted them to view me. I wanted to scream that I had been poisoned once, that someone sabotaged my heats. I wanted to hurl truth like a weapon. But no one would believe me now. Not after he paraded her like a trophy—as if she were his Luna. My legs carried me to my office. I shut the door, locked it, and finally let myself shake. I picked up my phone and called the Wolf King. No answer. I called every Alpha who owed me a favor and even left a voicemail to call me back once they see my message. Then, out of desperation—I could my lost loyal lieutenant. He didn’t pick up either. I felt abandoned in every direction. Finally, a familiar name appeared. Alpha Reno. I answered quickly. “Alexander cheated. Faye’s pregnant. He plans to raise the pup inside the pack—without rejecting me.” Reno’s breath was heavy. “Scarlett… I’m sorry.” “Sorry doesn’t help me,” I whispered. “Help me stop this.” “You know we can’t interfere with internal pack affairs. Not unless there’s physical abuse or threat to life.” I laughed brokenly. “So what—infidelity is fine as long as he doesn’t kill me?” “Legally… yes.” “And what about Luna's rights? Do I lose everything if I leave?” “Yes,” he admitted. “Unless you become Alpha yourself. But the council hasn’t passed the bill allowing female Alphas.” “Because enough men voted against it.” “Because they’re afraid,” Reno corrected. “A female Alpha threatens the power structure.” I stared at the ceiling and couldn’t help but let out a mocking chuckle. “Unless…” Reno continued hesitantly. “If you secured backing from the strongest Alpha in the region, others might follow.” “The Nightshade Alpha,” I breathed. A man feared, respected, and impossible to manipulate. Reno exhaled. “Be careful, Scarlett. Once you move, there’s no undo.” “I know.” I hung up. I slumped onto the couch, dizzy. Tears burned at the corners of my eyes. I wiped them before they fell. “Kyra… are you there?” My wolf didn’t answer. Our mate bond had crushed her spirit. I pressed a palm to my chest. “Don’t go. I need you.” Still nothing. So I steadied myself. Because if she couldn’t fight— I would. I pulled open a drawer and retrieved documents—pack laws, council regulations, old treaties my father once used. I read them through blurred eyes, highlighting sections, circling loopholes, searching for weapons disguised as words. If Alexander wanted power—I would strip him of it. If he wanted control—I would shatter it. If he wanted legacy—I would rewrite it. My hands shook, but not from despair. From clarity. The world thought I had no options. Alexander thought he owned me. He had no idea who he had just pushed to war. Now, I needed to contact the one man who might help—Kathleen's brother. The only one powerful enough to stand with me. Chapter 3 Marking Territories Scarlett's POV When I woke up again, the familiar scent of disinfectant rushed into my nose. The pack's hospital—I had lost count of how many times I'd ended up here. Through the hospital window, a faint ray of sunlight streamed in, cold and distant, mirroring the state of my heart. The sound of a chair scraping against the floor jolted me. I turned my head and saw Coby's anxious face. He looked exhausted, his golden hair messy, and his gray-blue eyes filled with unmistakable worry. "Scarlett, you're finally awake," he let out a breath of relief and gently held my hand. "How are you feeling?" "What happened? Why am I in the hospital?" I asked in confusion. The mark on my neck was still burning hot. "You fainted at the packaging plant. Ruby found you and contacted me," Coby explained, his voice laced with concern. Memories from last night came flooding back—Alexander and Faye showing up again. After I explained everything to the council, I thought they would help me. Among all supernatural species, werewolves valued the mate bond above all else. It was the very reason we had remained strong for so long. But Alexander no longer cared about that. His pack was now second only to Nightshade. He could do whatever he wanted. I guessed the pressure finally got to me, and I collapsed. I felt Coby's concern wrap around me like a blanket. Forcing a faint smile, I shook my head, though guilt welled up from deep inside me. "I'm sorry… for worrying you again, Coby." His face tightened, brows furrowed. "You don't need to apologize to me. Alexander is the one who should be apologizing. No Alpha treats their mate this way—this is a betrayal of our species' most sacred vow." I let out a soft sigh and closed my eyes for a moment. The cold faces of the council members surfaced in my mind again. "But the council won't get involved. Alpha Reno made it clear—they don't interfere with internal pack matters." Coby clenched his jaw, fists tightening. "So we're just supposed to sit here and watch them destroy you?" No! I suddenly thought of Kathleen's brother—Lucien. His eyes came to me instantly: deep, intense, and always tinged with a possessive fire. "I'll reach out to the Alpha of the Nightshade Pack. Lucien." "Nightshade Pack? You mean the Alpha of the most powerful pack in the country would support us?" Coby asked, visibly shocked. But I remembered the one and only time we'd met, and doubt crept in. I shook my head lightly. "I'm not sure. He's never shown me any special treatment, not even as Kathleen's best friend. He's always kept his stance… unclear." Coby fell silent, running a nervous hand through his hair. "Still, we have to try." "Yes. Once I'm discharged, I'll contact Kathleen. She might be able to help us." I nodded with conviction. Just as the words left my mouth, the door was suddenly pushed open. Faye strolled in uninvited, dressed in a maternity gown, one hand gently caressing her belly, a hypocritical smile plastered on her face. Coby's expression darkened instantly. He didn't even bother standing up to acknowledge her—he simply ignored her. Faye's smile faltered for a split second, then twisted into something sharper. "Coby, are you seriously ignoring me? Don't forget who I am." Coby scoffed coldly. "Who you are? A homewrecker with a lover's title? What kind of identity is that worth respecting?" But Faye didn't get angry—at least not outwardly. She wore her mask well. She smiled sweetly at him. "I only want peace, Coby. We're all part of the same pack now. Or… at least, some of us still are." "Tell me you're fucking kidding," Coby snapped, the veins in his arm bulging. I immediately reached out to stop him. "Coby, don't get into trouble for me." He looked at me reluctantly, then stood up with a grunt of frustration and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. The room fell silent. I turned to Faye with an icy stare. "What are you doing here?" She placed her hand on her belly again and said softly, "I came to share good news, of course. You remember I said I had stomach pain yesterday? Alexander was so worried—he said this was his only pup, so he had to be sure nothing was wrong. But the doctor just confirmed—our pup is perfectly healthy." My fingers gripped the sheets. I didn't know why I could never conceive with Alexander. My silence only fed Faye's confidence. She raised her voice dramatically. "Oh, Luna Scarlett, you don't need to feel guilty for not being able to bear children. I'll do it for you. After all, Alexander and I were mates once. Our pup will be strong. He'll grow to be the best heir." Outside the room, I noticed members of the pack listening. Their expressions flickered, as if her words made a bit too much sense. I felt the weight of their eyes, and my heart sank further. I curled my lips into a calm smile. "Faye, you're so thoughtful. Thank you for taking on such a big responsibility. But I do worry about you, you know? Not long ago, a similar situation happened in the Northern Pack. The Alpha brought back a pregnant mistress. But once the child was born, she was cast out. She had no real place—just a womb. I hope you're luckier than she was." Faye's smile froze. Her expression shifted ever so slightly—clearly, she hadn't expected me to fight back using her own tactics. Her eyes darkened with a flicker of resentment. Suddenly, she clutched her belly and collapsed with a cry. The door burst open. Alexander stormed in, fury written all over his face. "Alexander… Luna… she—she used her pheromones on me… my stomach…" Faye whimpered weakly, pitifully. "I told you—I got pregnant for the good of the pack, not to take her Luna title. But she's so angry, she wants me dead…" Alexander dropped to the floor beside her, cradling her protectively in his arms. He turned to me with a glare that could slice skin. "Scarlett, are you insane? You attacked a pregnant woman?!" The blow to my chest felt literal. I could barely breathe. "You'd rather believe her over your own mate?" Alexander's eyes were sharp and cold. "How can I believe you? Haven't your actions been unhinged lately? Scarlett, stop pushing me—before I lose every last bit of patience I have for you!" He scooped Faye into his arms and stormed out, kicking the door open in rage. Outside, the wolves' murmurs picked up again. "I mean, we really do need pups, especially now that we're the second-ranked pack. That's going to attract more enemies…" Alexander heard it. His spine stiffened. He turned toward me. "Take Luna Scarlett back to the packaging plant. Until I say otherwise, she's not allowed near Faye." With that, his Gamma, Carson, stepped forward. "Luna, please come with me." I clenched my fists. I had to contact Lucien—fast. If I didn't, my situation would only worsen. I yanked out the IV, ignoring the stares from the others, stood up, and followed Carson out of the room—ready to fight. Chapter 4 A Brand New Plan Scarlett's POV I was dragged roughly out of the pack hospital by Carson. Pack members saw it—but not a single one dared speak up for me. Not even those who had once belonged to my father's pack. When we arrived at the pack manor, I immediately knew something had changed. The exterior was still as grand and opulent as ever, but inside, all the warmth had vanished. The maids who once welcomed me with bright smiles were nowhere to be seen—only Ruby remained, standing at the door, pale-faced, her hands clenched tightly. She looked at me with sympathy in her eyes. Alexander had made his decision clear. His authority outweighed mine. I couldn't blame them. I blamed myself—for being so easily deceived from the beginning. Carson shoved me inside and slammed the door shut, glaring at me coldly. "Listen up, Scarlett," his voice was laced with threat and indifference. "Alexander's orders: you are not to step foot outside the Alpha residence. Your movements are restricted to this house. And stay away from Faye. No more trouble." I let out a bitter laugh. "You think you have the right to give me orders?" A dark smile spread across Carson's face. He leaned in suddenly, letting his fingers graze my lips with blatant disrespect. His tone turned mocking, almost flirtatious. "You'd better behave, Scarlett. You're not a noble Luna anymore." Fury exploded in me. I slapped him hard, the sound echoing through the room. "Remember your place, Carson! I'm still the Luna! Try that again and I swear you'll regret it!" His face turned beet red, a flash of rage in his eyes. "Scarlett, I'll be waiting for you—at the border of the pack." He stormed out, the door slamming behind him like a gunshot. Silence fell again. I collapsed onto the bed, consumed by a storm of anger and humiliation. If they were going to degrade me like this, they might as well have thrown me in the dungeon and let me rot. Hours passed. I curled up at the edge of the bed, my numb fingers tracing the edge of a silk pillow. My little wolf, Kara, had been silent ever since the hospital. I told myself she was just resting. That she needed time—just like I did. But as evening crept in, something felt wrong. Kara? I reached inward with our mental bond. I need you. Silence. Cold. Empty. My heart pounded in panic. I tried again, diving deeper into my soul, searching desperately for any trace of her presence. Kara, please… Nothing. It was like losing a limb. No—it was worse. Like losing the last piece of myself that still believed I could survive this nightmare. Her absence echoed in my bones, and for the first time, I felt truly, utterly alone. Alexander's betrayal hadn't just broken my heart—it had severed the connection between my humanity and my wolf. Kara's silence wasn't her choice. It was a punishment from the Moon Goddess herself. Tears welled in my eyes, hot and bitter, merciless. "Don't do that," Ruby said softly, kneeling in front of me. Her calloused hand brushed a strand of hair from my cheek. "You're stronger than this. I know you are." Her touch was gentle, but her voice was firm. Steady. Confidence, when I had none left. A sob caught in my throat. "She's gone, Ruby. Kara… she's just… gone." Sorrow flickered in Ruby's eyes, but she didn't pull back. "Then we'll find her. Together. You're not alone, sweetheart. Not as long as I'm breathing." Her words struck something deep within me. The pain didn't disappear—but it softened. Ruby's loyalty wrapped around me like a blanket, woven from quiet trust and all the sleepless nights we'd whispered in the dark. She wasn't just a maid. She was my friend. In a world that had betrayed me, she was my only harbor. I needed to get out. I needed a plan. If I stayed here, I'd rot into a ghost wearing a crown of memories. But not yet. Not until I held onto one last thread of hope. Not until I realized—I wasn't completely alone. After making sure Ruby wasn't watching, I crept to the deepest part of the wardrobe—where the maids never cleaned. There, hidden beneath a false bottom in an old keepsake box, lay my secret weapon: a black burner phone I'd stashed two years ago during a safety drill. Thank the Moon Goddess I hadn't thrown it out. The battery was half full. The signal was weak—but usable. I dialed the only number I'd memorized. The one person who would never hang up on me. "Kathleen?" My voice came out raw the moment I heard the click. "Scarlett?" Her voice was confused, then alarmed. "Are you okay? Where are you calling from? This number—" "I don't have much time," I cut her off, pacing like a lioness trapped in a cage. "I need your help. I'm being held here. Alexander wants me gone from the pack." "What?!" "He's taken everything—my freedom, my title, my wolf. He brought back his true love, and she's carrying his heir." My voice shook. "Kara is gone, Kathleen. I can't feel her anymore." "Oh, my goddess…" she breathed. "What do you need me to do?" "Lucien," I said quickly. "Can you talk to your brother? He's on the council. Maybe he can help me. Maybe there's a way to break the bond without losing my title—" "You want to divorce Alexander?" I hesitated. But the past few days replayed in my mind like a burning reel, and I reminded myself—when a man tries to strip away your voice and everything you represent, he will never belong to you. Then I nodded. "Yes. I want out." She was quiet for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. I'll talk to Lucien. But Scarlett… the council is brutal. Even with his influence, this won't be easy." "I'm not looking for easy. I'm looking for possible." "I'll arrange a few things. But you'll have to stay quiet. Alexander has ears everywhere." "I know." After she hung up, I sat on the floor, leaning back against the wardrobe, my gaze empty. Kathleen had always been my best friend. She knew the darker parts of me—my ambition, my pride, the years I'd spent proving myself. She also knew about my silly little crush on Lucien. Lucien, with his silver eyes and untouchable aura. Always composed. Always regal. He was three years older than me, and by the time I was a scrawny teen dreaming of my first transformation, his wolf was already formidable. I remembered watching him during council visits. Every time he glanced in my direction, my heart would pound like crazy. Of course, he never truly noticed me—not the way I wished he would. But I wasn't a little girl anymore. I was the Luna of Crescent Moon. A betrayed woman. A prisoner. A woman with nothing left. If anyone could untangle this web—it was Lucien. Ruby tapped gently on my door. "Luna, your tea…" I scrambled to hide the phone and stood up. "Leave it at the door, Ruby. I need to rest." "Yes, Luna." Her footsteps faded. Only when I heard the distant click of a closing door did I breathe again. I paced slowly, trying to steady my racing heart. With every step, the walls of the room seemed to close in. The chandelier above swayed slightly, but the air remained still. I closed my eyes, pulling strength from memory. My father's voice. The scent of snow-covered forests. Kara's first words to me during my patrols. They were all I had now. Because here, in this gilded prison disguised as a palace, I had no friends. No voice. No wolf. But I had a fire still burning deep inside me. And I would use that fire to burn Alexander's lies to the ground. Chapter 5 Hope Blossoms Scarlett's POV I spent the whole night tossing in bed, thinking about how much Alexander had cost me. Talking to Kathleen had lifted something off my chest. Not everything—not the crushing weight of heartbreak, betrayal, and isolation—but enough. Enough to breathe again. Enough to remember who I had been before I let love blindfold me and lead me off a cliff. It sparked hope in my chest, and I desperately clung to it. I was still the Luna of this pack, whether Faye wanted it or not. It didn't matter if she had Alexander wrapped around her finger or if they both thought they could erase me by imprisoning me in my quarters. I barely got any sleep that night, and now I was up early, even before Ruby. I sat up slowly in bed, my thoughts spiraling out of control, and realized I'd made a mistake far greater than falling in love. I had forgotten who I was. I forgot the girl who trained longer, fought harder, and stood straighter in council meetings just to be taken seriously. I forgot the wolf who had howled under blood moons and stood defiant against older, stronger males. I forgot the woman I had been before Alexander's pretty words and burning blue eyes melted the edges of my resolve. I had forgotten my friends. Myself. And Alexander? He never forgot who he was. He took everything I had given and gave back only control. But no more. Now, I would wait. Kathleen had promised to speak to her brother on my behalf. Until then, I needed to keep my head low, my mouth shut, and my hands steady. The day dragged on too slowly for my liking. I finally got out of bed after Ruby brought me breakfast. I had no appetite for food; I had too many things going on in my head. She didn't speak much, only giving me a look that said she understood without prying. I appreciated her more than words could ever say. My stomach churned. Eating felt like admitting I belonged here. "Eat, Luna," Ruby said softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You'll need strength. You don't win wars on an empty stomach." I looked up at her and saw not just my maid but my sister-in-arms. I picked up the fork and forced down a bite. It tasted like ash, but I swallowed it anyway. "I hate him," I whispered. "I know," she said gently. I didn't expect the sound of boots. My spine went rigid as I heard the door open behind me, a gust of crisp morning air sweeping into the room. Then the scent of spice, cedar, and that faint undertone of something uniquely his wrapped around me like poison-laced honey. Alexander was here. I didn't turn around at first. My hands curled into fists. The audacity to walk in here and act like everything was fine was jarring. "Scarlett," he said, his voice deceptively warm. I hated how my name sounded on his tongue, as if he still had the right. I hated even more how his voice made me feel. I turned slowly, gaze narrowing, ready to meet him with cold silence. But he was holding a bouquet of peonies—my favorite. My breath caught in my throat. What the hell was he trying to do? I caught sight of Ruby slipping out of the room to give us privacy. "I saw these and immediately thought of you," he murmured, stepping closer. "I had them brought in from the southern gardens." I didn't take them. What use would they be to me anyway? He moved closer to where I was seated and took the seat next to me. The intensity of his scent was invading my space; he knew it too, judging by the soft smirk on his face. He leaned in anyway, and before I could stop him, his lips brushed against mine. The bond snapped to life between us, as powerful and overwhelming as ever. My body betrayed me—every nerve lit up, every memory of the way he used to hold me came rushing back. My lips almost moved to meet his, and memories of his betrayal slipped far from my mind. Then his phone rang. He pulled back, sighing, and checked the screen. That's when reality punched me in the face. Faye. I saw her name flash in bold across the screen. My chest tightened. I shoved the bouquet into his chest and moved back, my voice cold and clear. "You have the mother of your child to worry about. Why are you here?" His brows furrowed. "Scarlett, stop." "You kissed me, knowing you got her pregnant. What kind of monster are you?" "Stop being dramatic." Dramatic? "You've locked me up in a corner of this palace like I'm diseased. You confiscated my devices, cut me off from everyone I care about, and now you dare call me dramatic?" He sighed like I was a nuisance. "I didn't come here to fight. I want us to talk this out like adults." "No, you came here to manipulate me into silence. Again." His eyes hardened. "You're my Luna." "Then treat me like one," I snapped. "Or better yet, strip me of the title and let me go." He didn't respond to that. He never did. "You think punishing me will break me," I added, stepping closer. "But you forget that I was raised in the Winter Pack. We don't break. We freeze and come back sharper." He laughed bitterly. "This is why I didn't choose you." There it was. The final blow—and the truth. I had just been a placeholder for his true love. I stared at him, every ounce of warmth turning to ice. "Good. Because I would never forgive a man who cheats. No matter how many times he tries to manipulate me into thinking all is fine." His jaw clenched, the vein in his temple ticking. Then, like the coward he was, he turned to leave. "Go on," I said mockingly. "Faye's waiting. Go comfort your little mistress." He paused, glanced at his phone again, then walked out. He slammed the door behind himself, and I sighed. I sat still, heart hammering, lungs gasping for air. I felt like I'd just come from battle. I hated how much the bond still affected me; I wouldn't let my guard down around him anymore. Ruby burst in not ten seconds later, eyes wide. "There's a call for you. On the landline." I blinked. "What?" "The landline. Downstairs. I told them to hold. Said it was urgent." I was already moving before she finished the sentence. The hallway blurred as I ran, bare feet slapping against polished floors. The old black phone sat in the corner of the sitting room, half-hidden by velvet drapes. I snatched it up. "Hello?" Silence. Then a deep, commanding voice filled the line. "Luna Scarlett." I froze. "Alpha Lucien speaking." He had called.