Chapter 2

SELENE

We stepped into the corridor outside the hall, the distant sound of celebration muffled by the thick walls.

“What’s wrong now?” Lucien asked, his frustration evident as he raked a hand through his hair.

I didn’t hesitate, my heart already pounding. “What’s wrong? Look at what’s happening in there, Lucien! Mira’s taken over everything—the decorations, the speeches, even the pack’s attention. That’s supposed to be my role, not hers.”

Lucien’s jaw clenched. “Mira’s helping. You’ve been so overwhelmed lately, Selene. And you know our pup needs you to be strong—”

“Pup? Oh, now you remember I’m carrying your pup?” I snapped. “Don’t twist this on me. I’m overwhelmed because you don’t stand up for me. You let her do whatever she wants, say whatever she wants. And the worst part? You let her do it in front of everyone.”

“You’re overreacting,” he muttered, crossing his arms. “You’re letting your insecurities get in the way.”

“Insecurities?” I echoed, laughing bitterly. “You think I’m insecure because I don’t want your ex hanging on your arm while I stand there like a ghost? You think I’m being unreasonable for wanting to be respected as your Luna?”

“You are respected,” he argued, his voice rising. “You’re just not seeing it.”

“No, Lucien,” I said coldly. “I see it. I see how they all turn to her instead of me. I see how she’s the one giving orders while you let me sit on the sidelines. I see how you smile at her like she’s the one who carries your future, not me.”

Lucien looked away for a moment, then back at me. “This isn’t about you, Selene. It’s about the pack.”

“Stop saying that!” I shouted, my voice echoing off the corridor walls. “Stop using the pack as an excuse every time you fail to choose me! You’ve been using that line since she showed up!”

His gaze sharpened. “She’s part of this pack too. She’s trying to help.”

“She’s trying to replace me!” I took a step forward, trembling. “And you're letting her.”

“Selene…” he warned, but I cut him off.

“Don’t ‘Selene’ me. I gave up everything for you! My career, my future—hell, my dignity! I chose you when no one else believed in you. I stayed when the council doubted you, when the elders questioned your leadership. And what did I get in return?” My voice cracked. “You gave her my seat at the table.”

Lucien’s eyes softened for a brief second, but he masked it quickly. “You’re tired. You’re pregnant. This stress isn’t good for the baby—”

“Don’t use our pup as a shield for your guilt,” I snapped. “If you actually cared about what was good for the baby, you wouldn’t be breaking the mother’s heart every damn day.”

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “I still care about you, Selene. Don’t twist that.”

“Then show it,” I said, voice quiet now, almost pleading. “Just once, show it. Put me first. Not her.”

“I can’t ignore what’s best for the pack,” he said again.

“No. You just won’t ignore her.”

The silence between us stretched like a blade. He didn’t deny it this time. He didn’t say anything at all. And somehow, that hurt even more.

A cold howl sliced through the night air.

Lucien immediately went still, his Alpha aura pulsing. “Rogues,” he muttered.

He turned sharply and disappeared into the hall without another word. My heart pounded as I followed him, our argument shoved to the back of my mind.

But the pain lingered.

Inside, everything had turned to chaos. Rogues burst into the hall, their snarls splitting through music and laughter. Screams erupted. Warriors rushed to the front, weapons drawn. I instinctively cradled my belly, shoving my fear down.

I scanned the chaos for Lucien, dodging and ducking, the scent of blood growing stronger.

And then I saw him—near the center.

Standing in front of Mira.

My heart stopped.

She stood behind him, hands gripping his arm, while he shielded her like she was the only one who mattered.

Tears blurred my vision.

“Stay sharp!” Lucien’s voice rang out. Mira nodded at his command like it was the most natural thing. Like she belonged at his side.

I forced myself to keep fighting, even as every move he made with her drove the knife deeper. I slammed my elbow into a rogue’s side and kicked another one back, growling through gritted teeth.

“Lucien!” I shouted, my eyes locking on a rogue speeding toward his unguarded side.

But he didn’t look at me.

“Mira, stay behind me!” he barked instead, turning to slice through the threat. His claws ripped the rogue in half, blood splattering across the floor. Mira stumbled back and clung to his arm, trembling.

I was right there. Fighting. Bleeding. Pregnant. And yet he looked through me like I was invisible.

Another rogue lunged at me. I dodged, but a sharp claw grazed my shoulder. I cried out, falling to one knee, my arm slick with blood. Still, no help came.

I forced myself up. I had to survive.

For my pup.

“Lucien!” I called through the mindlink, desperation tightening my chest. “Lucien, help me!”

He turned toward me this time. Our eyes met, and something flickered across his face—guilt, maybe. Regret. For a split second, he started toward me.

But then Mira screamed.

Another rogue had found her.

And just like that, he turned away.

The rogue facing me grinned viciously before slamming me into the wall, lifting me effortlessly and tossing me outside.

The impact stole my breath.

I felt bones shift. I gasped, unable to scream, pain blooming through every nerve in my body. The world spun as I lay there, blood on my hands, on my face, in my mouth.

I tried to move, but I couldn’t. I looked up to the ceiling, the stars above blurry and cold.

The rogue approached again.

I clenched my fists, preparing for the final blow.

But then—silver flashed.

The rogue collapsed in front of me, headless.

“Luna!” a familiar voice cried out.

Beta Marcus.

He knelt beside me, eyes wide with horror.

“You’re hurt! Fall back!” he shouted over the noise.

I tried to respond, but then I felt it—a warm wetness between my thighs.

I looked down.

Blood.

So much blood.

My vision dimmed. The edges of the world blurred.

And then—

Darkness.