Chapter 3

Adelaide's POV

Beata brought the Frostfang asset list. "You've covered six million in Bloodmoon's operating costs this year alone. The mines, houses, estates? untouched. All of Luna Airella's bank accounts and property deeds are locked in the vault."

I stared at the list. Airella had prepared all this to ensure my happiness—how heartbreaking my current situation must be to her memory.

My wolf whined, pain lancing through me.

"Where can we even go, Adelaide?" Beata asked. "Back to Frostfang?"

The memory of Frostfang's plaza, slick with blood, flashed before my eyes.

My heart clenched. "Anywhere's better than here."

"But won't Ulrik be thrilled if we leave?" Beata fumed.

"Let him," I said flatly. "Staying here would mean a lifetime of watching them fawn over each other. Beata, Frostfang's down to me. I need to live well—to honor my parents and brothers. The Moon Goddess will watch over us."

"Adelaide!" Beata sobbed.

I knew her pain—everyone she loved had died in Frostfang's massacre.

"Is there no another way at all?"

"There is," I said, my voice tinged with a wolfish rasp.

I traced the fading moon-mark on my neck. Moonlight from the bronze sconce cast wolf-shaped shadows on the starstone walls. "I'll go to the Lycan King."

I pricked my finger on the temporary mark, silver-blue blood blooming on my shirt. "I'll use my family's merits to ask him to revoke the decree."

Beata paled. "Don't! The Lycan King won't agree—he'll be furious. He has powers beyond shifters. Don't risk it."

"Think I'm that foolish?" I smiled faintly. "If the Lycan King allowed Ulrik and Velda to bond, he can allow me to leave Bloodmoon."

I wouldn't leave as a deserter or exile.

As the last of Frostfang's Alpha bloodline—one of the mightiest packs in the shifter kingdom—I'd leave with my head held high.

A knock sounded at the door. "Luna Adelaide, Luna Rosemary requests your presence," came the voice from outside.

Adelaide suppressed her wolf and rose gracefully. "Let's go," she said.

Sunset bathed the Bloodmoon Pack's plaza, the rain having ceased. Autumn wind swept toward the nearby Packhouse.

Bloodmoon's territory, a gift from the previous Lycan King, once thrived.

Now it faded.

The Tenar family held no sway with the current king, nor seats in the royal council.

Only Alpha Ulrik and his brother Simon fought for the Lycan King.

The former Alpha's brother remained in the pack, refusing to branch out.

With dwindling members, Bloodmoon weakened further.

Beata and I arrived at Luna Rosemary's residence. She looked robust.

She lounged on an obsidian sofa, her claws tapping the armrest in greeting.

Others were present—Simon and his mate Tamara, Ulrik's sister Sabrina, even the elder Alpha's brother.

"May the moonlight bless you, elder kin, loyal companions," I intoned, bowing to expose the healing mark on my neck.

"Come closer," Luna Rosemary beckoned, her silver fur shimmering. "The northern winds have finally returned your mate. Frostfang's blood-debt shall be settled."

I asked calmly, "Have you met Velda today?"

Luna Rosemary's smile faltered, then resumed. "Met her? She's as rough as sandstone, though her looks can't compare to yours."

I held my gaze. "So, you don't approve of her?"

Luna Rosemary forced a smile. "Likes and dislikes come with time. Since the Lycan King has spoken, it's settled. Velda will ride with Ulrik, and you'll manage the pack as Luna. How perfect."

"Perfect indeed," I said, my smile sharp. "A warrior like her reduced to a breeder—what a waste."

Luna Rosemary laughed lightly. "Lycan King's decree makes her a Luna too, just like you."

"Two Lunas? Is that even tradition?"

Luna Rosemary's tone cooled. "You've managed well, Adelaide, but a Luna's duty is to support the Alpha."

"With Velda here, she can easily take over," I retorted.

"But Velda's always at war," Luna Rosemary said. "You're the one here, managing the pack."

I turned to Tamara. "You're a Beta's daughter, trained for this role. You can do it."

Tamara paled. "No, I—I'm not fit. Everyone's happy with how you run things. Let's keep it that way."

My lips curled. Happy because I fund the pack.

But times changed. Once, I genuinely wanted to be Ulrik's perfect mate.

Now? I wouldn't play the fool.

"Enough," I said, rising. "I'll pass on my duties tomorrow. From then on, Bloodmoon's problems are yours."