Chapter 7

Adelaide's POV

After securing Erasmus's promise, I felt a little lighter.

Back at Bloodmoon, I slept soundly.

The next morning, as I freshened up, Ulrik burst in, his face set and Alpha aura blazing.

The force of his aura hit me like a tidal wave.

My wolf whined in my skull, trapped under the weight of it.

"Adelaide!" he roared, half-wolf fury in his voice.

Beata stepped forward, but the power gap between us drained her, sweat beading on her forehead.

But she stood frozen, wide-eyed and trembling, "Alpha Ulrik, what—are you going to do?"

"Beata," I said calmly, "stand down."

She retreated to my side, still watching Ulrik like a hawk.

In my mind, I met my wolf's gaze. It rose, shaking off its snow-white fur, and pushed back against Ulrik's aura.

Ulrik's eyes narrowed.

"You went to the palace yesterday. Complained to Lycan Erasmus, tried to get his decree revoked."

He spat the words, not as a question but a statement, his jaw clenched.

I met his gaze calmly and shook my head. "No."

"No?" He smirked, contempt lacing his words.

"Coward much? Is this how the Frostfang Alpha's daughter behaves? Pathetic."

The man before me felt unfamiliar, sending a chill down my spine.

Was this even the Ulrik I thought I knew?

Ulrik's eyes reddened with frustration.

Fangs bared, he snarled, "Speak! What else did you say to Lycan Erasmus? Did he agree to revoke the decree?"

I looked down. "Lycan Erasmus didn't agree. The bonding ceremony will proceed as planned."

Ulrik exhaled sharply but kept his tone cold. "That bond was earned through battle. If Lycan Erasmus wavers, it'll shame every Alpha warrior. He summoned me to the palace today but refused an audience—probably due to your theatrics. I won't stoop to your level, but know this—I've done my duty."

"Play nice, Adelaide. No more drama. Once Velda and I bond, you'll have pups of your own."

Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left.

Once Ulrik's presence faded, Beata burst into tears.

"What are you crying for?" I asked, puzzled.

"I just feel so wronged. Aren't you upset?" Beata sniffled.

I smiled. "Of course I'm upset, but tears won't change anything. Let's focus on how to make our future better."

"Why do the Bloodmoon wolves treat you like this? You've been so good to them!"

"Because, in their eyes, I no longer matter," I said with a wry smile.

I knew it—I was never important. All that mattered was the Frostfang wealth I brought.

Beata wiped her eyes. "What about the other Frostfang wolves who came with you? Are you taking them with you?"

"If I leave, Velda won't spare them. They'll follow me," I said.

Since joining Bloodmoon, the Frostfang Omegas I brought had taken on key roles.

The assets I brought also helped fund Bloodmoon's operations.

After all, Luna Rosemary's health was failing, and her herbs were expensive. Ulrik's royal salary couldn't cover it.

Luckily, I only used profits from shops, rental income, and some farmland proceeds.

The next day, I visited Luna Rosemary as usual, but only to find Shaman Digby there.

Luna Rosemary smiled relieved when she saw me. "Velda will be here soon. You two should meet and learn to get along."

I didn't respond, just waited quietly.

Once Digby finished treating her, I said, "Shaman Digby, let me escort you out."

"Actually, I need a word with you too," he replied, leaving without a backward glance at Luna Rosemary.

As we walked through the corridor, Digby said, "Bloodmoon doesn't deserve your kindness. Don't send for me again—I won't come."

"I understand. I won't send for you anymore. I'm planning to reject Ulrik anyway," I said.

Digby chuckled. "That's the Frostfang spirit. I don't need Bloodmoon's money. I only treated her for your sake."

After seeing Digby off, I returned to my cottage.

Within the hour, Ulrik arrived with a woman in tow.

As they entered the yard, my eyes locked onto their interlocked hands. A new plan began to form in my mind.