Chapter two

The Accusation

The morning after the funeral, the Lucaster Pack House was anything but peaceful.

Whispers followed Lynnek wherever she went.

Some wolves lowered their heads out of respect.

Others looked away as if she no longer belonged.

She ignored them and marched toward the Alpha Hall, determined to speak with her father before Claudia poisoned everyone's mind.

As she reached the grand wooden doors, two guards crossed their spears.

"Step aside," Lynnek ordered.

The guards exchanged nervous glances.

"We're under orders, Lady Lynnek."

"Orders from whom?"

Before either guard could answer, Claudia's smooth voice echoed through the corridor.

"From the Alpha."

Lynnek turned sharply.

Claudia descended the staircase with Aria at her side, both dressed in expensive gowns as though they were already celebrating victory.

"You have no authority to stop me," Lynnek said.

"I don't," Claudia replied with a smile. "But your father does."

The doors opened.

Inside, Alpha Victor sat beside the council of elders.

His expression was unreadable.

"Lynnek," he said. "Come in."

She walked into the hall, refusing to show fear.

"You wanted to see me?"

One of the elders stood.

"A serious accusation has been made against you."

Lynnek frowned.

"What accusation?"

Claudia sighed dramatically.

"Someone has been stealing from the pack treasury."

Aria stepped forward, holding a small velvet pouch.

"This was found in your room."

Lynnek's eyes widened.

"I've never seen that before."

The elder opened the pouch.

Inside were several rare moon crystals—the sacred stones used to strengthen the pack's protective barrier.

Gasps filled the room.

Lynnek shook her head.

"No... Someone planted those."

Aria folded her arms.

"Are you calling me a liar?"

"Yes."

The room fell silent.

Claudia placed a comforting hand on Aria's shoulder.

"My daughter would never accuse you without proof."

Lynnek looked desperately at her father.

"You know I would never betray this pack."

Victor remained silent.

Her heart pounded.

"Father..."

He finally spoke.

"The evidence is against you."

She stared at him.

"You don't believe this."

"I have to think about what's best for the pack."

Rage replaced her grief.

"No! You're thinking about what's easiest for you!"

The elders murmured among themselves.

One by one, they cast their votes.

"Guilty."

"Guilty."

"Guilty."

Each word struck like a knife.

Finally, Elder Rowan stood.

"By order of the Lucaster Council, Lynnek Lucaster is stripped of her title and banished from pack territory until further notice."

The room spun.

Banished?

For a crime she hadn't committed?

Aria's lips curled into a triumphant smile.

Lynnek's wolf snarled inside her, demanding she fight.

Instead, Lynnek lifted her chin.

"You can take my title," she said, her voice steady despite the tears in her eyes. "You can drive me from my home. But you cannot erase the truth."

She looked directly at Claudia.

"The Moon Goddess sees everything."

For the first time, Claudia's smile faltered.

Lynnek turned to her father.

"When the truth comes out, don't expect me to forgive you."

Without another word, she walked out of the Alpha Hall.

No one stopped her.

No one defended her.

As she crossed the pack border with only a small bag slung over her shoulder, she made herself a promise.

She would reclaim her birthright.

She would expose every lie.

And everyone who had betrayed her would answer for it.

Behind the trees, hidden in the shadows, a pair of icy blue eyes watched her every step.

The stranger stepped forward just enough for the moonlight to catch the silver emblem on his black cloak.

A wolf's head.

The crest of the Blackstone Pack.

Alpha Miguel had been watching... and he was far more interested in the fallen Luna than anyone realized.