Chapter 3

I walked out of the meeting room and found the Elders waiting at the end of the hallway.

Elder Roger saw me come out alone and glanced toward Garrett's office. The last glimmer of hope in his eyes died. "Raven, have you really decided?"

I nodded firmly and handed him the document again. "I won't change my mind. Please approve it, Elder Roger."

Elder Roger looked at my resolute expression and fell silent for a long time before finally accepting the application and stamping it.

"So be it. Since we can't make you stay, we won't force you. May the Moon Goddess always watch over you."

After receiving the officially stamped document to leave the pack, I returned to my office to gather my last few belongings. Lynn Valdez, one of the few friends who knew my past, stood there with red-rimmed eyes.

"Raven, are you really leaving? Now I'll have to watch that Willow prancing around in front of me every day!"

I followed her gaze, where I saw the Alpha's office door was half open. Garrett stood beside Willow, explaining a document to her with patience I'd never seen him show before.

She looked confused and helpless, her lower lip jutting out as her eyelashes fluttered. Seeing her hesitation, Garrett suddenly pulled out a form and handed it to her.

"As long as you take on this project, the pack's resources are at your disposal. Don't worry about messing up."

Willow froze, surprise flashing in her eyes as her cheeks turned pink. "Really? You mean you're giving me authority over the pack's resources? But isn't that supposed to be the Luna's right? Won't Raven be upset?"

Garrett chuckled casually. "Why would I lie? And her, upset about this? Raven isn't Luna yet. Even if she were, my word comes first. No one gets to interfere."

Willow immediately brightened, beaming as she accepted the form. The next second, she turned and spotted me through the door crack and stood up in a panic.

"Raven, Alpha Garrett and I aren't doing anything! He only gave me this to help me complete my work!"

At her words, everyone around us looked back and forth between me and her, their eyes filled with sympathy.

Five years—for five years, I'd held the title of future Luna, but Garrett had never given me any real Luna authority. And now, he casually handed her something I'd never been allowed to have.

Even Lynn was indignant on my behalf. "Is he insane? How could he…"

I shook my head to stop her. My voice was calm, too calm. "Congratulations, Willow. With that kind of authority, your work will be much easier."

Seeing that I wasn't angry, Willow seemed unsatisfied and continued, "Raven, this really is just for work. Please don't be mad at me, okay?"

I found it absurd. There was no point in getting angry.

If I returned to my parents, the entire North would be under my command. Why would I covet the resource authority of this small pack?

But Garrett heard Willow's words and turned to me, his tone carrying that infuriating patience, like he was humoring me. "Alright, Raven, as the future Luna, you need to be more generous. Don't let the pack members think you can't tolerate newcomers."

I slowly exhaled, my expression still unreadable. "I'm not angry. You don't need to keep guessing what I'm thinking."

Garrett seemed relieved, though his brow still showed a hint of disapproval. "Good that you understand. Go home and rest. I'll be back later."

Then, right in front of me, he closed the door and continued his discussion with Willow.

Lynn couldn't help but ask, "You're just letting them get away with this?"

I organized my files while shaking my head. "As far as I'm concerned, my relationship with Garrett is over. I don't care anymore."

Now, having the pup was enough for me.

Near evening, Garrett finally emerged from his office. He looked surprised to see I was still there.

"Didn't I tell you to go home and rest? Why are you still here? Well, it works out. There's a celebration banquet tonight for the pack's increased trade revenue, so come with me."

Then, his eyes suddenly caught sight of my bare neck. He froze, asking with some panic, "Where's the wolf fang pendant I gave you?"

"It's too precious. I was worried about damaging it, so I put it away at home for safekeeping," I replied.

He visibly relaxed and smiled as he pulled me up. "You used to wear it every day before. Why did you suddenly decide to put it away?"

I didn't answer, just obediently let him pull me to my feet.

I couldn't refuse to attend the banquet here. Father's plane would arrive tonight, and any unusual behavior might make Garrett suspicious. I couldn't take that risk.

Fine. I would consider this a final farewell party for our five-year relationship.

I saw Willow hurry over to stand beside us.

"Alpha, I'm ready!" she chirped.

Just like that, his attention shifted away from me.

He didn't even look at me and began explaining, "Willow worked hard on the alliance contract too. I'm letting her attend as the pack's reward for outstanding members.

"You don't mind, right? After all, you're the future Luna. You need to be generous."

Generous. Right. She might as well have my mate. Was that generous enough?

I watched Willow walk straight to the main entrance of the banquet hall, accepting the fawning reception from the attendants. In my five years here, I had never received such grand treatment.

Garrett said I had to wait until I truly completed the ceremony before I could stand before everyone. And now, this honor fell to someone else first.

The banquet hall was brilliantly lit, with all the Elders gathered together. Somehow, Garrett was walking with Willow again. They entered the banquet hall side by side, with everyone's eyes following them as applause thundered.

When it came time for the awards ceremony, the Beta stood up to toast, loudly praising Willow's contributions to the pack.

Garrett even personally handed her the ceremonial crystal goblet that symbolized honor and solemnly said, "Tonight's achievements belong to you, Willow."

Everyone's eyes were burning with envy and admiration. I stood to the side, gripping my wine glass tightly, ignored by all.

For years, I'd been the one maintaining this pack, handling orders even while with pup. Now, I was nothing but a shadow.

When Willow turned around, surrounded by admirers and beaming with pride, she shot me a look of pure triumph.

I set down my wine glass and looked at the table full of rich dishes, having lost all appetite.

Garrett noticed I wasn't eating and finally sat beside me, asking carefully, "What's wrong? Are you upset?"

I shook my head with an indifferent smile. "No, not at all. I'm just not used to all the noise."

After the banquet ended, Willow seemed to have had too much to drink. She swayed unsteadily and mumbled about feeling sick.

Garrett immediately reached out to support her, frowning as he turned to ask my opinion. "Raven, she lives far away alone. I don't feel comfortable letting her go back by herself. Should I take her home first?"

I looked at his worried, cautious expression and found it almost amusing. Still, I said nothing and just nodded lightly.

He smiled with relief, then personally helped Willow leave under everyone's gaze.

Meanwhile, I calmly walked in the opposite direction. I left behind all that applause, cheering, and brilliant lights that had nothing to do with me.

Father's private jet had been waiting outside the pack territory for some time.

On my phone, Garrett was still messaging me, planning the 38th marking ceremony application. Perhaps feeling somewhat guilty, he volunteered to take full responsibility this time.

"Don't worry, this time will definitely succeed. I absolutely won't make any mistakes!"

I replied expressionlessly, "Sure."

I knew it was impossible for there to be no mistakes. I understood Willow better than he did.

Sure enough, as I boarded the plane, he sent another message. "Willow drank too much and went crazy with alcohol. She used my phone to change the ceremony application we submitted.

"Don't be upset. I'll go to the Werewolf Affairs Department myself tomorrow and make sure it gets handled properly."

I let out a bitter laugh. Of course he would.

With steady hands, I sent him my final message.

"It's fine, I don't mind. I've already packed my bags and left the pack. Garrett, we'll never see each other again."

After sending it, I blocked him.