Chapter 3

The iron door of the dungeon slammed shut behind me.

I was so cold I could barely feel anything, my body wracked with shivers.

I don't know how long I lay there.

I'd always been afraid of cold, confined spaces. I remembered how, right after I became his mate, Kaelen had a sprawling, open-air garden built just for me, designed for the widest views and the best light. He said he would build me anything I desired.

Thinking back on it now, it all felt like a dream.

I was startled awake by the creak of the dungeon door. A guard stood there, his face impassive. "The Alpha says if this happens again, the punishment will be more severe."

Leaning against the stone wall, I staggered out.

There won't be a next time.

Soon, I will make him disappear from my world completely.

Kaelen was waiting at the dungeon entrance, his expression a cold mask. "That's enough time. Remember, this was just a simple punishment."

"Tonight is the annual Pack Alliance Gala," he said, holding out his hand. "As my mate, your attendance is mandatory."

I looked at him, and for the first time, I didn't take his hand.

At seven o'clock that evening, the Black Moon Pack's limousine pulled up to the Alliance Hall. I was wearing a black evening gown Kaelen had sent for me. Then, at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Cassandra.

She was dressed in a magnificent silver gown, and around her neck was a dazzling necklace—the Moonstone Jewel, a sacred artifact that was supposed to belong to the Luna.

I was wearing a simple string of pearls.

All the wolves were whispering, their eyes darting between Cassandra and me.

"Kaelen!" Cassandra called out sweetly, hurrying toward us. "You're here!"

She linked her arm through Kaelen's other arm as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Kaelen didn't push her away.

I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why did you even bother bringing me?"

His expression was nonchalant. "I wasn't planning on bringing her, but she's never seen an event like this and wanted to experience it." He paused, his tone casual. "Estelle, don't be so possessive. Show some grace."

The wolves around us began to murmur.

I heard their whispers:

"Is that Omega wearing the Luna's necklace?"

"The Black Moon's future Luna looks so worn out."

"I heard she was locked in the dungeons recently…"

"An Alpha's mate being upstaged by an Omega. How humiliating."

I took a deep breath and kept a smile plastered on my face. He hadn't considered my feelings for a single second, letting me become a laughingstock for all to see.

But it didn't matter. They wouldn't be laughing for much longer.

Midway through the banquet, the host announced the traditional Moon Hunt Challenge. It was an ancient ritual for werewolvenobility to display their strength and status. By tradition, the Luna was granted the privilege of the first pick of the prey.

But Cassandra spoke up in a saccharine voice, "Could I try? I've never participated in such a noble event before…" She looked at Kaelen, her eyes full of pitiful hope.

The host looked at me awkwardly. "According to tradition, the future Luna should go first…"

"Let her have it," Kaelen cut him off. "Estelle, be the bigger person. You are the Luna, after all."

The entire hall fell silent.

An Alpha, forcing his own mate to yield the Luna's privilege to an Omega. It was an unprecedented humiliation.

I stood up, my voice steady. "I refuse."

Cassandra's eyes immediately reddened. "I'm sorry… I shouldn't have been so presumptuous… I'm just a humble Omega…" She choked up and stood. "I'll leave now. I won't disturb anyone else…"

Kaelen's face darkened. My refusal had made him lose face in front of all the nobles. He grabbed my wrist. "Estelle, don't test my patience here. It's just one chance. Your status won't change because of it. As a Luna, you should be above this kind of petty jealousy."

All eyes were on me. There was mockery, pity, and confusion.

A Luna who lets an Omega walk all over her. A woman who couldn't even protect her own privileges.

"Experience what, exactly?" I sneered. "A lesson in trampling on a Luna's dignity?"

Cassandra cried even harder. "I really didn't mean it like that… Estelle, you've really misunderstood me…" She turned to leave, and Kaelen immediately chased after her, leaving me alone on the stage to bear the weight of everyone's stares.

But I had nothing left to care about. I would be leaving this nightmare soon enough.

I walked off the stage and left without a single look back.