Chapter 3

Adrian's words made my wolf snarl in my mind. I had to calm her as I shot back, "You really don't know why my Luna crown is still missing its gemstone?"

In my previous life, Hazel took the original jewel from my crown.

I was upset, but since she was Adrian's adopted sister, I let it go and spent most of my savings on a diamond to replace it.

This time, I couldn't care less. I wasn't about to waste the inheritance my parents left me on something so pointless, especially when I'd need every penny for Northbridge University's tuition.

I curled my lips in a thin smile. "A few days ago, I gave you 20,000 dollars to buy a hairpiece during your visit to the neighboring pack. I don't want it anymore. Just give the money back to me."

He hesitated, clutching the jewel more tightly in his hand. With a frown, he muttered, "Hazel wanted a bottle of limited-edition perfume, and I was a bit short on cash, so I used your money to buy it."

My wolf let out a mocking laugh in my mind, but I didn't say a word. I shot him a cold look and slammed the door in his face.

From the hallway, Adrian's angry voice followed, "We're about to have our marking ceremony. So what if I used your money? What's your problem? It's not like I'm not going to pay you back!"

I opened the door again, grabbed all the cheap little trinkets and gifts he'd given me over the years, and tossed them back at him.

"Why not give these to Hazel? See if she even wants them."

His face darkened, but he didn't say anything else.

I scoffed, slammed the door shut, and went to bed.

My wolf nodded in satisfaction. "That's more like it."

...

The next morning, I started clearing out old things, including the metal charm he gave me when we first met.

Now, it just looked like cheap scrap metal tainted by empty promises.

As I was sorting, Adrian came in and tossed a stack of bills onto my bed. "Here's your money."

I glanced over and counted the money. It came to exactly 20,000 dollars.

I nodded without even looking at him and kept packing.

He stood there for a while, frowning, clearly annoyed that I wasn't paying him any attention.

"There aren't a lot of seats on the trip to Southlands. I promised Hazel I'd take her." He paused and then added, "You don't need to pack."

I acted like I hadn't even heard him and just kept organizing my things.

He watched my cold, indifferent attitude and gave a frustrated huff. "What's with you lately? Didn't I say you don't have to pack? You're acting totally different these days."

I sighed, finally turning to face him.

I knew Adrian only wanted Hazel, but he had no idea I'd already put her name on the Luna registration form. If he found out before I left, it could get complicated. I wanted nothing more to do with him.

"I'm just getting ready to move," I said simply.

After the marking ceremony, Luna was supposed to move into the central packhouse. If he assumed that was why I was packing, I let him think so.

He relaxed a little and then added, "It's not that I'm leaving you out, but Hazel's never been outside the pack before...

"By the way, the Alpha King gave us one guaranteed spot at Eldren University. Let Hazel have it, will you? There will be more spots next year. I'll put your name down then."

I froze for a second. My wolf, though, was instantly on edge. "That was ours! Why should we give it away?"

I simply nodded, but my fists were clenched tightly.

That spot was meant for the Luna. It was never going to come around again. It was the Alpha King's way of making sure all Lunas received the right political training for easier pack management.

But now, Adrian just handed it over to Hazel.

In my previous life, I waited four years on his word, only to see Hazel marry the commander of the First Legion of Arlanta while Adrian came back alone.

Back then, I used to try so hard to keep the conversation going. But now, I kept it short and didn't waste a single word on him. It seemed to make him uncomfortable.

He tried again, a bit awkwardly, "Didn't you always want to look at wedding rings? How about we go take a look tomorrow?"

I didn't want to go at all. I was planning to spend tomorrow dealing with the fixed assets my parents left me.

As I was thinking of how to turn him down, Hazel walked in and asked, "Adrian, are you free tomorrow?"

He tapped her gently on the forehead, smiling warmly. "I'm going to the mall with Caroline tomorrow. You can come too."

I cut him off. "I need to see the High Priestess tomorrow, so I'll skip the mall."

Adrian's face turned impatient. "You can see the High Priestess another time. We're going to look at rings tomorrow."

His tone left no room for discussion. He was just as demanding as ever.

Hazel batted her lashes, acting pitiful again. "Caroline, is it because you don't want me coming along?"

I couldn't be bothered to argue. I just nodded and agreed to go.

The next morning, as soon as I came downstairs, I saw Adrian fussing over Hazel's breakfast, piling food onto her plate.

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a reminder. Just five more days, and I'd never have to see either of them again.

I sat there silently, watching as Adrian eagerly carried Hazel's bag for her after breakfast.

In my previous life, I always thought that if I became his Luna, he would treat me the same way.

I was still lost in thought when Adrian handed me a small box. Inside was a bracelet adorned with gemstones.

"This is the token of the Luna. I'm handing it to you now," he said.

I didn't reach for it.

He'd never given me any so-called Luna token in my previous life.

Hazel was quick to snatch it from his hand, her eyes lighting up. "Wow, the stone on this bracelet is so sparkly! I wish I could have one too..."