Chapter 4

The next morning, Austen appeared at the door of my new room.

He wore a formal black suit, his expression grim.

"Get ready. We're going to see my father."

I put down my healing notes. "The old Alpha's condition has worsened?"

"The doctors say he might not make it through the month," he said, his voice hoarse. "He wants to see you."

I nodded and got up to change.

The old Alpha was the kindest elder in the pack to me. I wouldn't disappoint him.

"Evelyn," he called out, his eyes a storm of complex emotions. "I promise, Sera won't bother us. Today is just for us."

A promise.

The word sounded so ridiculous coming from him now.

"Fine," I replied curtly.

An hour later, our car was heading toward the pack's sanatorium.

Throughout the drive, Austen kept glancing at me, as if he wanted to say something but never did.

I leaned against the window, watching the scenery fly by, feeling surprisingly calm.

The sanatorium was an old, elegant building surrounded by a dense forest.

The old Alpha's room was on the top floor, sunlight pouring in through a huge floor-to-ceiling window.

"Evelyn, my child."

The old man on the bed reached out a trembling hand.

I hurried over and took his frail hand. "Grandfather."

His eyes were still bright, but his body was clearly failing.

"I heard you're pregnant," he said with a gentle smile.

"Yes." I stroked my belly.

"Wonderful," he said, turning to his nightstand and struggling to pick up an ancient jewelry box. "This should belong to you."

Inside the box lay a magnificent necklace.

A moonstone pendant shimmered with silver light, and the entire piece radiated an ancient, sacred aura.

"This is the 'Moonlight Necklace,' passed down through generations of Lunas," the old Alpha said. "Only the true Luna can wear it."

He motioned for me to bow my head, and he placed the necklace around my neck himself.

The moment it touched my skin, I felt a warm energy flow through me.

"Perfect," the old Alpha nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Austen. "Remember your oath, Austen. The honor of the Luna must not be tarnished."

Austen nodded solemnly. "I remember, Father."

But as he said it, he wasn't looking at me. He was looking out the window.

Two hours later, we were leaving.

The necklace swayed gently on my chest, each movement a reminder of my current status.

As we walked through the sanatorium gardens, a tinkling, familiar laugh cut through the air.

"Austen!"

Seraphina, in a white dress, came gliding toward us like a butterfly.

Behind her were four or five young noblewomen, all from prominent pack families.

"What are you all doing here?" Austen frowned.

"We came to visit the old Alpha, of course," Seraphina said, linking her arm with his and pressing close. "And we were having a little get-together in the garden."

Her friends swarmed around, chirping compliments.

"Seraphina, you're looking more beautiful every day."

"Yes, as graceful as the moon goddess herself."

"Alpha Austen is so lucky to have a sister like you."

Their praise was a weapon, and every word was aimed to make me invisible.

"Oh, Evelyn is here too," one of the noble girls finally "noticed" me, her tone dripping with disdain.

I gave a calm nod.

"Heavens, what is that?" another girl pointed at my necklace, her voice sharp. "Isn't that... the Moonlight Necklace?"

All eyes instantly focused on my chest.

The air froze for a few seconds.

Then, an even more heated discussion erupted.

"Wow, Seraphina, you would look so much better in that necklace than anyone."

"Yes, her aura is practically made for it."

"It's a shame a family heirloom like that can't be tried on, or Seraphina would look stunning."

Seraphina’s expression was a masterclass in practiced innocence. Surprise melted into longing, then twisted into a pitiful, wounded look as she bit her lip, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears—a classic trick. She looked up at Austen.

"Can I just see it? Just for a moment," she pleaded, her voice soft and sweet. "I've heard grandfather talk about it my whole life, but I've never seen the real thing."

The noble girls immediately started chanting.

"Let Seraphina try it on!"

"Just for a second, it won't break."

"She'll look amazing in it!"

I felt Austen's body tense.

His gaze darted between me and Seraphina, his breathing becoming ragged.

"Austen... please," Seraphina cooed, gently shaking his arm like a spoiled child. "I really want to try it. Just for a second, please?"

The clamor around them grew louder.

Austen’s jaw was tight. This whole scene was clearly embarrassing him.

He turned to me, his voice laced with impatience and command. "You're the Luna, Evelyn. Act like it. Be generous."

His words hit me like a bucket of ice water. They extinguished the last, pathetic spark of hope in my heart.

Generous?

In his eyes, my dignity, our vows... they could all be sacrificed for the sake of being "generous."

The crowd's chanting grew louder, as if my surrender was a foregone conclusion.

I looked at Austen’s handsome, cold face and suddenly, I smiled.

I felt no anger. No sadness. Not even disappointment.

Because I already knew this was how it would end.

I raised my hands, my movements slow and elegant, and unclasped the necklace.

As everyone watched with anticipation, I held it out to him, my hand perfectly steady.

"Of course," my voice was terrifyingly calm. "Give it to her. After all, a sister's whim is more important than a Luna's honor."