第1章

My heartbeat slowed, then stopped, and my wolf form disappeared in an instant.

My spirit rose into the air, and I looked down at my body below.

My face was deathly pale, my hair was matted with blood, and my mouth was still open in a silent cry for help.

I tried to scream, but even in death, I couldn't make a sound.

Outside the door, Caius couldn't hear anything from the chamber or feel me through the mind-link. He frowned, his eyes filling with worry.

"Are you sure this is safe? I can't sense her at all.

"Elara's episodes are always bad. Could this be making things worse?"

Sage pushed her glasses up, a hint of malice flashing in her eyes.

"She's fine. The silence probably means she's realized that acting out won't get her anywhere.

"Plenty of Gammas exaggerate their conditions to make endless demands of their Alpha.

"I've known her since we were young. I know her better than most people do."

Sage's lips curved into a smile.

"Besides, didn't you follow my advice the other day and pretend the bathroom door was locked by accident? She barely reacted.

"That proves she's been faking some of her symptoms."

The worry in Caius's eyes faded, replaced by an irritation he'd kept buried for years.

"You're right. She could still talk that day. Maybe her condition really isn't that serious."

My spirit drifted toward them, following their voices.

I was dead, yet my nonexistent heart still ached when I heard those words.

Not long after Sage returned to the pack, I'd been mysteriously locked in the bathroom.

But the bathroom was well lit, so I didn't panic right away. I managed to call for Caius. He got me out in time.

Caius had been full of guilt afterward, blaming himself for not noticing the broken lock sooner.

Of course I hadn't doubted my mate.

But their conversation made me realize that Caius had been testing me all along.

I floated after them all the way back to the estate. As soon as we arrived, Sage began giving orders.

"Burn all the paper and pens. Don't give her anything to rely on.

"Make her understand that speaking is the only way anyone will respond to her."

Caius did as she said.

The notepads and pens Caius had so thoughtfully placed throughout the estate were burned to nothing because of a single careless command from Sage.

My heart seemed to turn to ash along with those papers.

When it was done, Sage nodded with satisfaction.

"Set up a guest room for me. That way, I can keep an eye on Elara."

Caius nodded and showed her to one of the rooms.

The mighty Alpha was following a human girl's every order.

Sage stepped into the room, then spoke again.

"Switch the curtains to blackout ones. You'll sleep better that way."

"Yeah. Taking care of Elara has cost me so many sleepless nights."

"Then maybe it's time you admit that Elara is a burden to you."

Caius was quiet for a few seconds, then nodded.

"If only she could be more like you."

Sage turned away without responding.

But I clearly saw the smile tugging at her lips as she turned.

"By the way, Elara's parents invited me over. Come with me."

"Sure. It's been a while since I last visited them anyway."

After I bonded with Caius, my parents had refused to let me come home, claiming that a Luna should remain with the Alpha.

Yet now they had gone out of their way to invite a human girl over.

It was the height of summer, but I felt cold to the bone.

I trailed behind them, watching as they walked away, talking and laughing.

No one remembered that my body was still lying alone in that dark, sweltering stone chamber.