Chapter 2

I didn't know if he was truly heartbroken or if his acting skills had just reached perfection.

By the end of his speech, Kael actually shed tears.

The hot tears landed on the back of my hand, but they made me feel cold all over.

I didn't understand.

He loved me so much. He desired this heir so desperately. Why would he betray me? Why would he kill our child for another woman?

Just as I was about to question him, the phone in his pocket vibrated. Seeing the name flashing on the screen, panic flitted through Kael's eyes.

He glanced at me guiltily and spoke quickly.

"It's a call from the Elder Council. There might be an issue with the border patrols. Think about what I said. I will come back right after I take this."

He walked quickly to the other end of the terrace, turning his back to me to answer the phone.

But in front of him was a pristine floor-to-ceiling glass window.

Through the reflection in the glass, I clearly saw the expression on his face. It was overflowing with indulgence and affection.

I knew that look too well.

He looked at me that way when he crossed the entire territory just to pick a flower for me at dawn.

He looked at me that way when he stayed up for days guarding me when I had a high fever.

He looked at me that way at our mating ceremony when he knelt on one knee before the Moon Goddess and swore his oath.

I knew he was talking to that woman.

Watching his deep affection, I felt dazed.

Kael was famous in the werewolf community for his loyalty.

He was young, capable, and of pure blood.

There was never a shortage of young she-wolves throwing themselves at him.

Even the daughter of the Alpha from the neighboring Shadow Pack had tried everything to win him over.

She had even publicly stated that if Kael agreed to be her mate, the two packs could merge, and he would be the sole King.

But Kael was unmoved. He even offended the Shadow Pack, nearly causing a war.

Despite all that, he had held my hand firmly and said, "I can lose the world, but I cannot lose you. You are my fated mate."

I was curious.

What kind of woman could make Kael, a man with loyalty carved into his bones, have a change of heart?

What kind of woman could make him kill the hope we had yearned for over five years just to make her smile?

While I was lost in thought, Kael hung up and returned to me.

"Seraphina, have you decided about the child?"

I looked at him deeply, my heart feeling like it was being squeezed by a giant hand. I nodded.

"Okay. Let's do as you say."

Kael looked relieved and stroked my hair with satisfaction.

"I'm glad you understand. Don't worry, for the ritual tomorrow, I will mix the potion myself. It won't hurt. I promise, we will have children in the future."

Hearing his words, I couldn't help but remember the day I found out I was pregnant.

He had knelt by my bed just like this, promising me sincerely, "Seraphina, I swear, I will use all my strength to ensure a life of glory and peace for you and our child."

How ridiculous.

The Alpha who once swore to protect us with his life was now personally ending our child's life for another woman.

I didn't want to look at his fake, loving face anymore. I felt nauseous.

"I'm a little tired. I want to rest in my room."

Kael immediately offered, "I'll carry you up."

I shook my head, avoiding his outstretched hand.

"No need. The ritual is tomorrow. You must have a lot of preparations to make and reports to give to the Elders. You go ahead. I can walk myself."

A flicker of emotion passed through Kael's eyes, and he looked at me affectionately.

"Seraphina, having such a sensible and considerate Luna is the greatest blessing of my life."

If I hadn't seen that post.

If that woman didn't exist. I might have been moved by the sincerity in Kael's eyes again.

But right now, meeting his eyes filled with love, I only felt irony.

Love could be faked. Even by him.

I didn't speak. I turned and walked away silently.

But I didn't go to my room. Instead, I quietly went behind a large oak tree in the yard and waited in a blind spot.

A few minutes later, Kael changed out of his casual clothes and into his hunting gear, leaving the house in a hurry.

I suppressed my scent and followed him silently.

Kael looked very happy, his steps light.

He was on the phone as he walked, his face beaming.

He was obviously announcing good news to the person on the other end.

I followed Kael through the woods to a secluded cabin on the edge of the pack territory.

Just as Kael reached the door, a petite figure flew out and threw herself into his arms like a happy bird.

The moment I saw the girl's face clearly, my eyes widened, and I almost screamed.

How could it be her?