Chapter 4

[Elara POV]

"Is she okay now?" the stranger asked, his voice low and steady.

"Yes, she is stable, but..." The doctor paused, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder as I tried to sit up. "Luna Elara, you need to lie down. You just survived a terrible crash, and your body needs rest."

I clutched the thin hospital sheet, looking straight into the doctor's eyes. "Doctor... is my baby okay?"

The doctor lowered his head, unable to meet my gaze. "I'm so sorry, Luna."

A cold shock ran straight to my heart. "Please... don't tell me I lost the baby."

"I am so sorry," the doctor said softly, his voice full of pity. "It was very early in your pregnancy. The impact of the crash and the freezing water... your body couldn't hold on to the pup. I am so sorry."

Tears burst from my eyes, burning down my cheeks. My hand trembled over my empty stomach. The tiny life I had carried for two weeks, the little pup that was supposed to bring Lucian and me back together, was gone. A choked sob tore from my throat, raw and agonizing. I hadn't even had the chance to tell him.

"Leave us," the stranger ordered. His stern command filled the room, making the doctor bow quickly and hurry out the door.

Once the door closed, I wiped my face with the back of my trembling hand, looking at the broad-shouldered man in confusion. "Who are you?"

He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his dark hair. "My name is Ares, and I am—"

Before he could finish, the door slammed open. Lucian rushed into the ward, his eyes bloodshot and wide with panic.

"Elara! Are you okay?" he cried, rushing to my bedside.

I stared at him, my heart feeling like a hollow stone. He reached out to grab my hand, but I pulled my arm away, tucking it under the blanket.

"I'm fine," I whispered, my voice flat.

Ares looked at Lucian for a long second, his face unreadable, before turning and stepping quietly out into the hallway.

I looked back at Lucian, the pain in my chest turning sharp and bitter. "How is Lina? Did you get her home safely?"

Lucian flinched, lowering his eyes to the floor. "Elara, I'm so sorry... I rushed here as soon as the guards told me about the car plunging into the river." He paused, his breath hitching. "The doctor said you lost a baby. What baby was he talking about?"

A harsh laugh scraped out of my throat, wet with tears. "Our baby, Lucian. I went to the hospital this morning to confirm it. I set up the flowers and the gifts to tell you tonight... as a third anniversary gift."

Lucian slammed his fist against his forehead. "Shit. I can't believe I forgot..." He shook his head, looking down at me with desperation. "I'm sorry, Elara. Lina was so upset last night, and I just lost track of everything."

I looked at him, feeling a tiny part of me want to believe he was truly sorry. But before I could speak, the door pushed open again.

Lina walked in, holding a long strip of white paper in her hand.

"Oh, am I interrupting something?" she asked, her voice soft and sweet. She gasped, looking at the bed. "Luna Elara, are you okay?"

Lucian turned on her, his face dark. "Leave us alone, Lina. Wait for me in the car."

Lina pouted, resting her hand on her hip. "But Lucian—"

"Do as I say, Lina!" Lucian shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.

Lina jumped, her eyes wide with shock. She glared at me, turned on her heel, and marched back out, letting the door slam behind her.

Lucian turned back to me, reaching out again to take my cold fingers in his. "Elara, please. I'm so sorry for not being there when you needed me."

"I need to be alone," I said, pulling my hand out of his grip. The constant presence of Lina everywhere he went was choking me. "Please, Lucian. Just leave."

"Come on, Elara, are you still angry about tonight?" he asked, leaning closer. "Tell me what to do to make it right. What do you want?"

"Nothing, Lucian. I just need time alone," I repeated, closing my eyes against the pounding in my head. "Please."

Lucian sighed softly. "Okay. I'll give you time to rest. I'll have the housekeepers cook your favorite meal for when you come home."

I didn't answer. He stood there for a moment longer before turning and walking slowly toward the door.

I lay back on the pillows, staring at the ceiling as shaky breaths left my chest. All those years, I thought hard work and devotion could make up for being a wolfless orphan. But tonight proved that in his eyes, and in the pack's eyes, I would never truly belong.

"Lina, what is wrong with you?"

Lucian's voice cut through the heavy quiet of the room. He was out in the hallway, trying to keep his voice down, but the harsh tone carried clearly through the door gap.

"Why didn't you wait in the car like I told you?"

"I can't walk out to the parking lot by myself!" Lina's voice squeaked back, sharp and loud. "What if I trip and fall? What if something happens to our baby?"

Baby? The word struck my chest like a physical blow. The room seemed to tilt around me.

"Lina, keep your voice down!" Lucian hissed back, louder now. "What if Elara hears you?"

"I don't care!" Lina snapped back without hesitation. "You promised me you would get rid of her so I could be your Luna! Why do you care so much if she hears?"

I pressed both hands over my mouth to choke back the scream rising in my throat. My heart battered wildly against my ribs as their words echoed in the cold room.

Lucian hadn't rushed to the hospital for me. He was there because of her.

The footsteps moved away down the corridor, their harsh whispers fading into the distance. Silence returned to the room, but the air felt thick and suffocating.

Every single moment of our marriage flashed through my mind like a cruel joke. The late nights he stayed out claiming pack business was urgent. The subtle ways he pulled away whenever I asked about our future. The distant look in his eyes every time someone mentioned how a wolfless she-wolf was managing the pack's affairs.

It had all been a lie.

I was just a seat warmer while he waited for his true choice. He held my hand at the bar and claimed I was the Moon Goddess's gift, only to turn around and promise another woman my title, my home, and my place by his side. And while I was losing our pup in the icy river water, he was celebrating a new life with the widow of his Gamma.

Tears streamed down my temples, pooling into my hair on the pillow. I didn't wipe them away this time. I let the cold reality sink into my heart, freezing over every bit of affection I had ever felt for him.