Chapter 1

Layla's POV

Leo Stonewell acted as if nothing had happened. He gently brushed my hair back over my shoulder.

His words felt colder than the blizzard outside.

"Young shewolves who just come of age are the most insecure. Lilith is stubborn. Without a title, she refuses to stay with me.

"Yesterday, she stripped naked and cuddled up in my arms. I couldn't resist. I slept with her. So you'll just have to make a sacrifice."

It felt like something was stuck in my throat. I couldn't get any words out.

I stood there and stared at him.

He smiled. There was a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

"It happened right there in the fitting room where you tried on the ceremonial gown. She's very delicate. Just a gentle touch and she started squealing."

I followed his gaze to the fitting room behind him.

It hurt to see a shewolf's lace underwear there.

My stomach churned violently.

I clenched the hem of my dress and clenched my jaw hard so I wouldn't cry.

Leo placed his hands on my pale face and frowned slightly.

"Why are you crying? I only slept with her. I haven't marked her yet. After tomorrow's ceremony, I'll still make time for you. Be good. After I mark her tomorrow, you're not allowed to cry or make a scene."

There was even tenderness in his eyes.

It was as if he hadn't just admitted to sleeping with another shewolf.

I looked at him and felt nothing but disgust.

When this relationship of ten years came to an end, even the pain turned numb.

Leo sighed helplessly.

"I know this hurts you, but Lilith is sensitive. If I made you Luna, she'd cry.

"She's simple. All she wants is a title. I chased her for six months. Since I slept with her, I should take responsibility. You've always been understanding. You'll understand this too, right?"

He chased her for six months.

Our marking ceremony had also been planned for six months.

No wonder he'd become colder and more distant during that time.

He had fallen in love with another shewolf.

I clenched my cold fists and closed my eyes.

"If you've already chosen her, let's end this here."

He froze for two seconds before chuckling.

"What's with the tantrum?

"Layla, you ruined your body saving me. Outside the pack, would any other werewolf want a shewolf with a dormant wolf spirit?"

I stared at him. It felt as if my heart was falling to pieces.

Ten years ago, to help him inherit the Alpha position, I endured rotting meat and slept in snow caves with him.

During the hardest days, he'd been poisoned with wolfsbane by rogue wolves. Every full moon, he lost control.

I gave him the moonstone I'd worn since puphood and stayed by his side through one full moon after another.

He once kneeled in the snow, kissed my hand, and swore an oath to me.

"Layla, I'll make you the most respected Luna in the pack. If I ever betray you, may the Moon Goddess tear my wolf apart."

Back then, I believed him.

But now, for an Omega he'd only known six months, he had destroyed everything with his own hands.

I couldn't understand it. He had once loved me so deeply. How could he fall in love with another shewolf?

Leo's phone suddenly rang.

Before, he always claimed it was patrol warriors reporting updates.

Since I trusted him so completely, I had never questioned it.

But now I realized just how foolish I'd been.

He didn't answer right away. He simply looked at me calmly.

"Enough. Stop making a fuss. We've been together for ten years. Are you really willing to throw that away?"

After saying that, he pushed the door open and left. "Go back to the manor yourself. I'm picking up Lilith. Think things through."

The door slammed shut.

Through the glass, I watched his car speed away. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.

Much later, I wiped my tears away and slowly closed my eyes.