Chapter 3

WINTER

“Are you angry that I helped her?” Kallias’s expression twisted with displeasure. “You’re overreacting, Winter. Crystal was sprained and she couldn't stand up, It’s only natural that I stepped in. After all, she is your friend."

He could’ve just called for the guards yesterday.

But no, Kallias had carried her in his arms.

“I needed help too. I’m your mate, Kallias. But did you even feel my pain? And did you know that it was Crystal who shoved me into the fire?” The words hurt even me but I let them out anyway, I knew it would hit him hard.

Our eyes locked and this time I didn’t look away, I wanted him to feel the weight of every word.

“That doesn’t make any sense. Crystal was so sad after hearing what happened to you. How could Crystal be the one who shoved you?” His eyes narrowed, tone hardening. “Don’t make up stories just because you’re hurt. Crystal would never do something like that.”

I froze, a lump rose in my throat.

"You didn't believe me? You think I made this up to slander her?” 

Kallias exhaled heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. “I know the pain must be affecting you. Just rest, Winter. We’ll talk tomorrow when your head is clear.”

He stood up and walked out of the room.

“Kallias!” I push myself upright, trying to catch him.

But a sharp, searing pain tore through my burned calf.

“Oh, Goddess!” I gasped, collapsing back onto the bed with a hiss. Tears spilling as I clutched the sheets.

The sound of my voice must’ve echoed through the corridor, because a moment later, Merlin, one of the castle maids, rushed in.

“Luna Winter!” She hurried to my side. “Please, you must stay still. The healer said you shouldn’t move yet.”

Merlin helped me back to my position, leaning on the headboard. She brushed the hair from my tear-streaked face and took hold of my trembling fingers. I broke down, sobbing into her chest.

“Shh, Luna, the pain will fade soon." She murmured.

But she didn’t know the real pain was deep in my chest.

-----

Three days had passed. The painkiller potion our healer gave me each day helped me sleep and eased the worst of the pain. Though I wasn’t fully healed, I could finally get out of bed and walk again. In those three days, Kallias never came to see me.

He only checked on me through Merlin, asking for updates rather than facing me himself. I understand, he was still upset after our argument. And if I were honest, my heart still ached remembering that he truly believed I could stoop so low as to slander Crystal.

Each night I wonder; Why did Kallias defend Crystal so much?

He wasn’t usually trusting other people so easily.

“Merlin, could you bring some breakfast here? I’ll take it to Alpha Kallias’s room,” I asked as Merlin walked into my room.

"Alpha Kallias left an hour ago, Luna.”

"Ah, alright then," Faint disappointment washed over me. "But did he have time to eat first? I didn't want him to fall sick.” 

“Yes, Luna. Crystal brought breakfast to his room.”

“W-What?” My breath hitched.

Crystal?

Wasn’t she still supposed to be recovering? If I remember correctly, her ankle sprained. Yet apparently, she was well enough to walk around... and serve my mate?

“Is something wrong, Luna?”

I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay calm. “Where is Crystal now? Ask her to come here, I want to speak with her.”

“Crystal accompanied Alpha Kallias to the border, they left together this morning."

Hearing that, my balance faltered.

Then, I heard Crystal’s voice again, the one she whispered just before shoving me into the flames.

'If only I were the Luna.'

I hadn’t had time to truly think about what she meant, but now everything had become painfully clear.

After three long days confined to my bed, Crystal had slipped into my place beside Kallias. She served him, cared for him, and accompanied him as if she were his mate.

Crystal not only wanted my title, she wanted my mate.

-----

As night fell, I stood by my window watching the courtyard below as they returned to the castle. I saw Kallias dismount, then turn to help Crystal down from her horse. She clung to him with ease, her hand resting on his shoulder as his arm slid firmly around her waist. Their eyes met, twinkling with affection that twisted a knife deeper into my chest.

I tore my gaze away from the window and staggered toward the nightstand, barely managing to stay upright, my fingers grasping for anything to support me.

My wolf, Khione, feels the betrayal ripping through her like claws against flesh.

This is a pain that only came when our sacred bond we held was tainted by another.

'Selene... could it be?'

For a moment, all I could do was stand there. The weight of the realization is crushing me.

'I can't let myself spiral into guesses. I have to talk to Kallias and hear it from his own mouth.'

Leaving my room, I strode down the hallway towards Kallias' chamber. The pain in my legs flared with every step but I ignored it.

As I reached the huge black wooden door, I paused for a moment to catch my breath. I was ready to knock when I suddenly froze after hearing laughter drift through the door.

Followed by voices I know too well; Kalias and Crystal.

“Don’t tease me, you naughty little wolf.” That was Kallias’s voice.

Like the Goddess had chosen to show me the truth, the heavy door creaked open just slightly.

What I saw made the blood in my veins turn to ice.

Crystal was sitting on Kallias’s work desk, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. One of her hands clutched the front of his shirt, which was partially unbuttoned.

'Oh, Selene…' My hand flew to my mouth in horror.

“Still mad at me, Alpha?” Crystal asked seductively, her fingers trailing down his abs.

“Don’t call me that title,” Kallias growled, his hands landing on her breast. “And yes I’m still mad at you, little wolf. Why? Because how could you offer yourself as a surrogate to Winter when all I want is a pup from you?”