Chapter 2

Ailara's POV

When I didn't respond, Lucian became even angrier. "Why are you always fighting with Freya over the smallest matters? You clearly know how pitiful she is. As the pack's Luna, you should be showing some sympathy toward her.

"Due to the shock she received, her wolf spirit is still quite unstable. I have to handle some pack matters tomorrow, so you'll have to take her to the healer to soothe her wolf spirit."

I slowly turned to look at him, taking in the worry that marred his handsome features because of Freya.

"Alright."

Lucian likely hadn't expected that I would agree so easily, appearing momentarily stunned. However, my compliance pleased him, as he thought that I was finally being more understanding.

"That's more like it. Ailara, you're with pup now, so you need to set a good example. From now on, you need to stop being so petty. And stop picking on Freya."

With that, he turned and left.

Seconds later, the sound of him gently coaxing Freya drifted to my ears.

I sat up calmly and began to pack my things, stuffing all of my clothes into a cardboard box.

At that moment, Lucian's voice rang out in the living room. "The healer says that the Luna's suite will help stabilize your wolf spirit. This isn't a joking matter, so you have to move in there."

Freya replied tearfully, "But that's Ailara's bedroom. I can't do that!"

"That's just what she's supposed to do! Back then, the Frostmoon pack ambushed us, and Ethan, my poor older brother, lost his life while saving me. Before he died, his only wish was that I would take good care of you. As my Luna, it's simply Ailara's duty to take care of you alongside me."

Then, in a tone that left no room for argument, he finished with, "You have to move into that suite!"

"Just move in."

I took a few steps forward so that they could see me.

A trace of guilt flashed in Lucian's eyes, but when he realized what I had said, that guilt swiftly transformed into satisfaction.

"Hear that, Freya? That should ease your worries. Ailara herself has agreed to you moving in there."

Freya didn't immediately respond. Instead, she stared at me warily, as though wondering if I had done something to the suite.

"Ailara, why would you suddenly…"

Because I no longer cared.

Nonetheless, I didn't say that. Expression indifferent, I simply told them what they most wanted to hear. "Alpha Lucian is right. As his Luna, this is just what I should do."

That night, I moved out of the Luna's suite and into a tiny, cramped guest bedroom, while Freya finally got to stay in the room she had been dreaming of.

…

The next day, I sought out Freya, who was happily trying on the gowns in the suite's closet.

"We should be heading out for the healers."

On the way to the treatment center, Freya sat beside me, hands incessantly fiddling with a ring. A moment later, the ring slipped from her hands and rolled over to my feet.

"Oops!" She gave a theatrical gasp, then shot me a conflicted look. "Ailara, Alpha Lucian insisted on giving me the ring symbolizing the Luna's status. Please don't get mad at him."

What a clever tactic—pretending to talk me out of it while sowing discord between us at the same time.

I gazed forward, not a hint of emotion tinging my voice as I said, "Don't worry. I won't get mad at him."

After all, that ring was going to be hers soon anyway.

With Freya watching me resentfully, I calmly opened the car door. "We're here. Let's go."