Chapter 4

Mira’s face went pale in an instant. She trembled with anger, yet didn’t dare lash out. She could only stand there, watching me.

I knew exactly what she would do next. She would run to Kael, cry to him, and tell him I was arrogant, that I had trampled all over his goodwill.

I didn’t care. I had already prepared everything and could leave at any time.

I would go to the border to help those injured wolves who, like me, had been hurt and left with nothing. I would find myself again.

Three days later, the ceremonial rite arrived. Every year, our pack held a grand ritual. This was the most solemn and sacred event of the entire tribe.

Father sent someone to notify me that I had to attend. He said this would be my formal appearance before taking over the pack’s charitable relief efforts, so I could not be absent.

I didn’t want to go, but I also knew this was my responsibility—as the sole heir of the pack.

I changed into a simple, neutral-colored dress. I wore no jewelry, only keeping the shattered pieces of the moonstone close against my body.

Calm and composed, I stepped into the great hall.

Elders and warriors filled the room.

Kael and Mira were, of course, among the invited.

Kael stood tall in a tailored formal suit, still carrying that same untouchable Alpha presence. Mira leaned against him, soft and obedient, the picture of a perfect match.

I found a quiet corner and sat down, not wanting to draw any attention, least of all cross paths with them.

Halfway through the ceremony, the presiding elder, Elder Magnus Hale, stepped onto the stage and began recounting the pack’s history.

Then, he spoke of my mother, "The founding of the pack’s sanctuary was born from the late Luna Queen Seraphine Thorn’s final wish. She hoped that every orphaned pup and every gravely wounded warrior would have a place to seek refuge…"

As he spoke, images of my mother appeared on the screen. I looked at her face, warmth stinging at the corners of my eyes.

Then, a sharp whisper cut through the moment.

Mira’s voice.

She lowered it deliberately, but just enough for me to hear clearly. "Kael, Talia is even more hypocritical than I thought. Her mother brought rogue wolves into the pack and got so many of our people killed. She was nothing but a complete sinner. How does she still dare to act charitable?"

My body went rigid.

Then Kael’s voice followed. "Mira, I’ll apologize to you on her behalf. After all, it was her mother who caused your family’s deaths…"

"Yes…" Mira said softly, putting on a sorrowful tone. "I miss my parents so much. They were real warriors who died for the pack. But some people will use anything for reputation, no matter how shameless they are…"

Every word was like a blade dipped in poison, driven straight into my heart.

They could humiliate me and deny everything I had ever done, but they could not insult my mother. They could not desecrate the memory of the woman who gave her life to protect our kind.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. Blood seeped out, but the pain only sharpened my mind.

I took a slow breath. Then I stood. Step by step, I walked toward them.

The surrounding pack members sensed something was wrong. Conversations died down. The hall fell into a sudden, heavy silence.

Kael and Mira saw me approaching. Their expressions shifted slightly, but they quickly masked it.

Kael looked at my pale face, assuming I had been struck where it hurt. "Talia, control your temper. Am I wrong?"

I stopped in front of him. My gaze was steady, and my voice was low and cold. "Kael, you can do whatever you want. But you do not get to insult my mother."

"Insult?" Kael let out a cold laugh, his tone growing harsher. "I’m just stating facts."

"My mother died protecting this pack," I said, my voice trembling despite myself. "She died under the claws of rogue wolves. She gave her life so countless pups could live in peace. She was a hero, not something for you to mock or smear!"

"A hero?" Kael scoffed. "Who knows if that’s even true?"

That was enough. More than enough.

I didn’t argue or get angry. I turned and walked away, not sparing them another glance.

However, I didn’t go home. I went straight to the airport and boarded the earliest flight to the border.

…

On the seventh day, the mating ceremony proceeded as scheduled. The great hall was filled with guests, everyone waiting for my arrival.

Kael stood on the stage, waiting for me.

Elder Hale stepped forward, his voice filled with excitement. "Now, let us welcome tonight’s leads with the warmest applause—Kael, and his mate, Miss Mira Frost!"

The words fell, and the entire hall erupted.

Kael’s head snapped up. He stared in disbelief at Mira as she walked toward him.

"N-no… wasn’t it supposed to be Talia? How could it be you?"