Chapter 4

I lightly tapped the communication token, and subsequent messages surfaced—every one was a record of his devotion during those three years. He informed me how the Silverfang pack had become formidable under his leadership and how he dedicated prayers to me every night of the full moon.

Liam stated solemnly, "I'll always be waiting for you, regardless of the time or the circumstances, Elena. It is my solemn pledge to you, Elena, as the man who swore to be your guardian."

Liam's messages spoke volumes of sincerity and profound affection. His feelings seemed all the more genuine and warm compared to Damon's chilling betrayal.

I couldn't help but cry at that thought, my tears falling onto the communication token and briefly intensifying its faint glow.

…

It was the following morning when Sebastian White, the butler, knocked on my door, saying, "You are required to accept these gifts, Luna Elena."

"What gifts?" I asked as I opened the door and stepped out.

Sebastian stood in the living room, holding a thick roll of parchment stamped with an official seal. He then handed it to me, saying, "Alpha Damon has granted you full ownership of the forest on the eastern border, as well as three mines situated in the northern highlands and two fishing preserves along the western tributary, Luna Elena."

I took the parchment and quickly read over the numerous, tightly packed terms, noting that these were the Blackwood pack's most prosperous lands. "How much are these worth?"

Sebastian looked at me tentatively before replying, "They are worth approximately 80 million dollars. Alpha Damon has said that they are meant as compensation for you, Luna Elena."

It was a hefty sum that was enough to buy out a medium-sized pack. I was still sickened by Damon, though. I tossed the parchment onto the coffee table, a profound and cutting irony filling my very being.

Did he really think that money could restore my faith in him or keep me bound to his side as a mere tool? It would only deepen my resentment either way.

I still kept the assets, though, as it was necessary capital for my planned departure.

I made up my mind and walked to the communication token. I gently touched the runes on the surface and began recording a reply. "I have received your messages, Liam. I want to see you again. I want to leave this place, Liam."

I activated the communication token's transfer mechanism once I finished recording my message. It flashed silver, and the message vanished into the air, traveling across thousands of miles toward Candonia.

I resolved to live life on my own terms this time.

…

It was already evening when Damon showed up at my door, wearing a formal black suit. He simply stated, "It's the Blood Moon Festival tonight, so you'd need to accompany me as the Luna of the pack, Elena."

It was a sacred, annual ritual honoring the lineage of the very first Alpha, a mandatory assembly for all the most powerful and influential members of the surrounding packs.

I kept my gaze down, fixated on the cup of coffee in my grasp.

Damon stated gravely, "You ought to know that the foundation of the alliance demands security. It is important for the Council of Elders to observe our unbroken bond harmony, Elena."

"You need me to put on an act with you, huh?" I asked, the mockery in my voice sharp and deliberate.

"You can think of it that way if that is truly how you choose to see it," he replied, sounding rather rigid.

"Alright then," I replied, agreeing to Damon's proposal. I thought that this Blood Moon Festival offered the perfect moment to cut all bonds permanently.

…

That evening, the Blood Moon Festival took place at the very heart of the pack's territory. There was a gigantic bonfire that illuminated the entire ceremonial platform, and the Elders of all major packs were seated in their traditional garb around the stone circle.

I walked beside Damon, wearing the silver gown traditionally worn by the Luna of the pack. I had worn this exact gown before our wedding, but now it felt like an outfit meant for a final goodbye.

"Good evening, Luna Elena!" Chief Elder Dominic rose to his feet to welcome us.

It wasn't long before the ritual priests commenced the recitation of the ancient supplications, while the glow of the massive bonfire danced and played across the faces of all present.

It was then that I saw a familiar figure—Isabelle, who occupied the most conspicuous seat in the honored section, her pregnant belly visibly showing.

I was stunned, the smile on my face immediately faltering.

In the meantime, the Council of Elders began to debate the critical matter of carrying the line, which had always been a customary segment of the Blood Moon Festival. Chief Elder Dominic spoke up, saying, "Alpha Damon, as for your heir, a robust bloodline is essential to secure the future of the pack."

I felt a crushing vise tighten around my heart, and the wolf within me, long quieted by the potent Shadowmoon Drug, let out a mournful howl. It was a physical, rending pain that stole my breath—a howl for the pup that would never be and the monstrous betrayal of my mate.

Damon replied, "About that matter…"

I could no longer hear what he was saying. I could only register the painful howling of the wolf within me—a consciousness that had been irreparably wounded, deeply betrayed, and relentlessly tortured by the effects of the drug.

It was then that one of the Elders beside me looked at me with concern, asking, "Is everything alright, Luna Elena?"

"I'm fine. I'm just a bit tired," I replied with a strained smile. I knew that everything was going to be different after tonight, though.