CHAPTER FIVE

I glared at her, my eyes wide with shock.

Damien is going to kill her?

Maybe… maybe he's crueler than his brother.

I can’t stay here much longer.

I scrambled off the bed and rushed to her, lifting her trembling form from the floor. She sniffled, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Don’t worry,” I whispered. “I’ll come with you.”

Her eyes lit up instantly.

“Thank you so much,” she breathed, her voice soft with relief.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her cuteness, but the moment was quickly shattered as a group of maids barged in, bowing their heads.

“Greetings, Luna,” they chorused in unison.

My brows furrowed.

Luna?

“Excuse me, there’s been a mistake,” I corrected quickly. “I’m not your Luna.”

They glanced at one another, then bowed again.

“We’re sorry, ma’am.”

I sighed, the tension easing slightly—until I noticed a box in the hands of one of the maids.

“What’s that?” I asked, pointing to it.

She stepped forward and held it out to me. “It’s the gown for your dinner, ma’am.”

I brushed my fingers across the smooth lid and slowly opened it.

A burst of sky-blue silk stared back at me, bright and mesmerizing. Tiny, delicate flowers were embroidered into the fabric, giving the gown a soft, ethereal touch.

It was beautiful… but too revealing.

Not scandalous, but certainly not my style.

“I’m not sure I can wear this,” I murmured, placing it gently back inside the box.

The maids gasped softly.

One of them stepped forward, clearly the head maid.

“Ma’am, please,” she said quickly. “It’s the only available formal attire in your wardrobe.” She turned and gestured to the others. “Prepare her bath.”

Seriously?

I just said I wouldn’t wear the gown—and now they’re preparing me for it?

I bit my tongue, choosing silence over argument. I really couldn’t wait to leave this place.

They led me to a grand bathroom, where the scent of lavender and jasmine filled the air. The tub was already drawn, fresh petals floating on the surface of the steaming water.

I undressed and sank into the bath. A small smile tugged at my lips as the warmth enveloped me. For a moment, it felt like all my pain was washed away.

But then I saw it.

Faint, dark lines on my wrist.

My heart clenched.

Lucas.

He would pay for what he did. I was sure his cursed pack was celebrating my supposed death, dancing over my grave.

They didn’t know the Moon Goddess had chosen me—because she knew I was innocent.

I stayed in the water too long. Eventually, I climbed out, wrapped myself in a soft towel, and opened the bathroom door. To my surprise, the maids were still there, waiting silently.

“You don’t have to help me. I can dress myself,” I said quickly.

But they didn’t move.

The head maid stepped forward again. “Ma’am, you’re pregnant. It’s our duty to assist you.”

Without waiting for a reply, she guided me to the bed and gently sat me down.

“Just stay still,” she said softly.

Minutes felt like hours as they dressed me in the gown, brushed my hair, and applied light makeup to my face.

“We’re done, ma’am. Please, have a look,” one of them said, gesturing to a tall mirror in the corner.

I stood slowly, careful not to trip. As I approached the mirror, I nearly gasped.

My reflection stunned me.

The light makeup highlighted my features—my gray-amber eyes, my delicate nose, the red tint on my lips.

The gown clung to my curves, hugging my hips and waist like it was made for me. The embroidered flowers shimmered under the light. Despite my pregnancy being just three weeks along, the bump wasn’t showing yet.

The maids brought a pair of flat shoes—comfortable and thoughtful. Heels would’ve been impossible. I slid my feet into them and sprayed the perfume offered to me, inhaling its soft floral scent.

“Phew. Let’s go,” I muttered.

They led me out of the room.

As we walked down the hallway, my jaw dropped.

This wasn’t a house—it was a castle.

Everything screamed luxury. The walls were carved with intricate designs, almost telling stories. One statue in particular caught my eye—a wolf driving a sword into a human’s chest.

My steps slowed in unease.

We walked for what felt like forever until we stopped in front of an enormous door—so big it felt more like a gate. The maid accompanying me stepped forward and knocked gently.

The door creaked open.

I stepped inside the grand dining hall and felt my breath catch. The room was lavishly decorated, lined with powerful furniture that exuded wealth.

Then I saw him.

Damien.

He sat at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on a map. His hair was longer now, his expression unreadable. He wore a black coat, black pants, and obsidian rings that glinted in the candlelight.

He looked just like Lucas—only far more dangerous… and handsome.

My stomach growled at the sight of the food laid out on the table. I quietly pulled out a chair and sat.

“You’re late,” his voice echoed coldly, still not looking at me.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, head bowed.

He tossed the map aside and gestured toward the food.

“Eat. You need it.”

I picked up the steak and began to eat, painfully aware of his eyes on me.

He didn’t touch his food.

His gaze was suffocating.

“So tell me,” he said suddenly. “What did you do? Why did Lucas want you dead?”

The fork slipped slightly in my hand.

My hands trembling, this wasn't the time.

I pressed my lips together and said,

“He said… he said I cheated on him,” I stammered, voice barely a whisper, my thumb slick with sweat.

I wasn’t ready to talk about this. I wasn’t ready to relive it.

But I couldn’t lie. Not to Damien. He saved me. Saved my pups.

His voice cut through my thoughts.

“Did you?”

I looked up, his icy blue eyes locked on mine.

Powerful. Sharp. Dangerous.

“No,” I said, the word leaving my mouth like a breath I’d been holding for years.

“If you didn’t, then why did he try to execute you?”

The air felt heavier. His stare was too much.

I inhaled deeply.

“I—I appreciate your hospitality,” I said suddenly, standing. “But I’ll be leaving tomorrow. I’m not hungry anymore.”

I turned and walked away. He didn’t stop me.

But I could feel his eyes still on my back.

I strode out of the dining room hastily, slamming the door shut.

I wandered aimlessly, trying to find my room—but I was lost.

The hallways were empty.

My heart began to pound.

Then I saw a door up ahead, light glowing faintly from the other side.

Curious, I pushed it open.

My eyes widened.

A garden.

A breathtaking, dreamlike garden, glowing under the moonlight.

Flowers of all kinds surrounded me. I walked further, my fingers brushing against petals, finally breathing again.

It felt peaceful. It felt like I just entered into another world.

I wandered around the garden, admiring the peaceful nature, not until I saw her.

An old woman, cloaked in black, bent over, picking something from the ground.

I halted from a distance and called, “Hello?”

She straightened slowly and turned to face me.

I stepped back instinctively.

She was… off. Her wrinkled skin, hollow cheeks, and sunken eyes made my stomach turn.

But she stared at me, her gaze sharp.

Then her eyes dropped to my belly.

I immediately shielded it with my arms.

She walked closer and took my hand.

She placed my hands on her cheeks, making it seem like she was trying to listen to my heartbeat, until she gasped.

“You’re carrying the pack heir,” she said, her voice suddenly filled with strange joy.

My heart skipped. “What… what do you mean?”

She smiled.

“You’re carrying Damien’s heir.”