Chapter 3

After leaving the funeral hall, Kael and I returned to his estate.

The servants greeted us with respectful bows, yet I could feel their curious stares and hear the whispers behind my back.

"I never thought Ms. Elena would actually sever her mate bond…"

"She lost her mate and immediately took another—how could that be appropriate?"

"Shh! Keep your voice down. Kael will hear."

Kael's expression darkened at once.

"Enough. Dismissed." His voice was low and commanding. "If I hear another word of gossip, you can all leave this house."

The servants fell silent and scattered quickly.

Kael turned back to me, his gaze softening. "Don't listen to them."

He led me into the master chamber. The air was filled with the fragrance of white roses—my favorite—and the wardrobe had already been stocked with clothing in my exact size.

"These…"

"I had them prepared," Kael said simply. "Elena, I know your situation is difficult right now, but I promise you this—you will have the best life I can give you."

A warmth stirred in my chest. He had thought of everything, when I had nothing left.

I opened my mouth to thank him, but a maid knocked and entered.

"Ms. Elena, Ms. Isabella has sent word. She requests your presence."

I exchanged a glance with Kael.

"I'll go with you," he said.

"No," I shook my head. "This is between sisters."

When I pushed open Isabella's door, I found her seated before her dressing table, admiring herself in the ceremonial gown meant for the future Luna.

"Elena, do you see?" Isabella caressed the necklace at her throat with a proud smile. "In three days, Jacob will inherit the Alpha's position. And I will be the honored Luna."

She turned to face me, triumph gleaming in her eyes.

"You chose Kael. That means you'll always be nothing more than an officer's wife. But I—" her chin lifted—"I will rule the entire Black Moon Pack."

I studied her coolly. "Isabella, haven't you noticed the Moon's Tear is rejecting you?"

Her smile faltered.

"Look at the rash on your neck." I pointed to the red blotches marring her skin. "That necklace rejects your bloodline."

Her hand flew to her throat, and she felt the rough patches beneath her fingers.

"T-That's just a simple allergy—"

"The Moon's Tear recognizes only the purest bloodline of Silver Creek," I pressed. "Haven't you realized yet? The wolf at your side isn't Jacob at all."

The air froze.

Isabella stared at me for a long ten seconds, then suddenly burst out laughing. Her laugh was sharp, cruel, and cold.

"Ha…hahahaha!" She stood, ripping the necklace from her throat and tossing it to the floor. "Elena, do you take me for a fool?"

My stomach sank.

"I know he's Liam." Her gaze hardened into a blade. "I've always known. The moment I couldn't feel Jacob's mate bond, I knew he was gone."

She stepped closer, eyes glittering with obsession. "As long as I can become Luna, what does it matter who my Alpha is?"

Her lips curled into a bitter smile.

"The Moon Goddess gave everything to you, Elena, while I was mocked and dismissed. Now, finally, my chance has come. Why shouldn't I seize it?"

"So you conspired with Liam…"

"Elena." Her voice dropped to ice. "If you're smart, you'll keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, you'll be the next to die."

At that moment, the door burst open.

Liam entered with Arthur and Victoria at his side.

"What's going on?" he demanded, instantly moving to Isabella's side. "I heard shouting."

Isabella's eyes shimmered with feigned hurt as she clutched his sleeve. "Jacob… Elena was mocking me, saying I'm unworthy of being Luna."

Liam's expression hardened, his glare spearing me. "Elena! How could you speak to Isabella that way?"

Victoria pointed at me with shaking rage. "Jealous, spiteful woman! You've already chosen another mate. Why come here at all?"

"You owe Isabella an apology," Liam said coldly. "Instead, you come here causing trouble. Leave. Now."

I looked at them—at his false righteousness, at her fragile act, at their carefully woven lies.

"Fine."

I turned and walked away, my expression calm.

But inside, I was smiling.

The hunt had only just begun.