Chapter 1

Kyle Burns once got down on his knees before the Moon Goddess statue and swore that nothing, not even broken limbs, would stop him from reaching the altar.

There was a time he claimed Rosa Ashford was his everything. Now, it was Ivy Cline.

Rosa zoned out. Her eyes were fixed on the dates she'd marked on the calendar.

In just three short months, he had hurt her 99 times.

The 10th time happened on the day of Rosa's birthday banquet. Ivy, a war captive, came down with a fever, and Kyle stayed by her side the entire night.

The 23rd time was when Rosa was in agony because of her cramps. Kyle had severed their mind-link just so he could focus on keeping Ivy company.

As for the 50th time, in an effort to cheer up the ever-melancholy Ivy, Kyle pointed at Rosa's most trusted Beta, Vance Woodard, and said, "Ivy feels inferior and looked down upon. From now on, the Beta position is hers."

Rosa planted herself in front of Vance. "Vance is the pack's most loyal Beta, whereas Ivy is a captive. Aren't you worried that she might act against you?"

"It's just a Beta. What, can't bear to part with your old subordinate?"

Kyle's gaze turned icy. "Or is it that your subordinate can't bear to part with you?"

When Rosa didn't respond, Kyle let out a cold snort. His impatience was evident. "So long as Ivy's pleased, I'd even give her control of the entire pack. A Beta position is nothing."

The light in Vance's eyes went out.

The man who once swore loyalty to the Silver Moon pack bowed deeply to Rosa. That very night, he left the pack. And now, there were only five days left until their ten-year bond would be dissolved.

The blast of a horn rang out, marking the "Relics Purification Rite" before the Full Moon Ceremony.

In the center of the square, a bonfire roared sky-high. The elders placed the pack's relics on the altar to be cleansed by moonlight.

Among them, a necklace made of snow-white wolf fangs stood out the most.

It was a keepsake that Rosa's father, Henry Ashford, had left her in his final moments. It symbolized the Alpha who came before.

Ivy, who was dressed in a washed-out linen gown, stood beside Kyle. Her gaze lingered briefly on the necklace.

Pulling her in by her waist, Kyle asked in a low voice, "Did that catch your interest?"

Ivy lowered her gaze. Her tone was cool and distant. "And what if it did? That's a keepsake given to the Luna by her father. As a war captive, I shouldn't even be looking at it."

A sense of foreboding hit Rosa, making her heart lurch. Instinctively, she stepped in front of the altar. Her eyes were locked on Kyle.

It was the only thing Henry had left her, the one non-negotiable thing.

The surrounding pack members held their breath, eyes trained on the three figures atop the platform.

Kyle arched his brow. "If you're that reluctant to part with something from a dead man, then keep it."

Rosa let out a breath of relief. Maybe Kyle still had a shred of care left for her.

Rather than going for the necklace, Kyle moved his hand straight toward the top of her head to take off her Luna Crown.

In an instant, Rosa's hair came undone, cascading down in wild strands.

Without even asking whether Rosa was okay with it, Kyle turned around and, in front of all the elders and the rest of the pack, he placed the crown on Ivy's head. "What's so great about a lame necklace anyway? This suits you better."

His gaze turned warm and tender as he added, "Ivy, this crown carries my scent. It will keep those low-ranking wolves in the pack in line. With this, you can't complain about being picked on anymore."

He then turned to the pale-faced Rosa. His tone was casual, as if talking about the weather. "Rosa, you're already the Luna. Don't fuss over material things."

Rosa froze where she stood, her breathing growing shallow and quick.

The crown was a sacred relic passed down for centuries in the Silver Moon pack. It symbolized the Luna's absolute dignity and honor. Yet now, it had become a prop for Kyle's flirtation.

However, Ivy didn't look pleased. Taking off the crown, she shoved it back to him as if it were something filthy.

"Alpha Kyle, please show some restraint."

Ivy held her head high. Her eyes shone with a hint of pride. "I'm a sinner from a defeated pack. I'm not fit to touch a sacred relic. Besides, it's been worn for nine years. I don't like used things."

She took a step back, putting on a flawless display of dignity before the entire pack.

Kyle froze for a moment. Then, his gaze intensified. He looked as if he was even more captivated by her. "If it's no longer clean…"

Kyle raised his hand. Rosa's pupils shrank instantly. "Kyle, don't!"

Her scream wasn't enough to stop him. The crown that had witnessed their bonding vows was tossed into the bonfire like trash.