The Alpha's Fading Moon

Almost at the same moment, Roslyn posted on the social media platform.

The photo showed her fingers interlaced with Kaelen's.

Caption: He said he would give us a home.

In the comments, Kaelen's subordinates were already flooding the post with likes.

The wolves who had once looked at me with contempt were now congratulating the Alpha on this blessed union.

Not a single one mentioned my name.

As though a woman named Selene had never taken a poisoned blade to protect him, had never purged every last traitor from the pack on his behalf.

I sat on the sofa, expression blank, as I double tapped the post .

My comment read: "Congratulations. May you both be happy forever."

Less than ten seconds later, my comment was gone.

The next second, the door burst open.

Kaelen's voice carried the authority of someone long accustomed to command.

"Selene, what exactly are you trying to do? Are you trying to draw the wolf council's attention to yourself?"

I looked at him, my eyes calm as still water.

"I didn't, Kaelen. I was only fulfilling the last duty I owe you as your mate."

Kaelen frowned and gently took my hand.

"I know you feel wronged. Everyone knows tomorrow night was meant to be our bonding ceremony. But what you just said will make people think Roslyn is a woman who destroys relationships and violates pack law."

Through the mind-link came the faint sound of Roslyn sobbing.

"Kaelen, don't blame her. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have gotten pregnant at a time like this. I'll leave right now. I would rather die outside than bring shame to Dawnlight Pack."

Kaelen's voice immediately softened, carrying a tenderness he had never once shown me.

"Roslyn, this is not your fault. Tomorrow night, once the priest completes the ceremony, you will be my formally recognized Luna."

Then his voice turned cold as frost.

"Pay no mind to the gossip. Anyone who dares mock you, I'll tear apart myself."

He was silent for a moment, then stepped forward and pressed the Luna crown into my hands, his gaze warm and earnest.

"Babe, go apologize to Roslyn. What you said just now hurt her. She is in pain right now."

I looked down at the crown he had forced into my palm.

The sharp edges of the jewels dug into my skin.

What if I refused?

He drew a sharp breath, his voice rising as though he had just witnessed some great betrayal. "How did you become so cruel? Roslyn is pregnant and unmarried, already in a fragile position. She is frightened enough as it is. Do you still have to provoke her like this?"

"Fine. You don't have to apologize. But you need to make amends some other way. Write a letter. Tell everyone that you grew tired of this life, that you were the one who chose to break the mating vows."