CHAPTER 7

Outside, Veldana stumbled down the path, the moon hanging low and heavy above the sky. Its silver light radiated in the night, soothing the burn of her skin but not the guilt in her heart.

 She gripped the ring, its edges biting into her palm. Maurice could banish her from the pack, but he couldn’t take this. Not the ring, not the memories, not the stubborn spark of hope that refused to die. 

This was what she lived for, the faith that the goddess would bring them back together. 

For her daughter, too. 

Leila had once touched the chain in admiration, her little eyes glimmering in hope and admiration. Shifting her gaze back to her mother, she had asked the most innocent question Veldana had ever heard.

“ I love your chain, Mom. Did Daddy give it to you?” 

Veldana fought the urge to tear out as she hugged her little body warmly against her chest. 

“Your father, he's there, waiting patiently for us. Yes, he made this for me.” Veldana had answered, half of it was true, and the other half was said in hope.

Sighing heavily, she came back from her thoughts and increased her pace. At least, her daughter was going to eat a good meal after so many days of hunger. 

As she moved, her phone buzzed and she picked up the call. It was Freya, her manager.

“Oh no vel, I had an urgent issue to sort out while you were performing. I heard what happened.” Freya said, her voice erring and nonchalant.

“It's fine, Freya, I'm on my way home.” Veldana knew Freya wasn't going to pay her. She didn't just perform; she also made a laughingstock out of herself and Freya. 

She ended the call and pushed her phone back to her pocket before hailing a taxi.

Meanwhile, Maurice was still there, his thoughts filled with Veldana. He was turned inside, and it was a conflicting desire that threatened to swallow him whole. He had the urge to punish Veldana for her betrayal and, at the same time, protect her from any dangers.

Yes, he wanted to stop her from drinking the liquor; he didn't like the reactions on her skin. He felt every pain she felt as her rashes popped out painfully on her skin.

His wolf, Ry… he judged him uncontrollably. It was a fit of war in his head as Ry threatened to shapeshift to save their mate. 

But he sat arrogantly on that chair and watched her put his life in danger because of money. 

What exactly did she need money for that she'd risk her life for? 

These thoughts were pondered in Maurice's mind as he tried his best to calm his rage.

He glanced back at Fred, who stood, his face lacking the usual cheerfulness and ease. He was indeed sorry for what he had done.

Fred, Gary, and Maurice were not in an Alpha and pack members kind of relationship. They shared deeper bonds. Although not brothers by blood, they treated each other like brothers. 

With that, Maurice stood up. Any moment spent at the party could make him rage out. Without hesitation, he swiftly dashed out of the room, leaving the others wondering why their Alpha had behaved like that. 

Once he left, the party felt void, and people began to disperse one after the other. Everyone held a look of displeasure on their faces, except for Gary. 

He seemed to be happy about what had happened to Veldana as a cruel smile spread across his face. He held onto the very same liquor Veldana had drunk and poured himself a glass. His eyes gleamed with intensity under the dim light. 

Taking a sip from the wine, he smacked his lips.” Why would anyone be allergic to such Sweetness?”

“ Anyway, she got what she deserved.” He sneered; his voice laced with malice. “There is more to come. I'd make sure she regrets everything she had done to Alpha Maurice.” He continued, each word a venom thrown at the absent Veldana like a hunter's trap set to catch its ignorant prey. 

A servant, a young woman with nervous hands, approached, her steps hesitant. “Sirs, do you need—?” she started, but Gary waved her off without a glance, his focus on the glass in his hand. 

She scurried away, nearly tripping over a rug, and Fred’s lips quirked as he glanced at Gary.

“Careful,” he called after her and shook his head at Gary.

“What?” Gary protested. “ She was invading my privacy.”

“By asking if you needed anything?” Fred retorted, his face regaining its usual brightness. 

“Whatever,” Gary mumbled nonchalantly before sipping more.

Later that night, after everyone had completely dispersed and the hall was silent, Gary and Fred moved to the balcony to watch the moonlight glow in radiance. A distance away in the woods were campfires and howling of teenage wolves, probably having a picnic or adventures. 

Gary sprawled in the chair on the balcony while Fred stood, placing his arms on the rails, his gaze focused on nothing but his thoughts.

“Maurice has already ruined her life. Didn't you see her appearance?” Gary started, his words dripping with a cold venom.

Fred’s fingers stilled, his jaw tightening. He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing as he studied Gary, one eyebrow creased quizzically. 

“Blacklisted from the pack media council two years back, fired from her job, shut out from every gig in our pack.” He snorted, rolling his eyes. “She’s scraping by, picking up money like a beggar. Did you see her out there, grabbing the money like it was her last meal?”

Fred, on the other hand, frowned at what Gary had just spoken. He struggled to find his words as he tried to defend Veldana.” Don't you think this is going too far?” 

“What do you mean by that?” Gary asked, creasing his brows.

“I mean, is stripping her of every chance to survive necessary? She's already broken as it is, finding it difficult to eat. Can't you see the way she picked the money? “Fred questioned, and Gary rolled his eyes at him.

“She’s starving, Gary. You saw her eyes, longing, not shame. Like she’s got something bigger than pride to fight for.”

“Nothing is too much for a traitor!” Gary responded, his words a cold, hard slap.

“She made him serve in the dungeon for 3 years! No wolf could survive such torment, but he did, Maurice did!” Gary continued. 

“But…” 

“No buts, Fred. You saw how Maurice reacted when he found out about what you did. It's best if you stay out of it.” Gary advised. 

Breathing heavily, Fred's unease still lingered, a sense of discomfort that seemed to question his conscience. He has seen the look on Maurice's face when Veldana walked out. 

It wasn't the face of a man satisfied with revenge.

It was the face of someone who couldn't let go, a face of longing. Even though he could feel the mate bond between them, he sensed it.

The truth was as clear as ice. Maurice still wanted Veldana in his life, but he was too blinded by revenge to see it. Never had he expected that Maurice was going to overlook what had happened to Veldana.

Even the pack members who witnessed what had happened had nothing but pity for her at the sight of her allergic reaction. 

“You are soft, Fred,” Gary said, sipping more of his liquor. “ Do not dwell more on her; she's cursed and needs to be treated like an outcast,” Gary said, tapping Fred away from his thoughts.

“I hope he doesn't regret it later,” Fred mumbled.

A low growl rumbled from the shrubs a distant away. Something or someone was watching.