Chapter: 001

Olivia's POV

I had already tried pulling against the chains until they cut into my wrists, but the silver had drained almost all my strength. My arms ached, my fingers were slick with blood, and the cave walls pressed in around me like a tomb.

"Cyrus, please! You need to let me out of this silver cave, our pup is dying." I begged through my teeth as white hot pain shot through my bones due to the poisonous aura from the silver. With every breath I took, I felt the life of my pup seeping through.

"Don't lie to me, Olivia. You think I don't know what you plan on doing? You will stay in that cave until Vanessa's pup is born." His voice sounded through the phone and the line dropped dead.

I reached out a shaky hand to the maid who had so kindly brought her phone for me to use. "Please…let…me call him one last time."

"I'm sorry, Luna. The Alpha's line cannot be reached anymore." She said and I resigned to the bed, letting out a heavy sigh.

So this was it, Cyrus. You would let your twin brother's wife come between us. And you would let me die here from this silver.

Just then the maid's phone rang again and my eyes snapped open. I shot upwards and regretted instantly as the silver of the chains cut into my skin. She brought the phone to me then.

"Ms Vanessa would like to speak to you, Luna." She dropped the phone near my bed and stood back.

"Let me speak to my husband." I gritted out and her scornful laugh tore out of the phone's speaker.

"Your dear husband just stepped out to get a nurse to check me, after massaging my foot and making sure that my pup and I are in good condition." Her words pierced my heart like a knife and the fight left me.

"Do me a quick favor, Olivia. Die already. Your husband has eyes for only me." She laughed and the call ended.

Die already.

The words hung in the air, cold and cruel.

"I'm sorry, my pup. Mum can't protect you." I whispered as tears fell from my eyes. I had no reason to keep living. I let the cold hands of death welcome me, eager to end this torture and pain.

In my last moment, the only words I could hear were words from my father when I had cut ties with him to be with Cyrus. "You will regret this, Olivia. Cyrus is not worth it." I had left still, blinded by love.

Father, you were right. I regret my decision.

~~~

Three days ago.

Alpha Cyrus Ironthorn, Alpha of the Black Dynasty Pack and I had been married for five years and the first years were the best moments of my life. Everything changed after his brother, who was the former Alpha, tragically passed away in battle nine months ago and he stepped up to claim his title. And I supposed, his late brother's wife, Vanessa and her unborn pup.

After I got pregnant I thought he would finally look at me but Vanessa was also pregnant with late Alpha Dorian's pup.

I stood at the Doctor's office unable to open the door. She had asked me to come with my husband but he had told me he was going for an important meeting. I took a deep breath and walked in anyway. I had to deliver a safe pup.

The doctor looked up from her desk as I entered, her eyes scanning the empty space behind me. "Where is your husband, Luna Olivia? I specifically asked for him to be present."

"He's in a meeting," I said softly, taking a seat across from her. "He couldn't make it."

The doctor frowned but said nothing. She performed the scan and studied the results carefully.

"You're three days due, Luna. It would have been important for your husband to be here, but regardless, your pup is healthy. You need to stay away from dark magic and silver, they are poisonous to your condition. And do not come outside during the full moon. That is crucial to ensure a safe delivery."

I nodded, absorbing her words. "Thank you, Doctor."

I left the room, my mind heavy with thoughts of Cyrus and his absence. I walked down the hospital hallway, clutching my belly, trying to convince myself that he would come around. That he would remember he loved me.

But a small voice in the back of my mind refused to let me ignore the doctor's warning.

Stay away from silver. Stay away from dark magic.

I had no idea why Vanessa's pregnancy seemed to matter more to Cyrus than mine, but I knew something wasn't right.

If Cyrus wouldn't listen to me, I would find out what was happening myself.

And then something caught my eyes. I gasped, my eyes finding Cyrus.

Through the window of a hospital ward, I watched Cyrus sitting beside Vanessa's bed. His hands were on her legs, massaging them gently, his face soft with concern. He was smiling at her. He was touching her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

My heart shattered into a thousand pieces.

I almost turned around and walked away.

But then I noticed something.

The healer was standing near Vanessa's bed, and the moment she saw me through the glass, she exchanged a quick glance with Vanessa.

My brows pulled together.

Why did they look nervous?

Something was wrong.

I tightened my grip around my phone. If Cyrus refused to tell me the truth, I would find it myself.

I pulled out my phone and dialed his number, my hands trembling. He answered on the second ring.

"Olivia? I told you I'm in an important meeting. Why do you keep disturbing me?" His voice was irritated, impatient.

"Where are you, Cyrus?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I told you, I'm in a meeting. I'll call you later." He was about to hang up.

"Don't you dare hang up on me." I pushed open the door and stepped into the room. He looked up, his eyes wide with shock. I held up my phone, still connected to his call. "Is this what you called an important meeting? Massaging her legs? Caring for her while I sit alone at the doctor's office?"

He couldn't speak. He couldn't meet my eyes.

Vanessa looked up at me, her face twisted with fake concern. "Please, don't fight. He was only with me because I'm due in three days. He was just being kind."

I felt the tears burning in my eyes but I refused to let them fall. "I'm due in three days too, Cyrus! What kind of father do you want to be? Our pup is coming. Your pup! And you're here with her?"

For a moment, I saw something flicker in his eyes. Guilt. Remorse. He opened his mouth to speak, to say something, anything.

But Vanessa cut him off. "Cyrus, the healer needs her supplies from the car. Please go get them quickly. I feel a little discomfort." She placed a hand on her belly and winced dramatically.

He looked at her, then at me. And without a single word to me, he stood up and walked out of the room.

The door closed behind him as the healer followed him out and I was left standing there, alone, fighting to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.

Vanessa's face transformed. The fake concern melted away and was replaced by a cruel, smug smile.

"You want to know how much your husband is willing to go for me?" She taunted, her eyes glinting with malice. "Watch this."

She reached behind her and pulled out a silver knife. My eyes widened in horror.

"What are you doing?" I ran toward her, trying to grab it. "Vanessa, stop! What are you doing?"

But she was faster. She brought the blade to her arm and dragged it across her skin, cutting herself. Blood welled up immediately and she let out a piercing scream.

"Help! Luna cut me with silver!"

My eyes widened.

She had planned this.

I glanced toward the door, then back at the blood running down her arm. If Cyrus walked in now, he would believe her.

I needed proof, my eyes fell on the silver knife.

I lunged for it, trying to knock it away before anyone could arrive.