Chapter: 002

Olivia's POV

One moment I was lunging for the blade, my fingers closing around the hilt to knock it away from her. The next, Vanessa's hand closed over mine, twisting my grip, pressing the handle into my palm. I barely had time to register what she was doing before the door burst open.

Cyrus rushed into the room with the healer at his side. His eyes went from me, to Vanessa's bleeding arm, to the knife in my hand.

His face turned cold.

I dropped the blade immediately, unable to hold on any longer. It clattered against the floor, the sound sharp and damning in the sudden silence.

"She put it in my hand," I said, my voice shaking but clear. "Cyrus, she cut herself and she put the knife in my hand. I was trying to stop her."

"What happened?" he asked, but he wasn't looking at me. He was looking at Vanessa.

"Please, Cyrus, don't be upset with Luna." Vanessa's voice dripped with fake tears. "It was my mistake. She was mad at me because you've been spending more time with me. I'm sorry."

"This is low grade silver," the healer said immediately, stepping forward. "I can stop the bleeding. It won't do any harm."

"She cut herself." I turned to the healer, my hands trembling. "She had the knife before I even touched it."

The healer didn't even look at me.

"I didn't hurt her," I whispered, finally finding my voice.

Cyrus pulled away from me, his jaw tight.

"Oh, don't start. Vanessa always told me how you bullied her because I didn't give you attention."

I stared at him. "You'll believe your brother's wife over me?"

"I always thought you were kind, Olivia. So it was hard to believe. But seeing this is a confirmation." He shook his head. "It's only till she gives birth to my brother's pup. Then you can have me all to yourself."

"I'm sorry, Olly. It's because we're due in three days. I'm sorry." Vanessa cried, burying her face in her hands.

I almost rolled my eyes at her.

Vanessa's fingers parted just enough for her eyes to meet the healer's. A quick look, one silent exchange. The healer gave the smallest nod in return.

Something is wrong between those two.

I filed it away, my heart pounding. I didn't know what it meant yet. But I knew I would need it.

The healer stepped forward, her voice calm and measured.

"There is something you both need to know. Under Black Dynasty succession law, when an Alpha dies before his heir is born, that unborn pup retains first claim to the Alpha position. Dorian was the former Alpha. His son is the intended heir. If another heir is born before him, the succession becomes contested. The pack could reject the current Alpha's rule."

Vanessa immediately burst into tears, her hands flying to her face.

"That means I would have to wait for Luna to give birth first. My pup would be born second. He would be nothing. He would be a spare."

Cyrus rushed to her side, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly.

"Your husband, my brother, was the rightful heir. I only took the position when he died. Don't worry. Your son will be the only heir."

I felt dizzy. The world around me spun and I stumbled toward him, my hand reaching out.

"What would happen to my pup then? What would happen to me, Cyrus?"

The healer cleared her throat, drawing our attention.

"There is a way to delay her childbirth. It's not harmful. If Luna Olivia stays in a silver cave for three days, her labor will be delayed and she can give birth on the fourth day."

My heart stopped.

Silver.

My eyes widened in horror. The doctor had specifically warned me to stay away from silver. She had said it was poisonous to my condition. She had said it could harm my pup.

"No." The word came out before I could stop it. "You can't do this. My doctor specifically told me silver is dangerous for my pregnancy. She said it could harm my pup."

The healer's expression didn't change. "That doctor doesn't understand the Black Dynasty's traditions. The silver cave is a proven method. It has been used for generations."

I stared at her. "What healer would recommend silver to a pregnant wolf? What generation has used a silver cage? Every healer knows it's poisonous."

"Watch your tone," Cyrus said sharply. "The healer knows what she's doing."

I turned to him, desperate. "Cyrus, there has to be another way. We can contact another healer, we can speak to the elders. We can ask for a second opinion. Please. Just let someone else examine me before you decide."

"You heard the law," he said. "Dorian's son has the first claim. I made a vow to my dying brother. I promised him I would protect his son. I would make sure his pup became the heir. I cannot break that vow."

"Please. I'm begging you. I'll do anything. Just don't put me in that cave. It will hurt my pup."

Tears streamed down my face as I clutched at his arm. He pulled away from me roughly.

"Take her to the silver cave. Make sure she stays there."

The guards grabbed me roughly, their hands digging into my arms. I struggled against them, screaming his name.

"Cyrus, please! Please, don't do this! I'm your wife! I'm carrying your pup!"

He turned his back on me.

As the guards dragged me toward the door, the bracelet on my wrist began to glow.

It was the one thing I had kept from my old life. The one thing that held my powers.

In truth, I had cut ties with my father, the Alpha King of all werewolves. I was the Moon Goddess Celestial Wolf.

I had willingly locked my powers and my wolf into that bracelet, making Cyrus believe I was a rogue wolf. A wolfless omega without a pack.

I had done it all for him.

The bracelet shone brightly, a brilliant golden light that filled the room. The aura pulsed outward and the guards were thrown back, crashing against the walls.

I stood there, breathing heavily, my chest heaving.

For one moment, I thought: Maybe I can save myself. Maybe I can fight.

"What was that?" Cyrus demanded. "Olivia, what was that?"

The healer stepped forward quickly, pointing at me.

"It's dark magic! She's using dark magic to fight against you!"

"I'm a royal wolf!" I bit out, my voice shaking. "I'm the daughter of the Alpha King! I am the Celestial Wolf!"

Cyrus laughed. A harsh, mocking sound.

"You expect me to believe that? You expect me to believe you're related to the Alpha King? You, a rogue wolf who had nothing when I found you?" He stepped closer. "Don't make lies just to have your pup born first. The Alpha line was originally my brother's. His son should have it."

"I never thought you would resort to dark magic. I never thought you would lie about your parentage just to get what you want. It's pathetic."

He grabbed my arm roughly and pulled me toward the guards.

"Take her away. Now. If she tries anything again, chain her. I don't want to see her until the fourth day."

The guards grabbed me again, their grip tighter this time. I struggled against them, my eyes locked on Cyrus.

"Please! Please don't take me to the cave! Please, I'm begging you! Don't do this to me!"

I screamed his name over and over as they dragged me through the hallway. Tears blurred my vision.

"Please... please don't take me to the cave... please!"

The last thing I saw before they pulled me through the doors was Cyrus walking back to Vanessa, his hand on her belly, his face soft with tenderness.

He had chosen her and left me to die.