The Price of Luna

When the Black Forest pack guards surrounded me, I was gathering silverleaf for Killian.Three days ago, he had been gravely injured while saving Elena after she ran away from home. The healer said only silverleaf could ensure his full recovery. Unfortunately, the herb only grew on the edge of the Black Forest pack's territory—a pack that had always been hostile toward our Moon Crescent pack.For Killian's sake, I had ventured out alone. I never expected Elena to leak my whereabouts, which led directly to my intentional capture.They wanted to use me to threaten Killian. But when they realized I was completely useless to him, they tore me to pieces in a fit of rage.After I died, my soul floated into the air.I watched those werewolves toss my remains aside like trash. Pieces of me drifted far away down the river until someone from the Moon Crescent pack finally spotted them.The familiar scent instantly put our pack on high alert. Soon, someone brought a femur back to the pack h

Two days after the news spread, I still hadn't appeared. The elders' resentment toward me grew stronger, fueling a rising demand across the pack to strip me of my title. Meanwhile, Killian remained entirely focused on planning Elena’s birthday banquet."Alpha, Sheilah has been missing for five days now!"Layla was my only true friend, and the only person who actually worried about me after I disappeared. Floating in the air, I could clearly see the growing disgust in Killian's eyes as he stared at her with utter impatience."She’s just throwing a tantrum because she hates how well I treat Elena!" Killian snapped. "She’ll drag herself back here once the birthday party starts."I won't, Killian. I'm never coming back.In the air, my soul wept, mourning the years I had wasted on him. Killian, haven't you noticed? Without the silverleaf to fully heal your wounds, your power is draining away. If you would just stop blocking our mind-link, you would know that I am already dead."Layla,

Having failed to extort him, the Black Forest pack cut off my head to humiliate Killian. Elena shrieked and buried herself in Killian's chest, leaving my head to roll across the floor.The moment Killian saw it, his expression changed completely. For the first time, he pushed Elena away and walked over to the head, trembling as he forced himself to look closer. He brushed aside the tangled hair, revealing my face with undeniable clarity.From the air, I watched shock take over Killian's face. His skin turned deathly pale as he gathered my head into his arms. Suddenly, unable to handle the overwhelming trauma, he blacked out.When Killian finally woke, only Elena was by his side. "You're finally awake!" she said, gently helping him up just as she always did. "The healer said you're in shock and very weak right now. I made your favorite meat broth."This time, Killian shoved her away. "Get out," he muttered, keeping his head down.Elena gave him a resentful look but ultimately left

"Of course. When do you want to go?" Killian asked lazily.Elena sat up. "How about tomorrow? The place where Sheilah died is near the Black Forest territory. Killian, is it really okay?" she asked, her tone heavy with cautious testing.Killian suddenly smiled. "It's fine. As long as it makes my Elena happy, I'll go anywhere with you."He took Elena's hand, his eyes filled with a deep, simulated affection. "Sheilah is already dead. Once we return, we can form our mate bond. My dear Miss Elena, would you do me the honor?"Elena beamed. "I'd love to."Suddenly realizing they had just been discussing a memorial for me, Elena quickly wiped the smile from her face. She cupped Killian's cheeks, looking like an innocent, sweet girl worrying over her older sister. "But what about Sheilah?"Killian sneered. "That stupid she-wolf? She got what she deserved!"'Yes! I was a stupid she-wolf,' my soul echoed bitterly. Stupid enough to ever believe a single word you said.Once Elena left late