Chapter 3

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, remember your place," Killian warned coldly. He was eager to see Elena and had no time to waste on pointless conversations about me.

The moment he stepped out of the room, Elena flew into his arms like a little bird. "Killian, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" she asked, acting the part of the devoted, caring mate.

He shook his head. "I'm fine."

"Is it because of Sheilah?" The smile faded from Elena's face. "I know she hates me. That's why I’ve decided to leave the pack once my birthday party is over."

I watched her look up at him, wearing a practiced, martyr-like smile.

Beside them, Elder Misa frowned. "But Miss Elena, your talent for potion-making is remarkable. The Moon Crescent pack cannot afford to lose you."

A flicker of unease crossed Elena's face. Of course she was nervous—she didn't have a single shred of actual talent. Every single one of her successful potions had been stolen from me. She was nothing but a lazy she-wolf who spent her days clinging to Killian; she had never spent a single second studying the grueling art of alchemy.

Elena forced a conflicted expression. "But Sheilah is coming back soon. If I stay and she misunderstands my intentions again, thinking I’m trying to steal her title as Luna, it will only cause more trouble. She used to contribute so much to the pack. I can't steal her place."

Killian didn't care. "That was in the past. Sheilah has turned into a malicious, bitter she-wolf. If she dares to bully you behind my back again, just tell me. I won't let her hurt you ever again."

Elder Misa chimed in immediately. "Exactly, Miss Elena. We’ve all seen your dedication to this pack. We will protect you."

"Elena, why are you so afraid of Sheilah?" Killian pressed, narrowing his eyes. "Did she threaten you again?"

Under his relentless questioning, Elena finally lowered her voice, squeezing out a reply. "Actually... I accidentally caught Sheilah sneaking around with a werewolf from the Black Forest pack. They were being... very intimate. She threatened to kill me if I ever told anyone."

The moment the lie left her lips, the elders erupted in fury.

"What? She dares to betray our Alpha?!"

"You should sever the mate bond immediately! Let Elena be our new Luna!"

They believed her transparent lies without a second thought.

From above, I watched Killian ball his hands into tight fists. "Enough," he growled, his face dark with rage. "When she returns, I will personally interrogate her."

I let out a bitter laugh. He had never believed my clear, logical explanations, yet he swallowed Elena's fabricated words instantly. A deep bitterness washed over my soul. I found myself desperate to see his face on the day he finally discovered that I had been murdered.