Chapter 4

Kane had everything prepared within minutes. The terrace was laid with fur rugs, the long table set with wine and small dishes, moon lamps placed all around that wouldn't be blown out by the wind. He even dismissed all the servants, leaving just the two of us.

"You used to always pick fights with me." Kane filled my glass. "Never gave me the mood to have a drink with you."

I watched the amber liquid swirl in my cup and said nothing.

He took my silence as agreement, his spirits lifting even more.

"Now you're much better behaved. I'll make time for you whenever I can from now on." He leaned back in his chair, already painting the future. "Tomorrow, I'll have the nursery set up. And I hope it's a little she-wolf." He looked at me, a smile in his eyes. "She'll have your silver hair and your eyes. When she grows up, I'll teach her to hunt myself."

My fingers tightened around the wine glass.

The pup that should have been loved by both of us was already cold blood washed away. And he was still planning a future for a pup that didn't exist.

That empty place in my belly tore open again. The pain made it hard to breathe.

"Evelyn, what's wrong?" Kane reached over and covered my hand, his face full of concern. "You look terrible."

I looked at him.

This was how Kane used to look at me. Back when he'd just become Alpha of Blackwood. He'd stood outside the Moon Temple alone, pursuing me. A blizzard had cut off the mountain pass, his body covered in frost, clutching a Silvermoon Bloom in his hand.

"Don't give me that talk about the Moon Goddess's will. Don't tell me you're destined to be a priestess." His eyes had burned with stubborn, pure light. "I want you to be my Luna. Not even the Moon Goddess can stop me."

Looking at him, I'd finally given in.

For me, he'd chosen to fight the whole world alone. And for him, I'd given up my position as priestess. Given up everything the Moon Temple had given me.

But now, he didn't even know our pup was dead.

I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat and prepared to tell him the truth.

"Kane, there's something I need to tell you—"

Hurried footsteps echoed from outside the terrace. A guard rushed over and dropped to one knee at the foot of the steps.

"Alpha, Beta's personal maid is here to see you."

Kane reached out and cut me off without thinking. "Bring her in right away."

I bit down on my lower lip. The taste of iron filled my mouth.

The maid entered with her head lowered, her voice shaking.

"Beta accidentally cut her finger on a silver dagger. The wound won't stop bleeding."

Just a small cut from a silver blade. But Kane's expression shifted instantly. He stood up to leave, didn't even glance at me.

"Take me there."

I watched his retreating back and felt nothing but bitter irony.

Three days ago, I'd knelt in front of the Moonspring gates clutching my stomach, and he'd called it a minor issue. Now Selena had a tiny cut, and he couldn't wait a single moment.

Kane took two steps, then seemed to remember something. He turned back.

"Right. What were you about to say?"

Moonlight fell across his face, illuminating those eyes I'd once loved so deeply.

I looked at him, and whatever warmth I had left turned to ash.

"Nothing." I raised my glass and took a small sip. "Go ahead."

Kane hesitated, studying me. Maybe my expression was too calm. He frowned slightly but didn't press.

"Wait for me here. I'll be back soon."

Then he followed the maid off the terrace.

Only when his footsteps faded completely did I stand and return to my room.

The small, pitifully light bag by the bed was already packed. Inside were only my old priestess robes, the purification prayer book, and the pup charm that would never be used again.

Seven years. Nothing worth taking with me.

I lifted the bag and walked out of the Alpha's estate. The heavy gates closed slowly behind me.

I crossed the Blackpine forest, passed the watchtowers, and stepped over the last patrol line. The territory marker was bathed in moonlight, like a thin coat of frost.

I stepped across the boundary.

An ancient voice spoke beside my ear.

"Moon Goddess be praised. You've finally come back."