Chapter 3

Later, while I was researching treatments, I was hospitalized again for silver poisoning.

This time, the infirmary was empty. Not even an apprentice was there.

In cold sweat from the pain, I called Lucas, hoping he would visit or bring me some recovery potions.

The phone connected, but the background noise was a busy mall and Sarah's happy laughter.

"Lucas, this Luna dress is perfect for the Moon Ball."

My wolf howled in pain inside me. I rasped, "Where are you? I'm lying in the hospital bed without even water."

Lucas sounded impatient.

"Elena, stop being so dramatic. Sarah just started working here. I'm helping her buy decent clothes to maintain the pack's image. It's official business."

"You're lying in bed. I'm not a healer, what use am I there?"

He hung up.

I listened to the disconnect tone and laughed.

Tears ran down the corners of my eyes into my ears, cold and biting.

To him, I wasn't a mate. I was a tool.

Once out of order, I had no value.

I pulled out the IV needle.

Blood stained the sheets.

I didn't bandage it. I just stared at the red stain.

Something inside me died completely.

I went to find the Witch of the Black Forest.

I asked her, "How can my wolf completely give up on a fated mate?"

The Witch stirred her potion, her black eyes staring at me. "Your wolf is stubborn. If I sever the bond now, the pain will destroy your soul. You will become a cripple."

"There is only one way—let your wolf adapt to the pain."

"Face the source of your agony. Submit completely. Give everything until your wolf gets used to the neglect, goes numb from pain, and voluntarily gives up."

So.

The first thing I did after discharge was find Lucas.

I didn't scream or question him. I put on makeup and submissively apologized.

Lucas looked at me, a flash of triumph in his eyes.

"That's right, Elena. You know I still love you, as long as you obey."

We "reconciled."

As if the damage never happened.

To make my wolf completely "numb," I took over the task of caring for Sarah.

I even took in Lucas's mother, who had always looked down on my background.

I woke up at 5 AM every day to polish Lucas's armor, cook beauty porridge for Sarah, and massage his mother's swollen legs.

Sarah accepted my service, occasionally acting fake-apologetic: "Elena, I'm sorry you have to serve us like a low-ranking Omega."

Lucas didn't defend me. He hugged Sarah's waist approvingly.

"Nonsense. This is Elena's kindness."

He turned to me with a condescending tone:

"See, Elena? This is what a good Luna looks like. You don't need pampering; you just need to be useful to this family."

"Being needed is the highest form of love I can give you."

I smiled and nodded, wiping the table. My heart was terrifyingly calm.

A month passed.

Lucas, whose face once made my wolf howl with joy, now looked greasy and hypocritical.

Every compliment he gave me accelerated my detachment.

In my eyes, he transformed from an Alpha into a clown.

Finally.

One sunny afternoon.

I realized my wolf no longer reacted to Lucas's betrayal.

She was tired. She finally agreed to reject Lucas.

I had been packing my bags gradually.

The Alpha of the Northern Ice Plains Pack valued my healing talent and had offered me a position. I accepted.