Chapter 4

My cure for silver poisoning saved countless werewolves. Alphas from neighboring packs came to our territory offering heavy gold to buy it.

The Elders decided to hold a grand launch event.

The night before the launch, Lucas was unusually excited.

He hugged me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder.

"Elena, tomorrow's event isn't just about our pack becoming wealthy. It's the start of our new life."

"After this is over, we will hold the Marking Ceremony. You will become my true Luna, okay?"

I didn't pull away. I just closed my eyes.

My wolf didn't even blink at the mention of the marking.

There would be no new life. And no marking.

I fell asleep to his rambling.

The next day, Lucas wore the Alpha suit I had sewn for him.

When we arrived at the venue, Sarah was already there.

She was wearing the Moon Silk robe passed down to Lunas through generations, moving among the guests like the hostess.

seeing us, she smiled and came over to take Lucas's arm.

Lucas subtly avoided her touch, then looked at me seriously.

He took me to the door of a closed temporary lab backstage.

"Elena, there are too many Alphas here. We're out of stock. You must brew 100 bottles of the cure right now. I can only stand on stage confidently if you are brewing back here."

Lucas held my shoulders, his eyes full of suffocating "trust."

"As for Sarah, she needs the title of Lead Researcher and Chief Healer for protection. You are my supportive wife, you won't fight her for false fame, right?"

"Just run the slideshow of Sarah's research process for me from back here. I only trust you."

I looked at him.

I looked at the man giving the credit for my hard work to another woman.

I didn't expose him. I just nodded. "Okay, I'll go in."

Lucas sighed in relief and kissed my forehead.

"Thank you. These 100 bottles are important to the pack. Wait for me. I have a surprise for you after this."

A surprise?

I didn't care.

I walked into the lab and looked at the raw materials. I sneered.

Since he wanted 100 bottles, I would give him 100 bottles.

Half an hour later, I finished the work and notified the staff.

Lucas was satisfied with the crates of product. He took Sarah to the center stage amidst thunderous applause.

That was supposed to be my spot.

That was supposed to be my glory.

Lucas took the microphone, looking high on power.

He seemed to truly love me, in his twisted, disgusting way.

He spoke deeply to the closed corner of the lab in front of everyone:

"Elena, do you see this? Half this glory is yours."

"You stand in the dark, but you are the one who makes me shine."

"I love you."

Lucas thought I would be moved to tears backstage.

I was "moved."

I looked at the glittering stage and slowly pressed the remote control I had prepared.

Today was the day of my rebirth.

Beep.

The promotional video on the big screen went black.

A second later, the image changed.

The crowd went dead silent, then erupted into chaos.

It wasn't Sarah's fake research process. It was explicit texts and intimate photos of Sarah and Lucas.

[Lucas, I want the Chief Healer position. Let that old hag work in the back.]

[Don't worry baby, she is my Mate. She was born to serve us.]

Then, a video of Sarah failing to identify basic herbs in the lab.

Finally, my pre-recorded voiceover played:

"I am Elena. Lucas and Sarah stole my research. More importantly—the 100 bottles of 'miracle cure' sold today are just diluted mint water. Alphas, do not be fooled."

The screen froze on Lucas's terrified face.

In the chaos, I was already in an armored off-road vehicle heading for the border.

I started the engine and crossed the blockade.

Goodbye, Lucas.