The Lunar Vow He Broke, So I Took Our Pup and Fled the Pack

(Eirenes POV)

This year, during the Moon Renewal Festival, my mate, Alpha Layton Blackhollow, did something I never expected.

He told me to leave the Blackhollow Pack for a vacation. He even arranged a seven-day journey to the Northern Moon Kingdom beyond the Frostfang Sea.

I thought he had finally learned how to care for me.

Then I overheard him speaking with our son.

Father, you already completed the moon bond with Aunt Renzia. What about Mother?

My sons voice was soft and confused.

It is only a false mating ritual.

Layton laughed quietly. Be a good pup, Elion. This stays between us. Do not tell your mother and I will buy you the wolf carved chariot you wanted.

My mind rang like a war bell. I stood frozen for a long moment before walking downstairs and into the freezing night wind.

If he wanted to reclaim the years he lost with Renzia Wildmoor, then I had every right to chase the dreams I abandoned for this pack.

Once I left for the Northern Moon Kingdoms, I would never return.

***

After calming myself, I walked back upstairs and nearly collided with Layton Blackhollow in the corridor.

I looked at his bright crimson tunic and frowned. I thought you hated wearing red.

That was before. Crimson is popular in the royal packs this year. Besides, I am helping a friend try on ceremonial mating robes, so I thought I should dress properly.

Layton threw out excuses without stopping. But then it struck me.

Red was Renzia Wildmoors favorite color.

Ever since Renzia returned from the Moonshadow Kingdom overseas, Laytons wardrobe had slowly filled with crimson cloaks, crimson boots, even crimson sleepwear.

The signs had always been there.

Trying on mating robes? I can take you there.

I kept my tone calm. No, no, thats not necessary.

Layton shook his head so quickly it almost looked funny. Why would a woman want to join mens business? I will bring gifts back for you and Elion when I return.

He kissed my forehead, refused to stay another second and rushed out the door.

A sharp ache twisted through my chest. I almost called after him, but in the end, I only lowered my head silently.

Everyone believed Layton Blackhollow and I were the perfect bonded pair. A legendary romance among the wolf packs and an unmatched force in the Alpha Kingdoms trade alliance.

He never cared that I came from a weak and nameless pack. He chose me as his mate without hesitation.

For years, I worked day and night, helping Blackhollow Pack survive countless financial disasters. Many called me cold, tireless, more machine than wolf.

Ten years together. We raised a beautiful son and rebuilt Blackhollow Pack into one of the strongest territories in the eastern kingdoms.

And only now did I realize that Renzia Wildmoor had always lived inside Layton Blackhollows heart.

I stepped through the front door.

Mother.

Elion ran over and wrapped his small arms around my legs. No matter what happens, you will never leave Father and me, right?

It was as if he sensed everything. Fear filled his little face.

Pain stabbed through my chest. I crouched down and gently stroked his hair.

If Mother and Father separated one day, who would you choose to stay with?

Elion froze. Then tears slowly filled his eyes. I am sorry.

I pulled him into my arms.

Mother is going to prepare dinner now, alright?

Elion was only eight years old. The pain between two adults should never become a pups burden.

We could have hired palace servants to cook, but Elion and Layton both loved the meals I made myself. I knew every preference and every dislike they had.

That night, I prepared Elions favorite dishes. Tomato scrambled eggs, giant meatballs seasoned with mountain herbs and fresh egg pancakes cooked over the firestone stove.

The moment Elion saw the table, he burst into tears. He looked up at me.

Mother, you already know about Aunt Renzia completing the moon bond with Father, dont you?

Father told me it is only a false mating ritual. Mother, please dont be angry, alright? Father loves you.

I let out a quiet sigh and held Elion tightly in my arms.

I knew.

His young heart could not understand the complicated truths of the adult world. He only believed his father and wished with all his heart for his mother and father to remain together.

(Eirenes POV)

Sadly, the world of adults was never that simple.

After dinner, I noticed a post on the MoonNet from one of Layton's so called pack brothers and my eyes narrowed immediately.

The ceremonial mating robe photos did not show his face, but the tiny red mark near the neck was impossible to mistake.

Layton had the same mark.

In another image, a man and woman held hands beneath the moonlight, fingers tightly linked together. On the man's finger was a pale mark left behind by a ring.

The moonstone watch on his wrist was familiar.

It belonged to Renzia.

The caption read: "The moon I once lost has returned to shine on my world again."

Those words looked painfully familiar.

I hurried into the study chamber and pushed aside Layton's magic tablet. Beneath it rested an old journal.

The moment I opened it, I saw the exact same sentence written across the page. Every clue led to the same answer.

This account did not belong to one of Layton's friends. It was Layton's own secret account.

"A journey to the Northern Moon Kingdom. A fake mating ceremony and a false identity. Layton just to fool me and stay beside Renzia, you truly created such ridiculous lies."

I whispered bitterly to myself before lifting my communication crystal and sending a message.

[Save a place for me in the alliance. And ask your legal mage to prepare a separation contract.]

Months ago, Sven Greymoss invited me to join a trading alliance in the Northern Moon Kingdom. He offered me thirty percent ownership without asking me to invest a single gold coin. The other partners agreed because they trusted my abilities.

But I had a mate and a pup. I only wanted peace and stability, so I refused him again and again.

Now it was time to stop trapping myself.

Near midnight, Layton stumbled into the pack house, smelling strongly of alcohol. He brought no gifts.

His collar hung loose and a bright lipstick stain marked his shirt. He looked terrible.

"Moonlight, you are still awake? Waiting for me again?" He grinned lazily. "You really know how to keep me nervous."

Then he walked straight toward the bath chamber.

Before this, he would always pull me into his arms first.

The thought made my chest ache heavily.

Suddenly, I heard soft crying and quickly rushed toward Elion's room.

"What happened? Did you see a nightmare?"

Elion shook his head. His small finger pointed toward the glowing crystal screen.

I lowered my eyes.

Kiera, Renzias daughter, had posted a new update on the crystal network. She sat before a pink enchanted piano while hugging a magic tablet, smiling brightly.

The caption read: Thank you to the greatest father in the world for giving me a custom made moonlight piano.

"Mother, I saw that piano on Father's magic tablet. The crystal tablet too."

That single sentence almost broke me completely. At last, I understood why Elion was crying.

Layton always said, "Male pups must be raised strictly, or they will grow wasteful and spoiled."

Because of that, he treated Elion harshly. Whenever Elion wanted a toy or gift, Layton almost always refused. Even Elion's communicator was an old one I secretly passed down to him myself.

Whenever possible, I would sneak Elion out of the territory to have fun. But every time Layton discovered it, he would become angry with me

That was why he tried to buy Elion's silence earlier with a toy chariot.

And before leaving today, he promised to bring gifts for both me and Elion. Yet he returned with empty hands.

Lying to me was already painful enough.

But how could he shower another woman's daughter with endless love and expensive gifts while treating his own son with such coldness and deception?

"It is alright, sweetheart. From now on, Mother will buy you anything you want."

I stayed beside Elion until he finally fell asleep, then returned to the living room and sat quietly on the couch.

The moment Layton walked out from the bath chamber, I forced down my anger and looked at him.

"Didnt you promise to bring Elion a gift?"

"Oh, I forgot."

Layton laughed awkwardly before walking over to hug me. "I will get him something next time. Besides, boys should be raised tough anyway."

(Eirenes POV)

Layton spoke gently while his fingers brushed against my cheek.

There was once a time when my wolf responded to him without thought. A simple touch from him could shake my entire heart.

Now I felt absolutely nothing.

"I noticed Kiera always gets everything she wants. Her family buys her anything immediately. Today she was sitting beside a pink enchanted piano while holding a crystal tablet and smiling happily."

I spoke on purpose, making sure the meaning behind my words reached him.

Layton stiffened for a moment before suddenly losing his temper. He stood up quickly, his brows tightly furrowed.

"Why do you always compare Elion to other pups? It is only a gift. Just one gift. Why are you speaking in such a sarcastic way? Are you trying to start an argument?"

"Does Elion really want the presents, or is this actually about you?"

I stayed silent. I only lifted my eyes and looked directly at him.

The air between us instantly became tense.

Layton seemed to lose confidence first. He looked away and when he spoke again, his tone became much softer.

"Moonlight, lets not fight. The day after tomorrow is Elion's birthday. I promise I already prepared a huge surprise for him. Just stay happy these next few days and prepare for your journey to the Northern Moon Kingdom."

I nodded lightly before leaving for the study under the excuse of handling pack documents.

***

The next day

During the council meeting of Blackhollow Pack, Renzia suddenly spoke, "While Luna Eirene is away on her trip, someone will need to manage her responsibilities, correct? Then I would like to take over."

A smile curled across her lips while her eyes stayed fixed on mine, filled with clear provocation.

The entire hall fell silent. But then everyone turned toward Layton, waiting for his answer.

It was only a seven-day journey. Layton himself or one of the deputy Alphas could easily manage things.

No one expected Renzia to openly demand authority right in front of me.

How ridiculous.

"Do as Renzia suggested."

Layton inhaled deeply before looking at me.

"Eirene, simply enjoy your vacation. Leave the pack matters to Renzia. She is capable enough."

Silence filled the room once more.

This time, every gaze landed on me.

"Eirene, you dont truly believe I am trying to steal your position, right?" Renzia smiled wider, her voice full of challenge.

Everyone could feel the tension spreading through the hall like fire.

In ten years within Blackhollow Pack, everyone knew I was decisive and not someone easily bullied.

Even Layton looked nervous. But I simply smiled.

"Fine. I agree."

Nobody expected me to give up authority so easily. Only Layton looked visibly relieved as a faint smile appeared on his face.

Before Renzia could speak again, I stood up and walked out of the council hall, but Layton quickly chased after me and grabbed my hand from behind.

"Moonlight, please listen to me first"

"Listen to what? That this entire council meeting was arranged to humiliate me?" I turned around and interrupted him immediately.

Even without my words, anyone could see that Layton was clearing a path for Renzia by stepping over me. And it all began with the journey to the Northern Moon Kingdoms.

His plans were far deeper than I imagined. I could not believe I failed to notice it before.

"Moonlight, let me explain."

Layton opened his arms and tightly hugged me while speaking sincerely, "Renzia is talented. She deserves a chance to prove herself and bring new strength to the pack. I had no other option. This was the best solution I could think of."

"When you return, I will make you Vice Leader of Blackhollow Pack. I hope you understand my position."

Vice Leader?

What a joke.

Since the founding of Blackhollow Pack, that title had never existed. Just like all his promises about Elion's birthday surprise.

Nothing more than empty words.

"Layton, for ten years, all I ever did was understand you. Compromise for you. Accept every difficult position you pushed onto me."

I paused for several seconds before finally speaking with a quiet sigh, "But I think you are right."

"Moonlight, you truly are the best."

Layton actually believed I was no longer upset.

After throwing out that praise, he immediately turned around and walked back into the council hall.

(Eirenes POV)

I was packing my things inside the Blackhollow Pack Hall when Renzia stepped into the chamber.

Tonight, Im treating the whole pack to a feast. You should come too!

She smiled proudly.

Im busy, I answered calmly, picked up my belongings and turned to leave.

Behind me, Renzias voice followed, You stayed beside him for ten years, yet it means nothing. One look from Alpha Layton is worth more than all your years together.

This time, I stayed quiet.

That afternoon, Renzia sent a message in the Alpha Council group.

[I finally became Luna Advisor today! Feast is on me tonight, everyone!]

Layton did not stop her. Instead, he was the first to answer. Soon after, he sent me a private message.

[Do not think too much about it, Moonlight.]

I never replied.

That night, Layton and Renzia celebrated with the whole pack. Meanwhile, I was inside our territory manor, packing suitcases.

Mother.

Elion ran toward me and pulled my hand. Mother, are you leaving? Can you wait a little longer?

Tomorrow is my birthday. You promised there would be a big surprise, remember? Im going to wish for you and Father to stay together forever. And for Father not to choose Aunt Renzia as his Luna. Hell agree. I know he will!

His little face was full of fear as his words came out in a rush.

Okay. I nodded softly.

But Layton never returned that night, while Elion and I stayed awake the entire time.

Father must be preparing my surprise.

Elion stared outside the window while pale moonlight slowly faded into dawn.

But one hour passed. Then another. The sun rose and fell again and darkness covered the territory once more. Layton still did not come home.

At last, I could not hold back anymore and called him.

Today is your sons birthday. Where is the surprise you promised him?

Oh, right Look inside the drawer beside the bed. There are portal tickets to the Northern Moon Kingdom. Take Elion there for a trip!

Layton laughed lightly. Im overloaded with pack matters today. I have to go.

The crystal call ended immediately.

I turned around and pulled the tickets from the drawer.

So this was the truth. Elion had already become another obstacle standing between Layton and the life he truly wanted.

At nearly the same moment, Laytons secret account updated again on MoonNet.

[Engaged! When you truly love someone, you give her everything she desires.]

Attached was a picture of a territory transfer contract.

My hands tightened into fists.

Ten years

For ten whole years, I exhausted myself for the Blackhollow Pack, carrying the burden of ten council divisions alone. From pack laws to kingdom expansion plans, from choosing allied packs to searching for silver mines and sacred lands, I gave every piece of my soul to build everything.

Yet all I ever received was the pay of an ordinary council manager.

And now, everything I created was handed directly to Renzia, a woman who contributed nothing at all.

Mother, Father isnt coming back, is he?

My sons crying voice pulled me back.

I turned around. Elion was holding his crystal communicator with shaking hands. On the screen, Renzias daughter Kiera had updated her MoonNet page too.

[Thank you, Father, for the little mooncake you baked for me yourself!]

For a pup, it was a cruel wound.

Mother, I dont want to stay here anymore. Please take me with you?

Elion wiped away his tears while speaking.

Okay, Son.

I nodded through my own tears, finished packing everything, left the mating bond dissolution papers on the table and walked out of the manor with Elion.

We boarded the portal carriage bound for the Northern Moon Kingdom.

***

Layton and Renzia held their mating ceremony, spent several days on their moon blessing journey and never bothered returning home afterward. Instead, he went directly back to the Alpha Hall for a regular council meeting.

His eyes swept across the room before he frowned.

Where is my Luna? Why isnt she here?

Everyone shook their heads.

She probably lost track of time while traveling through the Northern Moon Kingdom.

Layton muttered to himself, stood up, walked out of the council chamber and activated his communication crystal.

Hey, Moonlight. Youve never missed a council meeting in your life. Why arent you here? Are you still not back from the Northern Moon Kingdom?!