The Luna He Rejected Was the True Heir

Selene's POV

I'm sorry,the healer said the moment my eyes opened.Your pup did not survive.You lost too much blood.We tried everything.

My throat felt like dry bark.

My mate,I whispered.Caelan...did he come?

Her expression fell.No one has come for you,my lady.

Tears ran down my face as the stone walls blurred.

Three days ago,I pressed my fingers to the Communication Stone until it burned.Ninety-nine pulses.Twenty pleas lost in its silver light.

Send the pack escort.I am in labor.

The Eastern Path has collapsed.I cannot cross.

I am bleeding.

When no one answered,I reached through the Stone to Caelan's war chamber.

"I am in labor,"I cried."Where is Caelan?"

His attendant paused."The Alpha is not here.He took the Blood Moon Carriage to bring his pregnant mate to the Sacred Den.May I take a message?"

The world went quiet.

"Pregnant...mate?"The words came out smaller than a breath.

"You are mistaken.I am his mate.I am the one in labor."

A contraction tore through me.I cried out,clutching my belly.

"Tell him it's Selene,"I gasped."Tell him to come now."

"I'm sorry,my lady.I think the Stone found the wrong chamber."

"Please...call Caelan..."But the Stone had already gone cold.

Pain took over.My vision went dark.

"Caelan."His name left my lips like the last hope of a dying flame.

He did not come.Then there was nothing.

"Here is your Stone."The healer pressed it into my shaking hands,then left me alone with the quiet.

I held it against my chest and waited for his warmth to come through it.

When we first mated,Caelan could not go an hour without reaching for me.Once I was gone for three hours.He searched the whole territory.

I searched the Stone's memory.Nothing from Caelan.Nothing from my parents.Nothing from Verra.

Then a pact announcement scroll opened across its surface.

I pressed my palm to it:Caelan,my parents,and Verra in the Sacred Den's finest birthing chamber.A newborn pup in her arms.

One word at the bottom of the scroll:

Family.

I found another scroll sent three days ago.The very hour I had been laboring alone on the forest ground.

Verra sat inside the Blood Moon Carriage,her lips pressed to Caelan's jaw.Moon Goddess Flowers were braided through her hair.

The Eastern Path collapsed and he would not let me be stranded.He carried me here himself.He takes such good care of me.

Such a devoted Alpha.

Blessed by the Moon Goddess herself.

So while I bled out alone on the road,Verra was the one he rode through the dark to save.

My grip tightened around the Stone until my knuckles went white.

Her father was my father's Beta.He died saving him,losing his wolf in the act.As payment,my father raised Verra as his own.

She grew up in my home.What I never knew was that she had Caelan's heart too,before my father arranged our mating.

When Caelan nearly died in the border war,Verra gave a piece of her wolf-soul to save him.I watched and felt grateful.

But when he opened his eyes,gratitude became something more.He answered her calls before mine.He lingered near her too long.

I told him how it felt.

"I love you.Not her."

"I am repaying what she gave me."

"She saved my life."

I believed him.I silenced the wolf inside me and told myself I was jealous.

When Verra came back pregnant,my parents were furious.I shielded her.Brewed her teas.Cared for her pregnancy alongside my own.

And now her face was on a pact announcement scroll beside Caelan's name.

My hands trembled as I pushed myself from the healing furs.Pain shot through my legs but I barely felt it.

Caelan.My parents.Verra.All in a chamber at the far end.Verra's voice stopped me just outside the door.

"I feel so guilty,"she whispered."Selene's pup...I never wanted this."

"Stop."Caelan's answer came at once."You did nothing wrong.We had no choice."

"Selene's son was the only spirit-compatible vessel,"he said."The seers confirmed it.His was the only soul strong enough."

"You truly used his soul-essence?"Verra asked.

"Yes."No pause.No regret."He came into the world strong.The transfer held."

My mother cut in."She should be grateful.She never saw you as an equal for twenty-two years.Saving your child is how she repays that."

"When your time comes,the pup will need someone.Selene can raise him.That is enough for her,"my father said.

"You gave your life for mine,"Caelan said."I could not let our son die.Not when I am already losing you."

"Thank you,"she whispered."For saving him.For this one wish."

He kissed her forehead.The Moon Goddess Flower glowed softly beside her.

"You are worth everything,"he said.

The grief that came was not loud.It simply settled,cold and heavy.

My parents had known all along.They watched me protect her and give everything.They said nothing.

Caelan had looked me in the eye every day and said words he did not mean.

Together they had agreed to take my son's soul.

I found the washroom.My knees gave out at the basin.Nausea rose in my throat.Tears came without sound.

The wolf inside me did not howl.She simply lay down.

"Dearest sister."Verra's voice was smooth and slow."I saw you at my door.Why didn't you come in?"

She stood wrapped in birthing furs.The gentle face she wore for the world was gone.What remained I had always seen and never named.

A smile.Quiet and satisfied.

"You."The word broke apart in my mouth.

"I have waited so long for this."Her eyes swept over me."The good sister.The dying girl.And now look at you.Broken.Just as you should be."

"Why?"My voice cracked."What did I ever do to you?"

"You lived my life."All softness left her."Caelan was mine.My father died for yours.What did I get?You in my place.You with my mate."

"You could have had everything,"I sobbed."Why did you take my son?"

"Because I want no trace of you left,"she said."And the dying wolf act made everyone do exactly what I needed."

She tilted her head."But here is the truth.I do not have spirit rot.I never did."

"You lied,"I breathed."For years.To all of them."

"I'll tell them.I'll tell the whole pack."

She laughed,soft and unbothered."No one will believe you.Not after this."

Before I could move,she drove her own head into the stone wall.Then she dropped to the floor and screamed.

"Caelan...help me...she is going to kill me!"

The door burst open.Caelan's eyes found Verra on the floor.Then me.His face closed like a gate.

"What have you done?!"he roared.

Selene's POV

I stared at Caelan as he crossed the room and grabbed my wrist.His face was twisted with anger.

"How dare you hurt her when you know she is sick!"he snarled."Do you want to kill her?"

"If I could,I wouldn't hesitate,"I shot back.

My voice shook but I did not pull away.He went still.He was not used to that.In all the years we had been together,I had always been the one to cower and beg for peace.Not anymore.

His grip tightened."When did you become this wicked,Selene?Your jealousy has made you ugly."

"Please don't fight because of me."Verra's soft voice floated across the room."Selene didn't do anything.I just lost my balance."

Caelan walked to her at once.He picked her up like she was made of glass and held her against his chest.

"You're too kind,Verra.I'm sorry she keeps doing this to you."

A hollow laugh left my throat."Kind?You call this kind?I heard everything,Caelan.The soul transfer.What you all did to my pup.I know."

Guilt crossed his face for just a moment.Then it was gone.

"If I had told you,you would not have agreed,"he said flatly.

The walls of the washroom felt like they were closing in.

"So you admit it,"I whispered."You got her pregnant and then used my pup's soul to save yours."

"He was my son too,"Caelan snapped."I had the right to decide.Verra is dying.You can have another pup.She cannot."

Something went cold inside me.

"Everyone dies,"I said."Her death will not be special."

Verra whimpered softly against his chest."Please...I never wanted any of this."

Caelan looked at me like I was something he had found rotting in the forest.

"You disgust me,Selene.Your own sister is fading and all you think about is yourself."His voice dropped low."I am sure your dead pup is grateful he will never have to call you mother."

The words hit me like a stone.

My knees buckled.I went down hard onto the cold floor and for a moment I could not hear anything.Just a high ringing in my ears and the sound of my own breathing.

Then slow,unhurried footsteps echoed from the corridor.

My father's voice followed."Well said,Caelan."

I turned.My parents were standing at the end of the hallway,watching.

My mother rushed past me like I was not even there and wrapped her arms around Verra."Oh my poor child.Did she hurt you again?"

My father's eyes settled on me,cold and flat."Selene.What is wrong with you?"

I stared up at them from the floor."You knew,"I whispered."You knew they were taking my pup's soul.You all knew the truth and let me believe lies for months."

My mother did not even flinch."Lower your voice.This is a sacred den."

My father let out a slow,heavy sigh."You should be ashamed.Verra is dying.Instead of standing by her,you are attacking her."

"She lied about having spirit rot!"I cried.

A passing healer slowed in the doorway and looked at me like I had lost my mind.

Caelan's expression went hard.

"That's enough,"he said."Your not the same woman I once knew."He turned to my parents."I think she needs to be seen by the den's mind healers.She is unstable.She is making wild claims about Verra's condition."

My mother nodded without pause."Yes.Her jealousy has finally broken her."

Something cracked inside me.

"You're going to call me mad?"I asked,my voice barely above a sound.

"If that is what it takes to keep Verra safe from you,"Caelan said coldly,"I will not hesitate."

More healers and pack members had gathered near the doorway.I could feel their eyes.Every look was full of pity and judgment.

From the safety of Caelan's chest,Verra looked at me.And smiled.

That was when my tears stopped.

It was strange how fast grief could sharpen into something clear.They had taken my child.They thought I was too broken and too alone to ever stand back up.

They were wrong.

I pushed myself off the floor slowly.I stood straight and looked at all of them with cold eyes.

"You all deserve each other,"I said quietly."And I will make you regret this."

Then I turned and walked away.

I limped back to my chamber and closed the door behind me.

For a long moment I just stood there staring at my reflection in the looking glass.The woman staring back at me was pale and hollow-eyed.She looked like someone who had been buried alive.

But she was still standing.

I picked up my Communication moonstone and pressed my thumb to a pulse I had not sent in six months.

The connection opened almost instantly.

"Uncle Aldric,"I said softly."I am ready to come home."

Six months ago,I had pulled a wounded wolf out of a rogue ambush near the pack's southern border.He turned out to be my uncle,Aldric.

When he recovered,he told me everything.My true parents had died when I was barely three years old.My grandparents had searched for me for years but found nothing.Aldric had never stopped looking.

He told me my grandparents were still alive and had never given up hope.He had been overseeing everything my parents left behind,waiting for the day I came home to claim it.

There was one condition.Before my parents died,they had bound me by betrothal to the son of their most trusted ally.To receive my inheritance,I had to honor that promise and take him as my mate.

I should have gone with Uncle Aldric that same day.

But I was still in love with Caelan then.So I had smiled,thanked my uncle,and told him I could not leave.I told him I already had a mate and I was where I was meant to be.

How wrong I had been.

"Are you sure,Selene?"Aldric's voice was careful and warm."Last time we spoke,you said you were mated.You turned everything down."

"I was wrong,"I said."I will come home and claim what my parents left me.And I will honor their wishes.I will take Damian Ashveil as my mate."

A long pause.Then I heard him exhale in relief.

"Selene...your grandparents will weep with joy when I tell them.When shall I come for you?"

"Give me a few days to settle things here,"I said."But I want the bonding ceremony arranged quickly."

"What bonding ceremony,Selene?"

I looked up.

Caelan stood in the doorway,his eyes sharp and suspicious,his jaw tight.

Selene's POV

I pressed my thumb to the communication moonstone and cut the connection.

"What bonding ceremony were you talking about?"Caelan asked again.

My fingers tightened around the Communication moonstone for just a moment.

"A friend of mine,"I said calmly."She is preparing her bonding rite.She asked me to help."

Caelan studied me.Then he nodded slowly.

"You always loved ceremonies,"he said."You even planned our moon-rite anniversary like a second bonding."

I did not reply.

Three years of being his mate.

For three years,I begged him to acknowledge our bond before the pack.

He had finally agreed.He promised that on our anniversary,the whole territory would know I was his.We were supposed to stand before them together,our newborn pup in our arms.

The anniversary was two days away.

My pup was gone.

And the wolf standing in front of me was the one who had taken him.

I kept my eyes low so Caelan would not see what was burning inside them.

"Why are you here?"I asked quietly.

He seemed relieved that I was not fighting him.

"I know you are hurting,"he said,his voice softening."But I will make it right.Verra only has a few months left.If you can just be a little kind to her...when she is gone,things can go back to how they were."

When she is gone.

The words almost made me laugh out loud.

He had no idea.I had already decided to leave.There was nothing to go back to.There never would be again.

But I simply nodded.

"Alright."

Caelan visibly relaxed.

"Actually,"he continued,"Verra will be leaving the den soon.Could you prepare that healing broth for her?The one with the moon-herb and bone root.You know the one.It helps her strength come back faster."

So that was the real reason he had come.

To ask the wolf whose pup had just been taken to cook for the wolf who helped take him.

Anger moved through my chest like fire through dry grass.

Then I remembered something my mother used to say before she became someone I no longer knew.

If you want to defeat your enemy,never let them see your true face.

I pressed a faint smile onto my lips.

"Of course,"I said.

Caelan blinked."You...agree?"

"Why wouldn't I?"I replied."Verra is my sister."

A satisfied look settled on his face.The look of a wolf who believed he had the situation under control.

"I knew I could count on you."

He stepped forward and moved to press his lips to my forehead.I turned slightly so that his mouth met only air.

"I still feel unwell,"I said.

He paused,then nodded."I will go arrange Verra's release."

The door closed behind him.

The moment it did,the smile left my face.

Two hours later,I walked out of the Sacred Den.

The bright afternoon light washed over me.I had to stop and shield my eyes.I had been inside for three days and the world outside had simply...continued.The trees still stood.The wind still moved through the valley.No one knew that I had buried my pup without a burial.

I pulled my cloak around me and walked to the pack's transit post.

"The lower valley,"I told the escort quietly.

He nodded and we moved.

As the forest passed on either side,my hand moved slowly to my stomach.To the place where my son had been.The pup they had taken.

A dull ache spread through my chest like a chill settling inside me.You deserved to live.

My eyes closed for just a moment.But the tears did not come.If I wept now,they would win.And I would never let them win again.

My Communication moonstone pulsed.It was Elder Brennan,my pack counsel.

"My lady,"his voice was careful."I received your message.Is everything alright?"

"I am fine,"I said."I need you to prepare a few things for me."

"Of course."

"The bond-breaking papers must be ready today.I will sign them in two days."

"Understood."

"And one more thing."

"My true name needs to be restored."

A pause settled on the line.

"You mean the name your uncle spoke of?"

"Yes."

"I want the name Selene of Caelan's pack removed from every record."

Elder Brennan drew a short breath."That will require a formal blood declaration before the Moon Goddess's seal.It is not a small thing."

"I will send you everything you need to begin."

"It can be done,"he said."It will take time to complete.But we can start today."

"Good."

I looked out at the trees moving past.

"My bond has lasted three years,"I said quietly."My leaving will take two days."

Elder Brennan was silent for a moment.Then he said gently,"I understand,my lady.I will handle everything."

"Thank you."

I lowered the Stone and leaned back.

For two more days,I would play the part.The quiet,understanding mate.The good sister.The wolf who had been broken.

And then Selene of Caelan's pack would vanish.

And the world they had built on top of her would begin to crack.

Selene's POV

The moment I stepped through the den's entrance,the smell hit me.

Smoke.Thick and bitter and wrong.

My heart clenched.Something inside me screamed to move faster.

I pushed through the corridor,my steps unsteady,my body still not fully healed,but I could not slow down.The smell grew stronger with every step.

I opened the door to the common chamber and froze.

A stone basin sat in the center of the room.Flames danced inside it,wild and hot,burning something I recognized before my mind could fully process what I was seeing.

Dried stems.Rare petals.Roots wrapped carefully in treated bark-cloth.

They were Mira's herbs.Her entire collection.

My chest seized so hard I lost my breath.

And standing beside the fire,arms folded and smiling,was Verra.

"Oh.You're back,"she said.

"Stop!"My voice cracked as I ran across the room.

I dropped to my knees and reached straight into the flames.Pain tore through my hand,sharp and blinding,but I barely felt it.I grabbed what was left of the nearest bundle.

It crumbled.Turned to ash in my fingers.

"No..."

A broken sound came out of me that I had no name for.

That was the last herb bundle Mira ever gathered.The last thing her hands had prepared.

Mira.

My best friend.Born with a spirit so thin the healers said she would never survive her first shift.She had survived everything,right up until the night she did not.

"Every herb has a purpose,"she used to say,pressing a dried root into my palm."Learn them and you can help someone someday."

She had wanted to become a healer since she was small.Not for glory.But for wolves like herself.The ones born fragile,born into bodies that fought them.She spent years gathering every rare herb she could find,learning each one,dreaming of the cures she would make.

"Keep them safe,Selene,"she said the morning she gave them to me."One day they will save someone."

She gave them to me the morning before the fire.

That night,fire swallowed Caelan's house.Everyone called it an accident.But the scent in the air proved otherwise.Someone had set it deliberately,and no one ever looked into it.

It was Mira who ran in.Not the guards.Not Caelan's warriors.Mira.Small and fragile and afraid of nothing.

She pulled Caelan out with the last of her wolf-strength.By the time the healers reached her,there was almost nothing left to save.

She made me promise,three days before she passed.

"Keep them safe,Selene.Those herbs could heal someone no one else can reach.No matter what happens."

I held her hand and promised.

"Why are you making such a fuss?"

Verra's voice dragged me back.I lifted my head.Her face was unbothered.Almost bored.

"Why?"My voice broke apart."Why did you do this?"

She tilted her head."Do what?"

My burned hands shook as I clenched it into a fist.

"Those were mine!Who gave you the right to touch them?!"

She glanced at the fire like it was of no interest to her at all.

"After the den healers discharged me,Caelan gave me the alpha chamber,"she said lightly."It gets the morning light better than my old room."

My breath stopped.The alpha chamber was mine.

"He also said I could deal with your things however I saw fit."

Her lips curved.

"Those herbs smelled like decay,"she said."Like death stored in jars.Something that unpleasant does not belong in the alpha chamber."

She paused."Maybe that is why your pup never had the luck to take his first breath."

Something inside me broke completely.

"You evil creature!"

I shot up to my feet,my eyes bloodshot,my hand already moving.

A grip caught my wrist mid-air.

"Enough!"

Caelan.

His grip was tight and strong,like I was the one who had done something wrong.

"How dare you raise your hand to her?"he said."She just gave birth."

A hollow laugh escaped my mouth."She burned everything.Those were Mira's herbs.Years of work.Gone."

"So what?"

The two words landed quietly,dangerously,more than shouting ever could.

"So what?"I stared at him."Mira saved your life!She was the most fragile wolf in this pack and when someone set your house on fire she ran in.Not your guards.Not your warriors.Her.And it killed her!"

Caelan's face tightened with irritation."I didn't ask her to."

The ground felt like it shifted.

"How..."My voice came out tiny.

"How can you say that?"

"That was years ago,"he said,coldly.

"She is gone.Those things do not matter anymore.You need to stop living in the past."

Each word pressed hard like a stone being laid on top of my chest.

"You have no soul,"I whispered.

"Stop making a scene,"he said."The pup is sleeping.I will not have you waking him."

My pup was dead.And I was being asked to be quiet for hers.

I smiled.It was the most bitter thing I had ever felt on my face.

Verra pressed herself softly against Caelan's arm.

"I didn't mean any harm,"she said gently."I only thought those herbs did not belong here anymore.I was trying to help."

Her eyes met mine for just a moment.They were bright with private laughter.

My whole body shook.

"I never asked for your help,"I said."You lying,evil"

"Enough,"Caelan cut me off."Say one more word and you will regret it."

"Let go of me!"I pulled from his grip.The burned skin on my hand strong.

Then a kick connected with my side.

Pain exploded through my body.I went down hard,the air leaving me all at once.I lay on the cold stone floor and could not breathe.My chest heaved and nothing came in.

"I'm sorry!"Verra gasped,her voice all soft and shocked."She was going to hit you.I reacted without thinking!"

"It is alright,"Caelan said,wrapping an arm around her."You were protecting me.She is the one who brought this on."

My fingers curled against the floor.

My hand burned.My side pounded.My chest ached.

None of it came close to what was inside.

They had taken my pup.Now they had burned the last piece of Mira I had.Every herb she gathered.Every cure she never got to make.

"Keep them safe,Selene.Those herbs could heal someone no one else can reach."

I had promised her.

A tear slid down my face unto the cold stone floor.I had not been able to keep it.

The edges of my vision darkened.The last thing I saw before everything went dark was Verra,placed safely and warm against Caelan's side,watching me with quiet,satisfied eyes.

Selene's POV

Pain was the first thing I felt when I woke up.

My side hurt badly.My burned hand hurt too.For a moment I just lay there and stared at the ceiling.

Then it all came back.The fire.Mira's herbs.Caelan's cold voice.My dead pup.

My fingers curled against the floor.

I looked around.No one had come.Not one person.Not even a cup of water.I was still on the floor where Verra had kicked me.

I sat up slowly.It hurt.I breathed through it until the room stopped spinning.Then I got up.

The floor was cold under my feet.

As I walked into the hallway,I heard voices coming from further down.

I did not mean to stop.But I did.

"...Lady Verra said her foot hurt after she kicked Lady Selene.The Alpha did not wait at all.He carried her out himself."

"He looked so worried.Like something very bad had happened."

"And Lady Selene?"

A pause.Then a careless voice.

"She passed out.No one called a healer.The Alpha does not care about her."

A soft laugh."Next to Lady Verra,she does not matter."

I stood still and listened.Those words should have hurt me.

They did not.

No anger.No tears.Just quiet,like something inside me had gone very cold.I walked away as if I had not heard a thing.

Back in my room,I opened the wardrobe.

Cloaks Caelan said looked good on me.Things he said reminded him of me.Gifts he said I needed.

I used to think those things meant he loved me.Now I know better.

I folded them one by one and put them in a box.

When I was done,I called one of the den helpers.

"Take these to Moonhaven Shelter,"I said."The ones that take in wolves with no pack."

"Yes,my lady."

I went back to packing my own things.

Then I found something in the bottom drawer.It was hidden under a pile of papers.Easy to miss.

A thin rolled parchment.

I opened it.Then my breathing slowed.

It was a pardon scroll.It had the Moon Goddess seal on it.

I read every word.

It was about the fire.The one that took Mira.Someone had looked into it.They had found who did it.And someone had marked to forgive that person.

That someone was me.

The name of the wolf who set the fire was Verra.

I read it again.My hands started to shake.

Caelan had told me they found nothing.He had stood over Mira's grave and promised he would find who took her from me.

Three months after Mira died,Caelan said he had a gift for me.A moon-bloom field,he said.

"Just mark here,"he had said,his voice soft."It is yours."

I did not read it.I trusted him.I pressed my seal to it with tears still wet on my face.

A short,bitter sound came out of me.

"I will find whoever did this,"he had said,standing at Mira's grave,his hand on my shoulder.

"I promise you,Selene.They will not get away with it."

I cried into his chest and believed every word.

He had known the whole time.

Verra had set that fire for me.

She planned it while I carried my pup.She sent the guards away and lit the house on fire.She wanted to burn me alive.No one around to help.No witness.

What she did not know was that I had left that morning.I had found a wounded wolf near the border and brought him to the healer's den.That wolf turned out to be my uncle Aldric.I did not know that yet.

She also did not know that Caelan had come to the den that same morning to get some papers.He was still inside when she lit the fire.

Mira came to visit me like she always did.She found the house burning and Caelan trapped inside.

So she ran in.

Mira ran into a fire that was meant for me.She pulled Caelan out using the last bit of strength she had.

When the pack finished looking into the fire,Caelan found out the truth.He went to Verra.

Verra cried and said it was a mistake.She said she did not know he was inside.

Caelan chose to believe her.She was carrying his pup.She was dying,or so he thought.So he hid the truth.He put my name on the pardon and hid it where I would never find it.

He was scared of what I would do if I ever found out.

For a moment I wanted to pull Verra before the pack elders and let everyone know what she did.

Not yet.

I copied every word into the Stone's memory crystal,made a copy on bark-cloth,then put the real parchment back exactly where I found it.

I had just gone back to packing when the door opened.

"What are you doing?"

Caelan stood in the doorway looking at the boxes.

I finished folding the cloak in my hands before I looked up.

"These are old,"I said."I do not need them.I am sending them to the Moonhaven Shelter."

He looked around the room."All of this?"

"I do not need them anymore."

He nodded."About earlier...Verra did not mean to hurt you.She thought you were going to hit me."

"I understand,"I said.

The words came out calm.Like I meant them.Caelan relaxed.He believed me.

"I knew you would,"he said.

I said nothing.I took out the bond dissolution papers Elder Brennan had made and held them out to him.

"Mark this."

He looked at it."What is it?"

"I want a memory stone made for our pup,"I said."It needs your mark as Alpha."

Guilt moved across his face.Then it was gone.

"Do what you want,"he said."But move on.We will have more pups."

My hand tightened for just a second.My face did not move.

"Just mark it,"I said.

He took the pen.He did not read one word.He signed his name and gave it back.

Three years of being his mate.Ended with a seal he did not even look at.

I took the papers back.My hand was steady.

We will never have more pups.We will never have anything again.

Then his Communication moonstone pulsed.

His face changed at once.Soft in a way it had never been for me.

"Verra."His voice went gentle."What is wrong?Your foot...I am coming."

He walked out without looking back.

I stood in the quiet room for a long time.The signed papers in my hand.My half-packed things beside me.

Then I smiled.

Very soon he would wish he had read what he signed.

Selenes POV

The bond dissolution papers were still warm in my hands when the door opened.

I did not need to look up to know who it was.

My mother walked in like she always did.Like every room belonged to her.

She stopped in the middle of the floor and folded her arms.

Verra just gave birth,she said.She needs to recover.You will make her moon-root broth.The one with slow-simmered bone marrow.

I looked at her.

That takes eight hours to prepare.

Yes,she said.It does.

No softness.No apology.She said it like she was reminding me of my purpose.

Start now.It should be ready before she sleeps.

My father appeared at the door behind her.He did not speak.He only looked at me the way he always had.Like I was a disappointment.

I set the papers down.

I will start now,I said.

They were stunned and nodded approvely,and left without another word.

Not one question about my ribs.Not one look at the injury on my jaw.Not one moment of seeing me at all.

I had stopped expecting it a long time ago.

...

I stood at the fire,cooking for eight hours.

My burned hand ached the whole time.I kept going.

By the time the broth was done,the den had gone quiet.Caelan was with Verra.I could hear their voices through the wall.Low and easy.The way people talk when they feel safe.

I carried the tray upstairs and left it outside her door.

Just as i turned to go.

Her door opened.

Selene.

Verras voice was soft.The kind of soft that means nothing good.

I stopped.

Thank you for the broth,she said.

I said nothing.

She stepped into the corridor.Her slippers made no sound.She came close enough that I could see her face clearly in the low light.

There was nothing weak about her.Nothing tired.Just that calm,waiting look she got when she had already decided what she was going to do.

You looked at me a certain way at dinner,she said.I noticed.

I did not mean anything by it.

She smiled.

Of course not.

She stepped even closer.

You should be careful up here,she said.Near the stairs.

My stomach dropped.

Then her hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.

Not a push.A pull.

She yanked me toward her,twisted her body sideways,and together we came tumbling down the stairs.She made it look exactly like something I had done.

Ah!

The cry that came out of her was perfect.Frightened.Helpless.

She tumbled down four steps and caught the railing.Then she folded against it,clutching her side,tears already falling.

I tumbled down the stairs too slow to grab the railing and my injured hand made it hard,and I could feel my whole body ache from the pain.

The door at the end of the corridor flew open.

Verra!

Caelan reached her in seconds.His hands moved over her,checking,searching,his voice tight with fear.

Where does it hurt?Look at me.Verra,look at me.

She pressed herself into his chest and sobbed.

She pushed me.Her voice cracked.I only came out to thank her.I didnt do anything,Caelan.I didnt do anything.

His head lifted slowly.

He looked down at me.

There was no question in his eyes.No hesitation.He had already made up his mind before he even looked down.

What did you do.

It was not a question.

I did not push her,I said.She grabbed my wrist.She pushed me

Enough.

He passed Verra gently to my mother,who had appeared at the top of the stairs,and walked me my room.

My chest tightened.

I shut up to my feet ignoring the pain all over my body,and followed him.

He was already at the shelf when I reached the door.

His hand closed around the small clay urn.

My pups ashes.

I stopped breathing.

Caelan.My voice came out quiet.Put it down.

He turned it over in his hand.Slowly.Like it was nothing.

Apologize to Verra,he said.

I did not push her.

Apologize.

Please put it down.That is all I have left of

Then apologize.

His voice had no anger in it.No cruelty.Just emptiness.He was not trying to hurt me.He simply did not care enough to think about what he was holding.

That was worse.

Im sorry.The words tore coming out.I am sorry.Please.Put it down.

For one moment I thought he would.

His fingers opened.

The urn dropped.

It hit the stone floor and broke apart.

The sound it made was so small.

That was the part that undid me.All that was left of my pup.And the sound it made when it shattered was barely a whisper.

I could not move.

He was already walking out.

He stepped over the broken pieces without looking down.He did not glance back at me.His whole body was already turned toward her.

You are safe,I heard him say,his voice going soft the moment he reached her.I am here.

...

I went down slowly.

Onto my knees.Onto the cold floor.

I gathered every piece with my bare hands.The sharp edge of one piece cut my palm.I kept going.

Some of the ash had scattered too far.Already lost.

I sat there for a long time.

Down the hall,I heard Verra laugh.Soft and easy.The laugh of someone who felt completely safe.

And I was on the floor,bleeding,holding what was left of everything I had lost.

I let myself feel it.All of it.The grief.The fury.The deep,hollow ache of it.

I did not fight it.I let it come.

And then,slowly,it settled.

What was left when it passed was not sadness.It was something quieter.Something cold and clear and steady.

I looked at the bond dissolution papers on the desk.

The pardon scroll in my bag.

The memory crystal with every piece of evidence already stored inside it.

He had just given me the last thing I needed.

Not a reason to stay angry.

A reason to leave.

I finished packing that night.Slowly.In the dark.Without a sound.

By the time the house went fully still,I was ready.

...

Let them sleep.

Let them feel safe.

By the time they opened their eyes,everything they thought they had would already be coming apart.

Selene's POV

The next morning,I left before anyone woke up.

I walked into the forest alone.

The path to Mira's grave was overgrown now.No one came here anymore.No one remembered her but me.

I stood in front of the small stone.

"Mira"My voice came out broken.

I just stared at her name.My chest hurt so much I could not breathe.

"I'm leaving,"I said quietly."This time,I won't come back."

I touched the cold stone.Memories flooded in.Her laugh.Her loyalty.The way she always stood beside me when no one else would.

"I found out the truth,"I said.My voice shook."Verra started the fire.She killed you."

My throat closed up.

"And Caelan knew."

Saying it out loud made it real.

"I trusted him.And he helped her get away with it."

A tear fell down my cheek.

"I'm sorry,"I whispered."I could not save you.I could not save my pup either."

My chest hurt so much.

"If you were still here"My voice broke."You would not have let them treat me like this."

I could not speak for a moment.Then I forced the words out.

"But I will not let it end like this."

I stepped back.My whole body was shaking.

"This is the last time I come here."

I turned and walked away.I did not look back.

I barely made it past the trees when rouge wolves grabbed me.Strong hands pulled me down.A cloth went over my mouth.

The smell was sharp.Sweet.Wrong.

My body went weak.The last thing I saw before everything went dark was Verra's face.She was already in the van.Unconscious.

Then nothing.

When I woke up,my head pounded.

The room was dark.The air was wet and cold.My hands were tied behind my back.

Voices came from somewhere close.

"She is awake."

"Good.contact him"

A communication moonstone glowed faintly and Caelan's voice came through.Tense.Sharp.

"Who is this?"

"We have two women,"a voice said."Verra and Selene.One hundred Moon Shards for each."

My heart stopped.Then the connection ended.

Verra was crying nearby.Soft.Scared.

I did not know how much time passed.Then the door opened.

Caelan walked in.

His hair was a mess.His clothes were wrinkled.He looked like he had run here.

His eyes found me.For a second,he looked relieved.

"Selene"he said.He stepped closer.

My throat tightened.He actually came.

"I brought the moon shards,"he said quickly.His voice was low."Just hold on.I will get you out."

For one moment,hope came back.Then he spoke again.

"Release verra first."

The words hit me like a blow.I looked at him.

"You chose her,"I said quietly.

He froze.

"It is not like that"

But even he did not believe his own words.

"I did not have enough time to gather two hundred moon shards,"he said quickly."I could only save one now.Verra is weak.She is dying.I had to get her out first."

The same excuse.Always the same.

"And what about me?"I asked.

"I will come back for you,"he said.His voice was firm now.Like he was trying to believe it himself."Just hold on a little longer."

Verra's voice trembled."Nocealan,do not do this.I do not want anything to happen to her"

"You are too good for this world,Verra,"Caelan said to her.

Then he turned to me.

"I will be back."

He left with Verra.He did not look back at me once.

I lowered my head.My chest hurt so much I could not breathe.

What was the point of pretending now?He had already shown me the truth.

He chose her life over mine.

Just like he chose her pup over mine.

Looks like your man does not love you that much."

Laughter filled the room.

Rough hands grabbed my arm.They pulled me up.Then threw me down.Pain shot through my side.My vision went blurry.

"Did you see that?"one of them said.He crouched in front of me."He came all the way hereand still left you."

Another laugh.

"Must feel good."

I clenched my teeth.My body shook.

They did not need to hurt me.Caelan already had.Time stopped meaning anything.

They dragged me.They hit me.They left me cold without food or water.

They laughed every time I tried to stay awake.

Every time I thought it was over,it came again.

My body could not keep up.

My breathing got fast and shallow.I could not get enough air.

"Stay awake,"someone laughed."Do not pass out yet."

My fingers scraped against the floor.I was so cold.I curled into myself.Nothing helped.

"Where is that man now?"another voice mocked."Did he not say he would come back?"

More laughter.

"She is so pathetic."

My chest tightened.I could not breathe.Tears slipped out.I pressed my forehead to the cold floor and shook.

Then the door burst open.Growls.Snarls.The sound of bodies slamming against walls.

"Hold!"

I knew that voice.I forced my eyes open.

Uncle Aldric stood in the doorway.His guards filled the room behind him.Wolves fell at their feet.

He was not young anymore.But right now,he looked like a storm.

His eyes found me on the floor.His face went hard.

"Selene."

I could not speak.

He crossed the room in three steps.His guards cut the ropes on my wrists.Someone put a blanket over my shoulders.

"How"I whispered.My throat was raw."How did you find me?"

Uncle Aldric knelt beside me.He took my hand gently.He touched the bracelet on my wrist.

The one he gave me 6 months ago.After I saved his life.

It was small.Wooden beads and a single blue stone.I never took it off.

"It has a spell,"he said quietly."You touch it when you are in danger.It sends a signal to me."

I looked down at the bracelet.I did not remember touching it.

But my other hand was bloody.My fingers must have brushed the stone while I was passing out.

"The moment it lit up,I came,"he said.His voice shook."I should have come sooner.I am sorry."

"You came,"I said.Tears fell down my cheeks."You came for me."

"Always,"he said."You saved my life once,little one.I will spend mine keeping you safe."

He lifted me into his arms like I weighed nothing.

"Take us home,"he said to his guards.

I pressed my face into his shoulder.For the first time in years,I felt safe.

Selene's POV

When I opened my eyes,I was in the healers den.

My body felt heavy.Every move hurts.My throat was dry.

"Selene"I turned my head slowly.

Uncle Aldric was staring at me.His eyes were red.Like he had not slept.

"You are awake,"he said.He grabbed my hand tightly."You've been out for days

I tried to speak.My voice came out weak.

"How long?"

"Two days."

My fingers went still.Two days.I had to leave soon."And Caelan?"I asked.

Uncle Aldric's face changed.

"He did not come,"he said quietly.

The words did not hurt as much as I expected.Maybe because I already knew.

Uncle Aldric's grip tightened."Why did you stay with him,Selene?After everything he did?He took everything from you.And you still---"

"I will be fine,"I said softly.

Uncle Aldric nodded.But he did not say another word.

"I want you to come back with me,"he said."To Blackthorne territory.You will be safe there."

I shook my head.

"I cannot.Not yet."

"Why not?"

"I need answers,"I said."About Mira.About my pup.I need to hear the truth from them.Then I will come back.I promise."

He looked at me for a long time.Then he sighed.

"You are as stubborn as your mother."

"I learned from the best."

He smiled a little.But his eyes stayed worried.

"Take this,"he said.He put a small protection Stone in my hand."If you are in danger,touch it.I will come.No matter where you are."

I closed my fingers around it.

"Thank you,Uncle."

After my medication,I left my healing chamber.

I went straight to the pack healer.The one who had helped Verra.The one who knew the truth.

I walked in and closed the door.

The healer looked up.Annoyed.Until he saw me.His face lost all color.

"You

I stepped inside.Then I took out a memory crystal and placed it on the table.

"My name is Selene Blackthorne,"I said calmly."Heiress to the Blackthorne family."

His lips trembled.

"I will give you one chance,"I continued."Tell me the truth."

"II do not know what"

"You do not want me as your enemy,"I warned.

His hands started shaking.

"I will destroy everything you have,"I added quietly."Your healing den.Your family will not be safe from what comes after."

"I will talk!"he said quickly.

"Say it."

His voice shook.

"Verra's pupdid not need the soul essence".

My breath stopped.

"What?"

"Her pup was fine,"he stammered."There was no sickness.It was not necessary."

I stared at him.My brain refused to understand.

"Say it again."

"The pup did not need it!"he cried."Verra insisted!She said she wantedshe wanted your pup gone."

The room tilted.

My fingers gripped the edge of the table.

So my pup did not have to die at all.My legs gave out.I caught myself on the table.My whole body was shaking.

"So you killed an innocent pup for nothing,"I whispered.My voice trembled.

Tears blurred my vision.The healer fell to his knees.

"She threatened my family!I had no choice"

"You had a choice,"I yelled."And you chose to kill my pup!"

He broke down completely.

"I am sorry!Please"

"I will not spare you."

I picked up my moonstone and called the pack counsel.

"I found the healer.He confessed.Have him arrested.I have evidence."

When I got back to the den,I braced myself.

I needed to keep a blank face.So they would not suspect anything.

But when I stepped inside,I saw all of them waiting for me.Caelan.Verra.And my parents.

"What did you do?"My father snapped.

My heart skipped.Maybe they had caught onto my plans.

"What are you talking about?"

"You set it up!"My mom shouted."The kidnapping!Just to get attention!"

I breathed out slowly.It was just another one of Verra's tricks.

"You even endangered Verra!"My father continued."Do you know how weak she is?"

Weak?I almost laughed.

"How do you even know I did what you are accusing me of?"I asked.

Caelan stepped forward.His eyes were cold.

"The kidnappers were caught.They confessed that you hired them,"he said.

Verra stumbled forward."Please,sister.Spare me."

"This is your last warning,"Caelan said coldly."Behave yourself.Or I will make you regret it."

Then he put Verra's pup in my arms.

"Take care of him.Make yourself useful.We are going out.We will be back soon."

With those words,they all walked out.They left me alone with the pup.

I looked down at the pup.He was warm.Breathing softly.He was alive.

My arms tightened.My chest burned as the pup made small noises.

My pup was not alive.Because this pup's mother had mine killed.

My vision blurred.I pressed my lips together,trying to stop it.

But the tears came anyway.Soon the pup started crying with me.

"I am sorry,"I whispered.Sobbing."It is not your fault.You are just an innocent pup.You did not ask for any of this."

I calmed myself and the pup down.

Then my moonstone glowed.An announcement came through.

It was from Verra.She sent an image.Her and Caelan watching the northern lights.Her head leaned against his shoulder.

The announcement said:"Ten years.And he has never missed bringing me here.Thank you,my mate."

Ten years?

My fingers tightened.A terrible truth dawned on me.

Eight years ago,my father brought Verra to our pack.He raised her beside me.

But even before then,Caelan had always disappeared on this very day every year.He said he had to learn the pack business.

My breath caught.

So it was not recent.It was not a mistake.He had been with her all along.From the very beginning.

For eight years,while I thought she was my sister,she was taking my mate.

A bitter laugh escaped me.

It was clear now.It had always been Verra.

Later that night,I was trying to rest.

Then I heard doors pushed open.Verra's terrified voice.

"Something is wrong!The pupthe pup is not breathing!"

Everything moved fast after that.

Caelan rushed to my room with Verra and the pup.

"What did you do?"he shouted.

"I did nothing"

"You were the only one here with him when we went out!"he snapped.

"I would never"

"Confess!"he roared."You have always been jealous because your pup died and hers survived."

I stared at him.My chest tightened at his words.

"So this is what you think of me.You think I am capable of this?"

Verra started crying."Please,sister.Hurt me.But spare my pup."

I scoffed."I am not like you,Verra.I would never hurt an innocent pup."

Caelan's face was red with anger.He glared at me.

"Enough of your cruelty.I warned you to behave.Maybe a few nights in the dungeon will teach you a lesson.Pray nothing happens to my son."

He called the pack guards.They put iron chains on my wrists.They took me to the dungeon.

Even as I screamed that I was innocent,he ignored me.

The cell was cold and damp.I curled up in a ball and tried to sleep.Then I heard a noise,everything happened fast.

Three female wolves broke into my cage.They beat me.Until I could not cry out anymore.

Then one of them pulled out a sliver blade.The sharp end glinted in the dark.She grinned at me.

"Verra paid us to kill you.She must really dislike you'.

Before I could speak,the blade went into me.

I let out a scream.My body jerked.Warm blood spread beneath me.

Heavy footsteps and voices sounded around me.But everything blurred.

My eyes wanted to close.

I was rushed to the healers den.

The healers kept yelling that I should not close my eyes.

I drifted in and out.But I heard bits of conversation.

Caelan was shouting."All healers should attend to my son."

"But Alpha,"one healer said."A prisoner was stabbed.She is badly hurt.She could die."

"What is a prisoner's life compared to my son?"Caelan said coldly."Save my son.The prisoner's life is worthless."

Even now.He still chose to save Verra and her pup.He tossed me aside again.

I was left to bleed.

One healer felt sorry for me.She bandaged my wound with herbs and cloth.

My vision blurred.I reached for my protection stone.

"Uncle Aldric"

My voice was barely a whisper.

"Come get me"

By the time the door burst open,I was fading.

Uncle Aldric stood there.His guards filled the room.

"Selene!"he shouted."Stay with me!"

He lifted me gently.

I forced my eyes open.I grabbed his hand.

"I do not care anymore,"I whispered."Release everything.I want them ruined."

The last thing I saw was Uncle Aldric nodding.

Then darkness