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"Sorry, Alpha. Luna Faith... she's gone. Vanished." "She wouldn't..." Astor's voice cracked. "Tomorrow is our wedding." Just yesterday, he’d sent her the dumbest message of his life. A threat. A lie. “If you don’t rush back, you won’t be the Luna anymore.” He thought it would make her angry, or even a little scared. Make her come running straight to him. But what did she do? Absolutely nothing. Pure silence. No angry call, no message back, nothing at all. And that quiet was slowly eating him alive. "Congratulations, darling," Alice purred, draping herself over his arm. "You don’t have to marry my stupid wolfless sister." This time, he wrenched his arm away, “I need to get her back. My wolf won’t survive without her.” He stood in the space her father had called her "room." The attic. Not a room, just a cramped afterthought: a narrow cot that looked like punishment, a battered chest, a handful of dog-eared paperbacks. His mind raced. He had been so focused on being forced into this marriage, so angry about how unfair it was to his life, that he completely forgot she was going through the same thing. His voice was a rough whisper, full of regret. "What have I done to her?" -------------- Chapter 1 Faith’s Pov My shoulders ached, and my legs were sore. I had done so much today: helping in the kitchen and around the pack, making sure everything was running smoothly, taking care of the new children found outside the pack lands last night, and even playing with the others in the orphanage. All I wanted was to go home and soak in a warm bath. The house was usually quiet by this time. Astor and I treated each other like we didn't exist. Sometimes he wasn't even home when I arrived, and most days I didn't even see him. But today felt different. I could hear laughter coming from the living room - laughter I hadn't heard from him in years, especially not in this house. I felt anxiety in my heart even before I went inside. When I finally reached the living room, I was shocked. On the sofa sat my mate and fiancé, laughing their hearts out. His eyes shone brighter than I'd ever seen them, and none of that joy was directed at me, but at her. Alice. My sister. She was back. She looked exactly the same, maybe even better. Time had been kind to her. From her long, wavy black hair to her bright green eyes, she had an unmatched beauty that would draw anyone in. She was truly a sight for sore eyes. Still, I didn't focus on her. I couldn't get over the sight in front of me: the way Astor looked at her, and the smile on her face. It took me back to the time I didn't want to remember. The past. I didn't choose to be here, but my fate and destiny brought me back. I was an omega's daughter for 18 years of my life. I had a horrible life as well as a horrible mother who hated me. But I don't know why. My father was weak when it came to her, and he let her do whatever she wanted, but I indured because I was used to it until one day. She confessed not just to me but to everyone else that I wasn't her daughter. It was a bitter truth. She exchanged me and her daughter at birth, but the twist was that I was Alpha Connor of the Eclipse Pack's daughter. For a few seconds, I couldn't breathe. A lump formed in my throat, and an unexplainable pain hit me. The past was returning back into my life full force. I was back to being that scared girl who arrived at the Eclipse Pack with nothing but a backpack with three sets of clothes. I wanted to turn back. I wasn't in any condition to face them. But then, Alice's eyes landed on me, and I saw her smile turn into something more sinister. I guess she really hadn't changed. The same old Alice who would do anything to destroy. But the difference was, this time she didn't have to do anything, because the sight in front of me was pain enough. "Sis," she said, standing up. She didn't have to pretend to be happy to see me. I could clearly see the triumph in her eyes. She was happy to see the discomfort in me, how uncomfortable I was in that moment, and she took full advantage of it. "I'm sorry we didn't see you," she continued. "I hope you haven't been standing there for long. You could have just joined us, since we have a lot of catching up to do." I didn't know why she bothered to pretend. Everyone knew she didn't like me, and she had made it seem like I didn't like her either, even though I had no problem with her then, and I still don't. But somehow, she would always see me as a threat. I know that she resents me for retrieving my real parents and making her Alpha Connor's adopted daughter. But I didn't come to destroy her life. Somehow, my arrival marked a change in all our lives. Before I came, everyone thought she would be Astor's fated mate. But after I came of age and met Astor, we discovered each other's mate bond. It shattered Alice's dreams. She cried for a long time, but that didn't change the facts. So she started framing me in front of everyone. She always played the innocent girl to accuse me of treating her harshly, and her tears were the most powerful weapon. Astor was silent when he first found out that I was his mate, but he never resisted the mate bond. However, with Alice's performance, he gradually distanced himself from me. I used to plead my case, but no one believed me because they chose to believe in Alice, with whom they had grown up. Just when I was worried that Astor would reject me, Alpha Xander who is Astor's father gave him an ultimatum that left him no choice but to agree to marry me. He either married his mate and guaranteed happiness and wealth for his pack, or he didn't deserve to be alpha. Basically, Astor was forced to accept our relationship. "I'm afraid I can't stay for that," Astor said. "I have a summit to get to, but we'll have plenty of time later." That was the first thing he said, as he stood up and looked at me. There were no emotions whatsoever in his eyes, just cold indifference. It was something I was used to, but I had expected some kind of reassurance today, at least. Instead, he showed me exactly what my place was. "Can you please prepare Alice a room?" He asked. I was shocked at his audacity. “Is that the only thing you have to say?” I asked because I feel like he owes me an explanation, but I was ignored, which means that he's not asking me but telling me. I wanted to ask why she was here, and more importantly, why I hadn't been informed. But the words were stuck in my throat. I knew I wouldn't like the answer, especially with the way he turned to look at her, giving her a comforting look instead of me. I felt like I was dying in front of him, but he never saw that. He didn't see my heartbreak, and he never does, because to him, I am invisible. I swallowed the lump in my throat, just to stop myself from breaking down right there. "I wish I could cancel, but it's very important that I go to the summit." He told her. "But I will be here tonight." He had never felt the need to tell me anything like that, because I didn't matter. Alice immediately stood up and pulled him into a hug while I stood right in front of them. He didn't push her away. "I missed you, so please come back soon," she said to him, and he looked at her with a tender expression. I watched it all, like a silent observer in my own house, in my own life. He gave her the affection I had been waiting for him to give me for the last two years. I couldn't even remember what his affection felt like. It was a punch to my gut. When he pulled away from her, he just walked away without even acknowledging me. Only Alice and I remained. The silence between us was thick. The innocent look that had been on her face when he was here was gone. All that was left was triumph in her eyes, and she deserved it, because she got everything that I could never get. I took a deep breath and tried to regain my composure. I had to look put together, even if my whole world was crumbling inside. "Alice," I began, "I must say it's a pleasure to see you. But unfortunately, I wasn't informed about your arrival. If I had been, I would have made preparations for you. I'm sorry, but we can't host you here. Please go back to the Eclipse Pack. I'm sure our parents will be very happy to see you." I said, and watched her face change: first shocked, then angry, and then, an unexpected smile. "Oh no, sister, don't tell me he didn't tell you!" She said. By the smile on her face, I already knew I wasn't going to like it. She even took a step closer to me. “I was going to go home straight from the airport, but Astor begged me to come here. He also promised to throw a big party just for my welcome.” Chapter 2 Faith’s Pov My heart sank. I stood there, letting Alice's words cut into me. It was what I deserved, I thought, for even dreaming of a different life with Astor. This pain was familiar, a dull ache I'd lived with forever, so there was no use pretending it didn't exist. If he truly wanted her back, why didn't he tell me? Why didn't he reject me? I would have been hurt, yes, but I would never have stopped him. He has never cared what I thought anyway. It was my own fault for being so foolish. I should have known she would come back, and that he would be waiting for her with open arms. He always did. "I'm happy you decided to come back," I managed to say, my voice steady despite the tremor in my knees. "But whoever picked you up from the airport should be the one to prepare things for you. Tell him I can't." I turned, forcing myself to walk away. I knew she was laughing behind me, her taunts echoing in my mind. My legs felt like jelly, ready to give out, but I couldn't fall. Not now. Not in front of her. I don't know how I made it to my room without collapsing. The moment I was inside, I locked the door and stumbled into the bathroom. I turned on the shower, letting the cold water hit me. I wanted to scream, to lash out, but I couldn't. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally tired of the course of my life. I couldn't cry about it anymore because nothing ever changes. This took me back. A daily occurrence after starting at the Eclipse Pack. I was the forgotten and unwanted one despite being Alpha Connor's biological daughter. They always preferred Alice, and they didn't even try to get to know me. My father took pleasure in teaching her how to run the pack. How to drive. How to hunt and a lot more, and not once did he take me along. My mother made sure to cook her whatever she wanted, took her shopping, gave her the love and attention I craved, and she was literally her best friend, but she never noticed me. Because I don't have a wolf. My mother once told me she regretted bringing me back to the Eclipse Pack. They saw me as a disgrace. Their favoritism towards Alice was like a dagger to me and always made my heart bleed. After a long, much-needed shower, I went to bed. I thought it would be hard to fall asleep, with my mind racing and my heart aching. But my body was just too tired, and so was my mind. I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. My phone ringing woke me up, which was rare. My phone almost never rang; no one was interested in talking to me unless it was an emergency. I didn't even check the caller ID. Then I heard his voice. "Where are you?" Astor said, his tone sharp. I sat up, rubbing my eyes. I was usually on top of things. If there was something important we needed to do today, I wouldn't have slept so deeply. I didn't understand what he was talking about. "Why aren't you here yet?" He repeated, probably because I hadn't answered. I was still trying to rack my brain, just in case I had forgotten something vital. "Where?" I finally asked. "Alice says she told you about the welcome celebration." He said. My soul sank. He was snapping at me because he expected me to be there, to watch him with her. "I can't come," I whispered. I wanted to hang up, to just disappear, but I knew I couldn't. He had given an order, and I always had to follow his orders. "You're my mate. You have to come. I'll see you here." He hung up before I could say anything else. Of course. The servant always does as the master says. And that's exactly what I would do. I tried to dress up a little, putting on some makeup. My soon-to-be mother-in-law always told me that a Luna must always be presentable, that she must lead by example. I didn't really like makeup, but it was good at hiding my tired face. I was late. I had come, though, because I was forced to. I could hear the loud laughter of their group even from outside the pack bar. It was a huge place, but all I could hear was their celebration. Alice cheered the loudest. I pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside. Everyone went quiet, and their eyes landed on me, as did their hate and displeasure. They didn't need to say it because the silence was loud enough. They didn't want me here, but I still held my head up high and made my way to their table. Only to notice that there was no space for me, and sitting next to my mate, like she belonged there, was Alice. I didn't break. I didn't let them see how much it affected me. I found a small corner for myself, away from the laughter and the light. I held it all in, but my heart felt every single piece of it. I didn't fit into their moment because I wasn't one of them. They grew up together and have been friends since childhood. They loved Alice and considered her the sweetest sister. So they hated me for coming between them and breaking Alice's heart. I have been humiliated before, many times, but not like this. It was gift after gift, each one more special than the last, all for her. And I hadn't even gotten a kind word since Alice arrived. I knew I wasn't what they wanted, but I didn't deserve this cruelty. I didn't want them to stop loving her. I just wanted them to give me a small piece of that attention, that warmth. I tried and I tried and I tried, but I could never get it right with them. They called me names, and have never accepted me, and they probably never will. "All of this feels so special! Thank you for your gifts! I'm excited to see you all again!" Alice cooed, nuzzling into Astor's side. "But you did get me something, didn't you? Will it be handpicked by you?" We all knew it was impossible for Astor not to have gotten her something. And he did. I thought maybe it would be flowers, something simple, but instead he pulled out a beautiful necklace. "Yes, I saw it on my way back to the pack. It suits you." He chuckled. I looked at my mate in shock. Astor is always busy with work, so the gifts he sends me are selected and given to me by his beta. He never gave me a real gift. Not even once. On my first birthday with him, I got flowers. Just a simple card. The next year, it was a platter of snacks. I knew he didn't pick them. It was a job, something he had to do. He wanted us to look loving in front of his father, so I did what he wanted. Everything was a show for Alpha Xander. Astor just wanted it to look like we loved each other. It was just easy for him. I didn't think it could get worse until everyone suggested that she give him a kiss in appreciation. Right in front of me. "Alice," murmured her most devoted companion, "you alone received a gift personally chosen by Astor. Surely such an honor warrants some... demonstration of gratitude?" “Kiss him!” Chapter 3 Faith’s Pov.. Alice moved toward Astor to the sound of scattered applause, her cheeks flushed with timid delight. Instead of stopping them, I watched the farce with an expressionless face. If they saw me as their future Luna, they wouldn't have humiliated me like that. They had trampled on my dignity. However, I was more interested in what Astor would do. Will he accept her kiss in front of everyone? To my astonishment, Astor turned his face away, evading Alice's advance. "Enough," he said, his voice cutting through the applause like winter wind. "A man shouldn't let a woman make the first move." He stepped back, fixing their mutual friend with a glare that finally silenced the charade. Then his gaze found mine. I arched a brow, my lips curling in a sardonic smile. Was he implying he should have been the one to initiate? Would he have already had his hands on her had I not been present? My glacial stare seemed to unsettle him. Astor frowned, then deliberately averted his eyes and reengaged in the party. The people standing around me witnessed this. “She should let it go. Astor loves Alice.” Someone mumbled it. "Girl, you should see her. Always trying to please everyone. Acting like she's so good. But we all see through it." "Well, she's not Luna yet," another voice added. "So things can change real fast." I sighed. I remained silent. Three years in the Eternal Night Pack had taught me the weight of words—how they could cut, how they could sting. Once, they had seared through me, igniting pain, fury, the desperate urge to strike back. But time had tempered me, hardened what was once raw. Now, I no longer respond. I no longer cared. That's when I heard a sweet, cloying voice. "I'm sorry you have to sit so far away from us," Alice said when she got closer. "There was no space at our table, you see. I'm so sorry." There was no real sorrow in her face. Not a drop. She was enjoying this. She had done this to me two years back. And here she was, doing it again. “You don't need to apologize, I don't care,” I whispered. “What about my gift? I'm looking forward to my sister's gift to me. What will it be?” She asked with a smile. I gave her my biggest, fakest smile back. "I didn't know you were coming. As your sister, and also the Luna of this pack, I would have gotten you something. But maybe I'll do it next time you decide to visit us. But you need to let me know in advance that you're coming." I was mocking them. As Alice's sister and Luna of the pack, I didn't know my sister was coming back and throwing her a party. No one told me. However, they didn't seem to notice my mockery. Maybe they were pretending not to know. Alice froze. The group at her table looked surprised too. "Do you have to be mean to me?" She asked. I looked at her, confused. Mean? I just spoke the truth. "I just came home," she went on. "And you're already thinking about me leaving. And I've already met with you this afternoon, why don't you have a gift for me? Don't you want me back?" Then the waterworks started. Her tears. They always worked for her. And they worked today. Everyone stood up. They rushed to her side to defend her. I didn't understand what I said wrong. She came at me. I just answered her. I didn't even say anything bad. But once again, I was painted as the bad person. "Why would you do that to her?" The Beta's wife came at me, like she was ready to fight. I knew she didn't like me. None of them did. But they were listening. Everyone knew I did nothing wrong. So why were they coming at me? "I'm sad. My sister didn't welcome me back." Alice sobbed, hugging the Beta's wife. Tears burned behind my eyes, but I clenched my jaw. My fingers tightened around my purse like a lifeline. l'm not going to cry. "At least apologize!" The Gamma said. “No.” I said with strong composure, "I don't really understand what I said that upset her so much. Was I not telling the truth? How could I have gotten her a present when no one told me she was coming back?" "That's no reason for you to ignore her! She's your sister, and you should be happy to have her back." The Beta's wife said. "I won’t apologize." My voice was steel—unyielding. I turned to Astor, but his silence was a wall, his thoughts unreadable. Did he blame me too? The question flickered, but I smothered it before it could take root. Without another word, I pushed past the others, stopping only when I reached him. "I’m leaving." No excuses, no weakness, just the cold, clipped truth. If my absence was a surrender, then so be it. But I refused to stand there and let them carve their judgment into me. "I'll take you home." The offer stunned me. Not because it was kind, but because it was unexpected. Alice's reaction mirrored mine, though hers came laced with possessiveness. "Have your beta send her back," she protested, fingers curling around his arm. "We haven't seen each other in so long. Stay with me a while longer. l miss you." "Have fun with the others." Astor ruffled her hair like a child before turning to me, "I'll take you back. We both know you can't defend yourself." The words hung in the air, thick with implication. Every eye in the room swung toward me, their stares sharp with judgment. They all knew the truth. The truth constantly thrown on my face. I was wolf-less, untested, unworthy of being Astor’s Luna. I didn’t wait to see their smirks. Didn’t let myself wonder if their pity was worse than their scorn. My bag was in my grip before the whispers could start, my spine straight as I walked out. Let them talk. I refused to be their spectacle. Chapter 4 Astor’s Pov The drive to the packhouse was heavy with silence and tension. Faith sat beside me quietly and distantly, her eyes fixed on the trees outside the window. I felt her anger radiating off her like heat, and it left me confused. What did I do? The party was… a party. Nothing was out of the ordinary, at least not from my perspective. “Are you okay?” I asked her. It's pretty much clear she isn't, but I want to hear it from her. “Do you care?” She snapped, and she isn't usually like this, so it surprised me. “Of course. You seem upset.” “Upset?” She scoffed. “Is that what you call it, Astor? Just upset? You paraded Alice around as if I were invisible, nothing more than furniture in your own home. Did you even see me tonight?" “What are you talking about?” I asked because it gets harder and harder to understand Faith because she doesn't say anything. It frustrates me. Her silences longer, her thoughts locked away where I couldn't reach them. "Why did you let Alice stay at the packhouse?" Faith’s voice was sharp, her glare cutting deeper than her words. "Why invite me at all if you just wanted to humiliate me?" The accusation hit like a blindside strike. I stared at her, trying to trace the logic in her anger, trying to understand when a simple gathering had twisted into this. I hadn’t meant to make her feel anything. “I don't understand what you're implying because you have to be there at events like this as the luna of the pack.” I said, because her presence is required, whether the pack is hosting a party or a small celebration. And to be honest, she is always on top of things, and I don't know why she feels offended about this. “Tell me, Astor. Be honest, just once. If Alpha Xander hadn’t commanded it, if it wasn’t some pre-destined agreement between our pack years ago, would you have chosen me as your Luna?” She asked suddenly, making me freeze. 3 years ago, if I had heard that question, I would have hesitated to say no. But she is truly the kindest person that I know now, and she cares about everything and everybody. I was caught up in my thoughts, and I couldn't find the right word. “Of course you won't answer my questions because you know as well as I do Alice was always your number one pick, and I just came in the way.” Faith's voice snapped me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, she turned away, her profile etched against the window glass, her silence louder than any words. I saw her shoulders slump and something close to disappointment pass in her eyes. I clenched my jaw. This wasn't how conversations between an Alpha and his... whatever Faith was to me... should go. We don't have a conventional mating story, but Alice has never been a problem for me. She spent her childhood with me. She's been away from the Eclipse Pack and the Eternal Night Pack for almost three years, and now that she's returning for my upcoming Alpha Succession Ceremony. I appreciate that gesture, and the only reason I decided to host her at our place is that she's her sister. It was a temporary arrangement for somebody I consider close family to both of us. When Alpha's succession is over, I'll be sending her back to the Eclipse Pack. I have never looked at Alice as anything other than my little sister. I grew up with her, and I care about her. But Faith's aversion to Alice is baffling. It reminds me of the day Alice left 3 years ago. That day, with the rain lashing against the windows as Alice spoke through tears, her voice breaking as she confessed how Faith had rejected every attempt at reconciliation. "I wanted to make amends for my mother's sins," she whispered, "but Faith wouldn't hear it. The words she said to me... were vulgar. She even ordered me out of the Eclipse Pack." "I'll do that. I'm returning everything to Faith - Alpha Connor, Luna Lila, all of it." The resignation in her voice cut deeper than the thunder outside. She was so fragile and filled with guilt for what her biological mother's actions of swapping her and Faith at birth, because she stole Faith's life and gave it to her. As bad as it is, it was never Alice's fault because she was just a baby when everything happened, but Faith didn't see it that way. She shut down every gesture Alice made for reconciliation between the two of them, and constantly taunted and insulted her, which made me angry because Alice was just trying to right a terrible wrong. Then Alice left the Eclipse Pack. Alone. I was Furious with my father when he arranged our marriage because I wanted nothing but to reject her. However, I had to honour our mate bond for the sake of my father and my pack. But still, I found a loophole. A small delay to buy me time. 3 years. I promised to mark her on my alpha ceremony, but my father forced me to get engaged to her in the meantime, and I agreed. The time was just to avoid the inevitable because Alpha Xander would never change his mind. My father is just and fair, but he didn't care what I wanted. Yet a lot has changed in these 3 years. It wasn't hard for me to see Faith. Truly see her. I watched her in the shadows. Witnessed her grow into someone I didn't think she was. She worked hard and contributed to the Pack in ways that I didn't expect. She was fierce when she needed to be and protective of everybody around the pack, whether they were high-ranking or low-ranking. She spends most of her time in the orphanage with the pups, comforting them and trying to fill the void of the absence of parents. She understands them more than anybody, even though she has two sets of parents. Never misses a pack meeting, and she is always insightful and helpful. I can leave this pack for days, and when I come back, everything will still be in order. I've never come to understand her because from what I've seen in the past 3 years, she is the kindest person I've ever met, and she goes all out for people. I've also come to the understanding that having Faith as the Luna of the Eternal Pack is not bad. She is strong and very capable. A suitable choice in my opinion. A perfect Luna even. However, the contradiction has always haunted me. Because she was different from what Alice described. Was Faith playing a perfect Luna, or was Alice deceiving me? Chapter 5 Faith's Pov The weight of our last conversation weighed deeply in my heart and soul. The way Astor dismissed my feelings and the lack of understanding made me realise that he didn't see me or want me. I feel exhausted and believe I need to take a step back to reflect on my true aspirations. So I decided to stop my hectic life, and the easiest way to do that was to pretend to be sick. I stayed in my room for several days and told everybody that I had a fever. I just needed to rest. But my 'rest' only made things worse outside my door. The pack needed their Luna, and without me to guide things, everything started to fall apart. I heard the whispers whenever someone came to check on me, or really, to complain. "If she wants to be the Luna, then she should be doing her duties." "Why isn't she helping?" "This is all her fault." No one asked if I was really okay. No one offered to bring me soup or just something to make me feel better. Their voices were full of disappointment, even anger. "The Luna is ill again?” "It’s been days. What kind of Luna abandons her duties?” They were always complaining because there was something missing around the pack, and nobody thought to order it since I'm always doing it. Sometimes it would be somebody who didn't bother to even come and do their duty of cleaning or cooking because nobody ever keeps so much on each other unless I have to remind them. Apparently, the kids weren't even in good condition because they were always asking about me, and sometimes they even cried, and it made me feel guilty because I was just taking a much-needed rest while the outside world needed me. It's so much worse because Astor has been busy with the seminar, so he's often away. And then there was Alice. While I 'sick,' she seemed to step into my place easily. I heard pack members talking about how helpful she was, how kind, how she was trying to solve everything. "She's so thoughtful, so understanding. A true Luna in spirit.” Alice had become the new center of the pack. They were all trying to please her, while the taunts were reserved for me. This is what Alice does best. She always knows what’s best for herself. In the Eclipse Pack, she effortlessly won our parents’ affection by playing the role of the devoted daughter. Even though I was their real daughter, they loved Alice more. She had a way of making everyone believe I could never measure up. Lying in bed, listening to the world move on without me, was just a reminder that no matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried, they would never accept me. The real reason for their dislike was simple: I was Luna without a wolf. Without that power, without that connection, I was nothing to them. I was just a human girl filling a place they believed only a true Luna could hold. I can never attain that respect because I will never have a wolf, but Alice does. She has everything they wish that I have. She is everything they need. It doesn't matter how hard I work to prove to them that I can be a good Luna because they will never see me as that. I made a decision about life for the first time ever. I don't know whether it's a good or bad one, but it's time for me to go. For my mental health, because I'm losing pieces and pieces of myself here. It was like a lightbulb that suddenly lit out of nowhere, and I finally decided to put myself first. I didn't take much because most of the things that I have here I purchased with Astor's money, and I want to leave here with something that is completely mine and things that I own. I didn't even have to take much, so it was a small suitcase that carried three years of my life, and it's quite sad if you ask me because it's the only thing I have to show for all these years. I wasted them trying to build myself to be somebody that Astor wanted. I wanted everybody to like me, but none of that worked. I was sure that I wouldn't encounter anybody because people are always busy with something or the other at this time of day, and they don't really care where I'm going. I sighed and almost turned back as soon as I stepped out of my room, but I had to go. The Eternal Night Pack doesn't belong to me. I was about to leave when I met a man waiting in front of the packhouse. It was the Gamma Chase. “Where are you going?” He looked at me, then at my bag, and finally said with disappointment, “You want to use your leaving to threaten Alpha into sending Alice away? You're not that important to us.” I didn't respond to him. Every action I'd taken as Luna had been dissected with poisoned tongues, every kindness twisted into manipulation. I'd exhausted myself weaving explanations for wolves who preferred the taste of lies. No more. "Everyone knows the Alpha's heart belongs to Alice," Chase taunted, circling me with predator's grace. "You should have never returned to the Eclipse Pack in the first place. You should have continued to live as a normal human in a shady corner. Did you really think you could replace her?" The air grew thick with the weight of watching eyes. Some members of the pack stopped in their tracks at his drama, but their silence spoke louder than Chase's cruel words. "Astor never wanted you," Chase finished with a condescending smile that revealed too-sharp canines. "And neither do we." "Tell me, Chase," A cold laugh escaped my lips, "does Alice keep you on a leash, or do you heel voluntarily?" His face darkened instantly, muscles tensing like a coiled spring. "What the hell are you implying?" I took a step forward, my gaze traveling slowly from his boots to his furious eyes. "I'm saying you trail after her like a starving mutt begging for scraps." My voice dropped to a whisper only he could hear. "Fuck you!" His palm cracked against my cheek with enough force to snap my head to the side. The sting bloomed across my skin, but I refused to lift a hand to soothe it. Instead, I turned back slowly, meeting his gaze with a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Ah," I murmured, tasting blood on my lip. "So the dog bites when provoked. How... predictable." Chase lunged again, but was yanked back by the others in the pack. They took control of the angry Gamma in the hope of stopping everything. "Mark this moment well, Chase," I said, my voice dripping with icy promise. "I'll make you pay for that slap." Turning on my heel, I strode toward the gates without a backward glance. My single bag weighed nothing compared to the burdens I'd carried for this ungrateful pack. The sting of Chase's slap faded, but so did the last remaining vestige of my disenchantment with Eternal Night Pack. As I walked away from Eternal Night territory, a bitter laugh escaped me. Would Astor even notice my absence? Would he care enough to follow? No. He won't. He's always trying to get rid of me. His indifference and neglect were tacit approval of the pack's treatment of me as an outsider. A true Alpha would have commanded respect for his Luna, but Astor had only ever given them disdain to mirror. So, my leaving was the best decision. .... 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