Kristine's POV
I was just closing the book I’d been reading when the chamber door creaked open. I masked my surprise.
It was Hunter.
He smelled like alcohol and his eyes landed on me, and a crooked smile curved on his lips.
“Enjoying yourself after trying to humiliate me?” he said, half amused, half annoyed.
“Bad move, Kris. You dared me in front of everyone. What was that nonsense about not wanting to act like my personal servant? You want people to know you’re bonded to me?”
I let out a tired sigh as he stopped at the foot of the bed.
“I already told you—I don’t care about letting anyone know,” I said, standing up and walking past him.
“Where do you think you’re going?” His voice was clipped now, the bite unmistakable.
“You’re the one sleeping here. And if I remember correctly, you didn’t want me here if you are here.”
I reminded him of his own words, spoken so coldly after our wedding.
“Did I say you could leave?”
“What do you want from me, Hunter?” I turned to him. “You want me to stand here while you spit cruelty at me? No, thanks. I’d rather be in the other room with my peace.”
His eyes darkened, jaw ticking in frustration.
“You’re not like this… What are you mad about now? I don’t understand you.”
I met his gaze head-on.
“I’m not mad, Alpha Hunter. I’m just done. I’m not your servant and I won’t act like one anymore.”
“You’re my wife, Kristine. Have you forgotten what this marriage is about?” he growled.
Ah. The marriage. The one he never wanted.
The one forced upon him after Ellena ran off to chase her dreams of fame. He didn’t marry me out of love. I was married him to keep Moonveil from becoming an enemy.
Ellena left. And I was left to carry the weight of her choices… and the full force of Hunter’s hatred.
“I haven’t forgotten,” I said coldly. “Ellena’s back now. You can marry her, finally. But I don’t deserve this... this hate just because the woman you actually love didn’t choose you. I was dragged into this for the sake of the pack. I accepted it. What did I ever do to deserve your anger?”
He had no answer. His mouth opened slightly, but nothing came out.
“Kris…” he said softly, guilt flickering in his tone.
“You know I loved you,” I whispered. “I told you I loved you. And I endured all your hatred for it. But now… now I see what a fool I’ve been.”
I opened the door. And I walked out.
Tears welled up, but I wiped them away quickly.
I wouldn’t cry for him. Not anymore.
---
The next morning… Ellena stood in the main hall with a suitcase beside her.
She smiled like she owned the place.
“Sis! Where’s Alpha Hunter?” she asked brightly.
“I don’t know,” I answered flatly.
She moved to hug me, but I sidestepped. She pouted like a child.
“Sis Kris, are you mad at me?” Her sugary-sweet voice made my wolf snarl.
If I were still blind, I’d fall for her innocent act. Back then, I treated her like a sister even stood by her. But not anymore.
“No, I’m not mad,” I said with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. I eyed her suitcase. “Looks like you’ll be staying a while.”
She beamed.
“Alpha Hunter told me to move in! He said he wanted me close. You’re not mad, right, Sis Kris?” Her eyes sparkled but behind that gleam, I saw the mockery.
“Suit yourself.”
I turned to leave but she grabbed my wrist.
I felt it Hunter approaching.
“You don’t seem too happy, Sis Kris,” she whimpered. “I think I should go…”
Her voice cracked with false tears. My jaw clenched. She wanted to paint me as the villain.
Then she stumbled backward and fell to the floor.
“Kristine!” Hunter’s voice thundered through the hall.
He rushed to Ellena, who was crying as if I’d shoved her.
“Don’t be mad at Sis Kris, Alpha. She didn’t push me. I just tripped,” she said between sobs, pouting and trembling like a child.
Hunter cupped her cheek like she was made of glass.
“Believe her, Alpha. I didn’t push her,” I said calmly.
But Hunter was already glaring at me. His jaw locked, fists clenched.
“I saw you, Kristine. Don’t lie to me! You have no right to drive Ellena out, she’s staying here. How many times have you hurt her? I won’t let you do it again. I’m the Alpha here! You are just a Luna.... and barely one!”
Ellena smiled behind him. That cruel, victorious smile.
I didn’t flinch. I stared at him, cold and unshaken.
“I know my place, Alpha Hunter. Believe what you want, I won’t waste my energy defending myself anymore.”
“You—!”
He grabbed my jaw in fury. “Kristine, remember this. If you ever hurt Ellena again, I’ll make you regret it.”
His grip tightened before he let go. My lips trembled with anger. My wolf howled inside, clawing to break free, to rip him apart.
“GUARD!” he roared. “Take the Luna to the dungeon. Let her rot there for a day!”
The guards approached. I straightened my spine. Lifted my chin.
“You don’t have to drag me. I’m going.”
I threw one last look at them—Hunter and his beloved Ellena.
My eyes cold.
Dead.
And I walked…
