Tharina had just stepped beyond the gates when a message from Jolene reached her.
[Tomorrow is your grandfather’s birthday gathering. I hope you will come one last time. I also wish to give you the separation papers myself.]
Tharina looked at the message for a long time before replying with a single word.
[Okay.]
The next morning, she arrived early at the Ashbourne estate, a grand pack residence built for generations of Alphas. She planned to offer her respect and leave quietly.
She didn’t expect Malven to arrive with Elodie by his side.
The courtyard fell into noise at once. Pack members turned to one another, whispering in shock.
Jolene’s face lost all color.
"Who allowed you to bring her here? Guards, remove her from this house!"
Malven stepped forward at once, placing himself in front of Elodie.
"Let anyone try."
His gaze swept across the crowd, sharp and commanding.
"Elodie carries my blood. A true heir of the Ashbourne line. I brought her here so all of you will acknowledge it."
The teacup slipped from Tharina’s hand. It broke against the stone floor, warm tea spilling over her feet. She felt nothing.
Malven’s face remained hard as he pulled out a folded report.
"Tharina cannot bear a pup. The pup Elodie carries is the only heir this family has."
Jolene staggered back, grabbing the report with shaking hands. Her face turned pale as she read. Around them, voices rose, filled with shock and disbelief.
Tharina steadied herself and stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Malven.
"Where did you get this?"
Malven’s voice held anger.
"If Elodie had not discovered it, would you have hidden this truth forever? Let the Ashbourne bloodline end?"
A bitter laugh left Tharina’s lips, but she said nothing more.
Elodie turned toward her, her eyes wet with tears.
"I know I am not worthy of standing here. I know I cannot compare to you. But this pup has done nothing wrong. I only wish to keep it."
Jolene’s voice cut through the air, strong and cold.
"This family will never accept that pup, and it will never accept you!"
She moved to stand beside Tharina, firm and unyielding.
"Anyone who dares bring that woman into this house will answer to me first!"
Malven raised his voice again. "Mother, Elodie carries a son."
The entire courtyard fell silent.
"I will ensure she gives birth safely. He is my only heir. As for you, Tharina, you will remain as the Luna of this pack. After the pup is born, he will be placed under your care. That should be enough."
Let Elodie bear the heir. Keep Tharina as Luna to protect the family’s name.
Tharina let out a hollow laugh.
Enough?
"What a perfect plan, Alpha Ashbourne. You truly wish to keep everything for yourself."
Across the courtyard, Eldrath Ashbourne heard every word. His body trembled as he clutched his chest and sank into his seat.
Tharina looked at the scene before her, a twisted display she no longer wished to be part of. She took a slow breath, forcing her emotions down, then turned to Jolene and Eldrath. She bowed deeply.
"The affairs of the Ashbourne Pack have nothing to do with me anymore."
She turned and began to walk away.
"Wait. Please wait."
Elodie rushed after her and grabbed her arm. Tears ran down her face, her voice trembling.
"Please, I beg you. Let me keep this pup. I am begging you."
"Let go of my hand."
Tharina pulled her arm, trying to free herself. But Elodie only held tighter. She leaned close, her voice dropping so only Tharina could hear.
"Tharina Steelhowl. I never thought he would still keep you as Luna."
The words struck deep. In the next moment, the grip on Tharina’s arm was gone.
Elodie suddenly fell backward. Her body hit the stone steps with a heavy sound, and a sharp cry echoed through the courtyard.
"Ahh!"
"Elodie!"
Malven rushed forward, seeing her lying on the steps, both hands clutching her stomach, her face pale.
"Malven... she pushed me. My stomach... it hurts... the pup... my pup..."
