A deep red stain slowly spread across the hem of Elodie’s dress.
Malven’s eyes turned wild. In the next instant, he rushed forward and seized Tharina by the throat, his voice rough like a furious wolf.
"You cruel woman! You cannot bear a pup, so you chose to destroy mine? How can you be this heartless?"
His grip tightened, cutting off her breath. Tharina struggled, her hands clawing at his wrist. She tried to speak, to tell him she had done nothing, but no sound came out.
Then he let go, not with care, but with force.
Her body was thrown back. She hit the ground hard. Without thinking, she curled inward, her arms wrapping around her stomach before the pain could even reach her mind.
Malven had already turned away. He lifted Elodie into his arms and rushed toward the door, his voice shaking.
"Don’t be afraid. I will take you to the healer. The pup will be safe."
Jolene hurried after them. When she saw Tharina lying on the ground, pale and weak, tears filled her eyes.
"Tharina, I am so sorry."
Tharina pressed her hand against the wall and slowly forced herself to stand. A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"I am sorry I ruined grandfather’s celebration."
Jolene’s eyes were red as she took out a document and placed it into Tharina’s hand.
"From today onward, you are no longer Luna of Ashbourne Pack. You are my own daughter. That will never change."
Tharina felt her throat tighten. She gave a small nod, then turned and walked away.
She had not gone far when several guards dressed in black surrounded her and pushed her into a waiting car.
The car sped across the territory and stopped at the healer’s hall.
Inside a private chamber, Elodie lay resting, tears still on her face. The moment Tharina was brought in, her crying grew louder.
Malven stood from the bedside and walked toward Tharina. He looked down at her, his gaze cold and merciless.
"The pup is gone. Kneel and beg for forgiveness."
A guard forced her down. Her knees struck the hard floor with force, pain shooting through her body.
Still, she lifted her head.
"I didn’t do it. Why should I beg?"
Anger twisted Malven’s face.
He had once told her no one would replace her. That the pup would be given to her to raise, and Elodie would be sent away after.
Then why would she destroy his pup?
He took out his crystal communicator and made a call.
"The contract with the Steelhowl Pack, cancel it at once. End everything immediately."
He ended the call and looked at her again.
"You refuse to admit your fault? Then by morning, your family will fall. Your father barely survived before. This time, he will not."
Tharina felt her heart sink. She knew he could do it. With a single command, he could bring down everything her family had built.
Her father was no longer strong. He could not survive another blow. She could not let them suffer because of her.
The pain in her lower body grew stronger, sharp and twisting. She bit her lip until she tasted blood. Only then did she lower her head.
"I am sorry."
Behind her tears, Elodie’s lips curved into a small, satisfied smile.
"Leave."
Malven’s voice held no warmth at all.
Tharina rose slowly. Each step was painful, her legs trembling, but she didn’t turn back.
Behind her, Malven’s voice softened as he spoke to Elodie, "Don’t worry. I am here with you."
The doors opened, and cold night air rushed toward her. Tharina placed her hand gently over her stomach. Her fingers felt cold through the cloth. She lowered her head and spoke softly.
"It is alright, my dear. Mother will take you away from here. We will not return."
She didn’t go back to the pack house. There was nothing there for her anymore.
She drove straight to the airfield and bought a single ticket for the next flight leaving the land. Then she opened her crystal communicator and sent a file to a reporter.
"Release this after three days. Place it where all can see."
As the plane rose into the sky, Tharina looked out at the clouds below. Her eyes were calm, filled with certainty.
“Malven Ashbourne… this is the end. I loved you for many years. Let this be my final gift.”
After this, a new path begins.
