I ran the brush through my hair for the third time, staring blankly into the mirror. The strands shimmered under the soft light, but my eyes... they looked hollow. Still, I smiled.
Maybe, just maybe, he'd look at me like he used to.
However, when the doors to the grand hall opened, it wasn’t just Marcus who walked in.
Standing beside him was Ariella. The rogue healer. Her hands cradled her swollen stomach. She looked serene. Radiant, even.
And Marcus... he looked proud.
“I want everyone to welcome Ariella,” he announced, his voice smooth and authoritative. "She’s a healer who has been under my protection for the past few months. She carries my child—the true heir of this pack.”
Whispers began rippling through the gathered pack members, but I couldn’t hear them over the ringing in my ears.
"From now on, she will live in the pack house and be treated with the respect she deserves,” Marcus added before turning to me.
"Esther, you should move out of the Luna’s quarters immediately. You’ll be assisting Ariella with her needs from now on.”
“What?” My voice came out sharp. “Marcus, what are you saying?”
His jaw tensed. “Exactly what it sounds like. This is for the future of our pack, Esther.”
“I’m still your bonded mate,” I said, my voice shaking. “You’re parading a pregnant rogue in front of the pack and asking me to serve her?”
“I’m telling you to,” he snapped. “Don’t make a scene.”
I laughed, a bitter sound that burned on the way out. “Nine years, and that’s all I am to you? A convenient servant for your mistress?”
“She’s not a mistress,” he hissed. “She’s carrying the heir—something you failed to give me.”
The words slapped harder than any blow could have.
I didn’t respond. I just turned, walked back to our quarters—the ones I once decorated with care and hope—and began packing. It took me less than an hour. When love dies, detachment is surprisingly fast.
I made it to the front door, with a suitcase in hand, when his voice stopped me.
“Esther.”
I turned slowly.
“You need to hand over the Lunar Crest.”
My fingers clenched around the strap of my bag. “What?”
“Ariella needs it for spiritual protection. The child she carries is the future Alpha.”
My breath caught in my throat. “That crest has been passed down by my mother. It’s mine, Marcus.”
His jaw hardened. “Do not make this difficult.”
I looked at Ariella. She offered a small, almost smug smile.
I knew he wouldn’t stop. And honestly, I was tired of fighting for someone who had already left me behind.
With trembling fingers, I reached for the chain around my neck, the silver crescent moon still warm from my skin. I stepped forward, placed it around Ariella’s neck, and fastened it gently.
“I wish you both a long, happy life with your child,” I said, words bitter with resignation.
The moment the clasp clicked shut, the silver heirloom split with a sharp crack. The pendant snapped clean down the center, clattering onto the marble floor.
Gasps echoed.
I stood there, stunned.
“What did you do?!” Marcus’s voice boomed.
“I—I didn’t—”
“It’s a bad omen!” he growled. “You did this on purpose! You’re jealous!”
“No! I swear—”
He unleashed his aura before I could finish. It hit me like a tidal wave, crashing down until my knees buckled.
“Apologize to her!” he barked.
I gasped, struggling to breathe, every cell screaming under the force of his dominance. My hands trembled as I turned toward Ariella, still clutching her belly.
“I’m sorry,” I rasped, my voice barely audible. “I didn’t mean—”
“Ahh!” Ariella cried out suddenly, doubling over.
Marcus’s fury vanished in an instant. “Ariella? What’s wrong?”
“My stomach—it hurts—Marcus!”
He caught her before she fell, shouting at the pack doctor. “Get help! Now!”
I tried to reach forward, instinctively—but he shoved me back like I was filth.
“Stay away from her!”
I stumbled back, heart in my throat, watching as the pack scrambled around them.
He turned to me once more, eyes filled with rage. “If anything happens to my child, I swear I won't forgive you.”
