What happened that night spread quickly among the pack servants. They all saw how Valea was forced out of the Alpha’s main chamber while Renwick stayed there with Davinia.
Every servant understood clearly that Renwick showed how important Davinia was to him. At that moment, Valea lost dignity in her own den and became the subject of whispers among the servants.
Renwick didn’thing to fix the situation or apologize to her.
Soon, a call crystal from Valea’s birth pack lit up, as if the news had already reached them. Her mother, Amarise, spoke first and immediately scolded her.
"Valea, how could you allow another she wolf to treat you like that? Where is your pride as a daughter of the Frosthall Pack?"
"Mother, what happened was..."
"Enough. Don’t fight with Renwick over a mistress. You’re still Luna Valloren. You must keep that position."
"Mother, I was humiliated like this. How can you say that to me?" Valea asked in disbelief.
"Valea, how old are you now? You have been mated for many winters but still have not given the Valloren Pack an heir. Don’t anger Renwick and make him quarrel with you because of another woman. If you break the bond with him, the Frosthall Pack won’t welcome you back."
Valea stayed silent. Her hands tightened as she listened to her mother’s cold voice. She understood that in her family’s eyes, she had little value because she had not given birth to a future Alpha.
"Valea, are you listening? There is no need to compete with a mistress. Renwick will grow tired of her one day and you will remain Luna Valloren. Instead, think about how you can carry a pup."
Valea felt exhausted deep inside and chose not to argue.
"I understand, Mother." She ended the call.
Her family’s reaction made her more certain that she would keep the bond breaking a secret and she would not return to the Frosthall Pack.
That day, Renwick returned to the villa earlier than usual. He found Valea in their main chamber packing some of her things into large boxes.
"What did you tell your clan?" His voice sounded displeased.
"Nothing," Valea replied shortly while folding her clothes and placing them inside the box.
"Then why did your father contact me and mention Davinia?"
"I don’t know. My mother also spoke to me today. She talked about Davinia as well. It seems they heard about last night from a servant. In powerful packs like ours, spies are everywhere."
Renwick stayed quiet for a moment before letting out a breath.
"Don’t think too much about last night. Davinia didn’t grow up among warriors like us. She was very frightened by that intruder."
"Yes. I know." Valea lowered her head and continued packing.
"Why are you putting so many things in those boxes? You don’t need to move that much. Once Davinia feels safe again, you can return to this chamber."
"It’s fine. She can stay here as long as she wants. These things will be given to the orphan pups in the outer territory."
Renwick looked at her for a moment with a slight frown. Valea seemed unusually calm, even willing to give up their chamber without complaint. She was not someone who usually gave away her belongings and she had always been stubborn.
Renwick glanced at the items inside the boxes. Many of them were precious to her because he had given them. The dolls were gifts from the time she was ten until she turned eighteen, along with other items.
"Those things... didn’t you treasure them? Do you really want to throw them away?"
"I suddenly feel too old to keep them. I am sure many pups in the orphan dens would be happy to have them," Valea said with a gentle smile.
Renwick didn’t question it further. He placed an invitation scroll and a gift box on her lap.
"This is an invitation to the Valloren Pack gathering tomorrow night. We must attend together and show everyone that we’re doing well."
"Alright." Valea touched the gift box he had given her.
When she opened it, the contents were beautiful. Inside was a fine silk dress enchanted with moon thread and the newest diamond jewels from a famous clan of craftsmen.
Even after their conflict, Renwick still knew her taste and favorite brands. Her heart shook slightly. At least he still showed her respect.
"Wear that dress tomorrow night."
Valea looked at him and nodded with a smile.
The next evening at seven, Valea went to check the dress she had asked a servant to clean and press. But when she entered the room, she saw Davinia holding the dress and pressing it with a hot iron stone. Steam rose into the air and a burnt smell filled the room. Nearby, Arion sat on the floor, playing with Valea’s broken jewelry set.
"Davinia, what are you doing?" Valea rushed forward and pulled the dress away, pushing Davinia aside.
The dress was ruined. Burn marks spread across the fabric and a large hole had formed in the center.
"Ah, I am sorry, Valea. I burned your dress by mistake. You’re not going to blame me, right?" Davinia said with a mocking smile, not even trying to hide that it was done on purpose.
