"Mother, look at this ugly necklace. The chain is broken," Arion shouted, pointing at Valea’s damaged necklace.
"Arion, don’t be naughty, my dear. That’s something very precious to Luna Valea."
"This ugly thing is useless. It breaks so easily," Arion said, sticking out his tongue as he threw it away. The pendant hit the floor and shattered into pieces.
Davinia let out a soft laugh, then turned to Valea with a pleased smile. "It seems you cannot wear that dress or those jewels now. If you wish, I can lend you one of my old dresses."
Valea’s hands trembled as she clenched them tightly, forcing down her anger. "Davinia, watch how you behave in my den. Don’t test me if you don’t want to regret it."
Davinia lifted her chin proudly and brushed her hair back. "Still acting like the Luna of this place? Tell me, did you know Renwick and I shared your bed?"
She revealed the mark on her neck. "Look at this. He could not control himself. He told me he was tired of being with you. You cannot stir any desire in him because you’re like..."
Before she could finish, Valea’s hand struck her hard across the face. Her expression turned dark.
"Davinia, you’re only a hidden mate. Renwick doesn’t even dare to reveal you. Don’t cross your place. I have endured you long enough. If you provoke me again, you will face the consequences."
Valea didn’t wish to waste her strength on such a woman, especially when she was about to leave this place. But Davinia kept pushing her and her patience had ended.
Davinia’s eyes turned red with anger, yet her lips curled into a strange smile as she glanced toward the door. She saw Renwick approaching.
"You wicked woman. How dare you strike my mother!" Arion shouted as he rushed forward and bit Valea’s hand.
"Arion, let go," Valea said, trying to push him away. He stumbled and hit the ironing stand.
In that moment, Davinia rushed forward and pulled Arion into her arms. The hot iron fell and struck her shoulder.
"Aah..." she cried loudly, hugging Arion tightly. "Valea, I know he’s not your blood, but how can you try to burn him? He’s just a pup. If you must hurt someone, hurt me instead."
"Davinia," Renwick rushed in. He threw the iron aside and turned to Valea. His hand rose and struck her face hard.
"Valea, you have gone too far this time. You hurt both Arion and Davinia."
The force of the strike tore the corner of her lips. This was the first time he had ever hit her.
Valea smiled faintly as she wiped the blood.
"I never meant to harm Arion. Davinia was the one who ruined my dress and jewels first."
Another strike landed on her face.
"Because of a dress and some jewels, you would harm them like this. Your heart is truly cruel," Renwick said coldly. "Apologize to Davinia."
Valea gritted her teeth. "Don’t order me to bow to that woman."
Renwick lifted his hand again, but paused when he saw her injured face. For a moment, guilt flashed in his eyes. But when he looked at Davinia crying while holding Arion, his expression hardened again.
He carried Davinia into his arms and turned to the guards.
"Lock Luna Valea in her chamber. Don’t give her food or water until she apologizes."
Valea watched his back with cold eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but she wiped them away roughly.
Enough, Valea. Don’t cry for him anymore.
She was locked inside without food or drink. Not long after, her mother contacted her again, questioning why Renwick had taken Davinia to the Valloren gathering in her place.
To calm Davinia, Renwick had brought her to the gathering and dressed her in the finest gown and jewels. They told everyone Valea was ill and that her sister in-law would attend instead.
Even from afar, the Frosthall Pack knew everything happening here.
Valea pressed her forehead and ended the call. Her ears rang from her mother’s harsh words.
After that night, Renwick didn’t return. He took Davinia and Arion traveling across distant territories.
Davinia sent endless memory clips to Valea, showing their journey, their laughter and even their moments in bed without shame.
Meanwhile, Valea remained locked away. A servant brought her food and water, asking again and again if she had apologized, then reporting her answer to Renwick.
Valea survived by drinking water from the chamber basin.
Renwick extended her punishment until he returned.
When Valea felt her life fading from hunger, she woke to find herself lying on her bed with a healing tube connected to her arm.
Renwick sat beside her, his face stiff, guilt hidden beneath anger.
"If you had admitted your mistake earlier, none of this would have happened."
Valea covered her face. She didn’t want to look at him, the man who had shattered her heart.
Renwick let out a breath.
"Valea, stop this stubbornness and apologize to Davinia."
Davinia stepped forward from behind him, her voice soft and gentle. "Renwick, it’s fine. Valea is from the Frosthall bloodline. Of course her pride is too high to bow to someone like me."
Renwick’s eyes turned cold as he looked at Valea.
"Being born into the Frosthall Pack has made you arrogant."
