The Lunar Vow He Broke, So I Took Our Pup and Fled the Pack

(Eirene’s POV)

This year, during the Moon Renewal Festival, my mate, Alpha Layton Blackhollow, did something I never expected.

He told me to leave the Blackhollow Pack for a vacation. He even arranged a seven-day journey to the Northern Moon Kingdom beyond the Frostfang Sea.

I thought he had finally learned how to care for me.

Then I overheard him speaking with our son.

“Father, you already completed the moon bond with Aunt Renzia. What about Mother?”

My son’s voice was soft and confused.

“It is only a false mating ritual.”

Layton laughed quietly. “Be a good pup, Elion. This stays between us. Do not tell your mother and I will buy you the wolf carved chariot you wanted.”

My mind rang like a war bell. I stood frozen for a long moment before walking downstairs and into the freezing night wind.

If he wanted to reclaim the years he lost with Renzia Wildmoor, then I had every right to chase the dreams I abandoned for this pack.

Once I left for the Northern Moon Kingdoms, I would never return.

***

After calming myself, I walked back upstairs and nearly collided with Layton Blackhollow in the corridor.

I looked at his bright crimson tunic and frowned. “I thought you hated wearing red.”

“That was before. Crimson is popular in the royal packs this year. Besides, I am helping a friend try on ceremonial mating robes, so I thought I should dress properly.”

Layton threw out excuses without stopping. But then it struck me.

Red was Renzia Wildmoor’s favorite color.

Ever since Renzia returned from the Moonshadow Kingdom overseas, Layton’s wardrobe had slowly filled with crimson cloaks, crimson boots, even crimson sleepwear.

The signs had always been there.

“Trying on mating robes? I can take you there.”

I kept my tone calm. “No, no, that’s not necessary.”

Layton shook his head so quickly it almost looked funny. “Why would a woman want to join men’s business? I will bring gifts back for you and Elion when I return.”

He kissed my forehead, refused to stay another second and rushed out the door.

A sharp ache twisted through my chest. I almost called after him, but in the end, I only lowered my head silently.

Everyone believed Layton Blackhollow and I were the perfect bonded pair. A legendary romance among the wolf packs and an unmatched force in the Alpha Kingdom’s trade alliance.

He never cared that I came from a weak and nameless pack. He chose me as his mate without hesitation.

For years, I worked day and night, helping Blackhollow Pack survive countless financial disasters. Many called me cold, tireless, more machine than wolf.

Ten years together. We raised a beautiful son and rebuilt Blackhollow Pack into one of the strongest territories in the eastern kingdoms.

And only now did I realize that Renzia Wildmoor had always lived inside Layton Blackhollow’s heart.

I stepped through the front door.

“Mother.”

Elion ran over and wrapped his small arms around my legs. “No matter what happens, you will never leave Father and me, right?”

It was as if he sensed everything. Fear filled his little face.

Pain stabbed through my chest. I crouched down and gently stroked his hair.

“If Mother and Father separated one day, who would you choose to stay with?”

Elion froze. Then tears slowly filled his eyes. “I am sorry.”

I pulled him into my arms.

“Mother is going to prepare dinner now, alright?”

Elion was only eight years old. The pain between two adults should never become a pup’s burden.

We could have hired palace servants to cook, but Elion and Layton both loved the meals I made myself. I knew every preference and every dislike they had.

That night, I prepared Elion’s favorite dishes. Tomato scrambled eggs, giant meatballs seasoned with mountain herbs and fresh egg pancakes cooked over the firestone stove.

The moment Elion saw the table, he burst into tears. He looked up at me.

“Mother, you already know about Aunt Renzia completing the moon bond with Father, don’t you?”

“Father told me it is only a false mating ritual. Mother, please don’t be angry, alright? Father loves you.”

I let out a quiet sigh and held Elion tightly in my arms.

I knew.

His young heart could not understand the complicated truths of the adult world. He only believed his father and wished with all his heart for his mother and father to remain together.