(Eirene’s POV)
Layton spoke gently while his fingers brushed against my cheek.
There was once a time when my wolf responded to him without thought. A simple touch from him could shake my entire heart.
Now I felt absolutely nothing.
"I noticed Kiera always gets everything she wants. Her family buys her anything immediately. Today she was sitting beside a pink enchanted piano while holding a crystal tablet and smiling happily."
I spoke on purpose, making sure the meaning behind my words reached him.
Layton stiffened for a moment before suddenly losing his temper. He stood up quickly, his brows tightly furrowed.
"Why do you always compare Elion to other pups? It is only a gift. Just one gift. Why are you speaking in such a sarcastic way? Are you trying to start an argument?"
"Does Elion really want the presents, or is this actually about you?"
I stayed silent. I only lifted my eyes and looked directly at him.
The air between us instantly became tense.
Layton seemed to lose confidence first. He looked away and when he spoke again, his tone became much softer.
"Moonlight, let’s not fight. The day after tomorrow is Elion's birthday. I promise I already prepared a huge surprise for him. Just stay happy these next few days and prepare for your journey to the Northern Moon Kingdom."
I nodded lightly before leaving for the study under the excuse of handling pack documents.
***
The next day…
During the council meeting of Blackhollow Pack, Renzia suddenly spoke, "While Luna Eirene is away on her trip, someone will need to manage her responsibilities, correct? Then I would like to take over."
A smile curled across her lips while her eyes stayed fixed on mine, filled with clear provocation.
The entire hall fell silent. But then everyone turned toward Layton, waiting for his answer.
It was only a seven-day journey. Layton himself or one of the deputy Alphas could easily manage things.
No one expected Renzia to openly demand authority right in front of me.
How ridiculous.
"Do as Renzia suggested."
Layton inhaled deeply before looking at me.
"Eirene, simply enjoy your vacation. Leave the pack matters to Renzia. She is capable enough."
Silence filled the room once more.
This time, every gaze landed on me.
"Eirene, you don’t truly believe I am trying to steal your position, right?" Renzia smiled wider, her voice full of challenge.
Everyone could feel the tension spreading through the hall like fire.
In ten years within Blackhollow Pack, everyone knew I was decisive and not someone easily bullied.
Even Layton looked nervous. But I simply smiled.
"Fine. I agree."
Nobody expected me to give up authority so easily. Only Layton looked visibly relieved as a faint smile appeared on his face.
Before Renzia could speak again, I stood up and walked out of the council hall, but Layton quickly chased after me and grabbed my hand from behind.
"Moonlight, please listen to me first…"
"Listen to what? That this entire council meeting was arranged to humiliate me?" I turned around and interrupted him immediately.
Even without my words, anyone could see that Layton was clearing a path for Renzia by stepping over me. And it all began with the journey to the Northern Moon Kingdoms.
His plans were far deeper than I imagined. I could not believe I failed to notice it before.
"Moonlight, let me explain."
Layton opened his arms and tightly hugged me while speaking sincerely, "Renzia is talented. She deserves a chance to prove herself and bring new strength to the pack. I had no other option. This was the best solution I could think of."
"When you return, I will make you Vice Leader of Blackhollow Pack. I hope you understand my position."
Vice Leader?
What a joke.
Since the founding of Blackhollow Pack, that title had never existed. Just like all his promises about Elion's birthday surprise.
Nothing more than empty words.
"Layton, for ten years, all I ever did was understand you. Compromise for you. Accept every difficult position you pushed onto me."
I paused for several seconds before finally speaking with a quiet sigh, "But I think you are right."
"Moonlight, you truly are the best."
Layton actually believed I was no longer upset.
After throwing out that praise, he immediately turned around and walked back into the council hall.
