“Yes. Send the bond severance papers through moon mail.”
I spoke softly into the crystal communicator, my back turned to the chamber door as I stared out the tall window at the glowing Alpha city beyond our territory. Pack towers and watch fires lit the night. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it would break my ribs.
I ended the call and turned around.
Axton was standing there.
I almost dropped the crystal. He leaned against the doorway, still dressed in his Alpha council suit, his face drained of color, eyes wide with panic I had never seen before.
He had heard everything.
“Bond severance?” he rasped. The words felt sharp and dangerous in the air. He stepped closer, his hands trembling. “Lunessa, what does that mean? Why would you say that?”
Cold fear rushed through me. If he realized I was leaving the pack, everything would end. He would confine me. He would poison me again.
I forced a laugh. It hid the terror tightening my throat.
“Oh, Axton. You startled me.” I walked toward him, slipping the crystal into my pocket as if nothing mattered. “I was talking about Sabryn. You remember her. My academy friend.”
He blinked, the fear still there. “Sabryn?”
“Yes. She contacted me in tears. She discovered her mate was unfaithful.” I shook my head in fake anger. “After all she sacrificed for him. I told her to break the bond right away. I even said I would help since I know Maven, right? He is the best law keeper in the territory.”
The tension vanished instantly.
Axton sagged with relief and let out a long breath, rubbing his hair.
“Moon above,” he whispered. He pulled me into a tight embrace, pressing his face into my neck. “I thought you were talking about us. I thought you were leaving me.”
His hold was strong. Claiming.
“You terrified me, Lunessa,” he murmured. “Never say words like that inside this den again.”
I stood stiff for a moment before forcing myself to soften and return the gesture.
“Why would I leave you?” I pulled back slightly and met his eyes. “Unless you betrayed me.”
He froze for a heartbeat.
Something dark flickered in his gaze before his gentle mask returned.
“Of course not,” he said quickly, sounding wounded. He cupped my face, his thumbs brushing my cheeks. “I would never betray you. You are my Luna. My world. I live for you. How could you even think that?”
“Good,” I said quietly, my tone calm but sharp beneath the surface. “Because if you ever did, I would never survive it.”
“You will never need to fear that,” he promised, kissing my forehead. “I would never hurt you.”
The lie burned.
He smiled that charming Alpha smile that once made my heart race.
“Let us forget this sadness. Tomorrow is our bond anniversary. Let us go out tonight. There is a charity auction at the Moon Gallery. I will buy you something beautiful. Anything you desire.”
I nodded, forcing a smile. “All right.”
The auction hall glittered with power and wealth. Alphas, Betas, nobles from different territories filled the room. Moon wine flowed freely. Gems sparkled beneath enchanted lights. All eyes followed us.
The perfect Alpha and Luna.
Axton held my hand the entire night, showing me off like a prized possession.
“Look at that,” I said softly, pointing to the auction scroll. Item forty five. A rare ancient sapphire necklace infused with moon magic. Deep blue and breathtaking.
“It is beautiful.”
“You want it?” Axton asked, squeezing my hand. “Then it is yours.”
But once bidding began, the price climbed fast. Axton placed several bids, but then an unknown bidder using a sealed communicator pushed the price higher and higher until it became impossible.
“Sold to the sealed bidder,” the auction master announced.
A small ache formed in my chest. I hid it.
“It is fine,” I said. “It cost too much anyway.”
Suddenly, Axton stood. He walked onto the stage and took the speaking crystal. The hall fell silent.
“I may have lost that necklace,” he declared confidently, “but my Luna will not leave empty handed. I will purchase every remaining item in this collection for her. Because nothing is too precious for Lunessa.”
Gasps filled the room. Applause thundered. Eyes turned toward me with awe.
“You are blessed,” a woman beside me whispered. “Your Alpha truly treasures you.”
I smiled and lifted my hand in greeting.
That night, I thought the den was quiet again.
I went to the kitchen for water from a sealed bottle I kept hidden when voices drifted from the study.
“You did not take me with you,” Ramona snapped, her voice sharp. “I had to watch the auction through a public crystal. I want jewels too, Axton. And that speech was ridiculous. Nothing is too precious for Lunessa. Please.”
I moved closer, pressing my ear to the door.
“You play the loving Alpha so well now,” she mocked. “Everyone online praises you. Alpha of the year.”
“Calm yourself,” Axton said gently. “It is an act. You know that. I need to keep her content. She must not suspect anything.”
“Well, I am not content,” Ramona snapped.
“I prepared something for you,” he replied.
Fabric shifted. A box opened.
“Oh moon goddess,” Ramona gasped. “The sapphire necklace. You were the sealed bidder.”
“Of course,” Axton chuckled. “She admired it, but I bought it for you. It suits you better. Blue makes your eyes shine.”
My stomach twisted painfully. He had outbid himself just to give my desire to his mistress.
“Oh, Axton.” The sound of kissing followed. “Do you love me?”
“Yes. You know I do.”
“Then leave her,” Ramona begged. “Bond with me instead. I am tired of hiding.”
“I cannot. Not yet,” Axton whispered. “I need my inheritance from my grandfather. The Alpha trust requires me to remain bonded and never sever ties with my Luna. It will be released next moon cycle.”
“Next moon?”
“Yes. Be patient. And you know how your brother would react if he discovered us. Rhydan would kill me. He never approved of us, let alone betrayal.”
I stepped back. The floor creaked beneath my feet.
I froze.
They did not notice.
“Just a little longer,” Ramona whispered.
“Yes,” I whispered silently to myself. “Just a little longer. Then I will disappear from your world forever.”
