Adrielle’s voice drifted through the dark den, low and sharp.
“That moon-diamond bracelet you gave Luna Ivara… it’s worth a fortune, isn’t it? I begged you for one, and you ignored me. She never even asks, yet you give her the finest treasure in the pack.”
Evander’s shadow moved. He pushed her legs away, sat up on the bed, and lit a flame-leaf cigarette. His face was calm, distant.
“I told you before. The mate-bond will be broken soon. I care for my Luna, but for now, this stays hidden. If she learns the truth, everything ends.”
Adrielle climbed onto him, bare skin against skin.
“I understand,” she said softly. “But I love you. I can’t stop feeling jealous.”
Evander let out a slow breath, reached into the carved drawer, and pulled out another bracelet. Same design as mine. Different moonstone color. He dangled it in front of her.
“Stop sulking. I bought one for you as well. Wear it only in secret. If Ivara sees it, we’re finished.”
Adrielle’s eyes shone. She kissed him eagerly, whispering thanks, her body still marked by him. Then she asked quietly, curiosity sharp beneath her tone, “Why are you so afraid she’ll leave you, Alpha?”
His answer came fast, steady, without pause.
“I’m not truly afraid. I have you. But my grandfather favored Ivara. Once I inherit his Alpha holdings and moon-stocks… I can finally discard her and take you as my mate.”
Then he pushed Adrielle back onto the bed, taking her again. The carved frame creaked under them. Her cries filled the night.
I pressed my palm to the cold wall, biting back my sobs, my eyes locked on our bond portrait hanging nearby. His smiling face in that image felt like mockery.
“Thirteen nights, Evander,” I whispered through tears.
“I’ll be gone. Let’s see how mad you truly become.”
***
I woke to shouting outside—loud enough to tear me from sleep. When I opened my door, I saw a woman in the neighboring garden, clutching a man’s tunic.
“Tim, I gave you ten years of my life,” she cried. “I bore your pups. When we bonded under the moon, you swore loyalty forever. And now, just a few winters later, you sneak around with another?”
The sun had barely risen, yet many pack members were already near the lake—walking, training, breathing in the morning air. They stopped, staring, murmurs spreading.
The man—Tim, well known in the territory—went pale when he noticed the crowd. He dragged the woman inside and snapped harshly, “What’s wrong with you? I’ve told you enough times. No male stays loyal.”
The words sliced through me. I froze, their echo clawing at my chest.
Then a warm hand covered my ear from behind.
“Don’t listen to such foolish talk, Ivara,” Evander murmured.
I didn’t face him. “Tell me, Evander… do all men betray their mates in the end?”
He paused, then gently turned me toward him. His dark eyes held mine. “I can’t speak for every wolf alive. But me? I will love only you.”
I studied his face, perfect and practiced. “You’ll love me for a full lifetime? A lifetime is very long.”
He pulled me into his arms. “Yes, it is long. That’s why I want only you to stand beside me through it.”
I laughed softly, the sound bitter. “And if you betray me?”
“If I ever betray you,” he said firmly, “may the Moon Queen strike me down where I stand.”
The vow was bold. Cruel. Because I already knew the truth. His skin carried another woman’s scent after nights away. He could claim others and still speak these words without shame.
“Are you truly not afraid that vow may come true?”
“Not at all,” he replied. “No one understands how deep my love runs. If you doubt me, I will tear open my chest and show you my heart. If that is still not enough, Ivara… I will give you my life.”
I thought silently, If you are so ready to give me your life, why can’t you control your desire?
Before I could speak, a voice cut in sharply.
“What are you two doing here?”
We turned together.
Adrielle stood in the doorway, wearing a red silk dress that hugged her body, leaning lazily against the frame.
I felt Evander stiffen. His brows drew together. “It’s not a rest day. Why are you dressed like that? Where are you going?”
It wasn’t a brother’s tone. It was tight, edged with jealousy.
Adrielle noticed. She smiled slowly. “There’s a pack gathering tonight. I’ll find myself a mate there, so don’t wait for me.”
Evander’s expression darkened. Adrielle only smiled wider, then looked at me. “And you, Luna Ivara? Any plans today?”
Evander answered before I could. His fingers threaded through mine. “Ivara and I are returning to my parents’ territory.”
Something unreadable flashed in Adrielle’s eyes. She nodded politely, said goodbye, and left, her scent lingering faintly in the air.
And Evander… still did not release my hand.
Half an hour later, Evander drove us toward the Wargrove ancestral lands.
I hated that place.
His parents had never accepted me. Only his grandfather had shown warmth. To them, I was cursed. I gave birth to a daughter when they wanted a son. When she died, their hatred sharpened, poisonous. Each visit, their stares felt like blades, as if I had stolen their heir with my own claws.
Evander usually avoided bringing me, claiming it wasn’t worth the strain. But this time, his mother, Isolde, had fallen ill. No matter how I feared it, we had to come.
When we stepped inside, Lucien and Isolde were smiling, speaking warmly.
The moment they saw me…
Their smiles vanished. Their eyes turned cold.
