Avelyn’s POV
A few hours after Zayne stormed out of my recovery chamber, the healers from the Healer’s Hall infirmary discharged me. The elder healer looked at me with quiet pity, his eyes glowing faintly under the moonlight rune etched on his brow.
“Please, Luna Valloren,” he said softly, “you must rest. Your wolf’s core is fragile — another strain could tear your life-thread apart.”
I didn’t reply. I only signed the moon-sealed parchment — my Bond Severance Declaration — and stumbled out of the ward. My legs trembled, and my lower abdomen throbbed with pain where my spiritual womb had been torn apart.
I half expected Zayne to be waiting outside the infirmary, especially after his relentless mind-link messages commanding me to return to the Valloren Manor and assist Vionne.
Of course, he wasn’t there. Why would he be? A mate who had left me for dead twice wouldn’t bother showing up now.
When I returned to the Valloren stronghold, the great hall of the Alpha’s manor was alive with laughter and chiming goblets. Gold and sapphire banners hung across the marble walls, and moonlight lanterns shimmered in the air.
A large crest gleamed above the dais:
“Welcome, Pup Ravyn Valloren.”
It took me a second to realize that tonight wasn’t just Vionne’s pup-blessing. It was also Zayne’s and my second bond anniversary.
And yet, not a single bloom of moonroses, not a single glance from Zayne, hinted that he remembered.
The pack elites whispered as I stepped in — sharp, gleaming eyes of wolves in human skin.
“There she is. The Luna who couldn’t bear an heir.”
“I heard her spirit womb was destroyed. Poor thing, still clinging to Alpha Zayne.”
“She truly thought he’d forget Vionne? They shared a blood bond as children.”
Each word sliced through my soul like silver, but I kept walking, chin high.
At the center of the grand hall, Vionne stood draped in a gown spun from moon-silk, her aura glowing with pregnancy’s warmth. Zayne stood beside her, adjusting her shawl, his gaze soft and reverent — a look he once reserved for me.
“Avelyn,” Zayne said flatly, barely glancing my way. “You’re home. Vionne’s blessing begins soon. Make yourself useful.”
My voice stayed steady. “Of course, Alpha. I wouldn’t dare ruin your night.”
Before he could respond, Vionne turned to me, her tone dripping honey over venom.
“Oh, Luna,” she cooed, “you’re just in time! The feast is nearly ready, but I’m craving something warm. Could you prepare it for me?”
I frowned. “There are plenty of servants for that.”
She feigned hurt. “Oh, I just thought your meals were… special. Never mind, I’ll ask someone else.”
Zayne cut in sharply. “You have nothing better to do, Avelyn. Do as she asks.”
I bit my tongue and limped toward the kitchens.
Then, as if summoned by the Moon herself, Vionne called out again, “Oh, and Avelyn? Be a dear and fetch the parchments for Zayne to sign — the ones about the new carriage he promised me.”
At his desk, I found the contract — a golden sigil for a new Nightfang chariot, the very one I’d once asked Zayne for.
My name had been erased, replaced with hers.
My lips curled bitterly. I slipped two other scrolls beneath it — one containing the bond-severance, and another transferring half of his assets.
Zayne signed everything without reading. “At least you’re still useful in paperwork,” he muttered coldly.
I smiled faintly as I walked away, clutching the signed documents.
Just a few more days, and I’d be free.
***
When the guests arrived, the hall shimmered with lunar crystals. Music floated through the air, and laughter echoed off silver pillars. Vionne moved among them like a queen bathed in moonlight.
I stood behind the crowd — invisible, forgotten.
Then, Zayne’s mother, Nerina, and matriarch of the Valloren line, swept into the room in her flowing ivory gown.
“Vionne, darling,” she crooned, kissing her cheek. “You look divine. Finally, a true heir for our pack!”
Her sharp gaze cut toward me. “Avelyn. You’ve returned.”
“Yes, Mother,” I murmured.
She sneered. “You should have stayed in the infirmary. You’ve brought enough bad luck already.”
Vionne touched her arm gently. “Don’t say that, Mom. Avelyn didn’t mean for the accident to happen.”
“You’re too kind,” Nerina sighed. “But it’s no surprise Zayne’s wolf turned cold. A Luna who can’t bear pups brings only darkness.”
Laughter rippled through the pack.
My claws dug into my palms. “My pup didn’t die because of me,” I whispered. “He died because your son let him.”
The room went still.
Zayne’s jaw tightened. “Avelyn.”
“She killed him!” I screamed, pointing at Vionne. “You let the healers drain my life to save her womb! You chose her over our child!”
Gasps filled the hall.
Vionne covered her mouth, eyes glistening with fake tears. “I never wanted this,” she whispered. “Zayne, she’s sick — she’s ruining your night.”
“Enough, Avelyn,” Zayne said coldly. “This is Vionne’s day, not your pity play.”
I trembled. “Do you even remember what today is?”
He blinked. “What are you talking about?”
“Our bond anniversary.”
Laughter erupted — cruel, sharp.
“Oh, poor thing,” Vionne smiled. “You must have confused the dates.”
“Don’t ruin the joy,” Nerina added. “This is a night for life — not your mistakes.”
My heart clenched. Then Vionne suddenly gasped, clutching her belly. “Zayne… the pup! My pup—”
He rushed to her side. “What happened?”
Between sobs, she whimpered, “Avelyn… she made me food earlier. I think it had moon-nuts… I’m allergic!”
The hall exploded into chaos.
“What kind of Luna would do that?”
“She’s jealous!”
“She cursed the unborn heir!”
“Avelyn!” Zayne roared, his aura blazing like wildfire. “If anything happens to them, you’ll regret it!”
I tried to speak, but no sound came.
“I am taking her to the Healer’s Chamber. Don’t follow us!”
He carried Vionne out, slamming the doors behind him.
I stood alone in the hall. Silence fell. The pack’s laughter faded down the moonlit path.
I looked around — at the celebration, the banners, the roses — all honoring the woman who had stolen everything.
My hands trembled as I reached for the sealed envelope on the table. The one holding the signed parchments.
A bitter smile curved my lips.
“Happy bond anniversary, Zayne,” I whispered. “You just signed your ‘empire’ away.”
