Alpha's Betrayed Luna's Heart

Jamison White sighed, preparing to extract one of Reyna’s wolves. He turned to me, his voice heavy with concern. “Are you certain, King Emiliano?” I nodded firmly, my expression resolute. “Yes.” But as he began the procedure, I suddenly called out, “Wait!”

My heart clenched, and for a moment, I thought I might change my mind. But then I forced myself to soften, slipping into the calm demeanor I always wore around my family. “Let me ease Reyna’s pain. I’m her father—I can’t bear to see her suffer.” I glanced at Jamison, my voice steady. “Take only one. Leave the other so she can survive.”

Extracting one of her wolves would strip her of any chance to become a Lycan Queen and likely lead to her death. As the Lycan King, I knew the consequences better than anyone. My chest tightened as I fought the urge to intervene, my feet rooted to the ground as if weighed down by lead.

When the procedure was done, I stepped out of the room, my face carefully composed into a gentle smile. But the moment I saw Noemi waiting outside, my expression faltered. Panic surged through me, and I quickly moved to block her view. “My Queen, how long have you been here?” My voice betrayed my unease, and I cursed myself for the slip.

Noemi’s eyes were red, her voice trembling. “I just arrived. How is Reyna? I’m worried about her.” I exhaled softly, my tone soothing. “She’s fine. Jamison has already treated her. You’re still injured—let’s get you back to rest. I’ll bring Jamison to tend to you.” My words were measured, rehearsed, but they only seemed to deepen the shadow in her eyes.

Her tears spilled over, and she pushed past me. “I need to see her for myself!” She rushed into the room, where Reyna lay peacefully on the bed, her face serene. Noemi checked her pulse, her fingers trembling as she confirmed that both wolves were intact. I stepped beside her, my hand resting on her shoulder. “My Queen, you’ve been under so much stress since the rogue attack. Reyna is our daughter—how could I ever let harm come to her?”

Perhaps, in her grief, she hadn’t noticed my hesitation earlier. She leaned into me, her sobs muffled against my chest. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you.” I brushed away her tears, my voice soft. “You’ve been through too much. Rest now.” I kissed her forehead, my touch lingering as I added, “Jamison needs me to gather some herbs for Reyna. I’ll be back soon. Wait for me here.”

She nodded, her grip on my hand loosening as I left. I walked quickly, my mask of calm slipping the moment I was out of sight. Back in the room, Noemi sat by Reyna’s side, holding her hand. But then Reyna’s face paled, her breathing labored. Noemi’s hands flew to her daughter, trying to heal her, but it was too late. The wolf was already gone.

The realization hit her like a blow. My earlier illusion had only preserved the appearance of Reyna’s body, masking the truth. Reyna clutched her mother’s hand, her voice weak and full of pain. “Mother, it hurts…” Noemi’s tears fell freely as she tried to save her, but it was no use. In mere minutes, Reyna’s eyes closed for the last time.

Her final words were a whisper, a plea that shattered what remained of Noemi’s composure. “Mother, why did Father take my wolf? I heard him… Does he not love us anymore?” Noemi had no answer, her heart breaking as she held her daughter’s lifeless body.

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I stood outside the door, my hands clenched into fists. The weight of my decision pressed down on me, but I forced myself to walk away. I had done what I believed was necessary for the pack, even if it meant sacrificing the one thing that mattered most.