Betrayed By The Mate The Moon Goddess Chose

On the fifteenth of the month, it was customary to pay respects to the Lycan Queen. As I approached the grand entrance of the palace, I spotted Gamma Rylee waiting at the door.

"Her Majesty has been expecting you and the Prince since early this morning. Please follow me," she said, her tone respectful but formal.

Before we even reached the main hall, I could hear a lively, chirping voice echoing through the corridors. Judging by the timing, it had to be Alina Stone.

"Auntie, when is Michael coming?" Her voice was playful, almost teasing.

"You little rascal," the Lycan Queen replied with a chuckle. "Just moments ago, you said you missed me the most, and now you’re already asking for someone else."

"Well, Michael isn’t just ‘someone.’ He’s your dearest son, isn’t he?"

I entered the hall just as the Queen tapped Alina’s forehead affectionately, calling her a "little troublemaker."

"Ah, this must be Alina. What a lovely young lady," I said, stepping forward with a warm smile after completing the formal greetings.

"Miss Alina, I hope your journey here wasn’t too tiring. Are you settling in well?" I asked, taking her hand in mine.

Alina glanced at me subtly, her eyes scanning me quickly before she laughed brightly. "You must be Luna Holly! I’ve heard so much about you—how you’re one of the most elegant women in the pack. Meeting you today, I can see why everyone admires you."

She looped her arm through mine, addressing me as "Sister Holly" with a familiarity that felt both genuine and calculated.

"Sister Holly, what’s fun to do around here? The palace is grand, but everyone seems so serious. It’s a bit stifling, don’t you think?"

Her boldness didn’t faze the Queen. If anything, it seemed to amuse her. "If you’re feeling bored, why not have Michael and Holly take you around? It’ll be a good way to relax."

I kept my expression calm, but inside, I seethed. To the Queen, Michael was still her precious son, while I was merely "Holly," the Luna. She didn’t even bother to use my title in front of Alina, as if subtly reminding everyone of her disapproval of me.

Oh, I wasn’t naive. In the Queen’s eyes, *I* was the outsider, the one who had taken what she believed should have been Alina’s place.

And now, she wanted Michael, the future Lycan King, to accompany Alina around the city? As if I were some minor inconvenience to be brushed aside. The Queen’s arrogance was staggering, her disdain for me thinly veiled.

Alina, as if suddenly noticing Michael, turned to him with a theatrical gasp. "Oh, Prince Michael! It’s been so long. Sister Holly and I were so caught up in chatting, I almost forgot you were here!"

Michael, ever the picture of composure, smiled warmly. "It’s good to see you again, Alina. I trust you’ve been well?"

Alina practically bounced over to him, her admiration for him written all over her face. "Prince Michael, are you busy today? Could you take me out to explore? Please?"

Michael’s smile softened. "I happen to have some free time today. Where would you like to go?"

"Main Street is always so lively! I’ve been craving the burgers from Wolf’s Bite, and I’d love to pick up some jewelry from Moonstone Boutique."

With Michael’s approval, Alina grabbed his sleeve, tugging him toward the door. Then, as if just remembering I was still there, she turned back to me with an exaggerated expression of guilt.

"Oh, Sister Holly, I’m so sorry! I completely forgot you were here," she said, bouncing back to link her arm with mine again. "Please don’t be upset. It’s just that Michael and I used to do this all the time before you came along. It’s still a bit strange to have someone else join us."

She pouted slightly, sticking out her tongue as if it were all just a harmless oversight.

"Of course, Miss Alina. You’ve been away from the city for so long. It’s only natural you’d want to explore," I replied, my tone smooth and polite.

You’re mocking me for taking your place, I thought. And I’m subtly reminding you of your provincial roots.

I came from the Garcia Pack, a lineage of power and prestige. The Queen might hold sway here, but I wouldn’t let some upstart Beta like Alina Stone step all over me. Did she really think I, Holly Garcia, was someone she could trample on so easily?