Betrayed by the Wolf Who Swore to Protect Me

Luciana Ellis didn’t recognize me.

She was just as I remembered her—gentle, thoughtful, with a faint scent of sandalwood lingering around her. A set of polished wolf fangs dangled from her fingers, clicking softly as she moved.

“No need for formalities here. Come closer, let me see you.”

I rose slowly, my heart pounding, and let her take my hands. She leaned in, studying me with a careful gaze.

After what felt like an eternity, she smiled and released me.

“You’re a good girl,” she said warmly. “No wonder Weston’s been so taken with you. He’s usually so reserved, but he’s spoken of you for years.”

I kept my head down, feigning shyness, and stepped back to stand behind Weston. I couldn’t risk saying too much.

Weston shot me a tender glance before addressing her. “Adele’s a bit shy, Luna. Please forgive her.”

Luciana chuckled softly. “It’s good to see you care for her so deeply.”

Then her expression shifted, a shadow crossing her face. “It reminds me of how your mentor used to be.”

The room fell silent.

I glanced up and noticed the faint streaks of gray in her once-dark hair, the subtle lines of sorrow etched into her features.

The scent of wildflowers filled the air as Luciana seemed to drift into memories, her voice soft and distant.

“You wouldn’t know this, but he was so devoted to his mate. He’d do anything for her—even race back from patrols just to spend one night with her on her birthday.

“It was the only time I ever saw him act like a real person…”

No one dared to speak. The silence was heavy, suffocating. I clenched my fingers inside my sleeves, forcing myself to stay calm, to keep my expression neutral.

Then, a Delta entered the room, bowing low. “Alpha Archer has returned from the border. He’s hosting a pack gathering tonight and has announced he’ll personally oversee your marking ceremony.”

What?

I thought Weston was supposed to be out of favor.

I glanced at Weston. His face was a mixture of surprise and something else—something I couldn’t quite place.