FROM A COMMON LUNA TO THE WEREWOLF QUEEN

Sitting in front of the vanity table, I fought to keep my face serene, ignoring the storm raging within me. My wolf, Selene, snarled and clawed at my mind, demanding to surface, but I locked her down.

The room was silent except for the subtle rustle of Lorian’s movements behind me.

“I know you were trying to mind link me earlier,” Lorian began, his deep voice breaking the stillness. His large hands rested on my shoulders, but their warmth felt foreign. “I was negotiating with Alpha Jude for an alliance in the East. To earn his trust, I had to block all telepathic communication—even with you. I hope you understand.”

His explanation came too late. Our pack had been ambushed, I had fought for my life, and I had lost our child—all while he was blissfully unaware. I looked at his reflection in the mirror and forced a smile. It didn’t reach my eyes.

“Of course, Lorian,” I said, my tone light. “I understand.”

He frowned, clearly sensing something off. “A-Are you sure you’re not angry at me?” he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.

I shook my head, feigning nonchalance. “No. Why would I be? You were doing what’s best for the pack.”

Relief flooded his expression. “That’s good to hear. I know you can’t afford to stay mad at me for long,” he added, a cocky smile playing on his lips. “That’s why I stopped by your favorite bakery on the way back. I wanted to bring you something sweet to make up for being away.”

He set a basket tied with a delicate ribbon on the table in front of me. The scent of the pastries wafted up, and I stiffened. My heart dropped as I recognized the aroma of kiwi.

Kiwi—the one fruit that could trigger my severe allergies.

I shot to my feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. “I hope you remember that kiwi is dangerous for me,” I said, my voice shaking.

His brows furrowed in confusion. “Wait—kiwi? I thought you loved them. I must’ve mixed things up.” His eyes widened as realization dawned. “Shit. I’m so sorry, Isolde. I wasn’t thinking.”

No, more like he was thinking of Aveline. Kiwi had been Aveline’s favorite, not mine. My wolf growled at the thought, the sharp edge of betrayal cutting through me.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I tilted my head and said, “Perhaps you confused me with someone else.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he replied, his tone defensive. “I bought them for you. I just... I don’t know how I made such a mistake.”

“It’s fine,” I said, my voice flat. “Maybe the servants will appreciate them.”

Lorian hesitated, then nodded, picking up the basket. “I’m really sorry, hun. Things have been hectic with the rogue attacks. I’ll try harder, I promise.”

The words felt hollow. I simply nodded, unwilling to waste my breath.

“By the way,” he added, “why were you trying to mind link me earlier? Was something wrong?”

“No,” I lied, keeping my voice even. “Everything was fine.”

Before he could press further, his eyes suddenly glowed yellow—the unmistakable mark of his wolf taking over during a mind link. His jaw clenched, and his hand twitched as he communicated silently. The moment ended as quickly as it began.

“I have a situation to handle,” he said abruptly. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Without waiting for my response, Lorian strode out of the room, leaving me standing there, a maelstrom of emotions churning within me.

As the door clicked shut, my legs gave out, and I collapsed onto the floor. My arms trembled as I clutched them to my chest, my nails digging into my palms.

Selene whimpered in my head, a mournful sound that mirrored the hollow ache in my heart.

“He didn’t even notice the bruises. He didn’t notice anything.”

As I sat there, my mind racing, a sharp, stinging pain flared across my side. I gasped, lifting my shirt to reveal a fresh gash across my ribs. Blood seeped from the wound, staining my clothes.

I didn’t need an explanation. The pain wasn’t from a physical attack—it was from the bond. My mate’s infidelity. The realization hit me like a physical blow. He was with her again. Aveline.

Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. My mate had betrayed me in every possible way. He had abandoned me during the rogue attack. He had failed to protect our child, the pack, and now he had betrayed the sacred bond we shared.

Rising unsteadily to my feet, I stumbled to the bathroom.

I cleaned the wound as best as I could, each movement mechanical. The sight of the blood should have made me feel something—rage, despair, heartbreak—but I felt numb.

Once I was done, I sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the floor. I couldn’t stay here. Not anymore.

Selene’s voice growled in my mind, “We deserve better. We need to leave.”

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and reached out with my mind, connecting with the one person I knew I could trust.

“Dad,” I said through the mind link. “I accept your offer to join the Lycan Dominion as a pack doctor. Please send me the details so I can prepare.”

There was a brief pause before his voice responded, filled with relief and concern. “I’ll arrange everything. Are you sure about this, Isolde?”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “I’m sure.”

I cut the link before he could ask more questions. There was nothing left for me here. My mate—he had failed me in the moments I needed him the most.

Rising to my feet, I began packing a bag, each movement deliberate and final. This wasn’t just about leaving. It was about reclaiming my life, my dignity, and my strength.

As I zipped the bag shut, I looked around the room one last time. This place had been my home, my sanctuary. Now, it was nothing more than a cage.

Selene’s voice rumbled in my mind, her tone fierce and determined. “We’ll rise again, Isolde. Stronger than ever.”

With a final glance at the room, I turned and walked out, my steps steady and sure. My heart ached, but my resolve was unshakable. This was the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Lorian might have broken me, but I would heal. And when I did, I would be unstoppable.

But just as I was about to leave the borders, something happened.