MOONBOUND VENGEANCE

The sudden slap made my head buzz. I felt my ears ring and my cheeks tingle at the pain.

“How could a powerless mortal without any spiritual abilities enter the werewolf realm?” one werewolf sneered.

“She must’ve slept with some lowly guard to sneak in, and that’s why she’s pregnant,” another one spat.

“Mortals are truly disgusting. Just because they resemble our Lila, they think they can hide here to seduce the Alpha?” One werewolf chimed in.

“Tsk, a wonder to whoever fed her the idea that she could seduce the Alpha.” Another said with a snort.

The cruel words stung, but I could piece it together: that the one who looked like me must be Lila and the people behind her whose mouths didn’t seem to rest, must be her clique.

For centuries, the Alpha, who could have had anyone, chose to spend every day with me. He never spared another glance at any other female.

So, when the Alpha ended the war because of Lila, I had my suspicions. Now, I understood the truth and his reason. He sympathized with her because she bore a similar resemblance to me. That’s what had tugged at the Alpha’s sympathy.

At that moment, Lila stood in front of me, her face contorted with anger. “You lowly mortal! You think just because you have a face that vaguely resembles mine, you can use it to seduce the Alpha?”

Lila’s arrogance reeked. I could even smell the stench from far away, but knowing she didn’t understand the full picture, I chose not to react to the slap. Instead, I decided to warn her, my voice firm but calm.

“The Alpha isn’t here. You should leave before he returns. This is the Hall of Shadows, not a place for you…” I paused, using my eyes to hint at the people behind her, “and them to come here.”

Lila became more annoyed by my words.

Lila scoffed, grabbing me by the throat. “The Alpha loves ‘me’. There’s no corner of the werewolf realm where I can't walk freely. And you, a mere mortal, think you can push me out because you’re afraid I’ll uncover your little scheme to seduce him?” Lila made sure to emphasize heavily on the word ‘Me’

Lila’s voice dripped with venom. “Today, I’ll make sure you learn what happens when you try to steal from me!”

I suddenly felt anxious, my heart rate spiking up. I could tell with the look on her face that she meant anything but well.

I wished for nothing more than having strength. The strength to beat them till they recognized who I was and were able to defend my position, instead of relying on the Alpha.

Maybe, if I was strong enough, then I wouldn’t be facing the humiliation I currently faced.

With a swift wave of her hand, Lila’s energy surged like a gust of wind, knocking me into the air and slamming me hard onto the ground. I didn’t have any strength to resist, so I could only clutch my belly, curling up in pain.

I looked up at Lila with cold eyes. I regretted not having the power to defend myself and my unborn child.

“You’re reckless,” I said in a rasped breath. “Aren’t you afraid the Alpha will find out?”

Lila laughed, unimpressed. A mocking sneer appeared on her face. “The Alpha fell in-love with me at first sight. Everyone knows he ended the war for me. Do you really think he’d care about you, some insignificant mortal?”

Lila’s attendants chimed in with mocking smirks. “Right! Everyone in the realm knows the Alpha only has eyes for Consort Lila. Who do you think you are?”

“The Alpha is the ruler of five of the Nine Werewolf Clans,” another sneered. “He has had many like you—lowly women trying to seduce him.” Suddenly the werewolf speaking paused. A venomous glint flashed in her eyes, but I caught it. “Let’s make an example of her today.” The werewolf continued.

They circled me, their eyes gleaming with cruelty. I spoke through clenched teeth, trying to mask my pain, but it didn’t seem to help as it only gave them joy. “You should ask the Alpha who I really am.”

Lila’s lips curled into a disdainful sneer. “You?! A mere mortal sneaking into the Hall of Shadows? You think you’re worth asking about?”

She turned to her clique, “Hey! Ever heard of this trash?”

Her clique shook their heads, some giggling. Some even praised Lila as someone humorous.

“I am the Alpha’s chosen mate,” Lila declared. “The cherished daughter of the Immortal Alpha Wolf. You think you can compare to me?”

She knew her rank wasn’t as high as Lila’s, but the words still stung. Before she could respond, Lila looked around and smiled darkly. “This hall could use a touch of red.”

Confusion clouded her mind until it dawned on her. The other wolves understood immediately. With wicked smiles, they turned their energy into whips, lashing out at her.

As a mortal, her body couldn’t withstand their relentless attacks. The whips tore at her skin, leaving her covered in blood and bruises. She couldn’t fight back—her only instinct was to curl up and protect her belly.

Enduring the unbearable pain, she screamed through gritted teeth, her voice raw and desperate.

“Stop! I am the Queen of the Werewolf Realm!”