The Forsaken Luna was Given A Second Chance

The beta warrior sprinted through the dense forest, his breath coming in ragged gasps. As he reached the pack's encampment, he slowed his pace, his eyes darting around in search of his Alpha. Before he could take another step, several of Seram's subordinates spotted him.

"What are you doing here?" One of them asked, frowning. "Weren't you supposed to guard Marian?"

Another scoffed. "What's the point? It's not like she can escape. Our lands are safe, and she's tied up tight."

A few of them chuckled, exchanging knowing glances. The beta warrior hesitated, his mouth opening to explain, but before he could get a word out, the scent of medicinal herbs filled the air. All of them turned to look just as Deanne stumbled into the gathering.

Deanne was wearing simple, light clothing, exposing some of the bandages and herbal poultices covering her wounds. She moved with difficulty, her steps slow and her breath uneven. Her face, usually bright with arrogance, was pale, her expression drawn with exhaustion. She was limping, as if in pain, but she forced a weak smile as the warriors turned their attention to her.

"What's going on?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. "Why are you all gathered here?"

One of the warriors stepped forward. "We just got back from punishing Marian."

Deanne stilled, her eyes widening in feigned shock.

"Punishing Marian?" she repeated, her voice soft, almost hesitant. She placed a delicate hand on her chest. "Where is Seram?"

As if summoned by her words, Seram emerged from the side, his towering presence sending a ripple of silence through the warriors. His gaze locked onto the beta warrior, his expression darkening.

"Why are you here?" Seram demanded, his voice sharp. "I told you to guard Marian."

The beta warrior swallowed hard. He was about to explain the reason for his presence when Deanne suddenly stepped between them, her voice trembling with concern.

"Seram," she murmured, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "Is it true? Did you really punish Marian?"

Seram's jaw tightened. "Yes," he said firmly. "She deserved it after what she did to you."

Deanne lowered her gaze, her fingers twisting together.

"I… I don't blame her," she whispered. "Maybe she acted out of anger because of her pregnancy. It must have clouded her judgment."

Seram's scowl deepened. "And you're pregnant too, but you don't act like her."

Deanne looked away, as if ashamed.

"Perhaps I understand her pain," she said softly. "I don't want her to suffer, Seram. Please, let her go. I feel terrible knowing she's out there, alone in the cold."

Her words did not soothe Seram's anger. Instead, his eyes darkened with frustration.

"You're too kind," he growled. "Marian needs to learn her lesson. You begged me to spare her once before, but look what she did. She pushed you off a cliff!"

Deanne lowered her head, biting her lip as if holding back tears. "I just don't want to be the reason for her suffering…"

Seram cupped her face, his touch surprisingly gentle. "She brought this on herself," he assured her. Then, turning to the beta warrior, his expression hardened once more.

"Forget about her. Don't go back. Let her feel the full extent of her punishment."

The beta warrior hesitated, guilt clawing at his insides, but he could not disobey a direct order. He gave a short nod.

Satisfied, Seram turned back to Deanne. He wrapped an arm around her waist, guiding her away from the gathering. "Come, you need rest."

Seram stayed the night with Deanne. They were intimate, but Seram was careful, afraid of harming the baby growing inside her. Once they were done, he lay beside Deanne, pulling her into his arms.

"Don't worry about Marian. Don't stress yourself. You should focus on yourself more," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her flushed shoulder.

Deanne reacted shyly. "I know. Alpha is wise, and I will follow his words."

The night passed in a haze of pleasure and whispered promises. Deanne lay beside him, her soft breath fanning against his skin. Seram held her close, his possessiveness growing stronger with each passing moment.

Yet, something felt off. He could not understand it, but a cold sensation crawled down his spine, making him shiver lightly. He glanced at the window and saw that there was no moon tonight. He shrugged, pulling Deanne into a tighter embrace before closing his eyes.

Sleep came easily, deep and undisturbed.

Until it wasn't.

A loud howl ripped through the early morning air, followed by frantic shouting. Seram's eyes snapped open, his body tensing as he listened. The dreadful feeling he had the previous night returned, fully clearing the fog from his mind.

He turned his gaze toward the window, subconsciously looking in the direction where they had left Marian last night.

Something was wrong.