TOXIC BOND: A Luna New Beginning

Benedetta

“What do you mean, Luna?”

I watched Arlott’s face harden. He was truly a master of deception, even managing to make his eyes glisten with unshed tears. Once, I had been naive enough to be swayed by his concern, but not anymore.

It was all a façade—one I realized far too late. I refused to be a foolish mate any longer. No more would I allow him to manipulate me.

My mind drifted back to the day we pledged our vows during the Mating Ceremony three years ago. Beneath the full moon’s glow, we swore our bond to the Moon Goddess. As I remembered it, my fingers unconsciously traced the ring that still circled my finger.

“I’m tired, Alpha Arlott. I can’t endure the pain of our bond any longer. I thought I could push through it, but even I have my limits.”

“Wait, what are you saying? This isn’t what I think it is, is it? Are you planning to reject me?”

His questions came in a rapid-fire stream, his expression one of confusion. He knelt beside my hospital bed, his gaze fixed on me with a single tear sliding down his cheek.

‘Hypocrite!’ My heart screamed as he put on yet another performance with that sorrowful face of his.

“I’m sorry if I’ve made you angry. We can fix this. I promise you, Luna Benedetta.”

Arlott summoned the hospital staff who were members of our pack through a mind link. Within minutes, two omegas arrived, including Bianca, along with four warriors assigned to guard my hospital room floor. Arlott ordered them to line up across from my bed.

“Who among you upset Luna Benedetta?”

“Apologies, Alpha. I couldn’t guard the Luna an hour ago because my sister was in labor, and her mate was away on duty delivering a message to the Arrow Moon pack.”

“They are not to blame. I’m sure they’ve carried out their duties properly.” My sharp gaze fell on Bianca, who offered a faint, sly smile.

“Apologize to the Luna, whether you’ve made a mistake or not. The Luna must always be your priority,” Arlott commanded in a tone that made everyone bow their heads-everyone except Bianca.

“Permission to speak, Alpha Arlott.” Bianca stepped forward, her head held high as she addressed me. “Yesterday, I stopped by briefly to check on her, but it seemed Luna’s mood wasn’t good. She accidentally threw the bouquet of flowers I brought her. I apologize, Luna Benedetta. It won’t happen again.”

My eyes widened as anger bubbled within me. Seeing my readiness to respond, Arlott immediately stepped between us.

“I understand,” Arlott said, glancing at me briefly before turning back to Bianca. “I’ll deal with you personally after this. Now, leave and resume your duties.”

Once they were gone, I noticed a satisfied smile tugging at Arlott’s lips. He leaned in to press a kiss to my forehead.

“Are you calm now? I would never want to upset you, you know that. I’ll make sure Bianca is disciplined.”

I turned my face away, pressing my back firmly against the bed, wishing time would move faster. Slowly, Arlott reached for my hand.

“Benedetta, my love, tomorrow I’ll be leaving for the Arrow Moon pack to handle our alliance negotiations. I’ll assign the best warriors to protect you. Don’t hesitate to call me, darling.”

I nodded only because I wanted this moment to end quickly. I already knew his trip was nothing but an excuse for his infidelity. Forcing a bland smile, I replied.

“I’ll miss you. There’s not a moment in my life I don’t want to spend with you. Once I return, we’ll start the adoption process.” He sighed dramatically.

Finally, Arlott left me alone. I waited fifteen minutes, ensuring no one would enter the room. The idea to leave the hospital struck me suddenly, and I clung to it.

I crept through the hospital corridors, careful to avoid the surveillance cameras. It felt as if the Moon Goddess herself supported my decision; I didn’t encounter a single warrior guarding the hospital.

I returned to the packhouse, responding to greetings and questions from the pack members with curt answers. I had to lie this time to escape this pit of betrayal. Before leaving, I placed my ring on the nightstand, a clear sign that I would no longer be bound to Arlott.

With swift movements, I packed a few clothes into a suitcase. I figured one suitcase would suffice to slip past the guards at Ambersky Pride’s gates unnoticed. I ordered an online taxi to take me to the airport.

As the car sped away, I steeled my heart, knowing this was the right choice. I would never again dwell on the moments I’d shared with Arlott. Clenching the edge of my skirt, I fought back tears—a Luna’s tears of heartbreak.

“I, Benedetta Louise, hereby sever my bond with the Ambersky Pride pack, the pack that once sheltered me. By the Moon Goddess, I renounce any ties with them from this moment forward!”

Arlott, one day, I will make you and your mistress pay for your evil deeds!