Chapter 2

"It's good that you've finally come around about the inheritance," my mother said. "The Crescent Moon Pack your stepfather left behind may not be the strongest, but it's powerful enough to make you a respected Alpha. You'll live comfortably for the rest of your life, and you'll never have to bow to anyone again." In the past, I would've argued with her. I would've said that being with my fated mate was enough, that power and position didn't matter. But now, I couldn't say a word. During all nine years in the Blackwood Pack, I had never truly held a place of my own. "When will you come back? I need to prepare your succession ceremony." I glanced at the calendar on the wall. One date was circled in red—ten days from now. That day marked the tenth anniversary of when I first met Aiden Blackwood and discovered we were fated mates. "In ten days," I said. "I'll finish everything here before leaving." When I hung up, I realized Aiden Blackwood was standing behind me. His brows were slightly furrowed as he tried to peek at my phone. "Ten days? Who were you talking to?" I turned my phone facedown on the desk and replied casually, "Just a friend. He introduced me to a new pack." "You still have a place here. There's no need to rush off. Even if Sophia Sterling becomes the future Luna, there are other positions for you." Aiden pressed his lips together, clearly confused about why I was so determined to leave. "That won't be necessary." My tone made him frown. Before he could respond, Sophia Sterling's voice came from downstairs, calling, "Aiden Blackwood, we're having dinner at Blackwood Manor tonight. Don't keep the elders waiting." At that, my fingers trembled slightly. When Aiden and I had just confirmed our bond, his parents and the elders of the pack had disapproved of me. They thought I was just a weak wolf from a minor branch, unworthy of Aiden's pure Alpha bloodline. But every time we went to Blackwood Manor, Aiden would insist on taking me along. He defended me without hesitation, standing up to his parents for my sake. He had even sworn to the Moon Goddess that as long as he lived, I would always have a place in the Blackwood Pack. But this time, Aiden avoided my eyes. His tone sounded forced. "After what happened last time, you know the elders care deeply about tradition. If they see you, they'll bring it up again. Don't misunderstand—I'll talk to them about the bonding ceremony with Sophia. She grew up under their care, so of course they're closer to her. Once things settle down... they won't hold it against you." Every word he said was to defend Sophia Sterling. He hadn't forgotten his promise to me—he just had new priorities now: alliances and duty. I smiled faintly, saying nothing, as if I'd already learned not to argue. Sophia called for him again, and this time, Aiden's patience ran out. He left without looking back, saying lightly as he walked away, "Elara Vance, I have to explain these complicated situations to you every day. I get tired too. Try to understand me, okay?" That was what he always said whenever there was conflict between us. Every time, I would feel guilty, thinking I was being unreasonable. Then I would comfort myself and continue clinging to a bond that had long lost its meaning. Aiden wore his tailored suit, Sophia her designer gown. Walking side by side, they looked like a perfect Alpha and Luna pair. Watching their figures disappear together, I finally turned back to quietly pack my things. Over the nine years, Aiden and I had made countless memories together. I used to believe he loved me. He decorated the villa according to my tastes. He said he wanted an open balcony where we could bask in the sun with our future pups. But we never even had pups—and he stopped loving me long before that. Back then, when there were no servants in the villa, he used to cook for me himself because I struggled to adapt to the city's food. Now, those memories felt blurry and distant. I could still picture the time he secretly knitted me a scarf because he worried I'd get cold during winter patrols. His stitches were clumsy, but his effort was full of love. "Whatever others have, my Luna must have too," he had said, tying the scarf around my neck before kissing my cheek. He'd ruffled my hair and murmured against my skin, "Come home early, or your Alpha will worry." I didn't know when things had started to change. The first time I suggested we hold the bonding ceremony, Aiden said we were too young—that bonding too early would kill the passion. The second time, when I planned a surprise for him, I accidentally overheard him telling his Beta, "I've lost all excitement for Elara Vance. She's so dull. But she's my fated mate—I don't want to hurt her. Can't she tell I don't need her like I used to?" And the last time... I gave him everything I had. In front of his parents and the elders of the Blackwood Pack, I proposed marriage myself, even offering to give up all Luna rights.