Later that afternoon, I finally left my chamber and entered the manor’s hearth room, craving warmth. Soup, perhaps. Something real, not prepared for show.
As I opened the cold storage and began slicing roots, I heard it, a soft step behind me.
I turned slowly.
Selene stood there, wrapped in a pale wool garment, her hair braided neatly. The picture of a fragile, harmless she-wolf.
“I did not know you were awake,” she said sweetly, leaning against the stone counter. “I thought you were still injured… or perhaps pretending?”
I ignored her, cutting steadily.
“I mean,” she continued with a light laugh, “did you truly go to the Healer Sanctum? Or were you lying because I was there, taking attention?”
I set the blade down and met her gaze. “I am not like you.”
Her face hardened. “What do you mean by that?”
“You hunger for attention,” I said calmly. “You always play the wounded one.”
She scoffed, her voice turning sharp. “You are jealous. How does it feel, Luna, knowing Alden and Draven choose me now? Your mate, your protector, both mine. And you? You are nothing.”
My wolf flinched, just enough for her to notice. She smiled.
“You should leave this manor and Crownfang Pack,” she said softly. “You no longer belong.”
I turned back to the pot, stirring slowly, refusing to give her more.
“Still pretending you are above this?” she mocked. “Very well. I will help cook. They will enjoy it.”
I spun toward her. “No, Selene. I do not need help.”
“I will prepare something anyway,” she said cheerfully, taking a blade. “Let us see whose they prefer.”
She stepped closer, cutting fast and carelessly, clearly on purpose. I moved aside, letting her continue.
Then….
“Ah!” Selene cried, dropping the blade. Blood welled on her finger.
“You must be joking,” I whispered.
Too late.
“Alden! Draven!” she cried out. “Help! I am hurt! Luna Liora did nothing!”
Heavy footsteps thundered down the stone passageway.
The Alpha and Beta burst into the hearth room, alarmed.
Alden rushed to her side. “What happened? Are you wounded?”
“She ignored me,” Selene sobbed, clinging to him. “I was bleeding and she just watched!”
I stood frozen, ladle in hand.
“You did not help her?” Draven barked. “What is wrong with you, Luna?”
Selene held Alden tightly.
“I tried,” she whispered. “But she pushed me away.”
“I did not touch you,” I said quietly.
But no one listened.
“I did not touch you,” I said softly, but no one in the pack listened.