The moment I entered the great hall, something inside me shattered beyond repair.
Right there, beneath the glowing pack chandeliers, Alaric was kneeling on one knee. In his hand was a diamond ring infused with moonlight energy, and standing before him was Morgana—the twins’ nanny.
“Will you accept my mark and become my mate?” he asked gently.
Morgana covered her mouth, laughing through her tears before nodding eagerly. “Yes. I will.”
Cheers erupted around the hall. Wolves clapped, howled, and celebrated while I stood frozen. The twins rushed forward, throwing themselves into Morgana’s arms, their faces bright with joy.
“Finally! Morgana’s going to be our real mom now!” Ian exclaimed happily.
“I’m so glad it’s not that evil she‑wolf, Raven,” Rylan added without hesitation.
A soft laugh escaped my lips as I slowly clapped, making sure my presence was noticed.
“Congratulations,” I said calmly.
Alaric stiffened when he saw me. His eyes widened slightly. “Raven, I—”
“Don’t bother,” I cut in smoothly. “I was only passing through. I just came to let you know I’m leaving.”
“What is wrong with you?” Alaric snapped, just as Morgana began to cry dramatically.
“Oh, Goddess, Raven, I’m so sorry,” Morgana sobbed. “Please don’t go because of me.”
Alaric grabbed my arm, trying to pull me away from the hall, but I shoved him back.
“Don’t lay a single filthy finger on me,” I snarled, my wolf stirring beneath my skin.
“Let’s talk somewhere private,” he growled.
Suddenly, the twins rushed me, their fists pounding against my sides. “Wicked woman! You made our mom cry!”
“That’s enough,” Morgana sniffed, pretending to be weak. “I’m fine, children.”
But they weren’t finished. Rylan sprinted out of the hall and returned almost immediately, holding something that made my blood turn cold.
“No!” I screamed, lunging toward him.
Rylan laughed and deliberately released it.
The sound of the jar shattering echoed like thunder as my mother’s ashes scattered across the floor.
“What have you done?!” I screamed, my mind unraveling.
“If you ever hurt our new mom again, you’ll regret it,” Ian warned coldly.
The guests began whispering.
“Who is that crazy woman?”
“She’s the former Luna who refused to leave for eleven years.”
“So shameless, trying to ruin another woman’s mating ceremony.”
“Morgana is kind enough to still defend her.”
“What a wicked she‑wolf.”