The guards at the edge of the Moonhall shifted uncertainly, unsure if they should intervene. No one dared touch the Alpha’s son.

And Brexon…

He just watched.

Did nothing.

I swallowed the pain, forcing myself to stay still. I wasn’t going to fight a pup—especially not his pup. But goddess, the betrayal burned like hellfire.

I lifted my gaze—and that’s when I saw it.

A smirk. Just a flicker. 

Lyssa’s grief vanished from her face, replaced by a victorious gleam before she quickly wiped it away, clinging to Brexon’s arm like a fragile she-wolf in need of protection.

“She wants to tear us apart, Brexon,” she whispered brokenly. “She can’t accept that you chose me a Luna.”

Brexon exhaled sharply, his shoulders trembling as his aura shifted. The air thickened. Every wolf in the ballroom stiffened and then bowed instinctively as his Alpha dominance rolled out like a storm.

Except me.

But even I felt my pulse spike when his eyes bled into molten gold.

He stepped toward me, a low growl vibrating from his chest, fangs peeking beneath his lip. I knew what was coming before he even moved.

His hand didn’t rise.

His claws did.

In a flash, his fingers shifted—razor-sharp, gleaming—and he struck. Pain ripped across my neck as his claws scraped my skin.

I staggered back, breath knocked out of me, heat blooming across the wounded skin. Gasps echoed through the hall. Every wolf froze, scenting blood—my blood.

The ballroom fell silent.

I slowly lifted my head, my pride in tatters. Brexon didn’t look regretful. Didn’t look conflicted. His expression was ice, his aura cold and unrecognizing. 

Like I wasn’t the Luna who had stood beside him for cycles. Like I hadn’t carried his pup.

“It’s over,” he said, his voice void of emotion.

He pulled a rolled parchment from his cloak and tossed it at my feet. Severance papers.

The breaking of a mating bond.

My heart stopped.

But then—another gust of wind as something else scattered around me. Images. Illusions. Moon-glamoured projections that hovered before dropping to the floor.

Me. Naked. Twisted in beds with three different male wolves. 

I inhaled sharply, my limbs going numb. “What… what is this?”

Brexon’s eyes hardened with disgust. “You thought I wouldn’t discover your betrayal?” His voice was venom. “You’ve been warming the beds of rival alphas behind my back.”

“No.” My voice cracked. “These are lies, Brexon.”