I regretted following Draven. I regretted loving him. I regretted shielding him that night from his father. I regretted believing every promise he ever whispered.
Because loving him had ruined not just me—but my pack.
Draven watched in silence. His eyes were dark, endless, unreadable. He looked like he wanted to speak, but he stayed silent.
When it ended, he stepped close and draped his cloak over my shoulders.
“Lunessa,” he murmured, voice trembling, “be good. As long as you obey, I’ll treat you well.”
His gentleness was venom.
The world spun. Darkness swept in. I fainted.
***
I woke under a blindingly white healer-sanctum ceiling. The scent of herbs stung my nose. My back burned with every breath, pain sharp enough to steal sound from my throat.
The door slid open.
Calder’s attendant stepped inside, expression composed. “Luna Lunessa,” he said evenly, “the separation pact has been drafted.”
He continued, “Master Calder wished to deliver it himself, but he was summoned to another territory. He asked me to remind you—you have five days. If you secure Alpha Draven’s mark within that time, he’ll handle the rest. You’ll have a way out.”
My gaze was empty. Lifeless. I took the parchments and clutched them to my chest.
During the following days, while waiting for the pact’s progress, I quietly arranged for my father and grandmother to be transferred to healing dens outside the kingdom.
But Myrielle kept them under tight watch, refusing any relocation—she wanted control.
Three days later would be her birthday gathering. My one chance.
“Lunessa, you will attend Myrielle’s celebration.
Draven’s tone was cold, commanding. “Your father’s recovery depends entirely on her. At the gathering, you will declare that your grandmother’s Moon-healing was done with your consent.”
He added, voice like ice, “Your father’s outburst at the Hall has already embarrassed the Blackspire name. Myrielle suffered humiliation because of you. You will correct it.”
My heart pounded, fury and despair twisting inside me.
“Draven, have you lost your mind?! Myrielle is the reason my grandmother still lies in the Healing Den—what she did was a crime! And you want me to lie for her?!”
He stepped close, his breath brushing my ear, too gentle to be anything but cruel.
“Lunessa… this is truly the last time. Myrielle’s father hasn’t acted yet. If he does… I don’t want you hurt. Just behave. Don’t provoke her.”