Chapter 1

Willow's POV

I used to beg him to love me. But now? I was done begging.

“Hello father, I’m ready to get married to Alpha Alastair. Send someone to pick me up in three days after I finalize my divorce.” I said immediately my father picked the call.

My father was silent for a moment. “Divorce? I thought you were hopelessly in love with Alpha Silas? Why the sudden change of heart?”

“I was just being a foolish child then. But I’ve grown up now!” I said coldly.

My father didn’t hesitate. “Good. I have always told you that you were too good for that shameless man.”

I released a bitter laugh. “I think I just realized that now.”

After the call ended, I gripped the phone tighter, my chest aching.

Six years.

Six years wasted on someone who never wanted me.

Silas never loved me, and I knew that. He married me because his parents told him to. I stayed because I was hopelessly in love with him.

I thought if I gave enough or waited long enough, he would see me.

Until I overheard his conversation with his Beta, John, some hours ago.

I had gone looking for him because I had news to share—news that I thought might change everything.

“Willow doesn’t know that her miscarriages have been helping Ana.” Silas’s voice cut through the air like a knife.

I froze in place, my heart pounding hard.

“Silas,” John’s voice was low, “You used three of her pregnancies. Are you sure she won’t find out?”

Silas scoffed. “She’s too naïve. She thinks they were natural miscarriages. She doesn’t know I gave her those herbs that caused the miscarriages because we needed to harvest stem cells from the babies.”

The blood drained from my face.

My stomach twisted, and my heart stopped. I couldn’t breathe.

“Stem cells?” John asked.

Silas’s voice dropped. “Anastasia’s womb was damaged. She couldn’t carry a child. But the healers said that stem cells from a fetus with alpha lineage will help in the healing process. Willow’s miscarried pups have been perfect for that.”

I couldn’t breathe. My hands trembled.

He always told me Anastasia was just a distant cousin, and I had believed him. But the whole time, he was lying to me.

John whistled in shock. “That’s twisted, Silas. You’re using your own unborn children like lab samples…”

“I don’t care,” Silas snapped. “I need an heir. A real heir, and Ana is the only woman I want to bear my heir. She’s finally pregnant, thanks to those treatments.”

My breath hitched, and a wave of nausea surged through me.

“Damn.” John said quietly in shock.

Silas scoffed. “You think I stayed married to Willow for love? I only kept her around long enough to repair Ana’s womb, and it worked.”

I couldn’t hear anything else after that. My ears rang, my throat tightened, and my vision blurred. It couldn’t possibly be true, right?

Silas kept saying over and over that Anastasia was only a distant cousin, someone he grew up with. And I believed him like a fool.

“So what will happen now that Ana is pregnant?” John asked.

Silas chuckled coldly. “Simple. I will reject Willow, after Ana’s next blood test comes back. If she’s truly healed, then Willow’s job is done.”

My knees gave out, and I almost dropped to the ground.

I had thought the miscarriages were natural. I had even blamed myself several times for them, thinking something was wrong with me.

All that stress, all that pain, and exhaustion.

Silas had done that to me to help another woman carry his legacy.

I had given him everything, my loyalty, my body, my heart. And he was planning to throw me away like garbage.

I didn’t even remember walking back to the house. I just remembered hitting the floor as soon as I stepped inside. My legs had given out. My heart was racing, and I couldn’t stop shaking.

I had been nothing but loyal to him. I had defended him, cooked for him, stood by him while he ignored me.

I blinked, when I realized that I had been sitting there, replaying it all in my head.

That’s when I remembered why I had gone looking for him in the first place.

My fingers trembled as I reached into my pocket, and I pulled out the small white stick.

Two pink lines.

Positive.

I was pregnant with his child.

I had come to tell him, to share the news that maybe, just maybe, things could change.

But now?

I stared at the stick, tears falling silently.

This baby wouldn’t be born into love. It wouldn’t be safe. It would be harvested like the others.

My hand moved to my belly, cradling it protectively.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered, and my voice broke. “But I won't allow you to be another sacrifice for him.”

I wiped my tears away with a shaky breath and picked up the phone again, standing slowly to my feet.

“Hello, this is the Blue Moon Pack Clinic. How can I help you today?”

“I… I need an appointment,” I said softly. “I need a termination of pregnancy.”

The receptionist’s voice was gentle. “Of course. Can I ask how far along you are?”

“A few weeks.”

“What is your name?”

“Willow Reed.” I replied, using my maiden name.

“Okay, Ms. Reed. We have an opening in two days.”

I nodded as tears ran down my face. “See you in two days.”

“Willow, what's happening in two days?” Silas asked as he walked into the living room.

Chapter 2

Willow's POV

I stiffened at the sound of his voice.

There was a time when just hearing Silas say my name made my heart flutter. Now? I felt sick.

I didn’t turn around. My eyes were probably red and swollen, and I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me like that.

“Nothing important,” I said, wiping at my cheeks with my sleeve. My voice cracked, so I cleared my throat and added, “Just making a call.”

Silas stepped farther into the room. I could feel his eyes on me, studying me. “You look like a mess. Have you been crying?”

A lump formed in my throat.

“Something got into my eyes,” I mumbled, rubbing my eyes. “Probably dust.”

He didn’t believe me. I could tell by the way he stared, but he didn’t press, because he didn't care.

His phone rang.

I didn’t need to look. I already knew who it was.

Anastasia.

Because of that stupid, soft ringtone he only used for her. It was a gentle tune, like a soft lullaby. He never had a special ringtone for me.

Silas glanced at the screen and his whole face changed. The stiffness in his face melted into something warm.

He stepped into the hallway and answered with a very gentle and tender voice. It sounded like he had switched personalities.

“Hey, Ana… yeah, I just got back.”

I turned away, pretending not to hear anything, pretending I didn’t care.

He laughed at something she said. The kind of laugh he never shared with me. I stood there, frozen in place, wondering how I never saw it.

The man I had spent six years loving blindly was already in love with someone, someone he claimed was his cousin.

Silas glanced back at me briefly as he continued speaking to her. “Yeah, I’ll be there soon. I just need to take care of something here.”

He hung up and slid his phone into his pocket. “I need to head out for a bit. I want grilled lamb and mashed potatoes for dinner, with that rosemary sauce you make.” he said to me.

That was it. No ‘how are you?’ No ‘what were you crying about?’

He had only just come in, and he was already going

As he turned to leave, I called him.

“Hold on, before I forget,” I called, pulling out divorce papers from the drawer beside me. “The council sent these over earlier. They’ve been asking for your signature all week.”

He groaned impatiently. “More damn paperwork?”

“Just a couple of pages,” I said, handing him a pen. “It won't take time.”

Without even going through the document, he signed on the marked spots and handed it back in a hurry. “Tell the council I handled it.”

“I will,” I said quietly, placing the document back.

“Have dinner ready by the time I get back.”

Silas didn’t wait for a response. He rushed to the door and left.

I clenched my fists tightly as I stared at the door. I couldn’t help it, a bitter laugh bubbled up in my throat.

How hadn't I noticed all these while?

As I turned, my shoulder bumped the edge of the bookshelf, and a wooden box fell.

I crouched and picked it up. I recognized that box.

Silas had warned me once, months ago, to never touch that box. He claimed it contained sensitive pack documents.

He had snapped at me the day I touched it like I had tried to steal from him.

Back then, I had apologized and backed away, but now, I unlocked the box without hesitation using the key Silas thought he had cleverly hidden under a false bottom in his drawer.

Inside the box were documents and photos that were arranged neatly.

The first thing I noticed was a folded sheet with an official stamp. I opened it, and my eyes widened.

Mating Registration for Alpha Silas Pine and Luna Anastasia Dean.

I froze.

Silas had already been planning a future with her, while he was still married to me.

My hands shook as I set the paper aside and picked up the next document.

My stomach twisted as I stared at the contents of the document.

It contained everything about the miscarriages.

The dates, the dosages, the samples, everything.

My name was listed as the donor, and Ana as the recipient.

“Termination successful… stem cells harvested… womb responding to treatment.”

My hand covered my mouth.

I felt sick.

This was evidence of everything Silas had done to me.

I clenched my fists tightly as I stared at the documents before me, and my eyes blurred with tears.

After staring at everything for several minutes, I calmly stood up and returned everything back exactly as I saw them.

Then I walked to the closet, pulled out a suitcase, and I started packing.

I packed my clothes first. I folded them neatly and placed them in the bag. I picked up the things that we had collected over the years, the gifts, the decorations, the photos, and I tossed them all away.

The necklace he gave me on our first anniversary? Into the box.

The framed picture from our wedding ceremony? Gone.

The candle he once said smelled like me? Gone.

I lost track of time until I heard the door open again.

“What are you doing?”

Silas stood in the doorway looking at the room in surprise.

I didn’t even look up as I replied. “I’m reorganizing my closet.”

He stepped inside, slowly. “What about these ones here?” He asked, pointing towards the box I was using to thrash things.

I shrugged casually. “I’m getting rid of old things.”

“You’re throwing all this out?” He asked in surprise.

I nodded. “Yeah. I don’t need them anymore.”

He reached into the donation box and picked up a small stuffed wolf I used to keep by the bed. He had gifted this to me. “Even this?”

I nodded. “It’s old.”

He looked at it like he didn’t understand. “You loved this so much.”

He was right, I had cherished it so much. I shrugged. “Things change. People change. Love fades.”

He frowned, like he wanted to say something else, but before he could, a voice called from the hallway.

“Silas? Where are you?”

His body tensed.

A second later, Anastasia stepped into the room like she owned it. She rested a hand on Silas’s arm casually and possessively. Her lips curled into a smug smile as she stared at me.

“Oh. Am I interrupting something?”

Silas didn’t even hesitate.

“No,” he said smoothly, as if nothing about this was strange. “You’re not interrupting anything.”

I didn’t react. I just turned away and continued folding a shirt, pressing it down into the suitcase like I couldn’t hear them.

Silas cleared his throat, trying to get my attention. “Actually, Willow… I meant to talk to you about something.”

I continued folding, totally ignoring him.

He continued anyway.

“Ana will be staying here with us for the time being.”

Chapter 3

Willow’s POV

I paused for a moment as I processed his words, then I picked up another blouse and folded it.

“Ana needs support,” Silas added. “And it’s better for her baby if she’s somewhere stable. You know how hard it’s been for her.”

I scoffed quietly at his words.

Silas stopped talking.

“Willow.” His tone shifted slightly. He was getting annoyed. “Are you even listening to me?”

I turned around, slowly, and met his eyes.

“I’m listening, Silas,” I said, my voice flat and even. “Do whatever you want. It’s your house, after all.”

Silas gaped for a moment, then his face darkened slightly.

“I don't like your tone, Willow.” He growled.

I lifted an eyebrow at him. “What tone?” I asked, feigning oblivion.

“You know what I'm talking about. I’m trying to be civil, and you're making this harder than it needs to be,” Silas snapped.

I folded a blouse gently and placed it carefully into the suitcase before turning to him. My expression was calm, and blank.

“She needs support,” he continued. “She’s pregnant and alone. I’m just trying to help.”

“Why Silas?” I asked quietly. “Is she pregnant with your child?”

Silas froze.

His jaw clenched, but no words came out at first. His mouth opened, then closed again.

He looked at Anastasia briefly, then back at me. “She’s my cousin, Willow! Does it have to be my child before I help her?” he asked finally, his voice instantly becoming defensive, like I had accused him of a crime.

I gave him a bitter smile. “No, but it would explain a lot.”

Silas’s eyes darkened. “Why are you so heartless, Willow?” he snapped. “I have told you several times that there’s nothing between us. Ana is just my cousin, and she has no one but me!”

I turned away, calmly folding the last of my clothes into the suitcase. “You don’t need to explain anything to me, Silas,” I said softly. “It’s your house. You can do what you want.”

Silas paused, breathing heavily.

“Silas…” Anastasia stepped forward, her voice was soft with fake concern. “Maybe I should go. I don’t want to cause any more tension. It’s clear I’m not welcome here. And besides…” She glanced at Silas. “She’s your mate, and Luna.”

Silas’s arm instinctively reached out to her. “You’re not going anywhere,” he said firmly. “This is my house, you're family. I don't give a damn if she's my Luna. If there’s anyone who shouldn't be here, it’s her.”

I couldn't help it, I flinched at his words, but I quickly composed myself. They weren’t going to see me cry.

Then, as if nothing had happened, Silas turned to me, frowning. “Where’s dinner?”

I blinked. “Dinner?”

“Yes,” he said slowly, “Grilled lamb, mashed potatoes, and rosemary sauce. I told you before I left.”

“Oh, Silas,” Anastasia gasped in delight, “That’s my favourite meal! You remembered!”

My chest tightened, and my eyes watered slightly.

Silas’s face melted into a wide smile. “Yes, yes I did. How can I forget?”

Then he turned to me. “So? Where is it?”

“Oh.” I said blankly. “No. I didn’t make it.”

His eyes flashed with irritation, and he scowled “Why not?”

“I was a little busy today,” I said flatly, “Maybe Anastasia can cook something instead. Since she’ll be living here and all.”

Anastasia stiffened slightly, and her smug smile disappeared.

Silas’s face turned red, and his eyes blazed with rage.

“You ungrateful, bitter little—” he spat. “Is this how pitiful you are? You cannot do the one thing you are good for.”

I clenched my jaw and my fists, but I didn’t let myself react.

They weren’t worth my pain anymore.

Silas looked at Anastasia, then he sneered at me. “Forget it. Ana, let’s go eat out. I’m not staying here while she’s like this. She can figure herself out.”

Anastasia nodded sweetly, slipping her hand into his. “Maybe it’s best to give her some space.”

The door slammed behind them.

I stood there, staring at nothing as tears slowly ran down my face. It was only a matter of time. I was leaving soon, then all these would end.

~

I woke up late in the night to get some water. I glanced at the time. It was 12:43 AM.

As I walked towards the kitchen, I could hear sounds coming from the guest room. The one Silas said Anastasia would stay in temporarily.

I froze.

I knew what those sounds were. I didn’t want to go near to confirm what I already knew deep down, but I did, because a part of me needed to see it, so that I could burn all shreds of hope into ashes.

I walked slowly and quietly towards the guest room. The door wasn’t fully shut.

I peeked through the narrow opening, and instantly regretted it.

Silas was on top of Anastasia.

Chapter 4

Willow’s POV

Silas's mouth was on her neck, and his hands moved over her body like he couldn’t get enough of her.

“God, Ana... I always loved your body.” He groaned. “You feel so good. No one else can ever feel like this. No one can make me feel this way.”

That was enough.

My heart didn’t break, it shattered completely, but I didn’t scream or confront them. Instead, I just closed the door softly, and slowly, like I didn’t want to disturb them.

I turned away, my heart pounded heavily as I stumbled back toward my room. I barely reached the bathroom before I dropped to my knees and threw up everything.

I sat on the cold floor, shaking.

They didn’t just betray me. They did it in this house, under this roof, without shame, like I was nothing.

I leaned back against the wall, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

My mind flashed back to the last miscarriage that I had gone through.

It started early that morning. I woke up with intense pain in my lower stomach, and when I pulled back the sheets, they were soaked with blood.

I called for Silas, but he didn’t come. He was busy celebrating Anastasia’s birthday.

I was able to contact one of the omegas who rushed me to the clinic.

Hours later, when he finally showed up, he didn’t ask if I was okay. He didn’t hold my hand. He just stood there, crossing his arms.

“Again?” He said coldly.

Like it was my fault, like I was the problem.

He didn’t comfort me. He barely looked at me.

When the doctor called it another unexplained miscarriage, Silas just nodded and left the room.

I thought he was disappointed in me. I blamed myself.

But now I knew better.

He wasn’t disappointed. He was satisfied because that baby, like the previous ones, had served its purpose.

He got me pregnant, drugged me, waited for the miscarriage, and took what he needed for Anastasia, and I had apologized to him, I actually said sorry.

~

I didn’t sleep after that. I kept arranging everything for my departure until the sun began to rise.

Eventually, I walked to the kitchen when I got very hungry.

I made a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, and tea, just for myself. I sat at the dining table alone and ate in silence.

My phone buzzed with a message. It was from my father.

Dad: I hope you haven’t changed your mind again, because preparations have begun.

Me: Never.

Footsteps came down the stairs, but I didn’t look up.

“Mm, something smells good,” Anastasia said lightly.

I didn’t react in any way. They walked in together without any shame.

“I hope you slept well, Luna.” Anastasis continued with hidden mockery in her tone. “I had an awesome night, thanks to Silas here.”

Silas cleared his throat. “Willow,” he muttered, clearly uncomfortable. “What Ana is trying to say is that she couldn’t sleep alone last night, so I had to stay with her so she could fall asleep.”

A small smirk crossed Anastasia's lips, and her eyes gleamed with triumph. I continued eating, completely unfazed.

Anastasia glanced at the table. There was only one plate. Her brows lifted with false surprise.

“Oh. No breakfast for us?” she asked, her voice sugary sweet. “Guess we’re on our own now.”

I kept chewing. I didn’t say a word.

Silas looked at me now, his tone was full of irritation. “Willow, where’s our breakfast?”

I took a sip of my tea, calmly. “I didn’t make it,” I said flatly.

There was a pause.

“What do you mean, you didn’t make it?” he asked slowly. His voice hardened, and his eyes darkened.

I shrugged.

Silas stepped closer. “You’re the Luna of this house. Your job is to support your Alpha and this home, and that includes cooking. Or is that too hard now?”

I stood and rinsed my plate quietly, ignoring him.

“I said, is it too hard?” His voice rose, his eyes gleamed as his wolf rose to the surface in anger.

I turned around slowly. “You can always eat out, like last night.”

He stepped forward, narrowing his eyes. “What is wrong with you lately? You’ve been acting like a spoiled brat and it's getting very annoying.”

I didn’t respond. I picked up the glass teapot filled with hot water, but Silas snapped.

He snatched the glass teapot from me, and slammed it down hard with a growl. The scalding water splashed straight across my hand and wrist.

I hissed and stumbled back.

The teapot shattered, and a large shard flew into my forearm. Blood welled up instantly. I cried out in pain.

Silas blinked, he hadn’t meant to do it. When he saw the blood, his face softened. for a brief second.

For one stupid second, I thought maybe he would care.

But it didn’t last, because immediately Anastasia whined from behind him.

“There’s no breakfast, and I’m starving Silas. I think I’m feeling dizzy.”

Silas gave me a cold look, silently blaming me. He glanced at my injured hand with a scowl on his face. “You’re a werewolf. You’ll heal.” He said dismissively.

“Remember that the Full Moon Celebration is this evening by 8pm. Get dressed, I will come pick you up by then.” He added.

I pressed a kitchen towel to my arm without a word.

Silas didn’t apologize. He didn’t even look guilty as he walked out with Anastasia.

An hour later, the moving truck came.

The movers were quick. I stood by the window as they carried out all my boxes and everything that had to do with me.

The remaining were thrown into the trash.

When they were done, the house looked like I had never been here.

When Silas came back to prepare for the party, he barely even noticed that anything was missing, and I preferred it that way.

Before we left, I glanced around the room for the last time because I had already made my decision.

Tonight was the last night I would spend in this pack.

After the celebration, I would leave, for good.

He won’t even realize I’m gone until it’s too late.

Chapter 5

Willow’s POV

I had to painfully endure the car ride to the Pack’s Central Hall.

Silas didn't say a word to me the entire time. Anastasia sat beside him in the front seat, giggling about something, like they were mates, and I was the outsider. No one would’ve guessed I was Silas’s mate.

Pack members turned their heads as we arrived, but they weren’t looking at me.

They looked at Anastasia.

She was dressed regally in a gold dress. Her hand was around Silas’s arm as they walked in together like a royal couple. She waved and smiled at everyone like she belonged here, like this was her kingdom.

Honestly, it was the truth.

I followed quietly behind them..

Everyone was staring, and I could hear the murmurs.

“Isn’t Willow the Luna?”

“Why is Silas walking in with Anastasia?”

“Honestly, Willow doesn’t really look like a Luna compared to Anastasia.”

My jaw tightened, but I didn't react.

I watched as Silas paraded her like she was his Luna. He introduced her to elders and warriors with pride, and his arms around her like she was his mate.

The moment that sealed everything came during the Alpha-Luna opening dance.

Every Full Moon Celebration, it was tradition for the Alpha to have the first dance with his mate. It was symbolic.

I stood still, waiting. Silas glanced at me, but before he could walk towards me, Anastasia slipped her hand into his.

“Dance with me, Silas,” she said softly, her voice was loud enough for those nearby to hear. “I’m sorry for asking, I just don’t want to feel lonely tonight.”

Her eyes flickered with a glint of false sadness.

Silas hesitated for a second, then he nodded without even glancing at me

And just like that, Silas walked her to the center of the floor as the slow, ceremonial music began to play. Her hand rested proudly on his chest, and he held her gently.

My heart didn’t break this time. It was already broken.

All I felt was shame.

People watched, whispering and murmuring.

I stood there like an abandoned ornament. The real Luna was left to rot in a corner while another woman stole the show.

Anastasia tilted her head, resting it on Silas’s shoulder like his lover.

Someone near me whispered, “She fits him better, honestly.”

I didn’t flinch.

When the song ended, the pack members clapped. Silas smiled faintly, nodding at Anastasia. She grinned.

Then finally, he turned to me and walked over.

“Willow,” he said, holding out his hand. “Let’s have our dance.”

I looked at him, and at his outstretched hand. The same hand that had held Anastasia a few seconds ago like she was his everything.

Silence fell around the people near us. They were waiting for me to say yes.

I scoffed internally. “No, thank you,” I said flatly.

Surprise flickered through his face, and his eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

“I said no.” My voice didn’t shake, because I was calm inside.

His face hardened, and his tone dropped. “Willow, don’t make a scene.”

I smiled bitterly. “You started it.”

Silas snarled at me. “Why are you being so jealous all the time? It was just one dance! I didn't want her to feel left out! Do you have to make everything about you?” He snapped.

I gave him a cold look. “You don’t want her to feel left out, but you don’t care that you’re neglecting your own mate.”

He scowled at me. “You should be glad you even have a mate, you ungrateful—”

Anastasia cut in. “Please, don’t make a scene because of me.” She said softly.

I scoffed at her. “Stop pretending, it’s irritating.” I snapped.

She gasped dramatically, but I didn’t wait, I turned away from them, ignoring the looks that followed me.

I pushed open the nearest door and found myself in the bathroom. I needed air and space. I needed to stop pretending I was okay.

I slipped into one of the stalls and sat down, trying to calm my thoughts.

Two women entered the bathroom, discussing among themselves.

"Did you see how she just stood there? Like some maid.”

I tensed.

The other woman sighed. “Poor thing. But honestly, what did she expect? Alpha Silas clearly doesn’t want her.”

“I heard she forced the marriage because she was hopelessly in love with the Alpha.”

One of them giggled. “It makes sense. I mean, look at Anastasia. She’s practically glowing. No one in their right mind would ever choose Willow over Anastasia.”

I opened the stall and walked out quietly. The women went silent instantly, and their eyes widened in shock.

“Luna Willow—”

“Good evening, Luna—”

They didn’t wait for my response as they quickly hurried out, averting their gaze in guilt.

I stood there in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection.

Maybe they were right.

I inhaled sharply, trying to compose myself before I went back to that hellhole.

The door creaked open again, and I turned to see who it was.

It was Anastasia.

Her lips curled into a slow smirk.

“Well,” she purred, “You look like shit.”

Chapter 6

Willow's POV

I didn’t answer her.

My fists clenched slightly at my sides, but I refused to give her the reaction she wanted. Instead I just stared at her, expressionless.

She tilted her head, clearly disappointed that I didn’t react.

“Really? No reply?” she teased, coming to stand beside me.

I stayed quiet, washing my hands silently.

“Oh, come on, Willow.” She leaned on the sink. “Don’t act like you didn’t see us that night. You were standing right there watching us.”

Still, I said nothing.

She continued with a cruel laugh. “You should have heard him last night. He was crazy for my body. I really hope you learnt a thing or two from yesterday night.”

I dried my hands calmly, and turned to walk away without saying a word.

She was getting irritated at my lack of reaction, so that made her push harder.

“Oh, I know what’ll crack you,” she said maliciously. “Let’s talk about your babies.”

I froze instantly.

“Those poor little things,” she whispered from behind me. “But they didn’t die for nothing, you know. Thanks to them, my womb is finally strong enough to carry his heir.”

I turned slowly.

She leaned closer with triumph burning in her eyes. “You couldn’t carry his child but I will. And Silas will finally have what he always wanted with me.”

Something inside me snapped at her words.

I shoved her hard, and she stumbled backward, gasping as she caught herself on the wall.

She looked at me in shock for a moment. And then, slowly she smiled.

“You’ll regret that,” she murmured.

Before I could ask what she meant, she faced the wall, and slammed her head into it.

I blinked in horror and disbelief.

Then she did it again and again.

Blood stained the wall.

She released out a loud piercing scream, then she dropped to the floor, sobbing and clutching her head like I had done it.

The bathroom door burst open almost instantly.

And several pack members burst in.

“Someone call the healer!”

“Anastasia!”

“Luna—what happened?”

I stood there, frozen, my hands trembling, and my heart pounding in my chest.

Silas rushed in with two guards behind him.

He saw the blood first, then he saw her, then me.

“Willow?” His voice was sharp with fury.

Anastasia whimpered weakly, curling on the floor.

“She—she attacked me,” she sobbed. “I came to apologize to her for the dance, and she just snapped. She pushed me and slammed my head against the wall. I—I think I’m bleeding.”

Silas stared at me, his face twisted with rage.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.

“She’s lying,” I croaked out when I finally found my voice. “She’s lying. I didn’t touch her. She’s doing this to frame me.”

Silas’s eyes blazed with fury. “So now you’re calling her a liar?”

“She slammed her own head against the wall,” I said, firmer this time. “I didn’t—”

“Enough!” he roared.

My heart pounded.

The pack members gasped and murmured. I could feel their eyes judging me.

“She’s insane,” someone whispered.

“I always knew there was something off about her,” another voice muttered.

“Poor Anastasia.”

Silas turned to his guards. “Teach her a lesson.”

The words froze the blood in my veins, and my heart stopped.

Before I could move, the two warriors stepped forward and grabbed me.

“No—wait!” I cried, but it was too late.

The first blow landed hard against my stomach. I doubled over, gasping for air.

Another came against my back, sending me crashing to the floor.

I curled in on myself, wrapping my arms around my belly.

“Please—stop,” I cried.

But they didn’t.

They kept kicking and punching mercilessly as I screamed.

I tried to shield myself, especially my belly, but it was useless.

Then I felt it.

A sharp pain twisted through my abdomen, followed by a familiar rush down my thighs.

Blood.

I choked on a sob as I looked down. Blood soaked through my dress.

The guards faltered, and they stepped back, looking shaken.

“Alpha,” one of then said, hesitating, “she’s bleeding—”

Silas stepped forward, his rage turned into confusion. He saw the blood.

I met his eyes with tears running down my face. “Please...” I whispered.

He hesitated for a single moment, then Anastasia whimpered from the floor, her voice was soft and pitiful, “Silas... I don't feel so good...”

That was all it took.

Silas turned away from me and knelt beside her. “I’ve got you, Ana,” he murmured, lifting her into his arms gently.

She held him weakly. As her eyes met mine over his shoulder, she smirked.

Silas didn’t even glance at me as he walked out of the room carrying her.

At the doorway, he finally spoke.

“I hope you’ve learned your lesson, Willow.” His voice was cold. “Get yourself to the clinic.”

Then he was gone.

Leaving me there on the bloodstained floor, severely injured and half-dead.

I tried to move, but the pain was just too much. My body shook, and my vision blurred.

I dragged myself slowly on the floor, until I reached the corner where my bag had fallen earlier. I pulled out my phone with great difficulty.

Then I called my father.

“Willow?” He already sounded worried. “What’s wrong? Where are you?”

I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. My lips trembled as I tried to speak.

“Dad... please,” I whispered hoarsely, trying hard not to break down. “Come take me home...”

“Where are you right now?” He asked immediately.

I gave him the directions as best as I could.

He cursed under his breath. “I’m sending someone right now. Don’t move. Don’t speak. Just hold on, okay? You'll be fine.”

“Come…qu…ick…” I managed to mumble before the phone fell from my hand.

The last thing I heard was my father calling my name over and over as the darkness took over...