Even now, thinking about it still feels like a nightmare.

Back then, in order to preserve my honor when faced with danger, I exhausted every means possible, even nearly choosing to end my own life to escape.

After escaping, my first thought was to reach out to my father through the pack’s mind link. But Stephen Carr, coveting my father’s influence in the pack and wanting to protect Marley Howard’s brother, found me first. He comforted me and swore on the Moon Goddess.

“Don’t be afraid. No one will know about this. Be my mate, and I’ll protect you for the rest of your life.”

“If you spread this, your reputation as a Luna will be ruined.”

He kept assuring me that after the marking ceremony, he would love and cherish me.

I believed him. Because of this, I had to give up my dream of becoming a pack Healer, and I became pregnant with his pup.

When my father found out, he was overjoyed and spoke highly of Stephen to the Lycan King.

This allowed Stephen to rise rapidly through the pack ranks, basking in his newfound glory.

But in less than a year, he broke his promise, and now, for the sake of Marley, he’s discarded me like trash.

When I exposed the truth, Stephen froze for a moment.

But soon, his expression turned cold, and a mocking smile appeared on his face.

“I was being kind, not wanting your life to be ruined by that incident.”

“Besides, back then, if you hadn’t flirted with Marley’s brother, he wouldn’t have targeted you.”

I stared at him, and at that moment, I felt like the man before me had become a complete stranger.

How could he say something so heartless?

“Stephen, you’re right. It’s all my fault…”

It was my mistake to misjudge people.

To mistake a wolf for a savior.

“Enough!”

He waved his hand impatiently, cutting me off, not even sparing me a glance.

“The past is in the past. Marley and her pup will move into the pack house in a few days. Start preparing.”

“I’m warning you again—don’t make a scene, don’t bully them! Otherwise, get out!”

With that, he turned and walked out, his face emotionless.

As he stepped through the door, a sharp pain like an ice pick stabbed through my abdomen.

Beads of cold sweat formed on my forehead, my back stiff and numb, devoid of any warmth.

“Stephen!”

“I… I’m in so much pain…”

He stopped and glanced back, his eyes filled with annoyance.

“If it hurts, call the Healer. I’m not a Healer. Why are you calling me?”

“Stephen, I might be losing the pup…”

Having studied healing for years, I knew what this meant.

“What are you implying? Using the pup to threaten me?”

His voice grew colder.

“I advise you not to play these little games. It’s disgusting!”

He let out a cold laugh, then turned and left.

“Don’t forget to move your things out of here. They’re in the way.”

He disappeared through the door.

I trembled, trying to push myself up, but the pain in my abdomen quickly spread throughout my body.

I lowered my head, attempting to cradle my violently cramping stomach.

But I was too weak. I collapsed onto the bed, my consciousness slipping away…

The cold water hit me like a slap, jolting me awake. I blinked, disoriented, as the icy droplets dripped down my face. My vision cleared to see a small boy standing before me, a wooden bucket in his hands and a sneer on his lips.

"Hey, who are you?" he demanded, his voice sharp and insolent. "Why are you sleeping in my mom’s room?"

The chill of the water seeped into my bones, and I tried to push myself up, but the dull ache in my abdomen forced me back down. My body felt heavy, my limbs uncooperative.

"Miles, don’t be rude," a familiar voice chimed in, sweet and saccharine. I turned my head to see Marley Howard striding into the room, her steps graceful, her expression soft but her eyes cold. She took the boy’s hand, her fingers curling around his protectively.

"He’s just a child, Valentina. Don’t take it to heart," she said, her tone dripping with false sympathy. But there was no apology in her gaze, only a smug satisfaction as she continued, "Though, I must say, it’s a bit awkward for you to still be here. Stephen and I have already set the date for our mark ceremony. Surely, you don’t plan to stay around and make things uncomfortable, do you?"

The fire in my chest burned hotter, but I kept my voice steady, my words icy. "No wonder the pup has no manners. He’s got a mother who doesn’t know her place."

Her face flushed with anger, but before she could retort, the boy—Miles—shouted, "Don’t you dare talk about my mom like that! She said you’re just a—"

"What’s going on here?"

The deep, commanding voice cut through the tension like a knife. I looked up to see Stephen Carr standing in the doorway, his broad frame filling the space. His gaze softened when it landed on Marley, his Alpha aura radiating warmth and affection. But when his eyes flicked to me, they hardened, filled with warning and disapproval.

Marley’s expression shifted instantly, her lower lip trembling as she dropped her gaze. "Oh, it’s nothing, Stephen. I just came to check on Valentina. But she seems upset… and she called Miles a… a rogue’s pup."

Stephen’s jaw tightened, and his eyes flashed with anger. He stormed toward me, his Alpha tone sharp and cutting. "I’ve warned you before, Valentina. Don’t you dare hurt them."

Before I could even open my mouth to defend myself, his hand shot out, striking me across the face with brutal force.

The impact sent my head snapping to the side, my ears ringing. I stumbled backward, my legs giving out as I crashed into the vanity behind me. The glass vase on top wobbled, then shattered as it hit the floor, shards scattering everywhere. A few pieces dug into my calves, the pain sharp and searing.

I barely had time to catch my breath when Marley let out a gasp. "Oh!"

I turned my head, wincing, to see her clutching her foot. A small piece of glass had nicked her skin, barely drawing blood, but it was enough to draw everyone’s attention.

"Mom, you’re hurt!" Miles cried, his voice high-pitched and panicked.

Stephen’s face was a mask of concern as he rushed to her side, scooping her up into his arms with ease. His voice was tender, laced with worry as he murmured, "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

The sight made me want to laugh—or scream. He’d never shown me that kind of care, not even when I was carrying his pup. No, he’d strike me without hesitation, as if I were nothing more than an inconvenience.

"Let’s get you to the Healer," he said, his tone soothing as he carried her out of the room. He didn’t spare me a single glance, not even as he passed me by.

I was left alone, the silence of the room pressing down on me. The pain in my face, my legs, my heart—it all blurred together, a dull, throbbing ache that I couldn’t escape.