The moonlight cast long shadows across my desk as I hunched over the maps, my fingers stained with ink and herbal residue. Three nights without sleep had left me hollow-eyed, but the strategy was finally coming together. I'd spent every waking hour analyzing the new rogue threat patterns, cross-referencing them with our territory's vulnerabilities.

"Just a few more adjustments," I murmured to myself, rotating the map to examine the northern ridge. My wolf, Luna, stirred restlessly within me.

*You need to rest, Scarlett*, she whispered in my mind.

"One moment," I replied, adding another notation to the defensive formation. The rogues had been growing bolder, more organized. Without a comprehensive strategy, our borders wouldn't hold.

I reached for the mortar, grinding moonflower petals into the mixture. The healing potion for the injured sentry needed to be ready by dawn. Jaxxon had promised me additional supplies for my work, but they never came. I'd learned to make do with what little I had.

"Almost there," I whispered, adding a drop of silver essence to the potion. It shimmered faintly as the ingredients combined properly.

My back ached as I straightened, the candle having burned down to a stub. Dawn was breaking over the mountains. I gathered the strategy documents and healing potion, carefully arranging them in a leather folder.

Jaxxon would be pleased. He had to be. This defense plan could save countless pack members.

---

"You're late," Jaxxon's voice cut through the morning air as I approached the council chamber. He stood tall and imposing in his Alpha attire, Elena hovering at his side in a dress that seemed more suited for a gala than a strategy meeting.

"I finished the defense strategy," I said, holding out the folder. "And the healing potion for Delta Marcus."

Jaxxon's eyes flickered to the folder, then to Elena. Something passed between them—a glance I couldn't quite interpret.

"Give those to Beta Ryan," he said dismissively. "You can help in the kitchen today. The elders expect a proper meal after the meeting."

"But..." I clutched the folder tighter. "This is my work. I've been up for three nights straight perfecting it."

Elena's lips curved into a smile that never reached her eyes. "Don't worry, Scarlett. I'll ensure your... efforts aren't wasted." She took the folder from my hands, her manicured nails scraping against mine.

"Actually," Jaxxon added, "Elena has some excellent insights on tactical positioning. She'll be presenting the strategy as our tactical advisor."

The floor seemed to tilt beneath me. "What?"

"Is there a problem, Omega?" Jaxxon's voice dropped into the Alpha tone that made my knees weaken.

"No, Alpha," I whispered, though Luna growled in protest within me.

---

Hours later, I slipped into Jaxxon's study to find wolfsbane for the healing potion. The sentry's wounds were worsening—infection had set in, and I needed stronger medicine than what Elena had authorized.

The room smelled of him—pine and smoke and authority—but underneath lurked another scent. Floral. Sweet. Elena.

I pushed aside the thought and searched through the cabinets. Nothing. The rare herbs I needed were missing.

"Where would he keep them?" I muttered, scanning the bookshelves.

A draft brushed my face—cool air from nowhere. I turned slowly, noticing a slight gap behind the leather-bound volumes on the far wall. When I pressed against the books, they gave way with a soft click.

A hidden door.

My heart pounded as I slipped inside. The room beyond was small but ornate, lined with paintings that stole my breath.

Elena. Dozens of renderings of Elena in various poses—laughing, dancing, her face in profile. Some were recent, but others...

I picked up a journal from a small table, my hands trembling as I opened it.

"Today she wore blue. It matched her eyes perfectly. If only she had danced with me at the Mate Ball. Everything would have been different."

The date at the top of the page was five years ago—before Jaxxon and I were mated.

I flipped through more pages, each entry more disturbing than the last.

"Elena looked at me today. Really looked. She knows I'm meant to be with her."

"The Moon Goddess made a mistake. My true mate is Elena, not the Omega healer."

My legs gave out as I sank to the floor, clutching the journal. Luna howled in anguish within me.

*He never wanted us*, she cried. *Never.*

A silk scarf caught my eye—Elena's signature perfume clinging to it. Beside it lay a crystal bracelet I'd seen her wear at the last pack gathering.

Jaxxon hadn't just betrayed me recently. This obsession had consumed him for years.

I reached for another journal, my fingers numb. The first page bore a single sentence that shattered whatever remnants of hope I'd clung to:

"When Elena is finally mine, I'll find a way to break the mate bond with Scarlett. The Moon Goddess will understand my heart's true desire."

The sound of footsteps echoed behind me. I froze, my fingers still clutching the journal that revealed Jaxxon's betrayal. The hidden door swung open wider as Jaxxon's imposing figure filled the frame, Elena close behind him.

"What do you think you're doing?" His voice was dangerously low, eyes flashing with rage.

"I..." My voice faltered as Elena's gaze swept over the scattered journals and paintings. Instead of shame, her lips curved into a smile that made my blood run cold.

"Spying, Alpha," she purred, her hand resting on Jaxxon's arm. "Just like I told you she would."

Jaxxon stepped forward, snatching the journal from my hands. "These are private."

"Private?" I whispered, Luna growling within me. "You've been planning to leave me since before we were mated."

His face hardened. "You're unstable, Scarlett. Your Omega mind has always been... fragile."

Elena laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "She's jealous, Jaxxon. Look at her—pathetic."

I backed away as Jaxxon moved toward the fireplace. "No," I pleaded, realizing his intention. "Those are my grandmother's journals. Irreplaceable healing knowledge."

"Knowledge that belongs to the pack," he countered, grabbing the stack of ancient leather-bound books from the table. "Knowledge that could be dangerous in the wrong hands."

With a swift motion, he tossed them into the crackling fire. The pages curled instantly, edges blackening as flames devoured centuries of Omega wisdom.

"No!" I lunged forward, but Elena blocked my path, her strength surprising me.

"Watch them burn," she hissed in my ear. "Just like your legacy here."

I fell to my knees as the journals disintegrated, tears streaming down my face. Each page contained remedies passed down through generations—cures for ailments that plagued our kind, strategies for healing wounds no one else could mend.

"Your grandmother should have taught you your place," Jaxxon said coldly, watching the last pages turn to ash.

---

"The Pack Healer position requires someone with a stable mind," Jaxxon announced to the assembled pack members the following morning. "Someone who puts the pack's interests above their own."

I stood before the crowd, head bowed as whispers rippled through the gathering. Elena stood beside Jaxxon, draped in a ceremonial healer's cloak—my cloak.

"Scarlett Wright has proven herself... unfit," he continued, his Alpha tone making several Omegas flinch. "From today forward, she will serve as Elena's personal attendant."

Gasps echoed through the hall. Personal attendant—little more than a servant.

"But Alpha," an elder began, "her healing abilities—"

"Will be utilized when appropriate," Jaxxon cut him off. "Elena will oversee all healing protocols from now on."

I felt the weight of every stare as Beta Ryan approached with a small box. "Your belongings, Omega," he said, not meeting my eyes.

The box contained only a few personal items—a hairbrush, a worn photograph of my mother and me, a small vial of moonflower essence. Everything else—my books, my clothes, my life—was being given to Elena.

"Your quarters have been reassigned," Jaxxon said, his voice carrying across the silent hall. "Elena will be moving into the Alpha suite tonight."

As if on cue, two Deltas appeared with my remaining possessions—mostly clothes and basic necessities—and escorted me to the Omega servants' wing. The damp, narrow room smelled of mildew and resignation.

"Your duties begin immediately," Elena called after me, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I expect the Alpha suite cleaned and prepared by sunset."

---

The regional Alpha Summit was held in a grand stone hall, torches casting flickering shadows across the gathered leaders. I stood behind Elena, dressed in the plain gray uniform of a servant, my eyes downcast.

"Remember your place," Jaxxon murmured as we entered. "You're here to serve, nothing more."

Before we reached the main chamber, he pulled me aside. "I've arranged for insurance," he said, nodding to an elderly woman in dark robes.

The Witch approached, her eyes milky with cataracts that somehow saw everything. "Open your mouth," she commanded.

I hesitated until Jaxxon's Alpha tone forced compliance. "Wider."

Something bitter and cold slid down my throat as she pressed her thumb against my tongue. "A simple glamour," she explained to Jaxxon. "She'll be unable to speak of strategies or healing techniques. Any attempt will cause her physical pain."

The main hall buzzed with conversation as we entered. I recognized Alphas from neighboring territories, their Betas and advisors flanking them. And there—across the room—stood Sawyer Henry, his penetrating gaze finding mine immediately.

Elena stepped forward, her voice ringing clear as she accepted the Grand Strategist Award for a border formation I had designed. "Shadow Moon Pack is honored to receive this recognition," she said, clutching the crystal trophy.

I tried to speak, to call out the truth, but my throat closed painfully, the glamour tightening like a noose. My body trembled as I fought against the magic.

Sawyer's eyes narrowed as he watched me struggle. He took a step forward, then stopped as Jaxxon's hand clamped around my arm.

"Smile," Jaxxon hissed in my ear. "Or I'll make sure your mother's rations are cut further."

Across the room, Sawyer's expression shifted from confusion to concern as our eyes locked again. In that moment, something passed between us—something that made the glamour around my throat loosen just enough for me to draw a breath.

Help me, I thought desperately, not knowing if he could hear the silent plea in my eyes.

The weight of the supply pack dug into my shoulders as I trudged behind Elena and the border patrol. My hands were raw from the rough straps, but I dared not complain. Not after what happened at the Alpha Summit.

"Keep up, Omega," Beta Ryan called over his shoulder. "We don't have all day."

I quickened my pace, ignoring the ache in my muscles. Three days of serving as Elena's personal attendant had left me exhausted, but I couldn't show weakness. Not now.

"Elena, stay close to me," Jaxxon said, his voice tender in a way it had never been with me. "There have been reports of increased rogue activity near the eastern ridge."

Elena giggled, touching his arm. "I'm not afraid when you're here, Alpha."

The forest grew denser as we approached the ridge. Luna stirred restlessly within me, her senses more acute than my human form could perceive.

*Danger*, she warned. *Many heartbeats approaching.*

Before I could process her warning, the trees around us came alive with movement. Rogues—at least a dozen—emerged from the shadows, their eyes wild with hunger and desperation.

"Protect the Alpha!" Beta Ryan shouted, drawing his weapon.

Chaos erupted. I dropped the supply pack and reached for the small dagger hidden in my boot—a precaution I'd taken after years of studying attack patterns.

Elena froze, her face draining of color as a massive rogue lunged toward her. In that moment, I saw raw terror in her eyes—the look of someone who had never truly fought.

"Help me!" she screamed, her voice high and brittle.

Then, in one fluid motion, she grabbed my arm and shoved me forward just as the rogue attacked.

"Take her instead!" she cried.

Time slowed. The rogue's yellowed teeth were inches from my throat when I pivoted, using the momentum of Elena's push to sidestep his attack. My dagger found its mark between his ribs as I executed a defensive maneuver I'd documented in my now-burned journals.

The rogue collapsed, blood soaking into the forest floor.

"Scarlett!" Jaxxon's voice cut through the fighting. "What have you done?"

More pack members arrived, reinforcing our position. The remaining rogues fled into the depths of the forest.

Elena composed herself quickly, straightening her clothes. "I was just about to strike when Scarlett jumped in front of me," she said, her voice steady now. "I managed to direct her movements through our pack link."

Jaxxon's eyes softened as he looked at her. "You saved her life."

"But I—" My protest died as his Alpha tone silenced me.

"You nearly got yourself killed," he growled. "Stay out of the way next time."

---

Days later, I returned to my small quarters after serving at a pack dinner. The weight of exhaustion pressed down on me as I made my way to the back of the Pack House where my moon garden grew.

Or rather, where it had grown.

I froze at the edge of what had once been my sanctuary. The carefully tended rows of moonflowers—some rare varieties that bloomed only under specific lunar conditions—lay uprooted and trampled in the mud.

"No," I whispered, dropping to my knees. "No, no, no."

Footsteps approached behind me. Elena's scent reached me before her voice did.

"Oh, you're back," she said with false brightness. "I had the Omegas clear this area. We need space for a sunbathing patio."

I gathered a crushed moonflower in my trembling hands. "These took years to cultivate. Some are extinct everywhere except here."

"Then you should have thought about that before you became so... unnecessary." Elena's smile didn't reach her eyes. "The pack needs recreation space more than it needs your little hobby garden."

I looked up at her, fighting back tears. "This was the last thing that was mine."

"Everything belongs to the pack," she replied coldly. "Everything belongs to Jaxxon. And soon, everything will belong to me."

---

Three nights later, I slipped through the shadows toward the nursery. I hadn't seen Eliam in weeks—Elena had made sure of that.

"I just need to see him," I whispered to myself. "Just for a moment."

The nursery was quiet save for the soft breathing of the pack's youngest members. I found Eliam sitting alone in a corner, playing with a toy soldier.

"Mommy's little soldier," I said softly, kneeling beside him.

His eyes—so like mine—looked through me rather than at me. Something was wrong. His movements were mechanical, his expression vacant.

"Eliam?" I reached for him, but he recoiled from my touch.

"I must wait for Luna Mother Elena," he said in a flat voice that wasn't his own.

Ice flooded my veins as I realized what was happening. "Eliam, it's me. Your real mother."

"Luna Mother Elena is coming," he repeated, his eyes glazing over further.

Horror washed over me as I understood. Jaxxon was using an Alpha command—a forbidden technique that could rewrite memories and loyalties. He was erasing me from my son's mind.

"No," I whispered, gathering Eliam into my arms despite his resistance. "I won't let them take you from me too."

But even as I held him, I felt the invisible threads of our bond stretching thin under the weight of Jaxxon's manipulation.