- Aria

I woke up to a throbbing ache between my thighs, the kind of pain I hadn't experienced in years, and it felt shamefully real.

What have I done?

My head throbbed, and my chest felt heavy. His side of the bed was messed up and still warm, so it wasn't cold anymore. I sat up slowly, wrapping the sheet around myself.

"Great," I muttered into the pillow, wincing as I moved. "Exactly what I needed today."

The sunlight was barely creeping through the curtains when I dragged myself upright. The first thing I noticed was the silence. The twins never slept this late.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I headed for the nursery and found it empty. The cribs were made, and all the toys were gone.

"Oh, hell no-"

Panic surged. "Adrian? Aurora?" I called out, pushing myself over the cribs and holding onto the cabinet because every step hurt like hell.

A nanny stepped out from the hallway. "Oh, good morning, Luna. The Alpha asked us to take the twins early so you could rest. They're having breakfast."

I froze.

"The Alpha asked."

Luca. After a year of silence, he finally decides to act like a father now?

"Thank you," I murmured, forcing a nod.

The nanny left.

I gripped the crib railing so hard that my hands shook. The memory of last night hit me like a punch. I couldn't forget how Luca kissed me as my body leaned into him, and the bond screaming at me to love him and give up the fight.

I whispered to the empty room. "I asked for a divorce. so why did I let him touch me?"

When I returned to the bedroom, my phone buzzed on the dresser. A single message from Nova: "So. did you tell him?"

I typed slowly: "Not yet."

Nova: "Why?"

I stared at the screen, throat tight. Why? Because last night made everything harder. I didn't know which was worse. I wasn't sure if the divorce would kill me. or staying would.

And then I heard footsteps behind me, followed by Luca's voice, "The nanny gets them already."

I flinched before I turned. He was leaning on the doorframe like nothing had happened last night. Fully dressed, hair brushed, back to the emotionless Alpha facade.

"Yeah, the nanny told me."

"They needed feeding," he said flatly. "You were sleeping like the dead."

Feeling suddenly embarrassed, I quickly wrapped my arms around myself. "Right. Because that's all I'm good for, sleeping through my own children's cries."

Luca raked a hand through his hair. "I don't have time for this kind of chit chat. Magnus collapsed."

My breath caught. "Old Alpha Magnus? When?"

"Late last night." He walked past me, already heading out. "He's in the hospital."

I didn't know what to say. Magnus was the only Stormbourne who had ever treated me with warmth and kindness. He was the reason the Council mandate had even been approved. Otherwise, who would want a lowly orphan like me, whose wolf had been dormant for years, even though I reached an age when my wolf should be awakened?

It was because Old Alpha Magnus could see through me, and he knew that I was not just a lowly wolf but was born of an ancient lineage with hidden power. He never told me about it, but he commented once, "There's more to you than you know, child. Your lineage . your wolf. It's a legacy thought lost. The Moon Goddess has plans for you."

He was the one who told me the twins' births were destiny, not accidents. He called them "miracles."

I was confused, but honestly, I was thankful for him.

Wrecking the family structure made me feel bad-I knew he cared about it. But staying married to Luca? That was still unbearable.

I cleared my throat. "I'm coming with you."

Luca turned, eyebrow raised. "You're not invited."

I stared him down. "I'm their Luna and the mother of your children. He's my grandfather-in-law. Try and stop me."

For a second, I thought he might argue. Instead, he just scoffed with a small, bitter smile playing on his lips. "Fine. Get dressed. We leave in five minutes."

After I showered, I went to the closet. My hands lingered on a simple, dark blue dress. I pulled it out, feeling the soft fabric in my hands. I stared at my reflection. My eyes were wide, dark, and held a hint of sleepless nights I couldn't hide. I forced myself to meet my own gaze.

Today, I would tell the world I was done. I couldn't help but feel a small, treacherous part of me whispering, "What if you're wrong?"

Luca appeared at the door. "Come on. He's been asking for you."

I swallowed hard. "Why?"

He shot me a hard look over his shoulder. "He didn't tell you? He always says you're the heart of this pack." Then he turned his back without another word.

I stood there, confused. Luca's words were the last thing I expected to hear.

I grabbed my jacket and hurried after him. The pain was stabbing with every step, but I swallowed it down.

In the car, Luca started the engine in silence. We'd barely been on the road five minutes when his phone rang, and the display flashed Ivy Castemont.

I stiffened instantly.

"Hey," Luca answered, his voice suddenly softening. "Yeah, I'm on the way. Don't worry, I'm fine."

The sting was instant and ugly. He had a comforting tone in his voice for Ivy. For me? I got orders and cold words.

He ended the call with a low, "Thanks, Ivy," like she was some freaking angel saving his life.

I couldn't hide my snort. "Still pretending you don't have feelings for her?"

He didn't look at me. "This isn't the time."

"No," I said quietly, staring out the window, "it never is."

It seemed that no matter what happened between Luca and me, he would never forget Ivy, his long-time love, the pride of the Castemont family, the perfect princess everyone thought was destined to be Luna of StormRidge Pack.

Of course, he wouldn't forget a woman like that.

Ivy, with her flawless beauty, had always been by Luca's side since childhood. She never had to try hard to get anyone's attention. especially Luca.

And me? His legal wife, the woman he chose only because circumstances forced him to. The woman who raised his children. but who remained second in his heart.

Every time Ivy's name crossed my mind, it felt like something cold and heavy was pressing down on my chest as if I were just a shadow interfering with their love story.

The hospital parking lot was overflowing with Stormbourne warriors. Pack members bowed when they saw Luca and slid their eyes right past me like I was nothing but his shadow.

We walked toward the critical ward together, but not really together. There was a full yard of tension between us.

The moment we rounded the corner, his mother, Helena, shot to her feet.

The entire family has gathered outside the ward. All eyes are on us, especially accusing eyes on me as we walk closer.

"Luca, finally!" she rushed toward him. "It has been too long since we tried to reach you."

She then turned her eyes on me like knives. Her face was pinched with disapproval when she saw me.

"What a surprise," she said dryly. "The Luna finally graces us with her presence. If you hadn't delayed Alpha Luca, he would have been here earlier."

I ignored the jab. "How is Old Magnus?"

Helena's lips curled into a sneer. "Dying. And you're here because you think he's going to leave you something in his will?"

My stomach dropped. "I didn't-"

"Enough," Helena hissed. "Your selfishness knows no limits."

"She said it's my fault," I whispered to Luca, hoping he'd just defend me for once.

He didn't look at me. "This isn't the time for arguments."

So that was his answer.

The entire Stormbourne family filled the corridor: Brooke, Oliver, Helena, cousins, and the Elders. I could feel their judgment before any of them spoke. I stood at Luca's side like an outsider wearing a Luna's title I didn't deserve.

And then the doctor approached.

"Only Alpha Luca and his Luna can enter," he said.

Luca moved immediately.

Helena grabbed his arm. "Surely I go in first-"

"No," the doctor repeated. "He asked for his grandson and his granddaughter-in-law. No one else."

The hallway froze. Every head turned.

Luca and I exchanged a stunned look. Of all the people Magnus could have asked for, but me?

Silver stirred inside me, her voice low and wary.

"Be prepared, Aria. Something is coming."

I swallowed. "Yeah," I whispered back in my mind, "I can feel it too."

Because if Old Alpha Magnus wanted me right before he might die, then whatever he had to say could change everything.

And that terrified me more than anything that everyone ever could.

*****

- Aria

Walking side by side, Luca and I moved through the glossy hospital corridor that smelled strongly of antiseptic and lemon floor cleaner.

He walked confidently like he owned the place. I walked like I'd slept three hours, cried in my bathroom, and had two toddlers drooling on my shoulder before dawn.

Basically, that was exactly how my sleepless nights went.

"He should be awake by now," Luca murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. "Doctors said he had a stable night."

I nodded, biting my lip. "Good. I. I need to talk to him."

Luca frowned a little. "About what?"

"About nothing you need to worry about," I muttered.

He shot me a look. "Aria."

I shrugged and stared straight ahead. "Let's just go inside."

But just as Luca reached for the door handle, I heard a sudden, sharp clicking sound of heels behind us.

I didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"I'm so sorry I'm late! Traffic was awful," Ivy Castemont announced dramatically.

Everyone in the hallway seemed to lift their heads a little, as if the queen of the pack had finally arrived. Ivy wore a cream dress of obvious high quality and cost, her dark hair bouncing in perfect curls, one hand holding a designer clutch that probably cost more than my monthly budget.

Luca stiffened. "Ivy."

She gave him a sweet smile that was startlingly bright for a hospital environment. "Luca. I came as soon as I heard. How is he? Is he awake? Can I go in?"

Before Luca could answer, his mother stepped out from around the corner. Her eyes lit up when she saw Ivy.

"Ivy, darling! Thank the Moon you came," Helena said warmly, pulling Ivy into a soft embrace.

Of course. That greeting was practically velvet-wrapped compared to the cold nod I usually got.

"Of course, Helena," Ivy said sweetly, bowing her head politely. "I came as soon as I heard. Magnus means so much to me."

Helena cupped Ivy's cheek like she was her long-lost daughter. "Magnus would be so happy to know you're here."

I stood there awkwardly, invisible in plain sight, holding my hands together like some underpaid assistant instead of the actual Luna.

Helena gave Ivy a warm peck on the cheek. Then she turned her eyes on me and gave a tight nod that lasted. maybe half a second.

"Aria."

Right. That was my welcome.

"Hello, Ivy," I said, forcing a smile.

But she'd already turned back to Helena.

A fast glance. Barely a second. Almost like shaking hands with someone she didn't want to touch.

"Go ahead, sweetheart. Magnus would love to see you," Helena said dismissively.

I blinked, trying not to grit my teeth. "We were about to go in."

Helena looked at me like she was trying to figure out why I had a speaking role. "Yes, yes, of course. But Ivy should go first."

Ivy stepped forward with a soft, pitying smile. "It's fine, Aria. I'm sure you'll get your turn."

Luca's jaw tightened. "Everyone goes in together, Mother."

Helena frowned. "Luca, there's no need for that. Let Ivy say hello first. She's practically family."

I opened my mouth, then shut it. No point. It was the same old reminder that I was the Luna on paper, but Ivy was the Luna of their dreams.

Her perfume hit my nose as she passed, a scent that felt like an insult.

Her husband, Rowan Crestfall, appeared behind her, a tall figure with a calm, cold expression. He nodded politely at Luca, then gave me a brief, stoic look before following Ivy inside.

Luca hesitated, then looked at me. "Let's go too."

We stepped inside the dim hospital room. Machines beeped quietly. Old Alpha Magnus lay on the bed, pale but breathing steadily. Ivy was already at his side, holding the old man's hand like the cameras were rolling.

"Old Alpha Magnus," she whispered dramatically. "I'm here."

His eyelids fluttered. "Ivy. child."

He looked tired. But when he turned his head slightly, his eyes drifted to me just for a moment and they softened, only for me.

"You. came," he murmured.

I stepped closer. "Of course I did."

Ivy's lips tightened.

Luca stood awkwardly at the foot of the bed, clearly feeling anxious. "Grandfather, how are you feeling?"

Magnus coughed weakly. "Old and annoyed. Everyone keeps telling me to rest. It's boring."

Luca huffed a small laugh. "You scared all of us."

"Hah. The Stormbourne line is hard to kill."

Magnus's eyes drifted past Luca. "Rowan."

Rowan bowed his head respectfully. "Old Alpha."

"And Ivy." Magnus gave another cough. "You two. should consider having a child soon."

Ivy gasped slightly, then smiled like she'd just won a prize. "We've been thinking about it."

My stomach twisted. Luca stiffened.

Wow. So the family wanted Ivy to have the child everyone expected me to give them two years ago? The hypocrisy was insane.

Magnus then turned to Luca, his voice was a slightly louder as he spoke. "You. Take care of your family."

Luca blinked. "I am."

"Not well enough," Magnus rasped. "Your mate. your children. don't make the same mistakes I did. Don't take them for granted."

Luca's eyes flicked to me briefly with a blank expression.

But the moment lasted only seconds before Ivy leaned closer to Magnus with a soft, innocent smile. "He tries his best, Old Alpha. You know Luca. he's always been responsible."

Magnus gave her a look that was half amusement, half disbelief. "Girl, your flattery is too sweet. Makes my teeth hurt."

I snorted before I could stop myself.

Ivy glared at me.

After a few more minutes, the nurse came in and told us Magnus needed to rest.

Everyone filed out.

Luca walked beside me silently, Rowan following Ivy, who practically floated down the hall as she owned it.

And just when we reached the waiting lounge, she turned to me.

"Aria," Ivy called, tilting her head with faux concern.

I stopped. "Yes?"

She eyed me up and down slowly. "You look. tired."

I smiled back. "Oh, thanks for your concern. Is that supposed to be a compliment?

Her jaw twitched.

"I'm serious," she said. "You're pale, your eyes are puffy, and your dress looks like you pulled it from the back of a laundry basket. You should really take better care of yourself. Especially since you're supposed to be Luna."

"I'm here because my mate's grandfather collapsed," I said coolly. "Not auditioning for a beauty pageant."

Ivy smiled sweetly. "Well, maybe you should. Because if you want to keep Luca interested, you might actually have to try. Men like him get bored easily."

Luca stiffened. "Ivy-"

But I cut him off.

"No, let her talk," I said, stepping closer to Ivy with a smile that wasn't even trying to be nice. "It's funny hearing advice from someone who couldn't even keep her own husband entertained."

Rowan's brow twitched just slightly.

Ivy flushed. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," I said. "But don't worry. Not everyone is built for loyalty."

"Aria," Luca muttered, like he was scolding her but secretly admiring her.

Ivy glared at me so hard it could've cracked the floor.

"You really should learn how to please Luca," she hissed quietly. "You know he has needs you apparently can't meet."

I took a step closer, our faces inches apart. "Funny. Because it seems like you've been trying to please him for years, and he still didn't choose you."

Her breath hitched.

Rowan looked between us, deadpan as ever, but I didn't miss the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth. He was amused.

I leaned back slightly. "Maybe your problem isn't me, Ivy. Maybe it's that Luca never wanted you as much as he wanted the idea of you."

Her face went red.

Luca cleared his throat. "That's enough."

But the smirk on his lips said he didn't mind the show.

I turned away, ready to walk off because this conversation was beneath me and frankly, I had better things to worry about, like my twins adapting to the nanny or my emotional whiplash from the night before.

But Ivy wasn't done.

"You think you've won?" she called out sharply.

I turned back. "I don't care about winning. I care about surviving."

Ivy rolled her eyes. "You're such a-"

Rowan suddenly stepped forward and spoke calmly but firmly. "Ivy. Enough."

Ivy whipped her head toward him. "She started it!"

"Let's go," Rowan said, his voice making it clear there was no discussion.

Ivy snarled under her breath but stomped toward the exit, her heels clicking like tiny thunderclaps.

When they disappeared around the corner, the hallway finally felt breathable again.

I exhaled slowly.

Luca stared at me with a blank expression. "You didn't have to say all of that."

"Someone needed to," I muttered.

"Aria-"

"Not now," I said, walking past him. "I'm going home. The twins need me."

He reached out, catching my wrist gently. "Aria. thank you. For being there today."

I looked down at his hand holding mine.

For two years, he rarely reached for me. And now suddenly he was touching me like we were something real.

"We'll talk later," I said, pulling my hand free.

Because if I stood there any longer, I might break in ways I wouldn't recover from.

And I was done breaking.

*****

- Aria

Nova called me the moment Luca and I left the hospital parking lot.

My phone buzzed nonstop in my pocket until I finally fished it out, still feeling the sting of everything that happened inside the hospital. Ivy's fake sweetness. Helena's side-eye. Magnus's shaky voice telling Luca to "take responsibility for your family."

Yeah. Fun day.

I answered. "Nova, I swear, if this is about you wanting to burn someone's car again-"

"It's not burning," she interrupted. "It's gentle warming with aggressive intentions."

I snorted. "Same thing."

"So," she dragged out the word dramatically, "are you alive? Or do I have to go to StormRidge hospital and claw someone's eyes out?"

"I'm alive. Barely."

"Want dinner? I already put on pants not meant for sleep, so you better say yes."

I exhaled, honestly relieved just hearing her voice. "Fine. Yes. Dinner. Please save me."

"Drop me your location. I'll pick you up so we can talk trash in person."

"Done."

I hung up, feeling lighter for the first time that day.

Luca glanced over from the driver's seat. "Who was that?"

"Nova," I said. "We're meeting up."

He frowned. "Tonight?"

"Yes, tonight. It's dinner, not a secret rebellion."

He didn't reply, but the muscle in his jaw twitched.

When we reached the pack house, he didn't bother saying goodbye. He just stalked upstairs to his office, his shoulder tense, probably thinking hard about. well, hopefully not Ivy.

I didn't linger either. I grabbed my bag, checked on the twins, and headed out with Nova.

Nova and I ended up at a noisy restaurant downtown, one of those places where the waiters yell and the tables wobble.

Perfect chaos for venting.

"Okay," she said, leaning forward dramatically as she stuffed a fry into her mouth. "Tell me everything. Start with how Helena looked at you. Did she do the squinty face? The annoyed face? Or the 'oh no, the Luna is breathing again' face?"

"All three," I groaned.

"Ugh. She needs a new hobby. Crochet, pottery, or baking, instead of hating you."

"She also acted like Ivy was her long-lost daughter."

"Of course she did," Nova rolled her eyes. "If Ivy told her the sky was purple, Helena would paint the house to match."

I laughed weakly and dipped a fry in ketchup. "And Ivy insulted me again."

"What did she say this time? That your hair was too brown for Luca's aesthetic?"

"She said I looked tired and should learn how to please my husband."

Nova slammed both palms on the table so hard everyone turned toward us.

"Say that again," she demanded. "I dare you."

I snickered. "No."

"Oh, Aria, you're killing me. I need another drink."

As Nova ordered something suspicious and pink, I leaned back, letting the warmth of the restaurant wash over me. For once, I didn't feel like the Luna who wasn't wanted. I was just Aria, eating fries with my best friend.

For a moment, I let myself enjoy it.

I couldn't help but smile widely, maybe even from ear to ear.

Later that night, Nova dropped me off at the pack house. I hugged her and promised to text when I was inside.

The house was quiet.

I slipped inside and closed the door softly behind me.

I didn't expect it, but Luca was in the living room, looking impatient with his arms crossed, like he'd been waiting forever.

His eyes dragged over me, lingering too long.

For a moment, something in his expression softened.

"Did you eat?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Good."

An awkward silence stretched between us.

Then he spoke again, his voice rougher than usual.

"Ivy called me."

Of course she did.

"And?" I asked.

"She knew you want to sever the bond."

I met his eyes steadily. "I do."

He inhaled sharply, like the words actually hit him.

"We're not done talking about this."

I turned away. "No, Luca. We're not done. But not tonight."

I headed upstairs before he could say anything else.

My heart beat like crazy and my head swam.

And deep inside.

Silver stirred, whispering something I wasn't ready to hear.

*****

- Luca

I walked into my office still simmering from the mess at the hospital. I couldn't even decide what pissed me off more-how Ivy latched onto my arm like she had a claim, or how Aria stood there looking fragile and fierce at the same time, like she was daring anyone to break her again.

I dropped into my chair and pulled up the pack finance reports, not that I was actually reading a damn thing.

That's when I saw it.

A digital receipt.

Aria Kingsley Stormbourne. Table for two. Downtown restaurant. Total: $87.

I blinked. "What the hell?" My eyes narrowed at the screen.

With who?

It wasn't late yet. But Aria almost never went anywhere. She barely left the pack house unless she had no choice. And tonight of all nights?

Why?

I rubbed the back of my neck because I was starting to get seriously annoyed. I didn't like this feeling. I didn't even want to name it.

Before I could overthink it, my phone rang.

Ivy.

I nearly ignored it.

I answered anyway. "What is it?"

"Luca," she breathed, all soft and helpless, like she wanted me to swoop in and comfort her. "Are you home?"

"Yes."

"I just. wanted to check on you. Magnus looked so weak today. I thought you might be stressed."

"I'm fine," I said.

"And Aria?" Ivy pushed sweetly. "Is she home to take care of the babies?"

My jaw flexed. "She's out. With a friend."

"A friend?" She acted shocked, like Aria wasn't allowed to have a life outside the nursery. "But the twins need their mother."

"They're with the nanny," I said. "They're fine."

"But still-"

"Ivy," I cut in, my patience snapping, "she's allowed to go out."

There was a long pause. I could practically hear her recalculating her approach.

"You're defending her now?"

"This isn't about defending anyone," I said. "She didn't do anything wrong."

"Oh." She was still talking sweetly, but it was clearly fake and ready to bite. "Helena said Aria is asking you to sever the bond. Is that true?"

I gritted my teeth. "We're not talking about this."

"Luca-"

"Ivy," I snapped, "go be with your husband."

The room fell into silence.

"Good night," I added, and hung up without waiting for whatever nice-sounding complaint she planned to spit out next.

I tossed the phone onto my desk and leaned back, exhaling hard.

What the hell was happening to me?

*************