I watched as Callahan and Loretta dragged Jalen away, leaving behind the chaos of the aftermath.

Ariella was the root of it all, and now, with my parents seated on the high platform, they began to scrutinize her.

My father’s face was dark, his tone heavy with the commanding presence of an Alpha. “Ariella,” he said, his voice sharp and demanding, “you’d better have a good explanation for what happened today.”

Ariella rushed to my mother’s side, tears welling in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she spoke, “Mother, I’ve rejected Jalen so many times, but he was determined to make me his mate.”

She wiped her tears, her delicate features only adding to her pitiful appearance. “I know Sofia loves him deeply, and I couldn’t bear to see her suffer through a rejection. So, I begged Jalen to let her stay by our side, even if it meant she’d be a chosen mate instead of Luna.”

“It doesn’t matter if Sofia isn’t the Luna,” she continued, her voice breaking. “We’re sisters, and I’d never let anyone mistreat her. Mother, I didn’t know what else to do.”

Ariella’s tears flowed freely now, her fragile frame shaking as if she might collapse. She had always been skilled at playing the victim, and it was no different today. Her tearful performance nearly convinced my parents to step down and comfort her.

My mother cleared her throat, her expression softening slightly. “It’s not Ariella’s fault,” she said, her voice firm but laced with justification. “Sofia lacks the aura and strength expected of a Luna. She’s weak, like an Omega. Any Alpha would choose Ariella over her.”

I smiled faintly at their words, unbothered. I was used to their favoritism, and their attempts to belittle me no longer carried any weight.

With a calm nod, I said, “If you’ll excuse me,” and turned to leave, heading straight for my private quarters without another word.

The next day, Jalen arrived.

But he didn’t come to my door. Instead, he went straight to Ariella’s quarters.

After a while, Jalen and Ariella walked into my living room, arm in arm.

As soon as Ariella saw me, she began her usual act of tears and apologies.

"I’m so sorry, Sofia," she said, her voice trembling. "I brought Jalen here to apologize to you."

"It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have fallen for him, and I shouldn’t have gotten close to him."

"Every mistake is mine. Please, Sofia, don’t blame Jalen for this."

Jalen’s heart ached at her words. He gently pulled Ariella to her feet and comforted her. "Ariella, you’ve done nothing wrong. I’m the one who insisted on making you my mate. This is my fault, not yours."

I hadn’t even said a word, yet they’d already painted me as the villain.

I was furious and frustrated, but I couldn’t find the words to refute her.

All my life, Ariella had overshadowed me, and it was always because she was better with words.

Jalen had known me for ten years. He knew my nature, and he knew how Ariella had always bullied me.

For years, he’d told me to be patient with her, and I thought it was for my sake.

Now I realized it was only because he loved her.

Their performance was more dramatic than a soap opera.

I didn’t hold back as I ordered them to leave. “If you want to cry, do it somewhere else. Don’t taint my territory.”

“Sofia, you’re being too harsh.”

Watching their interaction, a sour ache twisted in my chest. I refused to stoop to Ariella’s level, forcing back the tears that threatened to spill. Keeping my voice steady, I said, “Since you’re so in love, I’ll step aside and let you be together.”

Seeing my compliance, Jalen’s attitude softened slightly. “I knew you’d understand, Sofia. If you can get along with Ariella, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

“Get along with Ariella? What are you talking about?”

Jalen spoke with an alpha tone, as if he had already decided everything. “You and Ariella will both join the Blue Moon Pack. She’ll be my Luna, and you’ll be my chosen mate.”

I stared at him, feeling a wave of unfamiliarity. “Jalen, what’s happened to you? What do I even mean to you?”

“Sofia, the Blue Moon Pack is prestigious. My Luna can only be someone like Ariella—a noble and refined she-wolf with a strong aura. Having a mate who spends her time tending to herbs in the forest would be an insult to my pack.”

He repeated his decision with finality. “My Luna will be Ariella. Allowing you to remain as my chosen mate is already a gesture of kindness, considering our history.”

“Sofia, don’t be stubborn. It won’t do you any good.”

Jalen smiled as he said this, the curve of his lips dripping with mockery.

This wasn’t the way he used to treat me—a childhood companion. It was the way he looked at a weak omega.

I couldn’t understand why Jalen had suddenly turned against me.