"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Hampton," the palace maid said as Freya's parents stepped inside.

Her voice was steady, but her eyes flicked between them, sensing the tension they carried.

She led them through the hallway to the living room. The couple sat with their backs straight, and their hands tight on their laps. No one spoke, making the silence settled heavily around them.

"I'll inform Alpha Modrich and Luna Freya that you've arrived," the maid said. She bowed quickly, almost nervously, then hurried out, leaving the Hamptons alone in the living room.

A few minutes later, Veriel walked in with Alpha Modrich beside her. She spotted her parents and hurried forward.

"Mother, Father... you're here," she said, her voice soft, sounding almost careful.

Mr. and Mrs. Hampton rose immediately. Even though they were older, they still bowed their heads out of respect. Alpha Modrich acknowledged them with a brief nod, his expression unreadable.

"Alpha," Mr. Hampton greeted, keeping his tone steady.

"You may sit, Mr. and Mrs. Hampton," Modrich said, and they lowered themselves onto the couch. Before anyone could speak further, Veriel hurried forward and dropped to her knees.

"Father... Mother... forgive me," she cried. "I brought shame to our family. I slept with my sister's husband. I don't know what came over me."

Her voice shook, but her tears felt almost too quick, like it was prepared.

"It's not entirely Veriel's fault," Alpha Modrich added, stepping slightly in front of her. "I don't want you viewing this as something she alone caused."

Mr. and Mrs. Hampton exchanged a tense, confused look.

"It's all her fault to begin with," Freya's voice cut in. Everyone turned to the door, and Freya stepped into the living room with calm, steady steps.

They all sat there, staring at Veriel as she lowered her head again, slipping into another round of practiced innocence.

"Don't say that about your sister, Freya. She's naïve," Mrs. Hampton said quickly.

Freya looked at her mother, disbelief flickering across her face. The room fell quiet for a moment.

"Naïve, you say, Mother?" Freya asked, trying to keep het voice steady. "How naïve can Veriel be when she knows the exact drug used to weaken a man, then waits until he's helpless before climbing into his bed?"

Mrs. Hampton's eyes widened, but Freya didn't look away.

She was the one who had called their parents to the palace. She needed them to hear the truth, not the softened version Veriel would feed them. She wanted their scolding, their judgment, their fairness. She wanted them to understand the weight of what her sister had done, not hide behind excuses or pity.

But instead, they picked a side... just as they always had, which was Veriel's side. Calling her naïve, fragile, confused. Freya felt the familiar sting settle in her chest.

Could she have expected this reaction? Yes. But not now, and not in something this serious.

"Freya," Mr. Hampton said, shaking his head as if she were the unreasonable one. "You need to learn forgiveness. I've told you this many times, but you never want to forgive your own sister."

Freya stared at him, her expression flat. Forgive? For this? They still didn't see her, only her sister up to this point.

"This is exactly what I told Freya yesterday," Alpha Modrich said. "She forgives everyone in the pack when they do wrong, yet she can't forgive her own sister?"

Freya let out a quiet breath, her eyes fixed on Veriel. "You want me to forgive my sister for sleeping with my husband?" she asked calmly.

"Maybe... maybe... if she asked for forgiveness and meant it, I might consider it."

Veriel lifted her face slightly, but Freya's gaze didn't soften. "But she hasn't asked sincerely. All she's done is cry and hide behind excuses."

"But I went down on my knees yesterday and begged you to forgive me," Veriel said quickly, wiping her cheeks. "And instead... you called me a whore."

Mr. Hampton's head snapped toward Freya. "You called your sister a whore, Freya?" he gasped, as if the word itself was the greatest sin in the room.

Mrs. Hampton shook her head in disbelief. "What kind of elder sister does that? How could you speak to her that way?"

Freya stared at them, stunned. Veriel's lies had slid so easily into their ears, and just like always... they believed her without a single question.

Even though Veriel had knelt yesterday, Freya knew it was all an act. The tears, the pleading, it wasn't sincere. And no, she had never called Veriel a whore. She had only stated the truth, which was Veriel had slept with other men before Modrich, contradicting her claim of virginity.

Freya watched closely, seeing the tiny shifts in Veriel's posture, the calculated pauses in her speech. She understood perfectly what was happening... Veriel was trying to twist the story, as she always did, a skilled manipulator. Freya's jaw tightened.

"I never knew you could be so cold-hearted," Alpha Modrich said, with his voice sharp.

"Veriel is young, naïve... and as her elder sister, you're supposed to guide her, care for her, and forgive her mistakes."

Freya's eyes narrowed to Alpha Modrich, her jaw tightening, but her voice remained calm.

"Maybe you should apologize first," she said quietly, hiding the storm of emotions inside.

"For going ahead and having sex with my sister... repeatedly... without any remorse. You claim guidance, yet you've encouraged her to betray me. You've all played your parts, but I see the truth."

Modrich's gaze faltered, just for a moment.

"I do not want you and my sister together," Freya said firmly. "She will leave the palace and follow our parents back to the house."

She knew Alpha Modrich could take as many concubines as he wished, but not her sister. Allowing this would be a direct insult to her as Luna, and she would not allow it.

"Have as many concubines as you want," she continued, her eyes locked on him, "but leave my sister out of this. She does not belong here."

"And what if I want to take Veriel as my concubine?" Alpha Modrich asked, his voice cold and deliberate.

Freya met his gaze without flinching. "You won't dare."

A faint, mocking smile touched his lips. "Then hear me well," he said.

"From this moment onward, I, Alpha Modrich, will take Veriel as my concubine. This is my decision."

"Prepare for the celebration," Modrich added, as if announcing a victory.

"You must be joking, Modrich," Freya said, her voice tight, with her hands clenching at her sides. Her chest burned, a mix of disbelief and anger.

"Does this look like a joke to you?" Modrich asked with his tone icy.

"Do you think taking my sister as your concubine will bring me any respect?" she demanded, her eyes flashing in hurt.

He shrugged, unconcerned. "You said I can take any woman I want as my concubine. So why would taking your sister be any different?"

Freya stared at him, stunned. His words were deliberate, cruel, and infuriating.

"She is my sister," Freya said, her voice rising with controlled fury. "You cannot do this."

"I have declared it, Luna," Modrich replied, his tone firm, and unyielding.

Freya spun toward her parents, hoping for some intervention, some sign they would stop this madness... but they remained silent, and their faces unreadable.

"Mother, Father... are you seriously allowing this?" she asked, disbelief and hurt cutting through her calm.

Her voice shook slightly despite her effort to stay composed, the weight of betrayal pressed down on her chest. Not only had her sister crossed every boundary, but now the people she trusted most... the ones who were supposed to protect her... sat silently, doing nothing.

"There's nothing wrong. Alpha Modrich has declared it, and we cannot go against him," Mrs. Hampton said, her tone calm, and resigned.

Freya's eyes fell on Veriel, and she saw the victorious smirk curling on her sister's lips. Every glance, every subtle movement screamed triumph. They were all against her... her sister, her parents, even Modrich himself.

It made her chest tightened more. The betrayal, the humiliation, the sheer audacity of it all pressed down on her. She could not sit there any longer. Without a word, she stood and walked out of the living room.

Once in her room, she paced back and forth, trying to contain the storm inside her. How could Modrich choose to embarrass her like this? Not just her, but in front of her sister, her parents, and now, potentially, the entire pack? The thought alone made her blood boil.

She couldn't do this anymore. Ten years of her life spent beside a man who showed her nothing but disregard, and now this complete humiliation.

Freya had thought duty meant sacrifice, but there was a limit. She had given everything, held herself together through every slight, every betrayal, every cold glance, and yet he treated her like she was nothing.

Her decision had formed in her mind with chilling clarity, and she would step down. She could no longer stand by and watch Modrich walk over her, over everything she had done for him, as if her loyalty, her pain, and her presence meant nothing. Enough was enough.

She had to step down from being Luna, even after everything... the ten years of training, the sacrifices, the constant vigilance. The weight of it all pressed down on her as she lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling smaller than ever.

Exhaustion pulled her under, and sleep claimed her quickly. When she opened her eyes, evening had already fallen. She poured water over herself in the shower, letting the cold wash some of the anger and despair away. Dressed and composed, she made a decision to divorce.

Freya walked to Alpha Modrich's room, but the room was empty. She stepped outside, scanning the courtyard, and then she saw him in the swimming pool. Relief surged for a moment, only to vanish as her eyes landed on the other figure beside him.

Her heart froze, it was Veriel. Her sister's laughter carried across the water, light and teasing, while Modrich leaned close, watching her with a smile. Ten years of loyalty, sacrifice, and training, and this was what she saw. Her hands clenched at her sides as the scene burned into her mind.

Freya kept her face calm, hiding the storm raging inside, as she walked toward them. Modrich's head lifted, his eyes locking onto hers, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

Without a word, she slid the rings from her fingers and flung them across the ground. They clattered on the stone, and Modrich froze, shock spreading across his features.

"I'm done," she said. "I want out of this union. I'm stepping down as Luna. I don't want any part of this anymore."

Modrich's lips parted, disbelief and anger flashing in his voice. "You can't just leave. This isn't yours to decide!" He climed out from the pool, now standing in front of her.

"It is my choice," Freya replied firmly. "I've given ten years, and I've had enough. I'm done."

Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving him and Veriel stunned behind her.

When Freya entered the living room, her parents looked up in concern. "Freya, what's happening?" her father asked.

She took a deep breath. "Since you want Veriel to be with my husband, I can't take this embarrassment," she said, then gave out a long breath. "I want a divorce. I'm stepping down as Luna."

Her mother gasped. "Freya, please... don't do this. Think about the family!"

Her father added. "We didn't mean for it to go this far. Don't throw everything away."

"I've made my decision," Freya said firmly, shaking her head. "No. I cannot stay, and I won't let this continue."

*

*

*

Two days later, the divorce papers were ready.

The palace lawyer arrived, carrying the documents. Modrich hesitated, his eyes briefly meeting Freya's, a flash of anger and disbelief crossing his face.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked.

"I've never been more certain," Freya replied.

The lawyer placed the papers in front of them. Modrich signed reluctantly, his hand trembling slightly. It was done, and nor she was no longer the Luna.

Freya packed her belongings quietly. Without another word, she left the palace and made her way to her parents' house, leaving the past and her pain behind.

Back at her parents' house, Freya set her luggage down quietly. Her parents looked at her, worry etched on their faces.

"Freya, maybe you should go back," her mother said softly. "Beg him to forgive you. It's not too late."

"I will not," Freya said firmly, shaking her head. "I've made my choice. I won't return to him."

Her father opened his mouth, about to protest, but before he could say a word, the door burst open. Freya froze when she saw hefty looking men entered, this made confusion clouding her mind.

"Is this her?" one of them asked, eyes scanning the room.

Her father hesitated for a moment, then nodded stiffly. "Yes... take her."

Before she could process his words, strong hands grabbed her arms. She struggled violently, kicking and twisting, trying to break free, but there were too many of them.

"Let me go!" she shouted, her voice cracking with fear.

"You have no use to us anymore, Freya. Now that you are no longer Luna, your only value is to serve as our freedom from the debt we owe the Lone Wolf." Mr Hampton said.

Freya's eyes widened, shock and disbelief rooting her to the spot. "You... you're selling me to the Lone Wolf?" she asked, voice trembling with anger and fear.

Her mother opened her mouth to protest, but before she could speak, a cloth was pressed over Freya's nose and mouth. The chemical sting made her inhale sharply, fear surging, and then darkness swallowed her whole.

"If there's nothing more to add... leave my presence, you old men. I want to be alone," Rollo said, his voice icy , and his cold eyes narrowing at the council of elders.

The men stiffened, glancing at one another before lowering their heads. Not a word escaped their lips. Slowly, and carefully, they turned and filed out of the chamber, the scrape of their sandals against the stone floor echoing in the silence they left behind.

Rollo's gaze followed them until the door clicked shut. At last, the room was his alone,

No sooner had the elders left, a knock slammed against door. Rollo hissed, wondering who dared disturb him.

"Who the hell is that?" Alpha Rollo demanded.

"It's me, Soren," that was the voice of his trusted guards.

"Come in, Soren," Rollo said.

Soren entered quietly and bowed, his expression unreadable.

"You're fast. Did you get the item?" Alpha Rollo asked, his eyes narrowing.

"She's here," Soren replied simply.

Rollo's gaze sharpened. "Bring her in... I want to see what she looks like."

Soren bowed again and left the chamber. The echo of his footsteps faded, replaced by tense silence. Moments later, the door opened, and Soren returned, with Freya.

Soren made her kneel. She obeyed, but her eyes stayed locked on Alpha Rollo's, fearless and unwavering. He studied her, intrigued by the boldness in her gaze, the way she looked at him without flinching.

Yet beneath that fearless facade, fear churned deep inside her. Every nerve screamed in warning. She had heard the stories of Alpha Rollo... The Lone Wolf, feared across lands for his ruthlessness. And now, here she was, kneeling before him, with her heart hammering.

Rollo's gaze stayed fixed on Freya, studying her every movement, every blink. Who was this girl who dared look him in the eye without flinching? Everyone knew who he was.

The tales of Alpha Rollo, The Lone Wolf, spread fear across every village, every town. People trembled at his name. Yet here she was, kneeling before him, unafraid... or at least, appearing so.

But something gnawed at him. Her face revealed nothing. No fear, no respect, no submission.

Even her posture gave nothing away. He searched her eyes, scanning for any flicker of emotion, any hint of thought he could read... but there was nothing. Like a wall, she offered him only stillness, and silence. And the more he looked, the more the curiosity inside him grew. Who was this girl who dared to meet the gaze of The Lone Wolf and give nothing back?

He hadn't seen a woman so fierce, so unyielding. And yet, her parents had given her to him. Perhaps she had always been stubborn.

"This is Freya. She is an ex-Luna... she used to be the Luna of the Goldside Pack," Soren announced.

Rollo's eyes narrowed as he studied her. An ex-Luna, that explained much. No wonder he couldn't read her emotions. Her calm, fearless facade wasn't just defiance... it was control, honed from years of leadership and command.

She had learned to hide everything, to give nothing away.

Still, something about her unsettled him. The way she met his gaze without fear, the way she remained perfectly still even in his presence... it was rare. Very few dared to challenge him like this, and even fewer survived the encounter unshaken. Freya was different, and he intended to discover why.

"Take her to the room prepared for her. Make sure the maids see to her every need. And ensure she has a proper shower," he instructed.

He lingered, a predatory gleam in his eyes, as if already mapping out the control he would exert. His plans for her were clear and cold... she was to be added to the collection of his pleasures, a possession to satisfy his desires. She would have no choice in the matter.

They took her away and handed her over to the maids, who moved quickly to clean her off. She had acted brave earlier, standing in front of the Lone Wolf without flinching. But the moment she faced him, her breath caught.

This was the first time she saw the Lone Wolf himself. Until now, it had always been his beta who visited her pack for meetings and announcements. Facing the real man was nothing like she imagined.

She was directed to a good room, treated with quiet respect because they knew she used to be Luna in the neighboring pack. No one dared handle her carelessly. After she finished bathing, the maids dressed her quickly and left as soon as their work was done. The room fell silent once the door closed.

She sat for a while, trying to steady herself after everything that had happened. Minutes passed slowly. Nothing happened, no one returned, and the stillness pressed on her. Then her stomach rumbled hungrily, pulling her to her feet at last.

She decided she needed to find something to eat, so she stepped out of the room and walked quietly down the hall. Ahead of her, she noticed a fine-looking woman hand a maid a small portion of something. Curious, Freya hid behind a pillar and followed the maid from a distance. The maid didn't look back, until she reached a corner where she poured the portion into a jug.

Freya's instincts stirred. She kept following, and the path led her straight to the chambers of the Lone Wolf. The moment the maid stepped inside, Freya rushed forward, grabbed the jug, and poured everything out. The jug slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.

The maid gasped by this act. Alpha Rollo looked at Freya in pure shock, his eyes narrowing as if trying to understand why she would dare break it.

The maid gasped as the jug shattered, and Freya pointed at the spilled liquid. "It's poison," she said. "I saw her put something into the jug."

Alpha Rollo's eyes shifted to the maid. "Is that true?"

The maid bowed low. "Alpha, no. It's the herbal medicine you instructed Miss Dorcas to prepare."

Rollo's gaze returned to Freya, confusion tightening his expression.

"Herbal medicine," he repeated. "Do you know how rare that tea is? Hard to find. And my jug is too damn expensive, it's a limited product."

Freya swallowed but didn't look away. "I only acted because I thought..."

He raised a hand, stopping her. "The jug is gone. The tea is gone." His voice dropped dangerously. "Tell me, Freya... how should I punish you for the damage you caused?"