Damon's POV

The bite Aria gave me still stung. Every time my tongue brushed the torn skin on my lip, I could taste the faint copper of blood mixed with her defiance.

That woman had grown wings, sharp, proud, and untamed. She was no longer the quiet omega I once brought into this house. She looked at me differently now, not as her mate or her Alpha, but like someone she was ready to fight.

Why does she act like I forced her into this? She should be grateful. Any omega would be. But Aria isn't any omega. She's bold. She challenges me with her silence, with her eyes, with that stubborn pride that makes me question everything.

If not for my father, I would have rejected her a long time ago.

But my father believed in her. He said she carried something rare, strength wrapped in humility. He said she was chosen for the pack, not for me. And maybe he was right.

Over these past two years, I've learned something. Aria might not be the mate I wanted, but she is the Luna this pack needs. Strong, calm, and painfully loyal. She runs things smoothly, even when I'm gone for weeks. She never complains, never lets the pack see her weakness.

Maybe that's why I can't reject her. She completes the pack... just not me.

Love? I don't think I understand that word anymore, not since Selene.

Selene...

The name alone brings a rush of bitterness to my throat. My first love. My curse.

Her father was my father's gamma before he left to start his own pack. Even after that, Selene stayed here. We were inseparable. I thought I'd found the one person who truly saw me, not as an Alpha's son, but as Damon.

Until the night I caught her with a rogue.

Her hands on him. Her lips.

She didn't deny it. She just looked at me with those same beautiful eyes and said, "You're overreacting."

I almost killed the rogue that night. But I didn't.

She manipulated me into forgiving her. And weeks later, she disappeared,vanished into thin air.

I searched for her for months, thinking maybe she'd been taken. But no... she left on her own.

And now she's back.

The same smile. The same scent.

But something about her feels darker now. Different.

A knock on my office door pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Come in," I said.

Liam, my beta, stepped in and closed the door behind him. His clothes were still dusty from patrol.

"How was it?" I asked without looking up from my desk.

"It went well, with the help of the Luna," he said, brushing a hand through his hair. "But I think not all the rogues died. Some escaped into the woods. There's something strange about their fighting pattern, though. Their formation... it felt familiar."

I looked up then. "Familiar how?"

"I don't know," he admitted, frowning. "They fought like trained wolves, not wild ones. Their speed and coordination, it wasn't normal."

My brows furrowed. Rogues rarely fought with order. They attacked like savages. But what Liam described sounded like military formation.

"Find out everything," I said, my voice low. "Who trained them. Where they came from. Report to me once you know."

"Yes, Alpha." Liam nodded, then hesitated. "Aria fought well. Really well. If she hadn't been there, we'd have lost men."

I froze at that.

Aria.

Even after everything that happened between us today, she still went to battle.

Still fought for my pack.

A strange mix of pride and guilt tugged at me, but I pushed it down. "That's her duty," I said flatly. "You can go."

He nodded once and turned to leave.

But before he reached the door, it burst open without a knock.

"Dam, you're here," Selene said, stepping in like she owned the place.

I clenched my jaw. "I told you to knock before coming in."

She gave a playful pout. "Why are you being mean to me? You were so nice earlier, in front of Aria."

She sauntered closer, her perfume filling the air, a sweet scent that used to drive me crazy but now made me uneasy.

"I'll take my leave," Liam muttered quickly, slipping out before I could stop him.

Selene smiled as she moved closer, her long lashes fluttering. "I know you still love me," she whispered, cupping my jaw. Her touch was soft, calculated. "I'm sorry for what happened, Dam. My father needed me. I lost my phone. I couldn't contact you."

Her lies slid easily off her tongue. I could hear the false sweetness in every word.

"You expect me to believe that?" I asked, my voice low.

She tilted her head. "You don't have to believe me. Just feel me again."

She leaned in, her body pressing against mine. I should have pushed her away. I wanted to. But something about her pull... it still worked like poison.

"Do you really love me?" I asked quietly, half-hoping she'd tell me the truth this time.

Her lips curved into a smirk. "You already know I do."

I stepped back, breaking her touch. "Then give me space. We'll talk later."

Her eyes glimmered with amusement instead of hurt. "At least have dinner with me, Damon. Just dinner." She moved closer again, voice dropping to a whisper. "If you do, maybe I'll show you how much I missed your rough, sweet touch."

Her words hit me like fire.

Damn it, she knew my weakness. She always did.

"Fine," I muttered. "Go ahead. I'll be right behind you."

She grinned like a cat that just caught its prey. "I can't move. My ankle hurts," she said, her voice dripping with false innocence. "Can you carry me to the dinner table?"

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. She was playing games again. The same games she used to play before breaking my heart.

"Selene..." I warned.

"Oh, come on, Alpha," she teased. "You wouldn't want your guest limping through the hallway, would you?"

I hesitated for a moment before crouching slightly. "Fine. Just this once."

Her laughter was soft and triumphant as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I could feel her breath on my skin, and for a brief second, I hated how familiar it felt.

As I carried her down the hall, a few pack members turned their heads in surprise. Their Luna's mate carrying another woman, it would definitely stir gossip.

But I didn't care. Or at least, that's what I told myself.

When we reached the dining hall, I gently lowered Selene into her seat. She smiled up at me, that same smile that once had me wrapped around her finger.

"Thank you, Alpha," she said sweetly.

I didn't reply. I simply took my seat beside her, forcing my expression to remain unreadable.

Moments later, the door opened, and Aria walked in.

She wore a simple navy gown, her hair loosely tied back. No jewels, no attempt to impress. Yet she drew every gaze in the room. Calm. Composed. Regal without trying.

She bowed her head slightly. "Alpha. Selene."

Selene's lips curved into a mocking smile. "Join us, Luna," she said, dragging out the title like it was a joke. "You must be exhausted from pretending to be a warrior."

Aria didn't respond. She just took her seat at the far end of the table and began to serve herself quietly, as though Selene's words meant nothing.

That silence, it stung worse than any insult could.

Selene laughed softly. "Oh, come on, Aria. No words for me? Or are you afraid your Alpha might notice which one of us he truly wants beside him?"

Aria finally looked up, her eyes meeting Selene's with a faint, icy smile. "The Alpha has always known what he wants," she said simply, then went back to her meal.

Selene's smirk faltered for a moment, and I felt my chest tighten, pride, guilt, and frustration all mixed into one.

Selene reached for my goblet, took a slow sip, and whispered, "Still the same taste. Strong. Familiar. Unforgettable."

Aria didn't even flinch. She finished her food, placed her cutlery neatly, and rose. "If you'll excuse me, Alpha," she said calmly, her voice smooth as glass. "It's been a long day."

"Aria...."

She paused at the doorway, not turning around. "You don't owe me an explanation," she said, her tone steady, controlled. "Good night, Alpha. Selene."

Then she was gone.

The silence she left behind was heavier than any argument.

Selene leaned back, twirling her hair between her fingers. "She's cold," she murmured. "Are you sure she's even capable of being your Luna?"

"Enough, Selene."

She laughed softly, leaning closer. "Fine, Alpha. But when you're ready for warmth..." She stood, letting her hand trail along my arm, "...you know where to find me."

Her perfume lingered as she left the hall, and her last words echoed through my head like a dangerous whisper.

"See me in my room."

I sat there for a long while, staring at the empty doorway, Aria's calm voice still echoing in my mind, fighting against Selene's temptation.

For the first time in years, I didn't know which woman truly held power over me.

Aria's POV

Waking up this early morning, I felt like stretching myself. The sun wasn't even up properly, but I couldn't sleep anymore. These past two weeks had been hell for me, emotionally and mentally. Everything seemed to turn against me, especially Damon.

He now left all pack duties to me while he spent every minute with Selene. At first, I tried to ignore it, but the more I tried, the heavier it sat on my chest. The pain of having my mate wrapped around another woman's arms was enough to make me question my worth.

I sat on the bed for a while, looking at nothing in particular. The room felt colder than usual, or maybe it was just my heart.

My mother's words echoed in my head again: "Mate bond is too strong, my Tom. But don't allow it to break you."

That name, Tom, always made me smile. I missed her voice, her warmth, everything about her. If she were still alive, maybe things wouldn't have turned out like this. Maybe I wouldn't be here, forcing myself to act strong every day.

And then there was my father. The man I once called my hero. His betrayal still stung deeper than any wound. I hadn't spoken to him since the day he took another Luna, just months after my mother's death. Even though he still credited money to my account every month, I couldn't bring myself to forgive him.

So no matter what Damon did, I wouldn't leave the pack. Not now. I had nowhere else to go, and I refused to go back home. I'd rather be invisible here than broken there.

I dragged myself into the bathroom, washed my face, brushed my teeth, and took a long warm bath. After stepping out, I tied my towel and reached for my phone. A notification blinked at the top, a newsletter from one of my favorite brands, Luxefit & Beyond.

They sold everything, clothes, workout gear, perfume, even motorbikes. I opened it lazily until I saw the red superbike displayed on the screen. It was bold, shiny, and beautiful. My eyes caught a silver version below it. My lips parted slightly. It was perfect, sleek and confident, just how I wanted to feel again.

I checked the price, then smiled. Expensive, yes, but not out of reach. Maybe I deserve something good this year.

That was when I remembered, my birthday. Just three days away. I had completely forgotten. Nobody in the pack knew, and Damon never cared. I sighed and clicked "Add to Cart." I told them to hold the delivery for three days.

"I think I need to gift myself this year," I whispered to my reflection in the mirror. "It's not easy being strong."

I dressed in my workout outfit, black leggings, a sports top, and my favorite running shoes. My hair was tied up neatly. The gym was calling my name.

The Silver Claw Gym wasn't just any gym; it was mine. My little pride. I built it quietly two years ago, pouring in everything I had saved. No one really knew who the real owner was. I preferred it that way. I wanted people to use the place without judging the person behind it, an omega, the same omega who became their Luna.

I stepped out and headed toward the gym. The morning air was sharp, clean, and smelled faintly of dew. As I approached, I could already hear soft music playing inside and the clanking sound of weights hitting the floor.

The gym was half full. A few pack members, men and women, were already working out, laughing, and chatting. They didn't even notice me at first, which was fine. I didn't want attention.

I went to the back section, stretched my body, and started jogging lightly on the treadmill.

Then, slowly, the voices around me started to grow louder, whispers, giggles, and half-hidden laughter.

"Did you hear what happened yesterday?" a brunette girl said, her voice dripping with excitement. "Selene stayed in Alpha's office for almost two hours."

"No way!" another replied, pretending to lift a dumbbell. "I heard she's practically living in the pack house now. The luna must be losing her mind."

They laughed softly.

A cold smile tugged at my lips, but I kept my eyes fixed ahead. If only they knew who was listening.

"I feel bad for the Luna though," someone else said. "Imagine being mated to the Alpha and still getting replaced by his ex."

"Well, she's an omega," the brunette scoffed. "It was bound to happen. Omegas can't keep high-ranked males for long. It's nature."

My hand tightened around the treadmill handle, but I didn't react. I had learned how to hold pain in silence.

"I heard she's weak too," another whispered. "The Alpha barely touches her anymore."

That one stung, but I didn't flinch. I just increased my treadmill speed. Let them talk. Let them think whatever they wanted.

The door opened suddenly, and a familiar perfume filled the air, sweet but heavy. Everyone went quiet. I didn't have to look to know who it was.

Selene.

Her heels clicked lightly as she walked in, her long hair bouncing with each step. She wore tight workout shorts and a tank top that hugged her body like a glove. She smiled like she owned the place.

"Morning, ladies," she said cheerfully, waving.

The girls almost melted, greeting her in excitement. She had that kind of presence, charming but poisonous.

"Miss Selene, I didn't know you worked out here," one of the women said quickly.

Selene gave a dramatic laugh. "Well, I just heard about this gym recently. It's beautiful. But I wonder..." , her eyes roamed around slowly "how an omega can even afford to work out here."

Her tone was sweet, but her words burned like acid.

She smiled again and added, "Well, all thanks to Alpha Damon's generosity, I guess."

The girls burst into laughter, pretending it was just a joke, but I could feel the mockery in the air.

I switched off the treadmill, wiped my sweat with a towel, and turned slightly, just enough to see her reflection in the mirror.

Something about her aura felt wrong, darker, heavier than before. Her beauty seemed sharper, like a blade waiting to cut.

Elly, my wolf, stirred uneasily in my head.

"There's something off about her scent," she whispered. "It's mixed... not pure. I can smell shadows around her."

"I smell it too," I replied quietly in my mind, keeping my expression calm.

Selene continued chatting and laughing with the women, her voice floating across the room like poison wrapped in honey. Then her eyes met mine through the mirror. For a split second, her smile froze.

Recognition flickered in her eyes, not of who I was, but something deeper. A strange tension filled the air.

She tilted her head slightly, her smile returning. "You have a beautiful body," she said to me with fake admiration. "Do you train here often?"

I nodded. "Sometimes."

She stepped closer, circling around me like a cat. "Good. Keep it up. You might need that body someday."

Her tone was light, but her words carried a hidden meaning. My wolf growled softly, and I clenched my jaw.

Selene smirked and turned toward the others. "Ladies, I think this gym might be my new favorite spot. Oh, and tell the owner she's done a great job. Whoever she is, she must have a good taste... for an omega."

The laughter started again.

I stood still, forcing my heartbeat to slow down. Every muscle in my body screamed to attack, but I stayed calm. Not here. Not now.

As she walked toward the door, she paused and looked over her shoulder, her eyes locking with mine again, cold and knowing.

"I'll be seeing you around," she said, smiling that fake sweet smile. "And do tell Alpha Damon I said hi... if you ever get the chance."

The door shut softly behind her.

The gym fell silent.

I stood there, gripping my towel tightly as my wolf whispered again.

"Aria... there's something evil in her eyes. She's not just here for Damon."

I turned slowly toward the mirror. My reflection looked back, calm, strong, but with fire burning behind my eyes.

"I know," I whispered. "And I'll find out what she really wants."

But deep down, I could already feel it, the beginning of something dark.

Something that was about to change everything.

Aria POV

After the scene at the gym earlier, my mind was already heavy, but coming here... I was hoping at least the salon would give me peace. A little calm. A little breath away from Damon and his shadow, Selene.

Maybe a new hair, light makeup... pretend all is well even when the world keeps trying to break me.

Mira ran to me the moment I walked in.

"Aria baby girl, finally!" she smiled warmly. "Where have you been hiding?"

I gave a tired smile. "Life happened."

"Sit. Let me finish up this hair quickly. You look like you need pampering."

I sat and accepted the coffee she handed me. Even the smell alone felt comforting. I opened a hair magazine and tried to relax, allowing myself to breathe. Six long months since I sat here. Six months of carrying a broken heart in silence. Six months of pretending like everything was fine simply because the title Luna demanded it.

Maybe looking good again would remind me I am more than pain.

The bell above the salon door jingled. I didn't bother turning. But then I heard that voice.

Sweet, polished, poisonous.

"Who is here?"

I stiffened.

Selene.

And then the scent hit, Damon's. Strong. Close. My stomach tightened sharply. The pain was instant, raw, like someone carved into my chest with a hot knife.

I slowly turned.

There she was. Beautiful like always. Fake smile. Fake innocence. Holding Damon's hand with her fingers wrapped around his like she owned every part of him.

And maybe... she did.

Damon didn't look at me. Didn't even blink in my direction. He just walked in like nothing mattered, like I wasn't sitting right there watching my world crumble quietly for the hundredth time.

"Welcome, ma'am," Mira greeted politely.

Selene smiled proudly, chin up like she was entering her palace.

"I want my hair done and I want the full spa package. Now."

Mira froze.

"Uhm... we already have someone before you..."

Her eyes cut to me. Sharp. Vicious.

And she smirked.

"Oh... it's you."

Her voice dripped mockery.

"Omega, why do you keep forcing yourself into places you don't belong? Trying to look like us won't change what you are."

I didn't look up from my magazine. I just took a calm sip of coffee.

Pretending.

Holding myself together.

If I meet her eyes, I might break.

"And what makes you think I can't afford it?" My voice came out soft but firm.

She let out a low laugh.

"Because we all know the truth, omega. Without the Alpha's generosity, you wouldn't even be able to step foot in places like this."

Her hand slid into Damon's shirt, brushing his chest. He didn't stop her. He didn't even blink.

"And this attitude..." her eyes scanned me, slow and judging, "trying to act classy, who are you fooling?"

She turned to Mira with a cold stare.

"You have two minutes. Attend to me first. I don't wait."

Mira flinched. "But..."

"Do what she wants."

Damon's voice cut through the room.

Flat. Cold. Final.

Just like that.

No hesitation.

No defense.

No loyalty.

His words sliced through my chest deeper than claws ever could.

"Yes, Alpha..." Mira whispered.

I stood slowly, movements stiff, numb. I didn't say a word. I didn't look at him. I didn't look at her.

If I open my mouth now, I will break.

Right here in front of everyone.

I placed the magazine down gently. Almost too gently. The quiet kind of pain hurts the most.

"Poor omega," Selene said loudly just as I reached the door.

Even her laugh echoed inside me.

I didn't turn.

I didn't give her the satisfaction.

But my chest felt like it was collapsing inside itself.

My head felt heavy as I stepped outside.

Breathing felt strange.

Slow. Tight.

I didn't walk fast, yet the world around me blurred. The air felt thick, like I was dragging my lungs through mud. My heartbeat thudded painfully in my ears.

Why does it hurt like this?

Is this what happens when a mate bond breaks slowly?

Piece by piece instead of one cut?

Every step toward the pack house felt heavier. Like gravity hated me.

My foot touched the first step of the pack house stairs, and suddenly the ground shifted under me.

A wave of dizziness hit hard.

I grabbed the wall, breathing sharp, shaky.

My vision swayed.

My fingertips tingled.

No... no no no... why am I feeling like this?

I swallowed hard and forced my legs forward.

One step.

Then another.

My hand trembled on the door handle when I reached my room, and I pushed it shut behind me with weak force.

Silence dropped.

Finally.

I leaned back on the door, sliding down a little. I pressed my hand against my chest, breathing like I just ran miles. Something wasn't right inside me.

It wasn't sadness anymore.

It wasn't heartbreak anymore.

This felt... wrong.

Like something dark was crawling through my veins.

I tried to pull off my hoodie but my fingers shook too much. Tears stung my eyes, not because of Damon, not because of Selene, but because I suddenly felt like I was losing control of my own body.

My knees buckled.

My vision blurred again, the room spinning in circles.

Then, 

BAM!

My door swung open.

A voice gasped, horrified, trembling:

"Luna...! Luna what...what is wrong with your eyes?!"

Eyes?

What about my eyes?

I tried to speak but no sound came.

The world turned dark like someone blew out the last candle inside me.

And I fell.

Not just to the floor, 

but into a darkness that felt like it wanted to keep me.