Fiona's POV

The silence in my room no longer comforted me, it only reminded me of Kael's madness as I sat curled by the window, hand on my belly that was yet to show signs, drained from the morning nausea and sleepless nights. 

It hurt so much to know that I could vanish and Kael wouldn't flinch but I couldn't do anything about the pain.

 My mind was a huge mess and my only hope was Alpha Derek. But finding a way into his presence was a burden on its own. 

Anger churned in my stomach, more violent than the morning sickness and I could not help but crave a cup of hot chocolate which had slowly become my favorite over the years. 

Getting on my feet, I shed the oversized hoodie I had lived in for days, slipped into another dress that made me look less homeless, and made my way to the kitchen where I found Cassie, a former warrior from my pack, Eva and two other omegas.

They were talking excitedly and giggling loudly in between like they had just hit a jackpot. As soon as they caught sight of me, they chorused "Luna Fiona," softly.

Flashing them a warm smile, I walked toward the counter, helping myself with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. "What's the excitement about?" I asked curiously.

"Haven't you heard?" Cassie was the first to speak, her eyes shining brightly.

"Heard what?" I retorted, sipping slowly.

"About the elite combat, The Ravaryn Trails to be precise, happening in the Moonfang pack next tomorrow," Eva quickly chimed in.

I blinked. "I...I didn't hear anything like that."

Cassie leaned forward eagerly before saying, "Well, I think you need to attend and serenade them with your skills."

I shook my head. "I have too much on my plate to think about some festival."

"Oh, too bad," Cassie sighed dramatically. "If the festival wasn't an exclusive one, open to only Alphas, their mates, the elders and a few high ranks, I would have loved to attend because it is rumoured that Alpha Derek would be marking his presence there."

With my cup freezing halfway to my lips, "Alpha Derek?!" I echoed, my eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes," Cassie said with a grin, "the almighty blind Alpha would be there. And if you ask me, Luna, I would say you shouldn't miss such an opportunity to show how good your skills are to the rest of the world."

"It's been ages since I last trained. I don't think I still have my touch," I replied, shaking my head slowly.

"That's not a big deal," Cassie countered quickly. "We can practice now to see how rusty it might have gotten, which I doubt if it has."

"Now?" I asked.

"Or would you rather have it another way?" She teased, and I glanced down at my dress, unsure. 

I gave in to Cassie's proposal, and we both made our way to the training ground with the others whispering excitedly behind us.

When we got there, the field was dried, but not completely empty, just as I like it. As custom, Cassie and I bowed softly to one another before the sparring began.

We faced off in a circle as murmurs tore through the little crowd present, obviously wondering if I still had my touch I was once known for. 

Well, isn't that what we are here to find out?

Cassia made a swift leg sweep that was meant to knock me off balance as her first move, but I dodged, spun, and countered it with a knee jab that forced her back. She smirked. "Still quick, huh?"

"You tell me," I replied, stepping forward.

Despite my wounded heart, I dodged and countered Cassia's attack. She lunged for a shoulder lock but I flipped back and landed in a crouch, sending the crowd to explode with cheers.

Then Cassia shifted.

Her wolf-a lean gray wolf-growled playfully, challenging on. 

Without hesitation, I leapt, summoning Nyra mid-air. My bones shifted and my skin stretched in a raw painful but beautiful moment as she answered my call. Fur sprouted as I landed with a thunderous growl, Nyra standing tall despite the past weeks of battling heartbreak.

The crowd roared excitedly, but I cared more about the spark of strength returning to me than winning the fight.

Her wolf lunged at me and Nyra met her in the air, slamming and pinning her to the ground with my claws. Cassie yelped in defeat and I shifted back to my human form as the crowd broke into applause.

Bringing me a bottle of water with a bright smile spreading across her face, "You see, Luna, that wasn't bad at all. I think you should reconsider going to the festival."

"Yes, I agree," Cassie added, "all you need is a little more practice and you would be all set."

"I think so," I admitted, walking away.

"Where are you going? I thought we would practice some more," Cassie called after me.

"I need to go see the Alpha and inquire more about this Ravaryn festival in question," I shot back.

I made my way to Alpha Kael's chamber, and I found Laila on the bed, covered with a duvet and her dark hair spilling on the pillow. I froze, surprised by her presence because I thought she was at the pack clinic receiving treatment after what happened the other day.

With my heart racing, "What are you doing in my mate's chamber instead of the pack clinic?" I growled angrily.

She turned her head lazily to me and without any remorse, "It wasn't my intention to be here, but the pack doctor recommended it because of my condition and I had no reason not to agree with that," she said in an infuriately calm manner as she slipped out of bed.

With my brows arched in confusion, I asked what condition she meant only for her to gasp and giggle before saying, "Oh, sorry, I thought you were already aware."

Her smugness made my stomach twist and I stared blankly at her.

"I'm pregnant," she smirked, breaking the silence, "and Miriam said I need all the rest I can get. That is why I am here with him, resting and also having some fun to keep the hole open as advised, you know what I mean, right?" She giggled again.

Taking a step closer, I let the bottle water I was holding slip off my hand as I balled my fist. "Did you just say you are pregnant?"

"You heard me right," she replied smugly, "I am carrying the Alpha's pup."

"How dare you allow yourself to get pregnant for him? So sleeping with him wasn't enough for you, whore?" I thundered, my heart sinking into my stomach.

She lifted her chin. "You can call me all the names you want, but what I won't accept is you blaming me for my fertility. By the way, you shouldn't be that daft to expect everyone to be barren like you."

Rage overtook me in an instant, and my hand struck her cheek in a slap. Before she could recover, I shoved her hard onto the bed and dived on her. We both struggled to gain control with Laila crying out loud and me trying to shut her up.

The door burst open and Alpha Kael stormed in with two guards. Their strong hand yanked me back, giving Laila the chance to kick me hard in my stomach. Air whooshed out of my lungs, forcing me to surrender. 

Kael was by her side within a blink of an eye, lifting her head on his lap and stroking her hair while she cried profusely, whispering broken words about how I attacked her.

Leaving her side, "How dare you raise those filthy hands of yours on her?" Kael growled, pinning me against the wall with his grip fierce and rough.

"Kael, I...I..."

"Silence!" He cut me off sharply, his eyes digging a hole into my soul. "If you ever lay your hand or even the tiniest finger on Laila again, I will not hesitate to have your head chopped off in front of the whole pack," he roared, saliva spewing on my face.

"Kael?!" I exclaimed, tears rolling freely down my face as his threats pierced through me like a dagger, shattering everything that is left of him in me.

"Guards," he barked, turning his back to me, "Escort her to her room now. She's under house arrest until further notice."

"No, Kael. No, you can't do this," I cried frantically.

"I can. And I just did." 

My body instantly went cold as I thought about how the house arrest had slimmed my chances of seeing the one person that can help me unmask Laila.

Fiona's POV

I sat at the edge of the bed, eyes burning, and heart heavier than it was this morning. The silence in the room, which was broken by the clock's tick and occasional murmurs of the guards Kael had planted in front of my room to watch me, was suffocating.

Laila's pregnancy announcement had gutted me, but the house arrest sealed it all. And now, the Ravaryn festival-my chance to reach Alpha Derek-was slipping away just when I thought the moon goddess finally remembered me.

I have never felt this hopeless in my entire life before, my mind was clouded and my eyes looked distant. But despite this pit of despair I was thrown in, giving up wasn't an option as I still believe a miracle could come before the festival and it did come that morning. 

I was seated at my dressing table, running a comb through my hair with slow strokes when I heard the door creek open without a knock.

"Fiona?"

I turned to see Kael leaned casually against the doorframe, with his damp golden-blonde hair dripping onto his shoulders. The way his eyes racked over me in a carefree manner like he hadn't just gotten his mistress pregnant under my nose and locked me away for getting angry about it, made me feel even more useless for a mate and more like a possession he still has right to claim.

"I'm going to the Ravaryn Festival," he announced, "Laila is down with a cold, she can't go. So, I want you to come with me."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I said..."

"I heard what you said perfectly," I cut sharply, "I am just wondering why I get to be treated like a side piece that is only picked up because your little miss is unavailable. I'm your Luna, Kael. I should be your first pick in everything."

"That is not what this is," he replied.

"Then what exactly is it?" I yelled.

After a short moment of silence, "You should be grateful I'm even considering taking you despite your misbehaviors. Get dressed. We leave in one hour," Kael stated.

He walked out, leaving me trembling with humiliation and rage at the thought of how I had been reduced to nothing. Shoving the bitterness aside, I forced myself to focus on what truly mattered.

 After having my bath, I slipped into an emerald silk gown, not caring if it impressed him as he wouldn't be able to see me anyway, and quickly applied a light layer of makeup on my face before stepping out of the room. The moment I got outside the courtyard, the line of SUVs on the driveway came into view along with Kael standing beside the first car, checking his watch.

 I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as I made my way to him. Just as I was about to step into the back seat of the opened car Kael was beside, "Alpha Kael," a familiar voice called out from behind us, and I turned to see Laila dressed stunningly in a wine-red velvet gown that hugged her bump that was surprisingly showing already like a crown.

What the hell? What is she doing out here, dressed? Isn't she supposed to be down with a cold and locked away in the pack clinic to rest?

 Kael's face lit up. "Laila?" He rushed to her and snuck his hands protectively around her waist. "What are you doing here? I thought..."

 She planted a kiss on his lips before he could finish and went on to say, "It was all an act. I wanted to see if you would stay back for me," giggling lightly. 

 "Laila," Kael stressed, grinning from ear to ear.

 "Anyways, I'm coming with you," she said simply.

 "Are you sure?" Kael asked.

 "Don't you want me to?"

 "Of course. I would love that."

 And just like that, they turned, walking towards me. I also turned to enter the car when Kael's voice stopped me. 

 "Fiona, ride in the next car with Gareth, Laila is riding with me."

 I opened my mouth to protest, but shame silenced me. Swallowing my pride as I thought about how this wasn't the moment to act on it, I headed to the next car where Gareth waited with a sympathetic look on his face. 

 The drive to the Moonfang pack took less than three hours, but somehow, it felt endless. When we finally arrived, Alphas and elders from different packs across the region were mingling and the atmosphere was agog with celebration. 

 I trailed behind Kael and Laila like an unwanted shadow, watching elders scold him for bringing his mistress to such a gathering while he mumbled incoherent excuses. As they asked after me, I slipped away, smirking at Laila's face that was flushed with embarrassment.

The festival glowed with Silver lanterns, silk banners carrying intricate patterns, and the soft flutes that serenade the air. But I barely paid attention to it as my eyes swept the crowd, searching for Alpha Derek.

"Luna Fiona," a voice called beside me, and I turned to see two young wolves, approaching me. One held a clipboard and the other a sack bag.

"Do you want to take part in the brawl challenge?" The clipboard boy asked.

"Uhm..."

"You can join one of the exhibition fights, it's tradition and a great way to make a name," he continued. "Plus players are matched fairly and you don't know your opponent till you are called up."

I hesitated. "What category will I play in?"

"Mixed Combat. Group red, round four."

The other boy pulled a folded outfit-a fitted black vest top, crimson pants with gold sash and arm wrap-from his sack. He pointed to the tents nearby, "You can change there."

I went ahead to change quickly and returned as the festival began with the commentator, an elderly woman with blonde hair and an annoying high pitch voice, announcing the first match. Looking for a space to sit, I spotted Kael and Laila with Gareth. I held their gaze for a while before slipping away to sit alone.

As the matches unfolded, I kept looking forward to his arrival, but there was no sign of him. My hope was starting to fade, thinking it might just be rumors, when a convoy of black Escalades that flanked a white Rolls-Royce arrived. Warriors in red spilled out in numbers, surrounding the white car. I stopped breathing as Alpha Derek stepped out.

He had a tall, towering look with dark tousled hair that looked artfully disheveled with a chiseled jaw like a sculptor's masterpiece. He was adorned with dark shades, a black coat trimmed in silver, and held a silver cane with a wolf-handle.

He snapped his head in my direction and I was about to roll my eyes away when I remembered he's blind. But the way he moved, with warriors flanking him on all sides, no one will ever guess it. His presence sucked the air from the atmosphere, forcing heads to turn.

I watched him disappear into the front row, wondering why he'd attend an event he couldn't see. Still, I hoped his ears worked well enough to hear my name being echoed when I won the brawl. My thoughts which were trying to piece together what I would say to him when I finally got his attention scattered as the commentator went on to say, "Up next-representing the Moonveil pack...Luna Fiona!"

Cheers erupted around me as I made my way to the stage, my heart pounding louder than the drums.

As the commentator went ahead to announce my opponent, the crowd erupted once again with loud applause. But I froze with my breath hitched, and lips slightly parted. The noise faded into nothing as I stared, wide-eyed and numb.

Fiona's POV

 Alpha Derek rose up with an unhurried confidence before going on to strip off his jacket and unbutton his shirt with a sickening precision. Leaving just his pants as the top fabric fell off revealing a sculpted chest and tight muscles.

I stupidly waited for him to remove his glasses, but he didn't. Instead, he handed his clothes to a warrior next to him and strode to the stage with one of the warriors leading him, proving the rumors about how he fought and kept it on till the end to be true. 

The arena fell silent leaving only the drums that my heart matched the rhythm pounding like the drummers were possessed as he stepped into the ring.

The bell rang, and with his hand stretched out like he was feeling the air, he lunged without warning. His fist sliced into the air, the force of it grazing my cheek as I ducked back. He pushed one hand forward again before another blow came for my jaw as quickly as the first, but I caught it with both hands, my knees buckling under the force. 

"Alpha Derek," I called politely in a breathless manner. "I did not come here for a fight, but to talk to you," I added, shifting sideways to avoid another blow.

"I have been trying to get your attention for a while now because I urgently need your help in setting myself free from the cage your ex who recently returned to my pack had thrown me in," I continued, ducking a jab before twisting to throw him a kick but he caught my ankle mid-air and shoved me back, saying nothing to me.

I hissed as I stumbled backward. "She said she was wrongly accused and exiled, hence her return back to the Moonveil, but I don't trust that so I was hoping you could share with me what truly happened," I continued breathlessly, "I would have walked away from it all, but Kael wouldn't let me."

Without saying anything, he struck again-a punch to my ribs and a knee aimed at my thigh. I managed to block the second, but groaned as the first landed. His hand clamped my neck the next second and he hurled me to the ground. 

"Say something!" I screamed in frustration, swinging my fist wildly at him.

Finally, his voice cut through the air like a blade. "You talk too much for a woman."

I froze in a spot and he circled me like a predator, slightly hunched forward with his head twisting ceaselessly like he was trying to sniff me out while his hand wandered in front of him.

"Yes, plus your desperation stinks and I don't have the time to give to a weak link who is choosing to run away from her marriage like a coward instead of fighting to win." 

My fist clenched as rage exploded through my body from his words, and without thinking, I launched at him. My fists flew faster without aiming and he caught some while he grunted at the others that hit him. He tried to shove me, but I used his momentum to flip him to the ground.

I quickly got on him and pinned him down, as the crowd erupted into a loud round of applause. "Am I worth your time now?" I spat, heaving.

He shoved me off, stood up, and walked off the stage with the help of his warrior that was on standby throughout the fight. I went after him, pushing through the crowd backstage. "Don't walk away, we're not done here. I know you want this fight as much as I do because of how she discarded you despite your status so why shy away from it?"

His warriors stepped in, forming a wall between us. "He's not interested," one of them muttered. 

I stood there, stunned and breathless as I watched him walk away.

"Why are you trying to speak with Derek?" Kael's voice landed behind me like a whip and I turned quickly.

"Just trying to thank him for...not breaking my ribs," I lied, forcing a soft smile. 

Kael eyed me for a bit too long, and without praising me for scaling through such an intense match, "Go get changed, we are about to leave," he went on to say.

Back at the pack house that night, I couldn't sleep so I slipped into the woods for air. As I made my way further into the woods under the full moon with cold biting my skin and dress dragging dried leaves and broken twigs, I fought back tears. Everything I held dear-my hope, mate, pack, and pride-had crumbled as if the universe had yanked the ground beneath me.

I stopped at the edge of a hill, clutching my belly as tears effortlessly streamed down my face. Exhaustion and confusion consumed me as I thought about how raising a child who would end up competing with Laila's own for Kael's attention just like I was, felt unbearable. I wanted to confront him, explain why I sought after Alpha Derek, and demand freedom from the marriage. But would he even listen? 

I turned to head back to the pack house, ready to face my fears, when I saw Laila leaning against a tree, arms folded across her chest.

I sucked my teeth. "How long have you been standing there?"

Stepping out of the shadows, "Long enough to witness you accepting your glorious fall, Luna Fiona. You're unraveling beautifully," She said in a voice that lacked the innocent part she always tries to play around Kael as she blocked my way. "Anyways, where are you going? I thought you were going to throw yourself off the hill to save us all the trouble."

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. "Get out of my way, Laila, I don't have any time to waste on a bitch like you," I muttered.

"Oh wait," She continued, tilting her head mockingly, "Are you going to remind him of that worthless thing growing inside of you? Because he seems to have forgotten that as he only talks about me and mine."

"You don't get to talk about my child in such a manner," I snapped, slapping her hard across her face.

She held her cheek and straightened her head that had snapped to the side from the slap. "It is hopeless for you to think that the baby would fix anything. He doesn't love you, Fiona, can't you see? You were just a convenient warm body when I wasn't around. And now that I am..." she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You're just in my way."

I let out a bitter laugh. "You walked thoughtlessly away from him and I was the one who stood by him and made him who he is today when you damaged him."

"And somehow, he still wants me," She broke into a clacking laughter. "He always steals kisses from me in the open, like a hopelessly romantic college boy and he rides me like he's starving. I bet he has never had something as good as me, not even from you, that was why he was quick to dash back into my arms."

"You're lying," I whispered, not wanting to think about her words.

"Am I?" She whispered back, circling me. "You know it's true. He only mated you because he couldn't have me. And now you are here, stuck in a marriage where you are your unborn child are just obstacles. But somehow, you still want to play the victim card and act all innocent when you are the real devil here." 

"Shut your damn mouth!" I exploded, shoving her hard in the chest.

She staggered back, laughing heartily. "There it is. The real you. Not so innocent."

"You are delusional," I spat, reaching to grab her hair, but she slapped my hand away and kicked my stomach, knocking me towards the hill edge. I struggled to get back on my feet, ready to strike, when she shoved me from behind, sending me tumbling down.

I crashed at the foot of the hill, pain exploding through me in a blinding manner. Warm blood spread through my thighs as my body refused to move. 

I slowly lifted my gaze up the hill and saw Laila staring at me with no remorse at all before quietly walking away. "No...no, please..." I gasped, my fingers trembling over my stomach. "Please don't go...help me."

The world blurred as searing pain tore through my abdomen. A choked sob escaped me, and through the misery that engulfed me, I started hearing footsteps.

I tried to lift my head as the steps drew closer to me, but I was too weak to. "Help," I cried out weakly, "help me."

Minutes later, a tall, broad silhouette which I think coincidentally happened to be Alpha Derek appeared. He crouched beside me looking straight ahead, face as unreadable as during the brawl, with two warriors standing silently behind him.

Taking a deep breath, "Please...I'm losing...I lost..." I tried to talk.

"I know," he said quietly, his voice too calm for someone seeing misery unfold. 

I gripped his wrist weakly. "How did you know?"

"I followed the scent of your blood. You leave quite a trail when you bleed. I thought it was a wanderer being attacked, but now that I know it's you I will..."

"No, don't leave me here," I cut in sharply. "I need your help, I will do anything in return," I continued, choking back a sob.

A faint smirk curved one side of his mouth. "Anything is a dangerous word, Luna."

"I know, but I need...I want...to be free from him and everything I once knew. I want revenge, and I want my pack back," I managed to say, my words slurred as I fought to stay awake.

He paused, letting the weight of the silence fall between us for a while before speaking again. "I am going to help you get rid of your unfaithful husband along with his side piece, and also get you your pack back. But," his lips curled again, "you have to sign a contract to be my Luna for one year."

"I...I..." my words slurred as my eyes came shut.