After transforming back into my human form, I felt a wave of weakness wash over me due to the injuries Lilly sustained during the fight. I coughed up blood while lying on the dirty ground.

I had no strength left to investigate who helped us, all I knew was that we were safe and would make it back to the pack house in one piece. I waited for half a minute to gather some strength and lift myself up from the ground.

I leaned against a large tree trunk and tried to mind-link with my wolf, Lilly, but she didn't respond, which worried me.

"Lilly, are you alright?".

A faint growl was the only sound I heard from my mind. She's wounded, and now she's gotten even more injuries. I couldn't help but tear up thinking about Lilly's condition. I was worried about my only friend who understood me.

"Lilly."

I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard her weak voice. > "Don't worry... I'm alright."

"I told you not to fight, and we should have just run away. But you didn't listen. Look at you now, you're even weaker." I said, trying to hide my concern for my friend. Lilly wasn't just a friend to me; she was like a sister.

> "We're not taught to run away from battles, Livia." She said, and I fell silent. She was right; Kleo taught us to fight to the end when we can.

"But you got hurt."

> "Getting hurt is part of our life, Livia. Don't be sad; I can take care of myself. But I think I'll need to rest for a few days."

"Alright, take care of yourself, Lilly." After talking to her, I adjusted my sitting position and closed my eyes tightly as I felt the pain in my side and back. But after a few seconds, I opened my eyes when I heard some rustling sounds.

"Good to see you're still alive." A man stood in front of me, and I furrowed my brows at his sudden appearance.

"Who are you?" I asked, puzzled.

"I'm Beta." He replied, and I looked him up and down.

I noticed he wasn't wearing shirts, and his body was covered in scratches. I remembered the large wolf that helped us, and I wondered if it was him.

"You are the one who helped us?" I asked. "Thank you so much. If you hadn't shown up, we would've been done for--" I was about to continue, but he cut me off.

"I was just following orders." His response made me frown.

It wasn't out of kindness that he helped us, but because he was ordered to. But who would order someone to help me? Could it be...my husband? But that's unlikely.

Helping me isn't in Aldrake's vocabulary, even if I'm on the brink of death. If it were Amber, he would've saved her without hesitation. Thinking about this is giving me heartache.

"Who ordered you to help me?" I asked him.

"You'll find out soon enough. Stand up; I'll accompany you out of this forest." He said, offering me a t-shirt.

I took it, still frowning, and realized I was naked. I quickly put on the shirt and stood up, holding onto the tree for support. My leg hurt, probably from the bite in Lilly's leg. I felt dizzy, and my body ached all over.

"Can you walk?" he asked.

"Yes, I can manage." I replied.

As we walked, I remembered he was a Beta, which meant he was likely ordered by an Alpha?. I wondered who that Alpha could be.

*****

After a long while, we finally reached the wall the man had pointed out as the exit from this forest. My companion pushed aside the branches, revealing a hole just large enough for one person to fit through.

He went out first, and I followed. I almost stumbled due to the pain in my leg, but he quickly caught me.

"T-thank you," I said softly before he let me go.

We walked a short distance, and soon we saw the cabin the man from the party had mentioned. It was a small, old cabin, and a black car was parked beside it. I furrowed my brows, wondering if the car's owner lived in the cabin, until I saw a familiar face.

It was the man who had helped me at the party, the same one who had shown me the way out of this forest. But what was he doing here? Could he be the one who had ordered the other man to help me?.

The man approached him and bowed his head in respect, confirming my suspicion about his status. Based on his appearance, demeanor, and presence, it's clear he's a leader.

"You survived," he stated, rather than asked.

I slowly approached him, and he was leaning against his car, parked right in front of the cabin door. I wonder who owns this cabin and why they're not coming out despite people being right outside.

"We almost d*ed if not for your man's help. Thanks again. I'll make it back to the pack house alive. I'll head out now," I said, planning to turn around, but he spoke up.

"You need medical attention. Your wolf's injuries from the fight look severe, and so do your human form's injuries." He pushed off from the car and headed into the cabin without another word.

I stood there for a few seconds, stunned, before deciding to follow him. Upon entering, I realized this was likely a healer's or a witch's home. Based on the items here, I couldn't be mistaken.

I sat down in an empty chair directly across from the man named Aldus. He was busy with his phone, so I couldn't help but stare at his face. He undeniably possesses a handsome face and a fit physique.

"Stop staring at me, woman." I was startled by his sudden comment, which made me quickly avert my gaze.

He put down his phone and looked at me, which made me feel self-conscious.

"Hmm... w-who owns this cabin?" I asked, trying to change the subject to avoid the awkwardness I felt around him.

"An old witch. She'll be able to help you with the injuries you and your wolf sustained." He replied, then pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He took one out and lit it, bringing it to his lips.

"May I ask, why are you helping me? I mean, you don't even know me--" My words were cut off when he spoke after blowing on his cigarette.

"And who doesn't know the Luna of the Moonlight Pack?" His response surprised me. He knows me? He knows where I'm from? But how?.

"How did you know I'm the Luna of the Moonlight Pack?" I asked curiously. He didn't answer, just shrugged slightly and took another drag on his cigarette.

After a few minutes of sitting, the old woman he mentioned arrived.

"A Luna? This is the first time I've had a Luna step foot in my home." The old crone's words made me swallow hard.

Her appearance was intimidating. Her skin was wrinkled, her long nails were black, and her round eyes were the same color. Not to mention her long nose. She wore a black dress and carried a cane.

I jumped slightly in my seat when she suddenly appeared in front of me, holding my wrist and seemingly examining it.

"An unaccepted Luna." After saying those words, I felt a pang in my heart. She knew. Just by holding my wrist, she knew I was an unaccepted Luna. The old woman let go of my wrist and looked at Aldus, who was watching me.

"Why did you bring her here, Your Highness?" the old woman asked Aldus respectfully.

"They need medical attention."

"Is that so?" The old woman walked away from us, went to the other side of the cabin, and retrieved something. When she returned, she was holding a bottle and an old, thick book.

"Luna, can you transform into your wolf form, even if it's just for a few seconds?" she asked me. I was puzzled about why this was necessary, but Aldus spoke up.

"She needs to see the state of your wolf and give it the proper treatment." I nodded slightly.

I tried to mind-link with Lilly, but she immediately refused.

"I don't think I can transform anymore, Livia. Sorry." I sighed and nodded. "My wolf is too weak. She can't take over anymore".

The old woman nodded. "That's alright. Let's begin." After saying that, she sat beside me and started working on her task. After a few minutes, she finished, and I thanked her.

"Thank you so much."

"You're welcome, Luna " she said with a smile.

We stayed there for a few more minutes before Aldus decided it was time to leave, and I followed suit. As we were saying our goodbyes, the old woman suddenly leaned in and whispered.

"You're a Luna, but you don't have a mark proving you're unaccepted by your mate. You're close to the third full moon, and you still haven't completed the ceremony to bond with your partner. This will cause your wolf and your body to weaken severely. Worse, it will lead to your wolf's d*ath. While there's still time, find your true partner."

As I entered the pack house, the guards opened the gate, and the Beta greeted me coldly.

"The Alpha has been waiting inside for a while now," he said to me.

His approach towards me lacked respect, and his tone was devoid of any courtesy. They've been like this since my image became tarnished in their eyes, ever since Amber arrived.

I didn't say anything else and just went inside the house. But the moment I stepped inside, I received a loud slap from my mother.

I stumbled backward from the force of the impact. My cheek numbed from the unexpected slap from the mother I respected.

"You're truly shameless, Livia! Why do you always hurt your sister? Don't you feel ashamed in front of her? She's been protecting you, always defending you from others when you do something wrong. And this is how you repay her? By hurting her in front of many people!"

I looked down, unable to bear the scolding and shouting from my mother.

So, she'd made up another story, had she? I really don't know who she takes after, but she's a great actress. She can spin her fabricated stories and make everyone believe them.

I couldn't believe my mother was buying into Amber's lies again. I felt a surge of defensiveness and frustration, but I knew better than to argue back. Instead, I kept my head down, trying to compose myself.

I couldn't help but think about all the times Amber had manipulated situations to make me look bad.

She had a talent for twisting the truth and making me out to be the villain. I wondered if my mother would ever see through her facade.

I felt trapped in this situation, unable to defend myself or express my true feelings. I was tired of being blamed and scolded for things I didn't do.

I was tired of being treated like I was the problem. I longed for someone to understand me, to see things from my perspective. But it seemed like no one was willing to listen, to hear my side of the story.

I felt like I was all alone, fighting a battle that seemed impossible to win.

I tried to defend myself, "Mom, I didn't do anything to her. If she got hurt, it was an accident." But she didn't believe me. No matter how I explained myself, I was still the one at fault in everyone's eyes.

"You're so heartless, Livia! You don't do anything to her? She wouldn't get hurt and come home limping if you didn't do something to her! We didn't raise you to be like this, Livia. Where did we go wrong, huh?!"

I looked up at my mother, seeing the anger and disappointment in her eyes. It was as if she was ready to disown me.

"Where did you go wrong? You're asking me where you went wrong?" I shot back, my emotions overflowing.

"You've been lacking in so many ways, Mom! Ever since you took in that woman, you and Dad changed. You all changed! You used to fill my heart with love, but now I barely feel any love from you. You've been lacking in attention, understanding, and love towards me."

Tears keep on streaming down to my face, as I feel like my heart was about to burst out.

"Mom, I accept Amber as my sister, but what I don't accept is that she's taken everything from me! She's taken your attention and love, and she's taken away your trust in me!".

My mother's expression turned stern, her voice firm. "Shut up, Livia! She's not taking anything from you. If you've lost our attention, trust, and love, it's because of your own actions. You've changed, Livia. You've become hard-hearted towards your sister. You've become selfish, and now that she has what used to be yours, you hurt her repeatedly. Why can't you just accept that Amber is more deserving of our attention and love?".

Her words cut deep, and I felt my heart being squeezed. My chest felt tight, and tears streamed down my face like a river.

"Your mother is right, Livia. If you're losing everything, it's not because Amber is taking it from you. You don't need to blame Amber for everything, because it's your own actions that are causing people to hate and distrust you, and lose their love for you. If she gained everyone's trust, attention, and love, it's because she has a good heart. She worked hard for it, something you can't do because you're selfish, Livia!.You want everything for yourself"

I look ahead after hearing that voice. The pain etched deeper on my face as I saw the owner of that voice.

Another wave of tears came out of my eyes after seeing them together as they came down the stairs.

It was heartbreaking that he could say those words to me, even though I'm his mate. It was heartbreaking because they favored Amber over me.

It hurt to think that he never stood up for me, that he never defended me. It hurt to see him holding another woman's hand instead of mine.

"You're selfish, Livia. Amber is an orphan, and she found a true family here in the pack. She experienced love from your parents, and you have no right to complain about their shortcomings. Why can't you just accept that Amber is part of this family--"

"--and part of our relationship, is that it, Aldrake?" I asked, tears streaming down my face. He fell silent, his eyes avoiding mine.

"I can accept that she's taken everyone's attention and love, but not yours, Aldrake. You're my mate, and it hurts to see you prioritize her over me. Why are you making me feel like I'm being rejected, when you can't even say it out loud?"

"Shut up!" he snapped.

"Why, Aldrake? Why do I need to shut up when you're all provoking me?" I retorted, looking around at the people gathered before focusing on him again.

"I've been silent for a long time, Aldrake. I tried to keep my mouth shut for the sake of our relationship. But what happened? Did it work? Did I get what I wanted? I tried everything, endured the pain, but it seems like you're the one pushing me away. Aldrake, you can reject me, cause it's already hurting so much. I'm already in so much pain, Aldrake."

I wiped away my tears, my knees weakening as I felt like I was losing my balance.

"Livia, what are you saying? Aldrake loves you--" Amber tried to intervene, but I cut her off.

"Shut up!!" But with what I did, I received more hurtful words from the people around me again.

"You should be the one to shut up!!" Aldrake shouted at me too.

"Why is it always me--".

"Enough! Go up to your room and don't come out without my permission. That's your punishment for what you did to Amber at the party earlier, and for disrespecting her in front of the pack members!!". With his words, two pack warriors immediately approached me and tightly grasped my upper arms.

I couldn't believe he was doing this to me again.

"Also, take a shower and make sure to wash off the scent of another Alpha from your skin. You're embarrassing," he said, looking at me with his piercing glare.

But instead of being scared, I laughed, the sound bitter and mocking.

"You're embarrassed by the scent of another Alpha on my skin? What about your own actions, Aldrake? You've been hurting me, cheating on me, and you have the nerve to lecture me?".

"Be quiet! You're the Luna, but you've brought shame to our family!" he said angrily.

"Take her to her room and don't let her out! Don't bring her food until tomorrow, so she'll learn a lesson!" he ordered the pack warriors, who immediately dragged me away.

But my heart and entire being were filled with anger, and I managed to struggle free from their grasp and face Aldrake again.

"Don't protest more, my sister. You'll only make the Alpha angrier. Let me talk to him for you, okay?," Amber said.

"Shut up! You have no right to interfere in our problem, you're just a tag-along!" I shouted angrily and pushed her, causing her to stumble.

And because of what I did, I received another loud slap, but this time it wasn't from my mother... but from the man I was fighting for, even if he's turning his back on me.

And because he's an Alpha, his strength is greater than my mother's. The force was so strong that I fell to the ground, crying.

"B*tch! How dare you hurt her again, huh?!!"

I didn't say any words. I was just crying until I found myself standing up while laughing and crying.

I looked up at them all, and they were all angry at me but with a hint of confusion on their faces due to my awkward laughter. I laughed for a few minutes, but tears continued to flow from my eyes.

"Just reject me, Aldrake, so it's over. That's all I've been waiting for from you. For you to reject me yourself, so I won't hope anymore that we can fix this. Just reject me, and after that, you won't see me again." My words made him furrow his brow.

"What the h*ll are you talking about?! You know what, just go to your room and I'll deal with you later! Go, drag her to her room!" He ordered the guards again, but I quickly moved away from them while keeping my gaze fixed on him.

"Do you enjoy hurting me like this, Aldrake? Do all of you enjoy seeing me like this, huh?!" I shouted.

"All I ask is for you to reject me, Aldrake. Is it that hard to do?! You know, I used to think that you couldn't bring yourself to reject me because you had a little love in your heart for me. But I've realized over time that I'm just making myself look like a fool and feeding my own hopes for something impossible. Only rejection will end this all, Aldrake, since you clearly choose my sister, don't you? Then, why don't you just reject me so you'll have a reason to make it public what's between the two of you. But then again, you're not even hiding it. You're showing openly that you love and prioritize her more than me!".

I laughed again. But with every laugh, every word that I say brought so many tears and pain in my heart. My laughter was also devoid of life.

"I'm giving you a chance, reject me, Aldrake." And finally, my knees gave out, and I collapsed onto the cold floor.

All I could hear were my loud sobs. I felt like I was going to suffocate from the tightness in my chest. It hurt so much to say those words.

Telling him to reject me felt like it would be the end of me. But on the other hand, a sense of satisfaction was growing in my heart because I finally got to express all my grievances in front of them, in front of him.

I'm proud of myself for telling him to reject me just to end this pain I'm feeling right now.

"Lilly, I'm sorry it took me this long to gather the courage to do this. Forgive me, my friend." I tried to mind-link my wolf, but I didn't get any response from her, which made me cry even more.

Lilly was too weak, and I couldn't even hear her faint voice anymore. It's all my fault, after all. I waited until she reached this point. She's all I have left, but I'm the one who's going to end her life.

In the long silence that followed, I heard Aldrake's voice again. I didn't bother looking at him.

"You're going crazy, Livia. Why would I do something that would weaken the entire pack and weaken me and my wolf? I'm not stupid enough to do what you want. If you're done with your drama, stand up and go to your room before I decide to throw you in the dungeon!".

After he said that, I looked up to see him walking away. I wasn't surprised to see him carrying Amber up the stairs. Amber looked back at me, and I saw a taunting expression on her face, including a wide smirk.

"We're so disappointed in you, Livia!" My father's voice echoed in my head, followed by my mother's unending lectures.

"Stop being stubborn, and be good to your sister Livia. Stop being selfish, and blaming her for your loss! You brought this on yourself, so you better behave if you don't want us to disown you!. Go, drag her to her room like the Alpha said!".

They left. Everyone leaves, leaving me behind like a dirty, worthless piece of display. The guards dragged me up, treating me like a normal pack member. But then again, even from the day I became Luna in this pack house, most of them didn't want me.

They don't want me to be their Luna. The respect that every Luna gets from their pack members is unlikely to be given to me by them.