Jayceon returned to Shadow Mountain for three days and came back with a small, delicate Omega wolf named Malaysia. She was covered in scratches and bite marks, her body trembling with fear and exhaustion.

“I found her at the base of the mountain,” Jayceon explained, his voice calm but with a hint of urgency. “She was being attacked by a group of rogues. I couldn’t just leave her there. She’s been through enough already.”

As he spoke, Malaysia stepped forward, her eyes wide and pleading. She looked like a fragile flower, her beauty only heightened by her vulnerability.

I didn’t see any issue with her presence and suggested, “Let her stay in the Moonstone Mansion. She can assist with the household duties.”

Jayceon’s smile faltered, and he looked at me with disbelief. “Nora, you’ve always been compassionate. Malaysia’s an Omega—she’s already been through so much. If we make her work as a servant, she’ll only be bullied further.”

Malaysia leaned into him, her eyes welling with tears. “I’ve been pushed around my whole life. The Lycan Prince saved me, but now you want me to serve as your maid?”

I frowned, confused. “There are hundreds of Deltas and Omegas in the Moonstone Pack. Are you saying they’re all being mistreated?”

“Besides,” I continued, “you saved her. Shouldn’t she have a proper place here?”

Malaysia dropped to her knees before me, her voice trembling. “Lady Nora, I know my status is low, but I understand the value of gratitude. The Lycan Prince saved my life, and I’m willing to serve him without asking for anything in return. All I want is to repay his kindness.”

I finally understood what they were hinting at and turned to Jayceon with a sharp smile. “What’s your plan then?”

He avoided my gaze, his tone awkward. “Nora, Malaysia has nowhere else to go. Just let her stay with us…”

“I’ve already said she can stay. She can assist with the household duties.”

“Unless,” I added, my voice icy, “you’re planning to take her as your mate?”

Jayceon’s eyes lit up, oblivious to the warning in my tone. “You’re okay with that? I knew you’d understand. Your mother accepted Marisol, so I’m sure you’ll get along with Malaysia too.”

“Nora, you know you’re the only one in my heart. This is just a formality—a way to give Malaysia a place where she can feel safe and secure. You won’t mind, will you?”

Malaysia looked up at me, her expression filled with gratitude. “Lady Nora, everyone says you’re the daughter of the Alpha King. Just like him, you’re generous and understanding. I’m truly in awe of your kindness.”

I stayed silent. They had already made their decision, and now they were painting me as the magnanimous one.

Jayceon wrapped an arm around Malaysia’s waist, lifting her gently. “Your injuries are still healing. You shouldn’t be kneeling for so long.”

Malaysia gazed up at him, her eyes shining with devotion. “For the Lycan Prince, I’d endure anything.”

I watched their display of affection with a cold detachment, my heart slowly turning to ice.

So, this was how he repaid my trust—by bringing another wolf into our home under the guise of compassion.

Before I could respond, Jayceon added, “It’s late, and Malaysia needs rest. I’ll take her to her room. You should get some sleep too, Nora.”

He carried Malaysia into the Moonstone Mansion, not even sparing me a glance.

I stood frozen at the entrance, waiting for him to remember. Tonight was the full moon. My blood would boil, my body would ache, and I would be consumed by pain. For years, Jayceon had been by my side during these nights, using his Alpha aura to soothe my suffering.

But tonight, he was too preoccupied with Malaysia’s injuries, too concerned about the late hour, to remember my pain.

I looked up at the sign above the mansion—*Moonstone Mansion*. He had built this place for me, calling it our sanctuary. But now, it housed someone else. The moon still shone brightly, but his heart had already drifted away.

If that was the case, why should I hold on any longer?

On the same day that Jayceon and my father were to hold their mark ceremonies, the grand halls of the Moonstone Pack were adorned with flowers and banners, stretching from the entrance to the Alpha’s den. The air was thick with anticipation, but for me, it felt suffocating.

The night before the ceremony, my father, Alpha Kyson, visited my mother’s room for the first time in years. He had stripped off his ceremonial attire, leaving him in a simple white shirt, reminiscent of the day they had first met. My mother, Kaitlyn, sat before her mirror, applying a faint layer of makeup, her movements cold and deliberate.

“Alpha,” she said without turning, her voice icy, “shouldn’t you be with your Luna, enjoying your celebration?”

My father hesitated, his expression unreadable. Then, he pulled out a small, silver pendant from his pocket. It glimmered faintly under the soft light of the room.

My mother froze, her hand pausing mid-air.

“Do you remember this?” he asked quietly. “The day we marked each other, you gave this to me as a token of our bond. I’ve kept it all these years.”

She didn’t respond, her eyes fixed on the pendant.

“I want to use it now,” he continued, his voice steady but heavy with regret. “To ask for your blessing. Marisol has been by my side for so long, loyal and unwavering. She’s given me a son, an heir. I can’t let her live in the shadows any longer. She deserves to be recognized as my Luna.”

My mother’s lips trembled, but she didn’t cry. Not yet. “Kyson,” she said, her voice breaking, “I thought this pendant was a symbol of our love. A promise between us.”

He reached out, brushing a tear from her cheek, his touch gentle but distant. “Kaitlyn, I do love you. But you can’t expect me to remain bound to a single mate. Even among wolves, Alphas take multiple mates. I’m an Alpha, a leader. I need a Luna who can stand beside me, who can ensure the strength of our pack. Marisol is that person.”

He took her hand, his tone softening. “She’s kind, unassuming. She and our son will stay in the side den. She won’t interfere with your life. You’ll see—we can coexist peacefully.”

My mother said nothing, her tears silently streaming down her face.

My father’s patience wore thin. “Kaitlyn,” he snapped, his Alpha aura flaring, “it’s been years. How long will you cling to this resentment?”

I watched from the doorway, my heart heavy with sorrow. My mother had always warned me: when a wolf claims you as his mate, he will say anything to prove his devotion. But when that bond weakens, he will find a thousand reasons to justify his actions.

My father had once called her pure, honorable. Now, he dismissed her as stubborn, unreasonable.

I turned away, retreating to my room where Jayceon lay sleeping. His features were serene, untouched by the chaos around us. Even in his sleep, he murmured my name, his voice laced with worry. “Nora, don’t leave me.”

Jayceon had always been kind to me. He and Malaysia had never crossed any boundaries, always respectful, never overstepping. But I knew him better than anyone. I could see the subtle shifts in his demeanor—the way his brow furrowed when Malaysia was upset, the faint smile that played on his lips when she was near, the way his scent lingered in the air after she passed by.

I didn’t understand how years of our bond could be overshadowed by a fleeting connection, by the allure of something new.

Both Jayceon and my father—one had betrayed our bond, the other had let his heart wander.

My mother and I, we were done waiting.

I gently pushed Jayceon’s hand away, my reflection in the mirror aligning with my mother’s. Together, we spoke the same words, our voices steady and resolute.

“Where there is no love, there is no need to stay.”