I stood motionless in front of the full-length mirror at the boutique, watching as the saleswoman styled my hair. Her nimble fingers curled a few strands of my auburn locks, while another assistant made the final adjustments to my gown.
“Luna, you look absolutely stunning,” the saleswoman gushed, stepping back to admire her work.Tomorrow night, you’ll definitely be the sexiest queen at the banquet,” she added with certainty.
“…By the way, someone in the group chat mentioned that there’s going to be a big celebration at the castle tonight. I wonder if it’s some kind of early arrangement.”
The salesgirl muttered absentmindedly as she continued sorting through the dresses.
I paused for a second, then let out a self-deprecating laugh. It had to be a mistake—my memo clearly said it was scheduled for tomorrow night.
The gown was truly exquisite—made of white silk, with diamonds intricately sewn into the neckline and cuffs, reflecting light with every subtle movement. It hugged my figure perfectly. I had helped design it alongside the designer, although I wasn't one myself. It was all for tomorrow night’s grand pack banquet.
To celebrate our pack’s rise in the rankings, we had finally climbed from tenth place to second place. I had sacrificed a great deal to get us here.
“This is the one,” I nodded with satisfaction, then instructed the saleswoman to package it. I left carrying the beautifully wrapped box.
When I returned to the pack house, the maid, Ruby, looked shocked to see me. “Luna… I thought you’d be attending the banquet tonight.”
Banquet? What banquet?
“Luna? Did you forget? Alpha told me there was no need to prepare dinner tonight because there’s a huge celebration for the pack’s rank promotion,” Ruby said, clearly surprised.
No way. I bit my lip and quickly pulled out my phone. My memo clearly stated it was tomorrow. I hurriedly changed into the gown and rushed to the hotel. As I passed through the main hall, I made sure my heels clicked loudly against the marble floor. The pack members quickly moved out of my way, sensing the barely restrained fury radiating from me.
As I approached, Alexander’s Beta jumped in front of me. “Luna… I thought you were sick?” I shot him a cold glance.
“Move.” He froze on the spot, then quickly notified Alexander through the mind link.
Then I saw my husband—Alexander—with his strong arm around that whore. Oh no, I shouldn't be so mean—let’s call her what she truly is—his one true love, Faye.
When did she return to the pack? No one is allowed back into the pack without Luna’s approval. I could punish her according to pack rules, but Alexander would definitely protect her, and no one would dare oppose him. Anger drowned out my pain. How dare Alexander? Didn’t he know how much I had given up for him and his pack?
I was the daughter of the Winter Pack’s Alpha. I’d fallen in love with Alexander, heir to the Dark Moon Pack, since I was a child. He was the one I had chosen to be my mate. After my father passed, our packs merged during the memorial ceremony. We became one—the Dark Moon Pack—and I became Luna.
Honestly, the only reason Alexander agreed to mark me was because his beloved Faye had just left him.
I took it as a sign from fate, dancing to its tune. I began working hard to win his heart, pouring all my love into him over the years. I remember how much the Winter Pack hated him at first. I had to convince them he was worthy of being my man. Especially after he proposed to me, all my doubts disappeared.
I worked tirelessly to restore balance between him and my people, even pretending that he had been in control all along. And now, when our pack had reached its peak glory, Alexander chose to throw me aside. But I’m no longer the girl waiting for his validation. The people of the Winter Pack will not tolerate betrayal.
I walked toward them. Everyone stopped and watched as I approached—Faye’s eyes filled with fear. But when Alexander’s hand landed on her back, a triumphant smile curled her lips.
Bitch.
I held my head high and strode toward Faye, but Alexander immediately stepped in front of me and barked, “Scarlett, now’s not the time for this conversation.” His voice carried a stern warning.
“I think now is exactly the time,” I said, glancing at the flustered Faye before speaking firmly. “If you plan to humiliate me in public, then I will defend my dignity in public.”
That bastard—he dared disgrace me like this? Attending the pack’s celebration with his lover, in front of everyone? My fists trembled again. He wanted the whole pack to know that only Faye was his true Luna.
“That son of a bitch. I should gouge out his eyes right now—he clearly can’t see who the real gem is,” my wolf, Kara, snarled with fury.
As I squared off against Alexander, Faye stepped forward nervously. “Scarlett…”
She tried to speak again, but I cut her off. “Call me Luna. Or are you choosing to ignore the pack’s rules?”
Faye’s face went pale. She knew the rules. Any wolf who disrespected the Alpha and Luna would be banished from the pack.
“Scarlett! That’s enough.” Alexander growled lowly again. His wolf appeared on his shoulder, and I flinched slightly. I caught another smug smile from Faye.
I turned to Alexander. His gaze was icy, as if he’d forgotten that before I came to his pack, he was on the verge of being dethroned for failing to lead them into prosperity. My arrival helped solidify his position as Alpha.
Now, he looked at me like I was a piece of chewed gum on the floor. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I would not show weakness in front of two venomous snakes. My father’s words echoed in my mind: “Pumpkin, remember—only you can defeat yourself. I’ll always be watching over you.”
I fought the urge to punch Alexander and Faye in the face and instead said calmly, “So, Faye, why did you suddenly return to the pack? As I recall, you left Alexander because you found your mate. Didn’t you?”
I glanced at the gossiping eyes around us. Inside, I felt the thrill of revenge. “Luna… please don’t misunderstand. I’m just here to help,” Faye said hesitantly.
“Help with what?” I stared at her, raising my voice just enough for everyone to hear.
“Alpha said you were coughing this morning… he was worried you might not attend…” she mumbled, looking back at Alexander for help.
“It’s true, Scarlett,” Alexander said, grabbing me again, his large hand squeezing my shoulder. “You know how important this celebration is. I have to make sure everything is perfect.” His voice dropped into a quiet threat. “If you cause a scene, our pack’s reputation and the perfume orders will suffer.”
He wasn’t wrong. Now wasn’t the time to lose control—especially with my perfume business on the line. I swallowed my anger and muttered, “Alexander, we will talk about this.”
I choked back a sob, glanced at the whispering crowd, and walked to the stage.
“Tonight is a celebration for all of us. I’m thrilled, especially to see an old friend, Faye. But I won’t let personal matters ruin everyone’s mood. Please, continue enjoying the celebration. Enjoy the champagne.” I declared loudly with a fake smile.
Applause rose from the crowd. I stepped off the stage and walked straight to the VIP conference room. Alexander followed me. The moment the door shut, I turned and demanded, “Now you can explain, Alexander.”
Leaning against the door, his gaze was frigid, almost like he didn’t care.
“Faye is pregnant. She must stay in the pack.” He dropped the bombshell.
