Chapter 3

On my third day confined in the crystal chamber, Silas Vales appeared again. "The Alpha orders me to escort you back to the main fortress."

Physician Linden removed the bandages from my arms, specifically instructing: "Your body needs rest, Selene. Excessive blood loss combined with old injuries not fully healed—you can't endure any more trauma."

I silently put on my coat. If not for blocking that blade for Cassius eight years ago, my heart wouldn't be this fragile. And he'd repaid me with eight years of exploitation and that forced mark.

Just as I passed through the medical wing corridor, I encountered them again.

Cassius stood before the maternity department entrance, Helia placing his hand on her slightly rounded abdomen, voice sweet: "Alpha, can you feel it? Our child is so strong!"

A group of she-wolves gathered nearby, whispering:

"The Alpha is so attentive to the luna."

"I heard he even warms the coupling gel by hand before her examinations."

"That Selene... nearly killed the luna. She really should be properly disciplined."

Each comment was a silver needle piercing my heart. In their narrative, I'd become a dark presence, an appendage forcibly marked.

I quickened my pace, but Helia's voice pursued me. "Selene!"

Her voice was loud enough that everyone's eyes stabbed into me. Cassius already blocked my path, golden eyes cold. "Helia called you. Didn't you hear?"

His hand clamped my arm with force that made my vision darken. He'd completely forgotten that three days ago, I'd nearly died from blood loss because of him.

Helia linked her arm through his, wearing a false smile. "Thank you for saving me. Thanks to your blood, the child and I are safe."

"The blood was taken by force." My voice was flat. "No thanks necessary."

Cassius's eyes turned glacial, but Helia smiled even sweeter. "Alpha, let Selene come back with us? She looks like she needs someone to care for her."

I was about to refuse when Cassius issued his command. "Follow. Don't make me repeat myself."

Helia naturally took the passenger seat. I silently slid into the back.

"You know, Selene?" Helia turned to look at me, fingertip lightly tapping her chest. "The Alpha and I got matching tattoos here. Sun and moon intertwined—he said it symbolizes our eternal love."

That location—exactly where I'd taken the silver blade for him.

My stomach churned.

Then my fingers touched something cold in the seat crevice. I pulled it out. Pink lace panties, still carrying Helia's pheromones.

Helia caught sight of it in the rearview mirror, dramatically covering her mouth. "Oh my! Those are mine from yesterday..."

She laughed coquettishly, leaning toward Cassius. "All because you were so impatient..."

Cassius chuckled softly, pinching her face, his gaze sweeping over me with calculated intent. He was observing my reaction.

I expressionlessly shoved the underwear back where I found it.

But Helia wouldn't let it go. "The Alpha is always so passionate... sometimes we can't even wait for the bedroom..."

"Helia." Cassius's voice lowered warningly.

"What? Isn't this normal between mates?" She looked at me provocatively. "Sister should understand best, right?"

Understand what? Understand that while I nearly bled to death because of him, they were screwing in this car?

The vehicle stopped before the main fortress. I reached for the door handle.

"Selene." Cassius suddenly spoke. "Return to your room. When you learn obedience—"

"Obedience to what?" I turned to face him directly. "Kneel and beg? Cry and apologize? Then continue as your blood bag?"

Fury flashed in his golden eyes. "You need more lessons."

"Let me tell you something—my obedience was drained along with my blood."

I looked at Cassius, sunlight illuminating my pale yet resolute face.

"Cassius Urbino." My voice rang crystal clear. "I, Selene, in the name of the last Moonlight Wolf bloodline, hereby unilaterally dissolve the mark you forced upon me."

Helia gasped.

"Take it back." Cassius's voice dropped dangerously low.

"Never." I met his furious gaze. "Your mark, your rules, your betrayal—I want none of it anymore."

He advanced step by step, Alpha dominance descending like a storm. "You think a mark can be dissolved just because you say so?"

"Then hold the Silver Moon Severance Ritual." I lifted my chin, unflinching. "Let moonlight judge who's unworthy of this bond."

His golden eyes contracted violently, rage blazing within. Finally, he smiled—a cold, cruel smile.

"As you wish." His voice thundered through the air. "Prepare the Silver Moon Severance Ritual! Tomorrow at sunset, at the Moonlight Altar!"

He closed in on me, golden eyes churning with dangerous undercurrents.

"I'll personally watch you repent under moonlight for every word you spoke today."