Chapter 4

The mating session lasted for hours, each moment feeling like another nail in the coffin of our relationship. I remained hidden in my wolf form, watching the male I'd given everything to lavish his attention on another female.

When they finally separated, Jessica nuzzled against Eric's massive neck, her silver fur mingling with his black coat in a display that should have been mine alone. Their scents were so intertwined now that even a human could detect their bond.

I waited until they parted ways before returning to our den, my wolf instincts screaming for blood and revenge. But I had a better plan – one that would hurt him far more than any physical attack.

I began gathering every sacred werewolf artifact Eric had given me over the years. The Moonlight Stone necklace he'd placed around my neck during our mating ceremony. The Silver Moon Staff that marked my status as Luna. The Blood Moon Ring that signified my place as his chosen mate and future mother of his heirs.

Each item represented a promise he'd broken, a vow he'd shattered.

With steady hands, I packed them all into a wooden chest and called the Council of Elders. "I'm donating all Luna artifacts to the pack treasury. They should go to the homeless wolves, the ones who've lost their territories to rogues."

Elder Marcus arrived within the hour, his ancient eyes widening as he saw the chest full of sacred objects. "Luna Isabella, these are your birthright. Are you certain about this decision?"

"Completely certain," I replied, watching as he carefully lifted the Blood Moon Ring. The ruby stone seemed to pulse with its own inner fire, as if it knew it was being abandoned. "Donate everything to the wolves who need it most."

As the Elders carried away the symbols of my former life, I began packing my personal belongings. Clothes, books, the few human possessions I'd kept from my life before Eric claimed me.

My wolf was howling inside, mourning the death of everything we'd believed in. But I'd made my choice.

This territory, this pack, this entire world that had once seemed so magical – it would all be just a memory soon.

I folded my clothes with mechanical precision, each item another step away from the she-wolf who'd loved Eric with her whole heart. That female was dying, making room for someone stronger, someone who wouldn't be anyone's second choice.

The moon watched through my window as I prepared for my metamorphosis from devoted Luna to free woman.

Eric had no idea he was about to lose everything.

---