Episode 8
Damon shot me a dark, searing look before he turned and stormed out of the hall.
I held my ground, meeting his glare with unwavering defiance, even daring a small, challenging smile. He could sulk all he wanted, but I would no longer cower beneath his shadow.
With Damon gone, the energy in the room deflated. The guests lingered, their curiosity shifting toward me and Caden. Their whispers and sidelong glances betrayed their hunger for gossip.
But I had no interest in being their spectacle.
“Good night, Alpha Caden,” I remarked softly, stepping closer. “I’ll take my leave now.”
He gazed down at me, his intense green eyes catching the chandelier’s glow, reflecting like stars in the night sky. His expression softened as he leaned slightly toward me.
“Are you feeling alright after the rejection?” he asked, his deep voice laced with concern.
“Yes… much better,” I replied, the warmth of his presence soothing the ache in my chest. But I couldn’t admit how much his scent had comforted me.
A faint smile tugged at his lips. “I’m glad you’re free of that bastard.”
A small smile escaped me in return. “Yes. Now it’s just a matter of dividing the assets and being officially done with him.”
Without warning, Caden bent down and took my hand. Startled, I instinctively tried to pull away, but his grip was firm yet gentle. Then, to my astonishment, he pressed a featherlight kiss to the back of my hand.
“Good night, my future Luna,” he murmured, his voice husky and resonant.
A shiver coursed through me, and my cheeks flushed crimson. Thank the Moon Goddess the other guests were too far away to hear him. I quickly curtsied, muttered a hasty goodbye, and fled to my room.
That night, lying on my bed, a newfound determination surged through me. I had a powerful ally now, someone who believed in me. With Caden’s support, I could make Carnival City a success, build my independence, and secure my pack’s prosperity. Emerald Howl Pack would thrive, and I would finally have the strength to make Althea pay for everything she’d done—killing my child, stealing my husband, and destroying my marriage.
The Next Morning
A cacophony of noise outside my door jolted me awake. It sounded like an invading army was tearing through my home.
I bolted out of bed, rushing toward the commotion. The sight that greeted me froze me in my tracks—soldiers ransacking my living room, their hands rifling through my belongings. Althea stood in the midst of the chaos, her arms crossed, her expression smug and satisfied.
“Stop this at once!” I demanded, my voice slicing through the chaos.
But Althea was unfazed. She strode toward my maid, Isla, who was frantically trying to protect Lucian’s belongings. Grabbing Isla by the hair, Althea slapped her across the face with brutal force.
“Get out of the way, you filthy bug!” she snapped.
Rage surged through me like a tidal wave. I rushed forward, positioning myself between them, and delivered a sharp slap to Althea’s face. The sound echoed through the room like a whip crack.
Althea staggered back, her hand flying to her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief. “You—you dare to hit me?!”
“You struck my maid, so I returned the favor,” I spat, my voice low and furious.
“She’s a member of Crimson Hollow Pack!” Althea shrieked, her voice rising hysterically. “As the future Luna, I can do whatever I want to her!”
“She won’t be for long,” I shot back coldly. “Isla came here with me when I married Damon, and when I leave, she’ll return to Emerald Howl Pack. You won’t lay another finger on her.”
Althea’s glare could have melted steel. She clutched her face dramatically, tears streaming down her cheeks. Within moments, Damon burst into the room, fury etched into every line of his face. He pulled Althea into his arms protectively.
“How dare you lay a hand on Althea!” he thundered.
“You missed the first act, Damon,” I replied, my voice sharp with anger. “And what gives you the right to barge into my room unannounced?”
Althea leaned into him, a snaky smile playing at the corners of her lips. “She leaked Carnival City’s trade secrets to Emerald Howl Pack,” she declared triumphantly. “She’s a traitor!”
Treason?
The word rang in my ears like a death knell.
“I’ve done nothing but serve this pack faithfully as its Luna!” I shot back, my voice trembling with fury. “Explain to me exactly how I’ve committed treason!”
Althea raised her chin, her voice dripping with righteous indignation. “You used Crimson Hollow Pack’s resources to develop Carnival City and then handed it over to your homeland. If that’s not treason, what is?”
I turned to Damon, searching his face for even a shred of loyalty. “And you believe this?!” I demanded.
His expression was grim as he tightened his hold on Althea. “You betrayed this pack when you tried to bring Emerald Howl on board.”
The pain of his words sliced through me, a wound deeper than any physical blow.
“Fine,” I said, my voice cold and steady. “Let’s take this to court. Summon the elders. I’ll defend myself.”
Althea’s eyes lit up with malicious glee. “Perfect! When you’re convicted, you’ll rot in prison for the rest of your life,” she sneered.
Damon frowned, hesitating. “Hand over the files and withdraw from the project, Seraphina. We don’t need to involve the court.”
Althea tugged on his sleeve, her voice syrupy and sweet. “You’re too kind, Damon. She betrayed us—she deserves to be punished!”
Her words seemed to harden his resolve. Damon turned to the soldiers. “Take her to the council hall.”
The soldiers seized me, escorting me roughly from my room.
The Trial
The council hall was already filled when we arrived. Seventeen elders sat in their appointed seats, their expressions grave. Damon took his place on the Alpha’s throne, with Althea standing by his side, exuding a false aura of authority. She proclaimed my guilt with righteous fervor, her voice rising with theatrical indignation.
“Damon has been nothing but a good husband and Alpha!” she declared. “But Seraphina selfishly took advantage of his trust!”
