When the Alpha’s Stand-In Mate Betrayed

For five years, I wore a mating band that never bound me beneath the moon.

There was no Moon Rite. No silver altar dusted with nightbloom petals. No packs gathered in ceremonial rows. No vows spoken beneath the blessing of the Full Moon. Only a thin iron ring and a private contract Thorne, the Alpha of Ridgefern Territory, claimed was enough.

We never once stood inside a Moon Hall. Each time I asked, he said we would complete the bond later, that formal recognition could wait until the borders were stable and the council stopped pressing him. Later never came.

I remembered it clearlyjust a week ago.

I was folding his tunics in our shared chamber, smoothing the creases from fabric scented with frost and iron, when I finally found the courage to speak.

Thorne, I said softly, keeping my voice steady, the fifth moon cycle since our bond is coming. Maybe maybe we could hold the Rite this time? Properly. Just the two of us, even.

He didnt look away from the reports glowing beneath his claw-marked fingers.

Why? he said flatly. Were already bound. Ceremonies are for wolves who crave attention.

You promised we would, I murmured. You said once the territory wasnt so strained

His fingers stilled.

And now youre whining, he cut in coldly. Enough, Rayna. We dont waste silver and moonfire on pointless rituals.

As always, I swallowed my words.

I let the silence stretch. I pushed the ache down where it wouldnt trouble him.

But todaytoday was different.

Today marked five years since the night I believed I became his Luna. Thorne said he couldnt mark the date. Border disputes. Council summons. Too much pressure. Not even an hour to spare.

I didnt argue. I never did.

I told myself it wasnt about recognition. That it wasnt about standing beneath the moon while the pack acknowledged me.

I decided I would prepare his favorite meal instead. Light moonlamps. Burn calming herbs. Wait for him.

It wasnt grand, but it was something. My quiet way of honoring a bond no one else had witnessed.

So I went to the market at dawn.

I moved slowly through the stalls carved from old stone, choosing herbs and meat with care, checking each cut twice. I even bought a bundle of white moon-liliesthe kind he once said reminded him of peace, back when he still visited my old den.

I held them close as I walked home, embarrassed by the small, fragile hope blooming in my chest.

I was only a street away from the Council Hall when I felt it.

A sharp pull in my core. A warning, instinctive and wrong.

I hadnt planned to look. I had no reason to stop.

But my steps slowed anyway.

And then I saw them.

Thorne.

And Rionna.

My sisterwho had vanished five years ago, abandoning her pack bond without a trace.

They emerged from the Council Hall together, her arm looped through his, their auras brushing easily, familiarly.

I froze.

The satchels slipped in my hands. The moon-lilies nearly fell.

Rionna held a parchment stamped with glowing silver runes.

A completed mate registration.

My stomach turned to ice.

Her voice drifted toward me, uncertain. Are you sure this is allowed? she asked him. What about Rayna? Shes still bonded to you, isnt she?

Thorne didnt hesitate.

I dont care about her, he said. That wasnt a true bond. I never brought her before the Council for a reason. This he gestured to the parchment this is real. Now that youre back, Ill deal with her soon.

The world rang in my ears.

Rionnas voice trembled. You still want me? Even after I fled? I thought youd hate me. I was terrified back then.

He turned to her with a softness I had once mistaken as love.

It was always you, he said. You werent ready before. Thats all. Now you are.

He bent and kissed her.

My breath lodged painfully in my throat.

She pulled back slightly. And my sister did you ever care for her at all?

He laughed under his breath.

Never, he said. She was convenient. She looks like you. She kept the den warm. That was her use.

Something inside me cracked.

Five years ago, that Moon Rite was meant for them.

Rionna and Thorne.

The packs had gathered. The altar was prepared. The moon was full.

But then she disappeared.

No message. No explanation.

Gone.

Thorne had shattered that night. I found him drunk in a border tavern, shaking, staring into nothing.

I sat beside him.

I listened.

I stayed.

When he cried, I didnt move away.

When he leaned close, I didnt stop him.

And when he kissed me, I let it happen.

A week later, he asked me to become his mate.

I said yes.

I thought I was saving him.

I thought I was choosing love.

I thought I mattered.

But standing there, hidden behind the stone pillar of the Council Hall, I finally understood.

Every touch.

Every whispered promise.

Every claim of love.

They were echoes. Borrowed. Never mine.

Then more voices joined them.

Arion. And Axton. My elder brothers.

You already sealed the bond? Arion said approvingly. Fast work.

Axton laughed. What about the public Rite? We should move Rayna out first. Shell cause trouble if she finds out. Maybe exile her to a border pack.

My hand clenched against the stone wall until my skin split.

Arion added lightly, Best to deal with her soon. Shes unstable.

They laughed.

All of them.

The same brothers who once cursed Rionna for running. The same ones who swore to protect me.

Now they were laughing about erasing me.

A strange numbness settled over me.

I wasnt just unwanted.

I was a substitute. A mistake.

I turned away.

My feet carried me forward without thought.

I ran. Past the gates. Past the market. Past the ringing in my ears.

My lungs burned. My vision blurred. The world narrowed to motion and noise.

I heard nothing clearly. Except a horn. The screech of brakes. And then

Impact.

The world collapsed inward.

And everything went black.

Pain was the first thing that greeted me when my eyes finally opened.

It seeped through my body like slow-burning moonfiremy arms aching dully, my leg screaming with sharp, vicious intensity. I tried to sit up on instinct, but a firm yet gentle hand pressed me back down.

Easy, a healer said, her voice calm and practiced. You were caught in a collision near the eastern road. Your ankle is fractured, and the rest are minor wounds. Your wolf hasnt recovered yet. Dont move.

A collision.

The word echoed hollowly.

And then everything rushed backThorne. Rionna. The glowing council parchment in her hands. My brothers laughing. The way my heart felt like it had been torn open. Running. The blare of a warning horn. White light.

The carriage.

I swallowed hard. How long have I been here?

Nearly a full day, she replied, checking the rune-lit crystal beside my bed. Then she slowed, her expression softening. Theres something else you need to know.

My pulse spiked. What is it?

She paused only briefly. You were carrying a pup. Just over two months along. Im sorrythe impact severed the moon thread.

The words didnt register at first.

I stared at her. A pup?

She nodded and gently squeezed my fingers.

I didnt know, I whispered. I really didnt

My mind went eerily still, while something inside my chest shattered completely. In one night, I had lost everything I never even knew I had.

Would you like me to summon someone from your pack? the healer asked softly.

My thoughts drifted to Thornethe Alpha who had claimed me in name only. Then to Arion and Axton, the brothers who once swore blood-oaths to protect me, who now laughed about discarding me.

But I couldnt bear the emptiness.

I need my communicator, I said hoarsely.

She placed it in my hand. The first name I called was Thornes.

No answer.

I tried again.

The bond you seek is unreachable.

Again.

Nothing.

The tears came fast and unbidden. He wasnt coming. None of them were. Rionna had returnedand I had already been erased.

Later, the healer returned and placed a small basket on the table.

Someone left this for you, she said quietly. Food, moon-lilies. He said he was a healer the one who brought you in.

I frowned. A healer?

She nodded. He didnt give his name. Just told me to make sure you rested.

After she left, I stared at the basket. The scent of food turned my stomach. I pushed it aside and picked up my communicator, opening the pack network feeddesperate for anything. Guilt. Concern. Proof I still mattered.

That was when I saw it.

Images.

Recordings.

Arion. Axton. Thorne. Rionna.

Laughing beneath enchanted lights. Holding sugarfruit and festival bread. Standing before Silvercrest Palace like a perfect family unit.

The caption read:

First outing as a true Alpha family. Long overdue.

My chest locked painfully.

True family?

Then what had I been?

I cried until my vision burned, until my throat ached, until there was nothing left inside me but hollow exhaustion.

By morning, my communicator buzzed. It was Thorne.

I stared at the name before answering.

Rayna! His voice sounded sharp, almost frantic. Why didnt you say you were in the infirmary? Why didnt you contact us properly?!

Us, he said?

Before I could reply, the door opened.

Thorne entered, with Arion and Axton close behind, all three wearing carefully measured expressions of concern.

We rushed over as soon as we heard, Axton said, adjusting my pillow as if hed always been there.

I only noticed your missed call late last night, Thorne added. You shouldve kept trying.

I looked at them quietly. Where were you?

Council matters, Thorne answered too quickly. You know how it is.

No, I dont.

Because it was our bond anniversary.

Because you claimed my sister.

Because you replaced me without hesitation.

But I stayed silent.

Im here now, he said more gently, brushing my hair back. I wont leave.

I turned my face away. I need the washroom.

You cant walk, he said at once. Ill carry you.

He lifted me carefully, and for one dangerous moment, it felt like the pastlike the Alpha I once loved hadnt vanished.

Then the illusion broke.

Arion burst through the door.

Thorne! Hurry! he shouted. Rionna collapsed!

Thorne froze.

What?

She fainted, Arion repeated urgently.

And just like that, Thornes arms slackened.

He let go.

I fell hard onto the stone floor, my back slamming down, my injured ankle screaming in agony. But he didnt look back. Not even once.

He ran out, already calling Rionnas name.

Then what about me?

I curled inward, shaking, humiliated, shattereduntil a different pair of arms carefully lifted me up.

I blinked through my tears and looked up.

Dark hair. Warm brown eyes.

Ardyn? My voice barely carried.

The healer I once knew.

Ardyn Valemont.

The one who once stayed. The one who disappeared without explanation.

A faint smile touched his lips.

Still finding ways to get hurt? he murmured.

I couldnt speak.

He brushed a loose strand of hair from my face.

Then, softly, sincerely, he said

Rayna do you want to disappear with me?

I stayed at the infirmary far longer than I expected.

Part of it was the fractured ankle, which pulsed with pain no matter how still I lay. But the real reason was quieter, heavierthere was no one waiting to bring me back to the pack estate.

No one, except Ardyn.

Ardyn, who had once shared lecture halls with me at the Academy.

Ardyn, who had confessed his feelings years ago and stepped back without resentment when I told him my heart already belonged to another. To Thorne.

And now, somehow, he was the one sitting beside my bed when the nights stretched too long. He brought meals gentle enough for my weakened body. He stayed silent when I cried, never asking questions, never demanding answers. He appeared without making me feel indebted.

The morning the healers finally cleared me to leave, he wheeled me into the small moon garden behind the infirmary. Sunlight filtered through silverleaf trees, warm and calm. We sat in silence, listening to the wind brush the branches.

I meant what I said before, Ardyn spoke at last, watching me carefully. You dont have to return to Ridgefern Territory. If you want to leave Ill help you build a new life.

I lowered my gaze to my hands.

They looked thinner. Slightly unsteady. Like hands that had clung too long and were finally letting go.

Give me five days, I said quietly. There are things I need to settle. After that if youre still willing, Ill go with you.

His smile was soft, edged with something sad. I wont move an inch.

***

By the time I reached the estate, the sun was already high.

Everything felt cruelly ordinarywolves passing through the streets, guards changing shifts, neighbors tending courtyardswhile something inside my chest twisted tight.

The cane tapped softly against the stone path as I limped toward the door. Each step reminded me how broken I still was.

Choosing Ardyn felt like stepping into the unknown.

But staying in a place where no one saw me felt worse.

I opened the door. Laughter greeted me.

I froze.

They were all thereThorne, Arion, Axton and Rionna. Sitting comfortably in the main hall, drinks in hand, like nothing had ever shattered. Rionna leaned easily against Thornes shoulder, her body angled toward his.

My mate.

My sister.

My brothers.

Together. Relaxed.

Their expressions shifted the moment they saw me.

Oh, Thorne said blankly. Right youre back. How are you feeling?

He had forgotten.

The urge to laugh rose sharp and bitter in my throat. None of them had visited me. Not once.

Before I could speak, Rionna stood, moving toward me with a gentle, practiced smile.

Ray, she said sweetly. I missed you. Im sorry we didnt comeI've been unwell. But Im better now. What about you? Are you alright?

I stepped back instinctively, my skin crawling.

No, I said flatly. Im not.

Her smile faltered as she reached for me. Rayna

I knocked her hand away.

Dont touch me.

Axton stood immediately. Whats wrong with you? he snapped. You know shes fragile right now.

Arion joined him. Shes suffering. You dont get to act like this.

My voice cut through the room. I was in the infirmary. I was hit by a carriage.

Thorne exhaled sharply, irritated. That was your fault, he said. You ran into the road. But Rionnashes ill. Shes not like you.

Im still her sister, Rionna said softly, eyes shimmering. Were both hurting. We should support each other.

I shook my head. I was hurting too. None of you came. I lost my pup and

Rionna suddenly swayed, clutching her abdomen.

Axton rushed forward. Shes sick again.

They moved instantly.

Thorne caught her. Arion fetched cloths. Axton murmured softly, holding her as if she might break.

And I stood there.

Unseen. Unheard. Invisible.

No one acknowledged what Id said. I considered screaming itforcing them to listen. But exhaustion settled into my bones.

I was fighting for space in a den that had never saved a place for me.

So I turned away.

I walked slowly toward the bedroom.

When I opened the door, my breath stopped.

Everything that belonged to me was gone.

My clothes. My keepsakes. My framed memories.

All replaced.

Rionnas scent filled the room. Her cosmetics on the dresser. Her gowns hanging neatly by the mirror.

My hands trembled so badly I nearly dropped the cane.

I stepped backand she was there.

Rionna.

Smiling. Not the fragile mask she wore for others. This smile was sharp. Satisfied.

I really tried to be kind, she said lazily. But kindness never gave me anything. While I was gone, you took my life. My position. My mate. Even my brothers.

She moved closer.

Im only reclaiming what was always mine. I shouldve done it five years ago.

Her eyes were cold.

Then she added lightly, Ill give you a few days to leave. Im not cruel. It wouldnt look good if you ended up on the streets.

I stared at her. My voice was quiet. Are you truly ill?

Her eyes snapped. What do you think?

But memories surfacedfake collapses, invented pain, tears used like weapons.

You think Im pretending? she raised her voice, loud enough to carry.

I didnt answer. I didnt need to.

Footsteps rushed down the hall. Arion and Axton appeared.

Shes doing it again, Rionna sobbed instantly. She keeps saying Im lying.

Axtons gaze hardened. Youve always been venomous, he said. No one ever liked you growing up. This is why.

Arion stepped forward.

He grabbed the chain around my neck and tore it freethe pack pendant hed given me years ago, swearing it meant loyalty.

You dont deserve this anymore, he said coldly.

I didnt resist.

I didnt cry.

I just stood there, empty.

One by one, they left.

I lowered myself to the floor, my ankle burning, my side aching. I stayed silent. Because in a few days, I would be gone.

And when they finally understood what they had done

It would already be too late.

I was finishing the last of my packing, pressing folded clothes into a half-closed travel satchel, when the ward bell rang.

I froze.

For a heartbeat, my pulse jumped.

Ardyn?

I checked my communicator. No missed calls. No messages. After a slow breath, I walked to the entrance.

A large white chest rested neatly before the door, bound with a wide ribbon of gold-threaded silk. Heavy. Refined. My name was etched across the lid in flowing runes.

No seal. No message. Only my name.

Unease and curiosity tugged me forward. I carried it inside, set it on the table and lifted the lid. My breath stopped.

Inside lay a ceremonial Luna gown.

Not just any gownmy gown.

The exact design I had drawn years ago, when I still believed Thorne and I would stand beneath the Full Moon together. Moon-ivory silk that shimmered softly. Lace sleeves spun fine as frost-thread. My fingers trembled as I brushed the fabric.

A tag had been sewn into the lining.

Rayna, stitched by hand in gold.

My vision blurred.

Was this real?

Was this him?

For one dangerous moment, hope surgedsharp and foolish. After the distance. The coldness. The betrayal. Was this Thornes apology? Was he finally ready to complete the Moon Rite? To give me what he had denied me for five years?

I let myself believe it.

Just for a moment.

I slipped into the gown slowly, breath held as the fabric settled against my skin like it had been waiting for me. It fit almost perfectly. I turned toward the mirror, hands pressed to my chest, eyes shining with fragile hope.

Then the door slammed open.

Rayna, what do you think youre doing?!

I jumped.

Thorne stood there, fury and disbelief darkening his features. He crossed the room in long strides and seized the fabric at my shoulder, yanking it so hard the seams nearly tore.

Why are you wearing that?

I My voice shook. Isnt this meant for me? My name is inside. Its my design. The gown I dreamed of. I thought maybe we were finally completing the bond.

He laughedshort and cold.

Have you lost your mind? Were already mates.

Then why send this here? I whispered.

Its not yours, he snapped, brushing his hands over the silk like he was cleansing it. Its for Rionna. She wants a Moon Rite. A real one. She deserves it. Shes ill.

My blood turned cold.

Shes ill, he repeated, as if that explained everything.

She wants to stand beneath the moon, he went on. Wear the gown. Have the ceremony she was meant to have five years ago. This was always her fate.

It was mine too, I said quietly. I drew it. That dream was mine. Why give her something that belonged to me?

Footsteps followed him in.

Arion and Axton entered.

Whats all the noise? Arion asked, then scoffed when he saw the gown. Oh, this? Rayna, youre not dying. Let her have it. If she likes your design, you can make another.

Axton nodded. You always overreact. Its just one night. She deserves that much.

She deserves my dream? The words barely left my mouth.

Rionna appeared in the doorway, wrapped in a pale shawl, playing fragility perfectly.

Im sorry, she said softly. I just want to be a bride once. To stand beneath the moon before She let the words fade, eyes filling with practiced tears. I wont take him forever. Just for the ceremony. Let me borrow him.

I looked at her. At all of them. Something inside me went completely still.

Youre all unbelievable, I said quietly.

Her lips trembled.

Do whatever you want, I continued flatly. Hold your Moon Rite. Take the gown. Use my design. Borrow my mate. Take everything. Im finished.

I turned and walked away.

My legs felt numb, but my chest burned like it was being split open.

Back in my room, I opened drawers, chests, and shelves. I gathered clothes, letters, sketchesevery remnant of the girl I had been. Every fragile hope I had guarded.

Behind the estate stood an old iron brazier.

I dropped everything inside.

And struck a flame.

Fire surged upward, hungry and bright. Smoke twisted into the night sky, carrying away photos of Thorne and me, handwritten vows, and the sketches of the gown I would never wear.

I remembered my brothers swearing loyalty. I remembered believing I belonged. I remembered Rionna clinging to my arm, calling me her favorite.

All lies.

Every one.

As the last page of my sketchbook curled into ash, arms wrapped around me from behind.

Ray Thorne murmured, breath warm at my ear. Im sorry. I know this hurts. I didnt want it to go this far. Just do this for her. Shes ill. Youre stronger. You can endure it.

I said nothing.

Ill make it up to you, he whispered. Tomorrow. Just us. Ill fix everything.

Too tired to argue, I nodded.

Fine.

He exhaled in relief and pressed a soft kiss into my hair.

That night, I closed my eyes and waited for sleep to numb the ache.

But just as darkness claimed me

Rayna! Wake up!

I jolted upright.

Thorne stood beside the bed, urgent and pale.

We need your blood, he said quickly. Your sisters condition is worsening. Your bloodline matches.

My throat went dry.

What?

Shes failing, he said, already gripping my arm. Dont make this difficult. Be useful for once.

Then, colder

Be her blood reserve.

No. My voice was calm as I yanked my arm free. I wont give her my moon-blood.

Thornes eyes darkened at once, the Alpha mark on his throat pulsing faintly. Dont start this again, Rayna. Her wolf core is failing. The healers said she needs blood bound to the full moon. Yours matches.

That has nothing to do with me, I said flatly. Im not the only one breaking.

Arion stepped closer, his scent sharp with anger. How can you be this cold? Shes fading, Rayna.

Shes not fading, I snapped. Shes acting. Just like when we were pupsevery time she wanted attention or an excuse.

Axton slammed his palm against the wall. Enough. You sound unhinged.

Before I could move, hands closed around my arms.

All of them.

I fought backkicked, twisted, tried to shiftbut I was still injured, still weak, my wolf barely responsive. Three grown wolves were more than enough. They dragged me out of the territory house like I was property, shoved me into a vehicle etched with pack sigils, and drove straight to the Moon Healers Hall.

I barely had time to think.

Within the hour, runes burned cold against my wrists.

No one asked for permission.

No one listened as I begged.

Moon-needles pierced my skin. Silver-lined tubes drained dark blood glowing faintly with lunar light. Healers exchanged tense glances as more vials were ordered.

The world tilted.

Then darkness swallowed me whole.

***

When I woke, I felt hollow.

As if my wolf had been scooped out, leaving only an empty shell. My limbs were heavy. Cold crept through my chest. Light stabbed my eyes.

The first face I saw was the last one I wanted.

Rionna.

She sat beside the bed, holding a small tray etched with healing symbols. Youre awake, she said gently. I brought you nourishment.

For a heartbeat, my heart almost believed her.

Then everything rushed back.

I knocked the tray from her hands. It shattered against the stone floor.

The door burst open.

Thorne. Axton. Arion.

What is wrong with you? Arion snapped. She came all this way for you.

Youre impossible, Thorne added. Shes trying to mend things, and this is how you act?

You forced me! I shouted. You bound me and drained my moon-blood!

Rayna Rionna whispered, tears trembling in her voice. Please. Were sisters. I only wanted peace between us.

She stepped closer, arms lifting as if to embrace me.

Her lips brushed my ear.

Do you understand now? she murmured sweetly. Theyve chosen already. So dont resist.

My body went rigid.

Thornes gaze sharpened. Apologize. Now.

My fingers dug into the sheets. I did nothing wrong.

Axton took one step forward. Watch yourself.

My throat tightened.

Fine, I said quietly. Im sorry.

Not because I meant it.

Because I had nothing left to fight with.

They relaxed, satisfied, like a broken thing had been corrected.

I turned my face to the wall and closed my eyes, pretending not to hear Rionnas soft sobs or my brothers murmuring comfort until they finally left.

***

That night, my rune-phone vibrated.

Ardyn: [Tomorrow. Are you still ready?]

I stared at the glow, then typed back.

[Yes.]

***

By morning, I didnt want to leave the Healers Hall.

My body ached. My wolf was silent. My heart felt worse.

But Thorne didnt ask.

Were going, he said coldly. You owe her. You swore it. Stop acting immature.

So I went.

Not because I wanted to. Because refusing only meant more punishment disguised as duty.

I wore a pale dress woven with old pack threadthe one from our first bonding feast. Back when I believed in forever. Back when his hand had felt like safety.

He told me to meet him at a restaurant on neutral territory.

Just us. To fix things.

So I waited.

I arrived early, unsure whether I hoped he would comeor hoped he wouldnt.

Time passed. The moon lamps dimmed and brightened again.

He should be here soon, I told the server softly.

He never came.

Neither did Arion or Axton.

Then my phone buzzed.

Rionna.

Rionna: [Looks like theyre busy, sister. With me. Enjoy your meal alone.]

Photos followed.

Once, I would have broken.

This time, I didnt.

***

I stood calmly and called the manager over.

I need to leave a few things, I said.

From my bag, I placed the papers on the table.

The false mating bond record. The healers report confirming the loss of my pup. The ring Thorne gave me five years ago.

If he asks, I said quietly, tell him Rayna of the Feralwood Pack no longer exists.

I walked out.

The bell chimed onceclear and final.

***

Ardyn was waiting outside. Just like he promised.

Ready? he asked, holding out his hand.

I nodded. Completely.

We drove straight toward the airship port.

Inside the car, I scrolled through old messages, old names.

Then I removed the rune-chip and dropped it into a bin.

Gone.

As I boarded the ship beside Ardyn, a calm I hadnt felt in years settled deep in my chest.

Tomorrow, they might notice.

They might panic.

They might search.

But they will never find me.

Never again.

The pack manor was unnaturally quiet when Thorne returned late that night with Rionna, Arion, and Axton. Their laughter echoed through the stone corridor as they struggled with the warded lock, still drunk on moonwine and the thrill of the evening.

After leaving the neutral-territory tavern, they had lingered far longer than they should havecelebrating without restraint.

Thorne entered first and snapped his fingers, triggering the light runes.

Nothing happened.

The corridor remained drowned in shadow.

What the hell? Thorne muttered, activating the sigils again.

The runes flared to life, revealing the great hall.

Chaos.

Cushions lay scattered across the floor. Dishes sat untouched on the long table. A faint trail of dried mud streaked toward the door. The manor looked abandoned, as though no one had tended to it all day.

Thornes jaw tightened. What is this mess? he snarled. Rayna! Explain thisnow!

Silence answered him.

He turned sharply toward the stairs, but Rionna caught his arm, laughing lightly. Relax, she said. Dont ruin the night. Shes probably sulking again. Asleep, maybe.

She always does this when she wants attention, Arion added, kicking off his boots.

Axton smirked. Yeah. Leave her alone. Shell clean it up by morning like she always does.

Thorne hesitated. But this place

Rionna tugged him closer, her voice lowering. Come to bed, she whispered against his ear. Dont let her spoil tonight. She chuckled softly. Shes probably hiding somewhere, pretending she still matters. You know how dramatic she is.

That ended the discussion.

With one last glance at the stairs, Thorne allowed himself to be pulled away.

Inside the chamber, Rionna slowly unfastened her dress, letting it fall like a performance meant to be seen. You know, she murmured, looping her arms around his neck, this used to be her room, didnt it? She smiled coldly. Must hurtrealizing shes been replaced, even here.

Laughter soon dissolved into muffled sounds behind the sealed door.

The rest of the manor stayed dark and untended, while inside that room, Thorne erased Raynas existence with every touch and whispered mockery.

***

Morning sunlight pierced through the curtains.

Thorne groaned, then jolted upright. Damn itmy council meeting!

Rionna shifted lazily beside him. What meeting?

You didnt wake me, he snapped.

She stretched. I didnt know I had to.

He threw off the covers and dragged on his trousers. Rayna shouldve woken mewhere is she?

Storming into the hall, he called out, Rayna!

No response.

His frown deepened.

He checked her chamber.

Empty.

The bed untouched. No scent. No presence.

That was when Arion and Axton emerged, still half-asleep.

Whats wrong? Arion asked.

Shes gone, Thorne said tightly. Shes not here.

Maybe she went out early, Rionna said lightly from behind him. Shes probably sulking again.

They went downstairs.

The kitchen was silent. No breakfast. No steaming cups of brew. No food warming on the hearth.

Nothing.

Thorne slammed his palm against the table. She didnt even cook?!

He pulled out his rune-phone and called her.

No response.

Unreachable, he hissed. Where the hell is she?

Rionna twirled a strand of hair. She probably went to buy supplies.

No, Thorne said sharply. Thats not her. She never leaves the manor untended. She never misses my meetings. She never skips meals

He stopped.

A sick realization crawled up his spine.

Last night, he muttered. The dinner

What dinner? Axton asked.

I told her Id take her out.

Rionnas gaze shifted. You think she waited?

She wouldnt, Arion scoffed. Shes not that desperate.

Yeah, Axton laughed. She knew you were just saying it to shut her up.

But Thorne was already grabbing his keys.

***

He drove like a man possessed.

At the restaurant on neutral ground, he rushed inside.

There was a woman here last night, he said urgently to the server. Shes my Luna, Rayna. Did she say anything? Did she wait?

The woman nodded slowly. Yes. The Luna waited for hours. She handed him an envelope. She left this for Alpha Thorne Ridgefern.

His hands shook as he opened it.

Inside lay her mating ring.

A copy of their bond recordstamped Nullified.

And a single document.

A healers certificate.

Declaring the death of their unborn pup.

The world tilted.

Before Luna Rayna left, the woman added softly, she asked me to give this to you. And tell you to never find her again.

Thorne stood frozen.

The envelope felt heavier than any burden he had ever carried.