Scarlett's POV:What are you doing?Lucian stared at the scene before him, his face draining of color. The entire pack knelt before me, acknowledging their new Alpha."What are you doing?" His voice cracked as he rushed forward. "Lottie, what is this?"I felt Zoe stir with amusement in my mind as Lucian stumbled to a halt before me."Isn't it obvious? Lucian," I looked at him with a smile, "we're re-electing the alpha of the pack yet.""Haven't I paid enough?" His voice was desperate. "I gave up everything for you – my power, my position...I have given all my strength to find you and revive you, Scarlett. Look at me."The sheer audacity of his words made me want to laugh. He still thought this was about him, about his sacrifices."Paid enough?" I tilted my head, studying him coldly. "Tell me, Lucian, what exactly did you do to save my life when it actually mattered?"He flinched at my tone, confusion clouding his features."Think carefully," I continued. "If I hadn't saved you from the
Scarlett's POV:My laughter faded as I stared at the man kneeling before me. How typical of him to think he could still dictate terms."Let me remind you of something, Lucian," I said coldly. "Six years ago, you were nothing but a prisoner in the Shadow Pack's dungeons."His face paled at the memory."Do you remember that day?" I pressed. "When your father sent you on that false peace mission? He knew exactly what he was doing - sacrificing his own son to save himself."Through the remnants of emotional ties possessed as a ghost, I felt his old pain resurface."I was barely eighteen," I continued. "But I knew something was wrong when you didn't return. Everyone said it was hopeless, that the Shadow Pack would never release you.""Lottie—" he started."I went to Lily first," I talked over him. "Remember your precious first love? She was the Shadow Pack Alpha's daughter. I begged her to help you."The memory made my lips curl with contempt."'A prisoner?' That's what she said. 'I don't a
Scarlett's POV:The day I banished Lucian, our warriors made sure he understood there would be no mercy."Escort him to the borders," I ordered Nathan. "Make sure everyone knows - any wolf who helps him will share his fate."I watched from the pack hall as they drove him out. The former Alpha, now stripped of power, couldn't even shift to wolf form anymore."Move!" Nathan shoved him forward when he tried to look back. "You heard Alpha Scarlett. You're no longer welcome here."The warriors formed a line behind him, advancing with cold efficiency. Some of them were the same wolves who had once knelt to him as Alpha.When Lucian reached the border markers, he tried one last time to plead his case."Please," he called out to the warriors. "This is my home. My father's territory—""Your father was a traitor," Nathan cut him off. "And you're worse. Now go, before we make you."They drew their silver blades - a clear threat. Even without his Alpha power, Lucian's wolf blood made him vulnerabl
When I had only three months left to live after taking the cursed blade meant for my husband Lucian, his first love Lily returned.When I endured the pain and prepared a dinner to commemorate our anniversary, he did not come back, he was having a steamy car session with Lily.When I went to the hospital alone to buy medicine, he was accompanying Lili for her pregnancy check-up.I pretended not to have noticed, I just silently played the role of a perfect wife, and wrote him four letters as a gift for our anniversary.After I die, he saw the gifts I left behind and went completely insane.------------------(Scarlett’s POV)"I'm sorry, Luna Scarlett..." Dr. Kane's voice was hoarse with emotion. "You only have three months left. The heart failure is irreversible."With his words, the last glimmer of hope in my heart died. Five years ago, to save my mate Lucian, my heart had been stabbed with a dagger. Now the old wound was acting up, causing my heart to fail.Over the past year, I'd visi
Scarlett’s POV:At 9:30 PM, the den door finally opened. Lucian walked in, reeking of Lily's rose perfume, his collar stained with her signature red lipstick."I'm so sorry about dinner," guilt laced his voice even as Lily's scent clung to his skin. "The pack matter-""Took longer than expected?" My smile felt like broken glass. "It's fine. Sit. Eat. The food's cold, but then again, so is everything else these days."He sat awkwardly, guilt radiating from him as he picked at the cold food. I watched him, memorizing every feature of the man I'd loved for eighteen years."The venison..." he tried weakly. "It's perfect. Just like always."I pushed my plate away, unable to stomach another bite of our lies. "You look tired, my Alpha. You should rest."Relief flooded his face at the escape offer. "Are you sure? We could still-""Another time." My voice was soft, final. "Go sleep."He hesitated for a moment before nodding. As he stood, he came around the table and pressed a kiss to my forehea
Scarlett’s POV:"Scarlett!" Lucian's voice cut through the haze. "Someone get the pack doctor!"Strong arms lifted me. Even through the pain, I could smell Lily's perfume on his shirt. The scent made my stomach turn."She's burning up," I heard him say. "Her heart's racing too fast."The curse pulsed beneath my skin, feeding on my pain, growing stronger with each betrayal.I woke to white walls and the sharp smell of antiseptic. Lucian sat beside my bed in the pack's medical wing, his face etched with what looked like genuine concern as he held my hand."You scared me," he whispered, brushing hair from my face. "What were you doing outside my office?""The council documents," I managed. "You forgot them at home."His thumb traced circles on my palm. "You should have sent Mary. You're not well.""I..." I hesitated, then decided to test him. "I thought I saw Lily earlier, in the pack hall?"His hand stiffened for just a heartbeat. "She's visiting. You know how it is - she's from the Shad
Scarlett’s POV:Lucian's question about the ring hung in the air between us. I stared at him, mind racing for an explanation that wouldn't reveal how much I knew."Scarlett?" His voice grew worried at my silence. "Talk to me, my love."I lowered my eyes, letting him draw his own conclusions. It worked."It's because Lily's back, isn't it?" He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "You're feeling insecure.""If only you knew what I saw in those woods," I thought bitterly."I understand she's from a noble bloodline," I said softly. "It's natural for people to compare us.""There's nothing to compare." He pulled me into his arms. The same arms that had held Lily just hours ago. "You're my Luna.And she's just past tense, five years ago that is."The next morning, he arrived at breakfast looking triumphant. A familiar box sat beside my plate."Open it," he urged, eyes bright with pride.Inside lay the Heart of the Storm ring, its enchanted moonstone gleaming. "I couldn't let any
Scarlett's POV:I couldn't help myself. Even though I knew it would break my heart again, I followed Lily's swaying figure as she entered Pack Hall. Her red dress clung to her curves, deliberately chosen to catch attention. My hands clenched into fists as I followed her at a distance.The clicking of her heels echoed through the corridor as she approached Lucian's office. Without even knocking, she pushed the door open, leaving it slightly ajar. I pressed myself against the wall beside the door, my heart pounding."Miss me already, my powerful Alpha?" Lily's voice dripped with honey. "I brought you a special surprise...Guess what color my underwear is today?"My stomach is churning again, I feel so nauseous, I want to vomit."Lily..." Lucian's voice held a warning tone, but I could hear the desire underneath. "Someone might see us.""Let them see." The sound of rustling fabric. "Honey, don't you want to unwrap your gift?"My chest tightened as the curse's black magic pulsed beneath my
Scarlett's POV:The day I banished Lucian, our warriors made sure he understood there would be no mercy."Escort him to the borders," I ordered Nathan. "Make sure everyone knows - any wolf who helps him will share his fate."I watched from the pack hall as they drove him out. The former Alpha, now stripped of power, couldn't even shift to wolf form anymore."Move!" Nathan shoved him forward when he tried to look back. "You heard Alpha Scarlett. You're no longer welcome here."The warriors formed a line behind him, advancing with cold efficiency. Some of them were the same wolves who had once knelt to him as Alpha.When Lucian reached the border markers, he tried one last time to plead his case."Please," he called out to the warriors. "This is my home. My father's territory—""Your father was a traitor," Nathan cut him off. "And you're worse. Now go, before we make you."They drew their silver blades - a clear threat. Even without his Alpha power, Lucian's wolf blood made him vulnerabl
Scarlett's POV:My laughter faded as I stared at the man kneeling before me. How typical of him to think he could still dictate terms."Let me remind you of something, Lucian," I said coldly. "Six years ago, you were nothing but a prisoner in the Shadow Pack's dungeons."His face paled at the memory."Do you remember that day?" I pressed. "When your father sent you on that false peace mission? He knew exactly what he was doing - sacrificing his own son to save himself."Through the remnants of emotional ties possessed as a ghost, I felt his old pain resurface."I was barely eighteen," I continued. "But I knew something was wrong when you didn't return. Everyone said it was hopeless, that the Shadow Pack would never release you.""Lottie—" he started."I went to Lily first," I talked over him. "Remember your precious first love? She was the Shadow Pack Alpha's daughter. I begged her to help you."The memory made my lips curl with contempt."'A prisoner?' That's what she said. 'I don't a
Scarlett's POV:What are you doing?Lucian stared at the scene before him, his face draining of color. The entire pack knelt before me, acknowledging their new Alpha."What are you doing?" His voice cracked as he rushed forward. "Lottie, what is this?"I felt Zoe stir with amusement in my mind as Lucian stumbled to a halt before me."Isn't it obvious? Lucian," I looked at him with a smile, "we're re-electing the alpha of the pack yet.""Haven't I paid enough?" His voice was desperate. "I gave up everything for you – my power, my position...I have given all my strength to find you and revive you, Scarlett. Look at me."The sheer audacity of his words made me want to laugh. He still thought this was about him, about his sacrifices."Paid enough?" I tilted my head, studying him coldly. "Tell me, Lucian, what exactly did you do to save my life when it actually mattered?"He flinched at my tone, confusion clouding his features."Think carefully," I continued. "If I hadn't saved you from the
Scarlett's POV:Sarah led me toward the training grounds, where the entire pack had gathered for the council meeting. The sight brought back memories - I'd spent countless hours here, watching others train while I remained trapped in my human form.But things were different now.'Show them our strength,' Zoe whispered in my mind. 'Show them what we can do together.'As we approached, conversations died out. Wolves turned to stare, their eyes widening in recognition."Luna Scarlett?" The whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd. "She's alive?""Isn't she dead? I've seen Lucian with her crystal coffin.""Oh my God, this is amazing too, it can't be a ghost we're seeing."Beta Nathan stood at the center of the grounds, directing the proceedings. When he saw me, his eyes filled with tears."Luna!" He rushed forward, almost stumbling in his haste. "You've come back to us!"Looking at his earnest face, I felt a wave of nostalgia.I still remember the scene of our first meeting many year
Scarlett's POV:I turned around and got ready to leave,"Wait!" Lucian called after me, his face lighting up with desperate hope. "You want to go back to the pack? That's wonderful!"I turned to stare at him, amazed by his delusion."We can return together," he continued eagerly. "You'll still be Luna, just like before. Nothing has to change—""Everything has already changed," I cut him off coldly.But he wasn't listening. His eyes had that manic gleam I'd seen so often during my haunting."The pack will be so happy to have you back," he rambled on. "We can renew our mating ceremony, make it even grander than before—"'He really doesn't understand, does he?' Zoe's voice held dark amusement in my mind."You still don't get it," I said aloud. "I'm not going back for you."His smile faltered slightly. "But you said—""I'm going back for Sarah," I explained bluntly. "My best friend has suffered enough because of you."Through our weakened bond, I felt his confusion. "Sarah? But I'm your mat
Scarlett's POV:Helena stepped forward, her ancient eyes measuring me intently. Her wrinkled hands reached for my face, my arms, my chest where dark blood had been strewn."Fascinating," she murmured. Rarely has an Alpha power transfer been so successful... Hmm? What is it?""What do you mean?" I asked, feeling Zoe stir within me."Your wolf, before your wolf was suppressed by some force, now she's awake and bigger than before, it's amazing, it's something that hasn't happened before." Helena looked at me with delightI nodded, feeling Zoe's satisfaction ripple through our shared consciousness."Then you are more than you were," Helena stepped back with something like respect in her eyes. "Much more."Lucian lunged for my hand the moment Helena stepped aside. His fingers trembled as they reached for me, desperate to confirm I was real.He tightly grasped my hand, "Lotti, my goodness, it's true, it's really alive."His touch made nausea wash over me, and I immediately shook off his hand
Scarlett's POV:Lucian's descent into madness was swift and complete. I watched as he traveled the world, seeking any witch who might know how to bring me back.Money meant nothing to him anymore. He spent fortunes on ancient artifacts, rare ingredients, and magical consultations.The pack began to suffer from his neglect. Important decisions went unmade as he chased resurrection dreams across continents."Alpha," Nathan would plead, "the pack needs you—""The pack needs its Luna," Lucian would snap before disappearing again.I followed him as he visited witch after witch, each one offering false hope in exchange for gold.Some tried blood magic. Others attempted soul binding. A few even claimed they could bargain with death itself.Nothing worked. My body remained perfectly preserved in its crystal coffin, but just as lifeless as before.My soul still drifted around him, and each time I pressed myself against the sorcerer's face, hoping to be discovered by the sorcerer so that he could
Scarlett's POV:I watched as Lucian sat in our bedroom, my letters scattered around him like fallen leaves. His hands trembled as he picked up each one, reading them over and over until the paper was stained with his tears."Lottie," he whispered, tracing my handwriting. "My sweet, faithful Lottie..."Every few minutes, he would press the letters to his chest, as if trying to hold onto some piece of me."I'm sorry," he choked out. "I was such a fool. Such a worthless mate."Through our bond, I felt his anguish twisting deeper with each word he read."It was always you," he continued, his voice breaking. "You were the only one who truly loved me. The only one who never betrayed me."He picked up another letter, this one describing how I'd felt watching him with Lily."I was just so angry," he confessed to the paper. "When Lily chose James over me, it broke my heart. As a man, my pride was shattered and I couldn't tolerate it. So I wanted to get revenge, to make her feel that same pain."
Scarlett's POV:"Alpha, please reconsider this," Beta Jack pleaded, his face pale with concern. "Attacking the Shadow Pack without preparation will result in massive casualties."Lucian's eyes blazed red as he turned to face his second-in-command. "You dare question my orders?""This isn't about questioning you," Jack insisted. "It's about protecting our pack. We need time to prepare, to gather allies—""The only thing I need," Lucian cut him off, "is warriors who will follow their Alpha's commands without question."Lucian crossed over Jack and headed towards the training grounds."Alpha, this is madness!" Jack stepped in front of Lucian, blocking his path. Lucian's eyes flashed red. "Move aside, Beta.""The warriors aren't ready," Jack insisted. "We haven't gathered enough weapons, haven't planned our strategy—""Strategy?" Lucian laughed coldly. "Here's my strategy: kill them all."Through our bond, I felt the dangerous edge to his thoughts. His mind was fracturing more with each pa