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6: Mark of restraint
Huling Na-update:
2025-03-28 14:24:00The cell door creaked open for the second time that day.
Lena glanced up, expecting another tormentor, but instead, a young girl stood there, holding a tray of food. A cuff encircled the girl’s ankle—a slave.
"Take it back. I refuse to eat," Lena spat, her voice hoarse but firm.
The girl set the tray down and crouched before her, meeting Lena’s defiant gaze.
“Luna.”
"I am not your Luna," Lena snapped, her voice rising.
The girl only sighed. “You don’t understand, do you? The longer you refuse, the worse my punishment will be. I’m responsible for you now, Luna. I am your personal maid. My name is Milicent.”
Lena finally lifted her head, properly looking at her. The girl’s eyes were pleading, desperate.
Lena’s expression softened.
She knew what it was like to be in her shoes—to fear the wrath of a head maid, to be denied food as punishment.
Memories of her past as a servant in the Crimson Moon Pack surfaced, stinging like old wounds. If she were still there, at least she wouldn’t have endured the agony of last night.
That pain… it was beyond anything she had ever known. Inhuman.
Without another word, she dragged the tray closer and began to eat.
Silence stretched between them.
"When you're done, I’ll run you a bath and show you your room," Milicent murmured.
Lena froze.
“My… room?” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
She had never had a room of her own.
Before Milicent could answer, a sharp voice cut through the moment.
“That won’t be necessary.”
Cedric entered the cell, his presence filling the space with authority. Milicent immediately knelt, her head bowed.
"What is your name?"
"Milicent, my lord," she answered obediently.
"Your mistress will be coming with me to the healer,” Cedric stated. “She clearly needs care.”
Milicent hesitated before glancing back at Lena.
Her swollen eyes. Her puffy cheeks. The raw, unhealed cut on her wrist.
She looked like the walking dead.
“…As you wish, my lord,” Milicent whispered, bowing her head.
---
The road to the healer stretched before them. As they left the Alpha's castle, Lena finally took in the beauty of the kingdom.
Milicent trailed behind her while Cedric walked beside her in silence.
Beyond the castle walls, the pack’s territory was breathtaking. It stretched far and wide, a testament to wealth and power. Each street was lined with elegant homes, far grander than anything she had seen in the Crimson Moon Pack. Even the houses on the outskirts gleamed with expert craftsmanship, their intricate designs making them look more like noble estates than mere dwellings.
They came to a stop in front of a large building, the sign above its entrance reading in bold letters: The Healer’s House.
Without a word, they stepped inside.
The scent of herbs and incense filled the air. A beautiful woman, busy attending to a customer, lifted her head as they entered.
The moment Lena saw her, a cold shiver ran down her spine.
That witch.
The same woman who had sealed her fate with Alpha Darius the night before.
The healer’s expression remained unreadable as she bowed slightly.
“What brings the Luna to my humble home?” she asked, her voice smooth and calm.
Lena swallowed hard.
“She needs a check-up,” Cedric answered.
Lena slowly pulled back her hood.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
The air shifted.
Every eye in the healer’s house turned toward her, burning with hate.
The healer barely reacted. Instead, she turned away and began walking toward the stairs.
“Come with me,” she said.
They followed her.
The healer led them inside. The room was dim. The air reeked of dried herbs and strong oils.
A small bed sat in the center. Clean sheets. Wooden shelves filled with vials, scrolls, and strange-looking plants.
“Sit,” the healer ordered.
Lena hesitated. Cedric shot her a look. She had no choice. She moved forward and lowered herself onto the bed. Every muscle screamed in pain.
The healer stepped closer. Her sharp eyes scanned Lena’s face. Then her arms.
She grabbed Lena’s wrist. Turned it over. The deep cut was still fresh.
Milicent gasped.
The healer ran a cold finger over the wound. “This should have healed by now.” A pause. “How strange.”
Lena snatched her hand back. “There’s nothing strange about it,” she spat. “I told him—I’m not a werewolf.”
The healer smirked. Like she knew something Lena didn’t.
“Oh, I know exactly what you did.”
Lena stiffened.
The woman turned away. She scanned the shelves, fingers moving over different bottles. She picked one. A vial filled with deep red liquid.
“You were prepared for this, weren’t you?” She swirled the vial. “Your mother made sure of it. The Moon Mark of Restraint… cruel, yet effective.”
Lena’s stomach twisted.
She had no idea what the hell that meant.
The healer turned back to her. Sharp eyes. Calculating.
“Tell me, girl. Do you really think sealing your wolf will save you?”
Lena clenched her fists. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, witch!”
The healer’s eyes flickered. “Witch?” A dry chuckle. “I am no witch, girl. I am a healer. And you, as a wolf before, should know exactly what that means.”
Lena didn’t respond.
The healer moved closer. “Where does it hurt?”
Lena’s throat tightened. She hesitated. Then, in a low voice—
“Last night. My lungs… they were ripping. My heart… tearing into shreds.” Her hand clutched her chest. “My head. It felt like it would explode.”
The healer sighed. She knew exactly what that meant. But she said nothing.
She uncorked the vial.
“Drink.”
Lena scowled. “I don’t trust anything that comes from you.”
The healer smirked. “Suit yourself. But if you want to live in this pack, you’ll need strength. This will help with the pain.”
Lena hesitated.
Every inch of her body ached. Her wrist burned. Her limbs felt like lead.
Maybe just a sip.
She took the vial. Fingers trembling. She brought it to her lips.
The moment the liquid touched her tongue—
Fire.
A searing heat shot through her veins.
Lena gasped. Her back arched. The pain was unbearable.
Milicent rushed forward. “Luna?”
The healer just watched. Unbothered.
Lena’s vision blurred. Her breath came in ragged pants.
What was happening to her?
Darkness crept in.
And then—
Everything went black.
Kaugnay na kabanata
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 7: The chase
"Alpha. An important scroll has arrived from the Dark Towers," Cedric said as Darius stepped into the castle."Important scroll?" Darius muttered, snatching it from his hands.His eyes scanned the parchment. The more he read, the darker his expression grew.Without a second thought, he shoved the scroll against Cedric’s chest. "Deny it."Cedric kept pace beside him. "This is the third time you've rejected the park leaders. They’re determined to hold the ritual here this year.""Deny the fucking scroll!" Darius snarled. His voice echoed through the hall. "I don't want those heartless beings in my kingdom!"He stormed upstairs. Servants cowered in fear, stepping out of his path.Only one dared to follow him.Lady Miriam."I don’t want to hear it, Miriam," he snapped, not bothering to turn around."If you keep denying them, they'll sanction you," she warned. "You don’t want the wrath of all the clans against you, do you?""Let them come." He whirled to face her, his eyes blazing. "I’m re
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-29Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 8: The Alpha's suspicion
"I'm telling you, Alpha. She purposely struck me!" Scarlet complained bitterly, her hand still pressed against her cheek.Darius barely glanced up from the parchments on his desk. "What did you do to her, Scarlet?""I didn’t do anything! I just wanted to see her, but she refused and slapped me across the cheek!" she lied, her voice laced with indignation.Then it hit him.A sharp pull deep in his chest.His hands clenched. His breath hitched.His vision blurred as his heart pounded erratically.Something was wrong.Before Scarlet could blink, Darius was gone.He moved with inhuman speed, his body twisting as he lunged out of the window. Mid-air, bones snapped, muscles expanded, and in a heartbeat, his wolf emerged.A beast of dark fur and lethal speed.By the time Scarlet realized what had happened, he was already a blur disappearing into the woods.---Lena barely had time to scream.The rogues lunged.Then, out of nowhere, a massive black wolf crashed into the clearing.It moved wit
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-30Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 9: The Alpha's forbidden sanctuary
The Next MorningDylia, the healer, worked diligently on Lena’s legs, the cool touch of medicinal herbs stirring her awake. A sharp sting shot through her as the salve seeped into her wounds, making her wince.Flashes of the previous night returned—the relentless run through the forest, the wolf carrying her, branches scraping against her skin.She exhaled deeply and sat up.Dylia immediately noticed. "You're finally awake." She offered a small smile, sitting on a stool beside the bed. "How do you feel?""Like I barely survived." Lena muttered, earning an amused chuckle from the healer."You're exaggerating. You'll be fine in no time."Lena hesitated before asking, "Whose wolf brought me back yesterday?"Silence filled the room.Dylia’s smile faltered. "Brought you back?""Yes," Lena said firmly. "A wolf saved me from those rogues in the forest. It carried me back here."Dylia sighed. "You must have imagined it, Luna. The Alpha said he found you just outside his study window and brough
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-31Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 10: Dress torn, scheme unfolds
The festival was fast approaching, and the entire pack buzzed with anticipation. Maidens flocked to their favorite dress shops, selecting the finest fabrics and embroidery for the grand occasion. The town square was alive with excitement, the scent of fresh flowers and baked goods filling the air as preparations continued in full swing.In the heart of the bustling town, a group of women gathered inside an elegant dress shop, their fingers tracing the delicate fabrics as they whispered amongst themselves."Whose dress will be the most stunning this year?" one of them mused aloud."If Lady Ravena doesn't return home this year, then it's definitely Lady Scarlet," another replied confidently.A few nodded in agreement, their eyes sparkling with excitement. But their chatter quickly took a darker turn."I heard Lydia Voss is returning to the territory for the first time in years," a young woman interjected.The mood shifted instantly. Faces hardened, and an air of resentment settled over
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-01Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 11: The mysterious adviser
Lena’s heart pounded as she slipped through the corridors, careful not to draw attention. The scent of damp earth and blooming flowers filled the air as she stepped into the forbidden garden.The man stood with his back to her, long raven-black hair swaying slightly in the breeze. He carried himself with quiet authority, his hands clasped behind him as he observed the water fountain. Even from this distance, Lena could tell he was tall, his shoulders broad, yet his stillness was unnerving—almost unnatural.Something about him sent a shiver down her spine. Who is he? And why is he here when no one else is allowed?She crouched low, moving carefully through the grass, watching as he reached out, trailing his fingers through the water. He seemed lost in thought, detached from the world around him.Then, without warning, he tilted his head slightly, as if listening to something only he could hear."You know I could smell you the moment you stepped in here," his deep voice rumbled. "Come o
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-02Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 12: The name she stole
"I have your dress for the night, Luna," Milicent announced as she walked in, carefully wheeling in a wooden dress stand draped with a black cloth.Lena, lost in thoughts of Vargr, let out a quiet sigh. "What if I say I don't want to go?"Milicent gasped, immediately dropping to her knees. "The Alpha will have my head for not persuading you, Luna. Please rethink your decision."Lena blinked, startled by the dramatic display. Quickly, she rushed forward, grasping Milicent's arms and pulling her up. "Stop that. You know I can't stand seeing you beg like this," she scolded, though a small smile tugged at her lips.Milicent grinned, knowing her tactic had worked. "Even if that was a little much, the Alpha won't be pleased if you refuse to attend. And besides, are you not looking forward to seeing your mother? It's been a month since you last saw her."Lena’s smile disappeared instantly. That woman. The devil who had sold her here instead of her own daughter. The reminder left a bitter tas
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-03Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 13: When Silence Breaks—A Reckoning at the Blood Moon Festival
In the festival grounds, the air buzzed with murmurs and hushed conversations as elegantly dressed women from noble houses and distant packs filled the space.The flickering torchlight cast golden hues over the gathering, illuminating the lavish decorations and the dancers twirling in mesmerizing rhythm at the center of the festivities.Applause and whispers rippled through the crowd, but among the seated pack leaders, impatience stirred.At a long table beside the Alpha’s vacant throne, the high lords and betas exchanged glances, their expressions darkening. Lydia Voss sat with poise, while her daughter stood nearby, dressed in the simple garb of a maid.“How much longer will the Alpha keep us waiting?” High Lord Alister grumbled, his fingers drumming against the table.His irritation was shared by the others, their displeasure evident in the stiff set of their shoulders.“Does he mean to disgrace the pack leaders by refusing to host us properly? How dare he insult those who have uph
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-03Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 14: A Game of Words, A Dance with Fire---
High Lord Rhovan finally spoke.His voice, smooth as silk yet edged with hidden thorns, carried over the gathered leaders.“I have heard,” he said, his eyes glinting with unspoken intent, “that you have taken a Luna from the Crimson Moon Pack. From the household of Beta Lydia, no less.”The words were a dagger wrapped in velvet.Alpha Darius, lifting his goblet, paused mid-drink. The firelight caught the sharp angles of his face, casting shifting shadows over his unreadable expression. He lowered the cup slowly, not a flicker of emotion betraying his thoughts.“Well,” he said at last, voice steady. “It was a truce between us.”A hush settled over the festival grounds.“Our pack,” Darius continued, “was simply doing them a favor by eliminating the rogues that plagued their lands.” He let the weight of his words settle before delivering the final blow. “Nothing comes for free.”Murmurs rippled through the gathered Alphas, some nodding in grim understanding, others exchanging wary glance
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-04
Pinakabagong kabanata
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 38: Bonds Tested, Trust Betrayed
Vargr followed Lena down the narrow forest path.After a short trek, they reached a clearing where a grand carriage stood waiting. Two powerful black horses stood hitched to it, their breath misting the cool night air.A cloaked figure leaned against the carriage, hand on the hilt of a sheathed sword. At the sight of Lena, he straightened.“You’re late,” the man said, his voice sharp yet familiar.Vargr’s eyes narrowed. The man’s face was hidden beneath his hood, but the smug stance — and the hint of a smirk — put Vargr on edge.“Who’s this?” Vargr asked, stepping protectively beside Lena.She ignored him, pulling open the carriage door. “We need to leave. The guards will notice I'm gone soon.”“You didn’t answer my question,” Vargr pressed.The cloaked man chuckled. “Relax.” He pushed back his hood, revealing sharp features and dark hair. “Name’s Jaime.”“Friend of mine,” Lena said. “He’s helping us.”“Helping us do what?” Vargr shot back.“Get away,” Jaime answered. “Unless you’d ra
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 37: The Alpha's Hidden Bloodline
A cloaked figure stopped at the brothel nestled near the park's edge, its dim lanterns flickering in the evening gloom. She watched as a servant hurried toward her."Is my husband inside?" she demanded."Yes, Luna. But—"Before the servant could finish, Kara was already striding past him, her heels striking hard against the cobblestone path.The air inside was thick with sweat, wine, and sin. Women draped themselves over men in shadowed corners, their garments slipping indecently low. Soft moans and drunken laughter filled the room. Kara’s stomach churned, but she pressed on.At the end of the hall, she reached a curtained chamber where Alpha Ethan's guard stood, his face blanching when he saw her."My lady," the guard stammered, stepping aside.Kara ignored him, seized the curtain, and yanked it aside.The sight hit her like a slap.Her husband lay sprawled on the bed, tangled between three half-naked women. One lay draped across his chest, her lips trailing down his neck. Another kn
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 36: Roots of an Unlikely Friendship
Twenty-four hours.That was how long Scarlet had been trapped in this godforsaken cell. The cold stone walls seemed to close in on her, and the silver chains that lined the floor had seared her skin every time she moved too close.She had screamed until her throat was raw, banged on the iron door until her fists ached, and cried until her tears ran dry. None of it mattered. No one came. No one cared. Not even a drop of water had been offered."Please..." she rasped, her voice weak and broken. "Get my uncle... I'm dying."Her legs gave out beneath her, and she slumped against the wall, her breath shallow."Don't worry, you'll be out soon," a voice drawled.Her head jerked up. She knew that voice — even in her nightmares."Uthred," she croaked, her voice barely stronger than a breath. "You damned soul.""You look dreadful," he sneered. "Give me what I asked for, and you'll be free."Scarlet let out a bitter laugh. "I’ll tell the Alpha your plans."Silence. A cold, unsettling silence."I
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 35: Beneath the Alpha's Gaze
Everyone heard it. The entire castle.Lena couldn’t believe Darius had done that to her — in front of his pack of wolves. As she limped through the halls, trying to conceal her pain, heads turned. Some whispered, some snickered, and some kept their eyes down, pretending not to see her shame.Disgust twisted inside her.From his balcony, Alpha Darius stood watching her. His sharp gaze followed her every step."My Alpha," Beta Cedric greeted with a respectful bow.Darius didn’t turn around. "Returned?" he asked coolly."Yes... but with news."That caught Darius's attention. He turned sharply, eyes narrowing."Come, stand with me," he ordered.Cedric moved beside him, following his Alpha’s gaze. But while Darius’s eyes remained on Lena, Cedric's attention drifted elsewhere — to Milicent.The nervous handmaiden flitted about like a thief in daylight, glancing over her shoulder as she tried to usher Lena inside.Unaware, Darius’s gaze shifted to follow Cedric’s."It’s been a long time sinc
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 34: A Reckoning of Hearts
Beta Cedric crept silently through the forest, his steps muffled by the damp earth. His sharp gaze never left the witch as she moved between the trees, plucking herbs with practiced fingers. He’d tracked her since she’d left Lydia’s home, careful to keep his presence hidden.Then, just as his amber wolf eyes flared and his claws extended, a whisper of wind brushed past his ear — the telltale hum of an arrow slicing through the air.The arrow struck the witch’s back with a sickening thud. She crumpled to the ground, her eyes wide with shock as blood bubbled from her mouth.Cedric spun around, instincts roaring to life.A figure — crooked and cloaked — vanished into the trees, black shadows curling in its wake like living smoke.A mage.Cedric turned back to the witch, but his breath caught.She was gone. Not a trace of her body remained — only a faint smear of blood and crushed herbs scattered across the dirt.---Darius didn’t say a word as he gripped Lena’s arm and marched her throug
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 33: Torn Between Duty and Desire
Lena broke through the crowd just as the guards forced the boy’s trembling arm onto the blood-stained wooden block.The boy’s face was pale, his breathing rapid, and his wide eyes stayed fixed on the sharp blade hovering above him.“Wait!” Lena’s voice rang out.The crowd stirred, murmurs spreading as people turned to face her. The guards hesitated, lowering the blade slightly.“Who dares interrupt the Alpha’s judgment?” one of the guards barked.“I do,” Lena declared, stepping forward. “Release the boy.”“She’s the Luna,” someone whispered.The guards exchanged uneasy glances.“My lady,” one of them said, lowering his head slightly in respect. “The Alpha’s orders were clear.”“I know the Alpha’s orders,” Lena replied. “But I question the wisdom of punishing a starving child like this.”“Theft is theft,” the guard argued. “The boy knew the risk.”“And what did he steal?” Lena challenged. “Gold? Weapons?”“Food,” a voice answered from the crowd. An elderly woman stepped forward. “He to
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 32: "When Mercy Becomes a Blade"
"My lords," a man greeted, bowing his head before turning to the Alpha. "Alpha, may your reign be long.""What is the matter?" Darius asked.The man gestured to a young human boy, bruised and dressed in torn clothes."For some time now, I've noticed food disappearing from my kitchen," the man explained. "My family and I decided to set a trap. We stayed up through the night and caught him red-handed.""And he's still breathing?" Lord Ronan drawled, sounding bored."My lord, according to our laws, such matters must be brought before the Alpha for judgment.""I know the traditions well," Ronan said, his voice sharp. "But those laws were made for werewolves — not humans. This shouldn't even be a matter for the court."Some of the elders murmured in agreement, shaking their heads."Boy," Alpha Darius called.The boy lifted his battered face, swollen and streaked with dirt."How old are you?" Darius asked."Thirteen years, Your Grace," the boy answered, his voice weak yet steady.Some of th
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 31: Bloodbound and Broken: The Cost of Betrayal and the Burden of Love
"In the ways of the old," the elder began, his voice firm yet distant, "a werewolf wedding was more than just a union of hearts. It was a binding of souls. The ceremony wasn’t merely about vows; it was a pact sealed by blood and magic."He paused, giving the room a moment to grasp the weight of his words."The couple would stand beneath the Blood Moon, surrounded by their pack. The Alpha or an elder would draw a ceremonial blade, cutting both bride and groom's palms. Their blood would mix as they clasped hands, creating a bond stronger than words alone."His gaze darkened."But with such power comes risk. If the bond is forced, if one heart wavers or doubts, the magic can turn unstable. A failed bond weakens the mind and spirit. Some say it drives the pair to madness."Murmurs rippled through the room, but Lena wasn’t done."And what about... the effects?" she pressed.The elder nodded gravely."A true bond, one forged in love and trust, strengthens both wolves. They become attuned to
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 30: Blood, Bonds, and the Forgotten Rituals of the Old Ways"
What Lena encountered as they stepped into the northern wing of the Shadow Fang Pack was far beyond what she had expected. She had underestimated him — greatly.The place was vibrant, almost bustling with life. It mirrored the lively markets of the human world, where merchants called out their wares, eager voices mingled in conversation, and stalls lined the streets, brimming with goods — from richly woven fabrics to fragrant herbs and rare trinkets. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, blending with the faint aroma of burning incense.Children darted between vendors, their laughter ringing out like a melody, while traders haggled with customers over prices. There was warmth here — a sense of community and normalcy that felt foreign compared to the cold tension that clung to the Shadow Fang Pack’s main grounds.This wasn’t the grim, oppressive environment she had braced herself for. It was thriving, welcoming — a corner of the pack’s territory that felt almost un
