In pain

I retired to the room upstairs, my head throbbing as though the full moon's power sought to tear through my skull. It was throbbing from the weight of what had just happened. My wolf stirred uneasily within me, her growl echoing faintly in the recesses of my mind.

I couldn’t believe what had just unfolded in the dining room. The scene replayed in my mind like a tormenting echo. Nicholas —my mate, hadn’t even reprimanded Sofia for insinuating that I, his Luna, poisoned her. 

It was absurd! Nicholas knew me, knew I would never stoop so low. The mere idea of harming another wolf, even one I disliked, was repugnant.

 I wouldn’t harm a pup, let alone another member of the pack.

The idea of poisoning her with wolfsbane was absurd. I hadn’t even known she was allergic to the herb. I despised Sofia, yes, but I would never jeopardize my honor as Luna by stooping to such treachery. Besides, I wasn’t even aware of her supposed allergy to wolfsbane-infused milk. Yet, there she was, playing the victim, her jealousy and desire to claim what wasn’t hers fueling her every move.

 She wanted Nicholas, and she wasn’t above using deceit and manipulation to drive a wedge between us.

She must be ecstatic now, knowing her plan to drive a wedge between us was working. Ever since she arrived in the pack, peace had eluded our bond. Her presence disrupted the harmony I shared with Nicholas.

And tonight, she’d succeeded.

I sighed heavily and collapsed onto the bed, my body heavy with exhaustion. My wolf was pacing restlessly within me, growling low at the thought of Sofia’s manipulative presence. Her scent was lingering in the air, irritating my wolf more. If only there were a way to banish her from our territory without invoking the wrath of the Council. The pack couldn’t thrive with such discord, and I had no idea how to protect my place as Luna while fending off Sofia’s schemes.

Realizing I needed to calm my wolf, I stepped into the bathroom for a hot shower. The water soothed my tense muscles, but not the storm brewing in my heart.

After a long shower to calm my fraying nerves, I wrapped myself in a robe and let exhaustion take me.

It wasn’t long before I woke with a parched throat. The dryness made my wolf whine in discomfort, restless urging me to quench the thirst. I pulled on my slippers and descended the stairs, moving silently through the pack house.

Just as I approached the hallway leading to the kitchen, hushed voices reached my ears. I paused, recognizing Nicholas's deep, commanding tone and 

 Sofia’s shrill tone. My wolf bristled when her sickly sweet voice filtered through the hallway. My heart clenched as I crept closer, staying hidden in the shadows.

It was well past midnight—why was Nicholas, my mate, speaking to her at this hour? I crept closer, my heart pounding as their conversation became clearer.

“What were you thinking when you chose a mate like Renna as your luna, Nicholas?", Sofia sneered. 

"She’s too dominant, too harsh, too cold. She doesn’t have the warmth a Luna should possess. A pack needs someone who truly understands its Alpha, not someone who burdens him. She is not fit to be Luna of this pack!”

My wolf growled dangerously, but I held back, listening intently.

“She’s my mate, Sofia,” Nicholas replied, his voice firm, though weariness seeped through.

 “The Moon Goddess chose her for me, and I chose her as my Luna. Mind your words. Show her some respect ”

I felt a flicker of relief, at least he defended me this time. However that relief was quickly extinguished by Sofia’s next words.

“You’ve changed, Nicholas", Sofia pressed on, her voice dripping with manipulation. This isn’t the Alpha I remember,” Sofia continued, her tone laced with venom. “You’ve become soft. What has she done to you? The Nicholas I knew wouldn’t tolerate such defiance from his mate. What has she really done to you?”

" You should be with someone who understands you someone like me....”

“Enough!” Nicholas's voice rose, his Alpha authority rippling through the air. “You have no right to speak of our past or interfere in my bond with Renna.”

“Our past is irrelevant. I have a mate now, and nothing will change that.”

“Our past?” The words struck me like a blow. My chest tightened as Sofia’s next confession shattered what little composure I had left.

“I rejected my mate for you, Nicholas. Don’t deny the connection we had.”

My breath hitched. What?

My heart stopped. The room spun, and I clutched the wall for support. What was she talking about?

“Don’t twist the truth, Sofia. I rejected you long before you left your mate. You left your mate because you were power-hungry, not because of me. You were never meant to be my Luna, Renna is my mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself” Nicholas said coldly, his voice carrying an edge that sent a shiver down my spine.

I stepped closer, my wolf urging me forward. I made sure they didn't see me. I just wanted to watch them silently.

Despite his firm denial, Sofia began to cry, her sobs echoing through the house, her tears were a weapon aimed straight at Nicholas's heart. Then to my horror, Nicholas moved closer, wrapping his arms around her in a gesture of comfort.

 .

Seeing that made pain to slice through me, sharper than any blade. My wolf let out a low snarl, and I turned away, fury and betrayal surging through me. I couldn’t endure this any longer.

Rage boiled within me. My wolf howled, clawing for control, but I held her back. This wasn’t the time for confrontation.

I stormed back upstairs, each step heavier than the last. 

Back in my room, I packed a small bag quickly. I couldn’t stay here. My heart ached, but the decision felt necessary. If Nicholas couldn’t see through Sofia’s lies, I wouldn’t remain where I wasn’t valued. .

As I made my way to the stairs, Sofia appeared, her expression smug and triumphant, making my wolf snarl.

She then blocked my path not letting me go anywhere. 

“You’re leaving already, Luna?” she taunted. “It’s for the best. Nicholas deserves someone who understands him.”

“I don’t have time for your games, Sofia,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm within. “Move aside." I continued evenly, though my wolf growled within me.

She shockingly didn't even bother to move.

“MOVE,” I growled, my wolf pushing to the surface.

Her eyes glinted dangerously and she crossed her arms on her chest. “Do you really think Nicholas would choose you over me if it came down to it? You’re just a burden to him, luna Renna. He deserves someone stronger, more supportive.”

Before I could retort, she shoved me hard. The world tilted, and I tumbled down the stairs, my wolf roaring in panic. My body hit each step with bone-jarring force.

Agony shot through me, and panic set in as I clutched my abdomen.

Pain tore through me as I hit the ground, my hand instinctively clutching my abdomen. All my body parts were paining but the pain that was lancing through my abdomen was , sharp and unrelenting. 

I clutched my abdomen tighter, terror flooding my senses.

. 

The baby.

I screamed, my wolf howling in distress. Sofia descended quickly, throwing herself beside me and groaning dramatically

She pretended to have fallen with me and her cries echoed mine, but I knew her game.

Nicholas burst into the room, his eyes wild as they flicked between us. My gaze locked onto his, pleading for him to see the truth.

My lips trembled as I tried to speak, to tell him the truth, but the pain was too much. I couldn’t form any words.

For a moment, I thought he did not until when Sofia spoke. “She pushed me!” Sofia cried, clutching her side as if in pain. 

He rushed toward me, but then he stopped, turning to Sofia instead.

When he moved to her instead, betrayal crushed me. My wolf whimpered, and darkness consumed me.

The Moon Goddess wouldn’t have chosen this path for me.

Would she?