Cecilia POVPearly and I were having dinner when Rosie's screams shattered the evening's calm. Her cries pierced the quiet, relentless and echoing through the manor."Don't feel sorry for her!" Pearly said, cutting into her grilled fish with determination. "She deserves it! They've all taken your hard work for granted this past year. Now, let's see how they manage without you."Since my return from the palace, I had stopped overseeing the meals at the manor. Pearly had hired a chef for us, and we enjoyed our dinners on the balcony of my room.But as night deepened, Rosie's unending screams made sleep impossible. Frustrated, I got out of bed, retrieved the handgun my father had left me, fitted it with a silencer, and slipped out the window.In the small woods outside the manor, I found a secluded spot to practice my shooting.Regular bullets wouldn't harm werewolves; even a shot to the heart would heal almost instantly. But a wolfsbane bullet was a different story—those wounds too
Vahn POVAfter leaving Cecilia's room, Rosie directed us to the study for a discussion."Vahn, do you know how much wealth Cecilia possesses?" Rosie asked me."How would I know? I wasn't with her for her money," I replied with disdain. As a man and an Alpha, the idea of claiming Cecilia's—or any woman's—wealth never crossed my mind."She owns a hospital in our pack, over 20 hotels, and more than a hundred chain restaurants worldwide. These are just the assets we know of. As for her hidden wealth, I've already had someone investigate. We should have the report by tomorrow.""We just need her to bring Dr. Pearce to us. Why do we need to look into her assets?" I questioned, finding Rosie's actions somewhat excessive."I had her investigated the moment you and Freeda returned. After all, no woman would tolerate her husband being with someone else," Rosie said, glancing at Freeda before adding, "Freeda, I'm not blaming you. I genuinely like you."Freeda nodded. "I understand. I don't
Cecilia POVAfter Vahn, Rosie, and Freeda left my room, I immediately locked the door. I opened my laptop and began reviewing the assets my father had left me. Beyond the 20 hotels and over a hundred restaurants, Rosie and her family likely didn't know the full extent of my father's wealth. In fact, he had also invested in several pharmaceutical and tech companies.When my father and brothers passed away, my mother, Aria, quickly stepped down from her position as Luna. My father's brother, Norman Shore, took over as Alpha of the Lotus Pack. When my father was still alive, my mother loved dressing up and wore a different dress every day. But after the deaths of my father and brothers, she adopted a simpler lifestyle. Every morning and evening, she would pray for their souls. She never touched a single cent from my father's inheritance, giving everything to me.Sometimes, I wondered if my mother might have taken her own life to be with my father if it weren't for me being alive."C
Cecilia POVI walked into the reception room with Pearly trailing behind.Vahn, Freeda, and Rosie were seated around an oval conference table, and next to Rosie was a middle-aged man in a suit."Just say what you need to say," I said, glancing at them before taking a seat across from them, with Pearly by my side."This is Mr. Logan Pierre," Vahn said. "After I reject you, Logan will handle the asset division."Logan adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and nodded, giving me a professional but insincere smile.At first, I thought Vahn's threats were just a tactic to intimidate me. I didn't expect him to have already secured a lawyer. From Rosie's demeanor, it was clear she was orchestrating this. After all, Vahn was a warrior, not accustomed to such scheming."I am the Luna of the Thorn Pack. Even if you reject me, you must first inform the pack leaders and hold a formal rejection ceremony in front of all the pack members," I said, holding my head high."There's no need for that," Ro
Julian POVFor the past few days, we had been busy negotiating with the envoy sent by the Western Rogue King. After finalizing the ceasefire agreement that morning, my father, Hogan, finally had some time to relax.After lunch, Hogan suggested we play a game of polo. However, considering Cecilia was still waiting for us at the Thorn Pack, I suggested we first help her sever her mate bond with Vahn.Ben nodded in agreement. "Cecilia has been waiting for almost a week without any response from us. It's best to assist her as soon as possible.""I almost forgot about it," Hogan said. "Ben, please prepare the helicopter.""I'll join you as well. I'd like to discuss some details about Vahn's actions on the northwest battlefield," I added, finding an excuse though my true intention was to see Cecilia.An hour later, we arrived at the Thorn Pack. A maid in the garden saw us and, in her panic, dropped her watering can before bowing deeply."Please inform Vahn and Cecilia that the Alpha K
Julian POV"You guys can talk. I'll head out first," Cecilia said, giving me a quick look before walking away.I nodded and invited Vahn into my room, closing the door behind us."If you have any questions, just ask.""I'd like to know more about you and Freeda's battle in Ashfall.""Didn't we file a report on that? It clearly states that Ashfall was overrun by Rogues. I led a team of thirty as the vanguard, infiltrating the city to destroy their arsenal. We were surrounded and engaged in a tough fight. Luckily, Freeda arrived with a support team of a hundred and captured over a dozen Rogues, including their leader. This forced over five hundred Rogues to retreat from Ashfall. To secure the captives, the Rogue King proposed a ceasefire three days later." Vahn recounted this with the ease of someone who had told the story many times."I know the basics, but how did Freeda manage to capture the enemy commander? They outnumbered her," I pressed."Are you doubting Freeda's abilities?
Cecilia POV"Does he often treat you like this?" Julian asked as he walked with me back to my room."Not often, but it's not the first time," I replied.Noticing the murderous look on Julian's face, I quickly added, "I'm fine. It's just childish behavior. He's the one who should be embarrassed, not me.""If anyone bullies you again in the future, just let me know," he offered."Do I look like a pushover? Didn't you hear Rosie calling me sly and malicious this afternoon?" I blinked at him playfully.Julian smiled at that."That glass of wine will have to wait until tomorrow," I said as I opened the door to my room."The wine here isn't the best. Once you're no longer the Luna of the Thorn Pack, I'll take you to taste the finest wine you've ever had," Julian promised.After wishing Julian goodnight, I lay down in bed, feeling a sense of satisfaction as I awaited the arrival of the next morning.The following day, Pearly accompanied me to the square where Vahn was already waitin
Julian POVCecilia fainted on stage.Some said that breaking a mate bond felt like being cut by a dull knife, while others said it was like being pierced by thousands of arrows. There were also those who said it would feel like being burned by fire. I couldn't tell what Cecilia was experiencing at that moment.Vahn, too, didn't appear to be faring much better. His Beta and girlfriend helped him leave the scene.I carried Cecilia back to her room and had her maid, Pearly, assist in changing her into a nightgown before laying her down on the bed. Even unconscious, Cecilia's brows remained furrowed.Pearly called a doctor to inquire about ways to ease Cecilia's pain. Henry's response was that this was the Moon Goddess' punishment for those who defied fate. The mate bond was destined, and breaking it required enduring 24 hours of pain, with no way to alleviate it but to endure.Upon hearing this, Pearly began to cry, sitting beside Cecilia's bed and lamenting, "The Moon Goddess is be
Cecilia POV"She's no longer a prostitute, so she has moved out of the military brothel."Thus, I told Zara what happened that day."It's good that you want to help others. But Amy, she definitely is no angel!""I'm just helping her find a new job and giving her a chance." I calmed Zara down. "Just move to the room next to mine if you don't want to see her.""No way! I'm not interested in third-wheeling you and Julian!" Zara curled her lip.Zara also heard Amy and Ellie insult me at the bar a few nights ago. For that reason, she had been regarding Amy with disfavor. I could fathom Zara's hostility toward Amy. Still, since she had been helping the refugees these past few days and hadn't witnessed Ellie's tragic death, she didn't understand my desire to help Amy.If truth be told, I wasn't that noble. I simply wanted to do something within my power to make myself feel at ease.The days that followed were busy yet peaceful. Most importantly, I saw hope resurfacing on the faces o
Cecilia POV"Oh, thank you." Julian casually slid the cufflink into his pocket.I swiftly pulled a long face. In my mind, I pondered how Julian's cufflink ended up in Rhea's possession. Although a cufflink wasn't a particularly personal item, she couldn't get it without physical intimacy. In fact, I could smell her scent on the cufflink through the pocket."Have you and Rhea known each other for a long time?" I mind-linked Julian after walking out of the military prostitutes' barracks."Yeah, but don't get me wrong. Nothing is going on between me and her," Julian quickly explained."Like I care!" I quickened my place huffily and left him behind. Based on their conversation earlier, it sure sounded like something did happen between him and Rhea."Mario, take the three of them to a new barrack." Julian sent the others away. Then, he caught up to me and grabbed my arm. "Cecilia, are you angry?""No, I'm not." I pretended to respond calmly. In reality, a surge of rage came over me.
Cecilia POVEllie's body was quickly sent for cremation after Alex was executed.I saw Layla and Ellie get tortured in my dream for two nights in a row. They were staring at me with wide eyes. It was as if they were begging for a helping hand that I couldn't give. In the end, the scene in my dream changed, and I became the one getting chained and whipped.I woke up with a start, and my body was drenched in sweat. For a moment, the torture I felt in my nightmare seemed to be real.Nonetheless, I couldn't shake off the feeling that this nightmare wasn't just my brain playing tricks on me. Instead, it served as a warning and a reminder."Julian, how many military prostitutes are there in the camp?" I rushed to Julian's office after getting up."I'm not sure. Why do you suddenly ask about this?" Julian put down the document in his hand, walked to me, kissed my forehead, and calmed my emotions."18," replied Mario, who stood on the side. "Oh, wait. It's 17 now.""I think we should a
Julian POVAmy was so frightened that she hid behind me and held my arm tightly, refusing to let go. For her safety, I decided not to push her away.Then, I gave Vahn a look, signaling him to cuff Alex.Cecilia stood beside me. She had a cold expression on her face as she looked down at Alex with her arms crossed.As for Alex, he showed no sign of fear. His fierce and flickering eyes shifted back and forth between us. It was as if he was already aware of his fate, considering he didn't even try to defend himself."Did you kill Ellie?""So what if I did? What are you going to do about it?""You think you can just walk off after taking someone's life?" I growled."She's just a prostitute!" he retorted and spat on the ground."Alex, you truly are beyond redemption. There was no point in me thinking so highly of you before!" Even Vahn couldn't help but chastise Alex."For your information, you seem never good at judging one's character." Cecilia rolled her eyes at Vahn before ask
Julian POV"Alex? Is he Freeda's subordinate?" I frowned. "He hasn't returned since last night?""That's right." Mario nodded. "We haven't been able to reach him. Do you want me to bring Freeda over for questioning?""Her again? How much trouble will she and her subordinates cause?" I slammed the table in anger. "Who are the other two? Investigate them as well.""One is under Alpha Cecilia's command, and the other is Alpha Ethan's subordinate," Mario explained while glancing at me and Ethan."Let me see which brat it is! I'll teach him a lesson!" Ethan rolled up his sleeves and was furious. Then, he assured me, "Don't worry, Prince Julian. I won't show any favoritism. If it turns out that one of my men is guilty, it's because I failed to discipline him. I'll take responsibility and accept the punishment."On the other hand, Cecilia didn't seem concerned about the other two. Instead, she walked over to Amy, who was sitting in the corner, and asked, "Amy, do you know Alex?""Yes
Julian POV"Doctor, can you estimate the time of death?" I asked."Judging by the body temperature and its condition, she must be dead for about 5 to 6 hours. Since it's now 9.30am., she likely died between 3am and 4am." Then, the doctor pressed on the body and showed us the livor mortis."See? The marks disappear quickly, which means the body is still fresh.""If that's the case, Cecilia definitely has nothing to do with it. I finished work with Mario around 1 A.M. last night and returned to rest." I cleared my throat and looked at Cecilia. "I was with her last night. She couldn't be involved in this."Cecilia looked at me in shock. Then, she mind-linked me and said, "Why did you lie? We weren't together last night. This has nothing to do with me. Yet, you're making it look like you're covering for a suspect. If this lie is exposed, it'll only make me look more suspicious."Before I could respond, Amy quietly questioned, "But she could've snuck out while you were asleep...""We
Julian POVAs Amy took me to the location of the body, I mind-linked Mario to tell him to bring the camp's doctor along.The body was in an abandoned warehouse next to the camp. It was less than 30 meters from the camp gate. When I arrived at the scene, I realized it was far more horrifying than I had imagined."She was injected with a large amount of wolfsbane and hallucinogens. The fatal injury might have been the tearing of her lower body, internal organ damage, and excessive bleeding," the doctor said with a sigh. Then, he continued, "This is just pure sadistic murder. However, there's no sign of semen in her body, nor any fingerprints on her. The killer is a professional one."Shortly after, a scout was assigned to investigate the case. Alas, he also found no clues after examining the body for a while."What were you and Ellie doing last night? Who did Ellie meet before she was killed?" I asked Amy."Ellie and I went to the bar together. I returned to the camp early becaus
Julian POVIn just three short days, Cecilia managed to gather a total of 300 million, and the amount kept growing."She's really helped us out once again. If she hadn't organized the fundraiser, we'd be facing some serious financial difficulties." Hogan's voice sounded cheerful over the phone."Yes, she's an impressive Alpha. Brave, intelligent, and responsible—""Enough about that. When are you coming back to Black Stone? Your mother misses you dearly." Hogan cut me off before I could finish listing Cecilia's strengths."I need to stay here to coordinate the rebuilding efforts in Ashfall. I can't leave just yet.""I'll send the experts myself if that's all it takes. There's no reason for you to—" Hogan's tone turned stern. "I know you're staying for her. She's doing well, but don't think that means she'll become the Luna of Valdora. I'm giving you one month to wrap things up and return!""All right."After ending the call, I let out a breath of relief. It wouldn't be easy to
Cecilia POVI stared at him, a hint of disbelief flashing in my eyes. "You mean to say you can't help at all? If it weren't for Freeda, your dear wife, these people wouldn't even be refugees in the first place! Don't you think you owe them some compensation?"Freeda interrupted sharply, "This isn't about refugees. This is about you playing the hero and trying to make yourself look good. Just because you have money and influence now doesn't mean others can throw money around recklessly."I blinked, taken aback by the malice in her tone. "This isn't about showing off. It's about saving lives, about helping people who have lost everything in the war. This isn't some competition."She stood, crossing her arms, her eyes narrowing as she faced me. "Oh, isn't it? You're here, putting on this grand fundraiser, expecting everyone to line up and donate. It's nothing more than emotional blackmail."My heart pounded, and a surge of anger rose within me. "It's not blackmail. No one is being fo