8
Hearing this, I paused. But a moment later, I regained my composure. My wolf whimpered, but I forced it down.
He summoned all packs, just to prevent my death. A blood debt owed to me.
However, between me and Isabelle, if one of them had to face the Great Hunt, it would always be me.
Therefore, I had no illusions about him anymore.
During my last few days in Ashen territory, I recuperated in the healer’s hut.
The Beta she–wolves, during their rounds, often mentioned the Alpha’s private chambers on the high peak.
“It’s said Alpha Ethan secured the entire peak and even summoned several wise elders from across the territories, just to care for Luna
Isabelle!”
“I’ve seen him several times personally bringing his Luna healing herbs and spring water, gifting her many enchanted trinkets, staying up all night at her bedside. He’s so devoted!”
I listened to the gossip quietly, touching my chest. My wolf was silent, resigned.
I felt nothing there, just a slow heartbeat.
It seemed the wounds in my heart were almost healed.
On the day of my release, Lydia was supposed to guide me back to my den, but was delayed by pack matters.
I reassured her and ventured home alone.
Today was my last day in my position. I went through the release process..
Carrying my satchel, I was about to leave when I ran into Isabelle.
Isabelle, holding a vial of calming herbs, deliberately brushed against me.
“Watch where you’re going! You’ve stained my tunic! Again! Are you doing this on purpose?” Her scent was sharp with venom. Isabelle staged the entire scene, then summoned her enforcers, ordering them to make me submit and beg forgiveness.
I refused to submit, but Isabelle escalated, throwing the remaining calming herbs on my face.
“What are you looking at? Not happy? Let me tell you, Ethan only has eyes for me. No matter what I do, he’ll always take my side. Punishing a lowly Beta like you is nothing.”
With a smug look, she left.
The enforcers dragged me and forced me to kneel.
I struggled, but couldn’t break free, attempting to reason with them.
“I’ve been released; I’m no longer Alpha Ethan’s Beta. Why are you forcing me to kneel?”
The enforcers remained unmoved, their tone cold.” Alpha Ethan’s wishes; Luna Isabella’s wishes are his wishes. We must fulfill her requests. Save your words for Alpha Ethan, Beta Zoe.”
My arguments were silenced.
.
10.6%
< 8
I knew they wouldn’t listen and gave up struggling.
Passing pack members whispered and sent mental images.
In the cold full moon light, I knelt for seven hours, my knees scraped raw. The moon pulled at my wolf, making me even more
vulnerable.
My face was purple with cold; I shivered uncontrollably, relying on sheer willpower to endure.
I was losing consciousness when I heard someone call my name.
I lifted my head, seeing Lydia running towards me.
“Zoe, you just left the healer’s hut, why are you kneeling here? Who is tormenting you?”
My throat was parched. I instinctively said, “Isabelle…”
