Chapter 1 Chapter 1

I left the witch's lair behind. Today, I made my way to the Pack Council to hand in my resignation from the pack. As I waited for the paperwork to go through, I scrolled through my phone and stumbled upon a news headline. The Alpha of the Moonshadow pack had ventured into the Dark Forest for a hunt, returning with a rare Moonshadow stone for his beloved Luna. [This gem is a rarity, shimmering with a wolf pattern in the moonlight, only found when a mighty Silver Wolf is taken down on a full moon.] [The reporter specifically asked Alpha Harold why he would risk his life to hunt personally. After all, even though Moonshadow Stones are incredibly rare, with his wealth and status, acquiring a few shouldn't be difficult.] [His answer? No wealth could match the gift of his heart, and he'd brave any danger for his mate.] The Pack Council staff sighed in awe. "You're keeping tabs on them, too? Alpha Harold and his omega wife, Anita—they're true love, blessed by the Moon Goddess herself. They say he was smitten at first sight and pursued her relentlessly for two years. "He gifted her the northern lands because she adored moonflowers, and he even planted them with his own hands as far as the eye could see. "Anita might be an omega, but Harold stood up to his family's disapproval, ready to give up his Alpha inheritance just to be mate-bonded with her. "They say it's one thing to woo with passion, but Harold? He's set a new standard. He showers Anita with endless gifts and never misses a chance to sing her praises. Oh, to be blessed by the Moon Goddess with a love like that!" I stood there, watching the clerk as she enthusiastically processed my paperwork to leave the pack, all the while gushing about the epic romance between Harold and me. Her eyes were full of envy, but inside, I could not help but feel the sting of irony. Harold had always been nothing but wonderful to me. A decade ago, during the Hunting Festival, I found myself lost in the ancient rhythms of the pack dancing by the light of the bonfire. Harold could not take his eyes off me, as if I had cast a spell on him. He stepped forward, eager to dance, telling me I was like the Moon Goddess come to life. He was the Alpha's son, and I was just an omega without an inner wolf of my own. I had no way of knowing if he was truly my destined soulmate. I turned him down; the divide between us felt like a chasm. However, Harold would not take no for an answer. He was like a wolf on the hunt, with only two outcomes in mind: keep chasing or claim victory. For my sake, he took over the northern lands, and I became the first woman in a century to rise to the rank of Luna without a wolf of my own. He dedicated two years to cultivating fields of moonflowers across our new territory, just for me. Time and again, he would vow, "Anita, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one the Moon Goddess meant for me. "I swear, I'll guard you with my life. You're my one and only, and my heart will beat for you and you alone." I did not have an inner wolf, could not feel the Moon Goddess's pull, but in that moment, I was absolutely sure—Harold was my true mate. I said yes to his pursuit, despite knowing full well that an Alpha and an Omega union would face the pack's resistance. We were together for three years, and at last, we won over the pack's acceptance and their blessings. Everyone was convinced Harold and I were meant for a lifetime of love. However… The staff's voice snapped me back to reality. "Please hand over your pack ID card." With a definitive click, the machine took my card, sealing the end of my ties to the pack. "Miss, here's your exit permit. You've got three days left with us."

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

After leaving the Pack Council, I printed out the agreement to break my mate bond, just as Harold's call came through. Harold, the so-called perfect mate, spoke with a softness that belied the chaos of recent events. "My dear, I'm so sorry. Those rogues blindsided us, and I missed our fifth anniversary. Beating them back was only half the battle, and I owed you an apology gift." As the printer churned out the agreement, Harold was clueless that I was plotting my departure. "Why would I be mad at you? I vowed to be the most empathetic Luna. With all these rogue attacks, you've been stretched thin. I've got a surprise for you, too." Harold's voice buzzed with excitement. "Anita, you're too kind. Even when I mess up, you still think of me." I signed the agreement, my tears falling faster than my pen, blurring the ink. "You didn't mess up. Defending the pack is always the right move." Harold sidestepped my comment, simply telling me to meet him at the Howl Office for a belated anniversary celebration. I locked the signed document in a time-coded safe, set to unlock in three days. "What will you feel when you find this, Harold?" I wondered. The welcome was overwhelming when I stepped into the Howl Office. A crown was placed upon my head, moonflowers pressed into my hands, and the room bathed in the soft glow of a moonlight projector. Harold dropped to one knee, his hand outstretched with the shimmering Moonshadow Stone. "My mate, will you accept this overdue token of my love?" My eyes drifted from Harold to Selena, the fierce fighter who had come for him that day. Then, she stood behind him, eyeing me curiously as she pushed a cake cart. "Anita, are you upset? Why the silence? Have I been too wrapped up in my duties? I haven't been by your side enough, have I?" Harold's voice was laced with unwarranted worry, his striking golden eyes locked onto mine. I laughed softly, accepting the stone. "Promise me you'll stay out of the forest. Hunting there worries me." Harold's relief was palpable as he kissed my hand tenderly. "Being your mate, the mightiest of werewolves, is my pride—hunting for you, my privilege." I handed him my own carefully wrapped gift. "Here's my response, but you'll have to wait three days before it reveals itself.""Three days? That means I'll be left guessing about your surprise." Harold rose, his embrace warm, his whispers intimate. "Darling, you're always full of surprises, making life with you an adventure." Applause and cheers for our love story filled the air. "Seeing them together makes me long for a mate of my own," someone sighed dreamily. "Do you sense the shift? The Alpha's only this tender with his Luna.""Our secret anniversary redo for Luna's leaked, and it's all over the headlines now." I could already picture the online frenzy: [#True Love Approved by Moon Goddess#] and [#Alpha's Wife Routine#]. The envy, the cheers—they would soon take over our pack's online world. It was laughable, really. There I was, wrapped in Harold's arms, but he reeked of a perfume that was not his—a sickly sweet stench, like fruit left to rot. I let Harold hold me tight, yet my eyes could not help but stray to Selena. If only I had the senses of a wolf, I might have sniffed out the remnants of their secret affair. Selena offered me a smile, but the green-eyed monster was plain to see in her gaze.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Together, Harold and I sliced the celebratory cake, sharing it with the whole room. Our friends ribbed us, eager to know where our next romantic escapade would be. Harold finally caved to their relentless curiosity, "Okay, okay, no more questions. We're off to Lunaris Inn later for some stargazing." Out of nowhere, Selena piped up, "Lunaris Inn, that's the spot for lovers—pricey and oh-so-romantic. It's open just once a month, and our Alpha snagged the grandest suite. They say it's a glass palace that glows wild and beautiful in the moonlight... Talk about a couple goals for our alpha and his mate." My polite grin was on the verge of cracking. I was in the dark about such intimate plans, yet Selena was in the know before me. Needing a breather, I stepped outside, only to overhear Selena gossiping in the garden. "Anita's hit the jackpot, from a plain Jane omega to the Alpha's darling. She'd be a goner in the woods on her own, but now she's pampered with treasures without lifting a finger.""Oh, Moon Goddess, where's my perfect match? Someone like Alpha Harold—drop-dead gorgeous, strong as they come, loyal, and tender..." They were laying it on thick, lavishing every compliment imaginable on Harold. Selena let out a mocking laugh. "Jealous of Anita, that no-good omega? Please, Moonshadow Stones are a dime a dozen. My mate? He's out there in the forest, braving the Silver wolves' lair to fetch me not one, but ten of those beauties." The other two gasped in awe. "Ten stones! Holy smokes, a regular werewolf would be dead a hundred times over for that. Selena, your guy's a beast, makes Alpha Harold look like a pup!" From the second-floor balcony, I watched Selena flaunt her shimmering stones, each one catching the moonlight and shimmering with a wolf pattern. 10 stones. 10 times what I had. A sharp pang hit me, and I shut my eyes, but Selena's bragging cut through the silence. "He adores me and would lay down his life for a smile. And that's not all—he's also gifted me ten high-energy crystals and a sable fur cloak..." As Selena ticked off her treasures, my heart sank further. I had crystals too, just one, and sable fur, merely a scarf. In the garden, the other she-wolves' eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Whoa, who's your mate? Do we even have someone that grand in our pack? You're not pulling our leg, are you?""He's a mystery, way out of your league. But hey, he's whisking me away to the Lunaris Inn tonight. Don't believe me? I'll snap a picture for you." I could not take it anymore. I turned and walked back to Harold. He pulled me close. "Time to head out, everything's set up at the hotel." I forced a smile, fighting back tears. "We won't have any trouble with Rogue tonight, will we?" Harold's lips brushed my forehead in a tender kiss. "No way they're coming back. I just chased them off. I've taken care of everything, so nothing's going to interrupt our perfect night together." However, as soon as we stepped into the Lunaris Inn, Harold's phone buzzed with an urgent link from the beta. He looked at me, worried about creasing his brow. "Some of our guys got hit with a virus from a Rogue. It's bad... really bad." I had seen that coming. "Should I wait for you here?" He hesitated, his voice uncertain. "This might take a while. I'll have someone drive you home." My heart sank, but I forced a smile. "Don't worry about me. I meant it when I said I'd always have your back. I'm your Luna, through thick and thin." Harold's golden eyes met mine, filled with remorse. He opened and closed his mouth, struggling to find words, but in the end, he just nodded to an employee to take me home. That night, I was alone, tidying up and drowning in a mix of calm and despair, waiting for Harold.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

It was the wee hours of the morning when Harold finally stumbled in. He reeked of booze, his shirt misbuttoned as if he had dressed in a hurry. I did not understand why dealing with a virus carried by Rogues required drinking, but I did not want to know, either. I helped him into the house, gave him water, and peeled off his shoes and clothes. He was drenched in cologne, like he was trying to mask some other scent. Clutching me close, he slurred, "My sweetheart, you're the best. No matter how late I get, you'd wait for me. If I ever come home and you're not here... I'd lose my mind." I gazed at him, my voice soft. "Silly, have you forgotten the vows we made when we formed our mate bond?""From this moment, our hearts and souls are intertwined, bound by love and truth, loyalty and devotion. Only the Moon Goddess herself could ever tear us apart. However, if...""If you ever betray me, you'll never see me again," I cut him off. Harold's lips brushed my eyelids, his voice smooth, almost too smooth. "You're the only one for me. Betrayal isn't in my cards." He had not forgotten our promises. Then, the doorbell shattered the silence. I swung the door open to find Selena on the doorstep. She leaned in close, too close, reeking of cologne—the same scent Harold wore. She waved a sheaf of papers at me. "Luna, sorry to bother you at this hour, but there's new data on the virus infection that the Alpha needs to check." Her bag, the same kind I would find in every room at the Lunaris Inn, was a silent message. She had been there with her mate. Before I could reply, Harold charged down the stairs, likely drawn by Selena's voice. He whisked me behind him, his voice laced with annoyance, "Selena, work stays out of the house. Luna doesn't appreciate it." Without even glancing at the papers, Harold's words were a clear warning, "I've made my orders clear. Anyone who can't follow them can leave the pack." With that, he slammed the door in her face, "Don't mind her, she doesn't get it." I answered softly, "I'm not upset, just worried about you working too hard." When Harold came to his senses, he blinked at the sea of photo albums strewn across the living room. "What's with all this stuff all of a sudden?""I haven't gone through them in ages, just wanted to have a look," I replied, my voice heavy with nostalgia. Harold wrapped his arms around me and we sank into the couch, flipping through the albums together. "Time flies, huh? Ten years since we met, and now it's our fifth anniversary since we became an inseparable pair. It's definitely time to walk down memory lane." Harold must have still been a bit tipsy, rambling on as he clung to me. "Check this out. At the dance, I snapped this while you were twirling. The second time I asked you to dance, you said yes. Though I bet you were playing hard to get because you spent the whole night stepping on my toes, doing anything to dodge my advances. "And this one, when my own family turned their backs on me, and you were there, tears streaming down your face. That was the first time you cried over me. I must've taken a dozen pictures to remember it by, and you chased me around, pleading with me to delete those 'terrible' shots. However, they're not—they're adorable, beautiful even." He talked until exhaustion took over, and then he drifted off in my arms, murmuring, "Anita, let's have a kid, add another face to these albums..." I listened to his trip down memory lane, his hopes for the future, all while my tears fell silently in the darkness. Once Harold was sound asleep, I gathered up those memories and tossed them into the trash. Those recollections had stirred something in Harold, and he decided we should go on a vacation—to the land he had given me, blanketed with moonflowers, the place where I had accepted his love. It seemed fitting to start and end it all there, to draw a perfect close to what we once had. We arrived at the vacation cottage, and it was like stepping back into the days when our love was new. We danced, took in the views, and cooked meals together, just like old times. I had prepared his favorites: grilled salmon and a hearty meatloaf. He hugged me from behind. "I could eat your cooking every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it, Anita." I grinned at him. "Well, you better dig in and not leave any leftovers." Little did I know, it would be the last time Harold would savor my cooking. In the midst of our warm moment, Harold let go of me and stepped outside. I figured he must have received some kind of werewolf distress link he did not want me to sense. Dish by dish, I set the table, only to be met with Harold's regretful gaze. He did not have to say a word, I knew he had been roped into another 'complicated' job. "It's fine, go handle it," I said, ever the understanding one. "However, if you can, come back and join me for dinner tonight, okay?" After all, I was leaving tomorrow. "Sure." He promised with a serious look and then rushed off. He never came back that night, and I waited until the food turned cold and sleep took me right there at the table. When I woke up, it was already morning. Harold did not come back. I checked Selena's Instagram to see she had been ill, and her mate had been by her side all night. I chuckled, hit 'like,' and wished them everlasting joy. Then, with my suitcase in tow, I left the cozy cabin without a backward glance. The once-delicious salmon and meatloaf sat untouched, then cold and unappetizing—much like the love between Harold and me that had grown stale. At the airport, I uncorked the vial from the witch and downed the bitter potion without a second thought. The witch had promised me that with just one sip, I would vanish from my people's awareness, so thoroughly that not even the Moon Goddess could track me down. Right before my plane was set to take off, I shot Harold one final text. Message delivered. I powered down my phone, tossed the SIM card, cutting ties with the life I had left behind.