Chapter 3 3. Beneath the Mask

They say betrayal cuts deeper than any blade, but what happens when the betrayer has no idea their victim still walks the earth? I face him now, the man who ruined me, wearing the face of the woman I've become.

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The palace is quiet, save for the occasional giggle of the pups playing in the distant corridors. I sit in the grand hall, trying to acclimate to the life of Nora Moonblood. The weight of her responsibilities presses on me like a suffocating cloak.

It's been a week since I awakened, but the reality of my situation feels no less surreal. I'm not just a mate anymore. I'm Luna-mother to three pups and bonded to the most powerful Alpha of the Moonblood pack.

Damon watches me constantly, his concern evident in every glance, every word. He doesn't push, but I can feel his questions simmering just beneath the surface. For now, I've managed to deflect them.

Today, though, the peace of my new life shatters.

"Luna, Beta Cain and Claire request an audience," a servant announces, bowing deeply.

The names hit me like a thunderbolt. My stomach churns, and my heart pounds in my chest.

"Send them in," I say, keeping my voice calm and steady.

The doors swing open, and they enter. Cain strides in first, tall and confident, his dark eyes scanning the room before they land on me. He looks... the same. Arrogant, self-assured, utterly unaware of the devastation he left in his wake.

Claire follows close behind, her arm looped through Cain's. Her golden hair falls in perfect waves, and her sickeningly sweet smile twists something deep in my gut.

"Nora," Cain says smoothly, bowing slightly. "It's an honour to meet the Luna of the Moonblood pack."

I nod, forcing a polite smile. My blood boils, but I school my expression into one of detached interest. "What brings you here?"

Claire beams. "We're here to invite you to our wedding!" She holds up an intricately designed invitation. "We'd be honoured if you and Alpha Damon would attend."

The audacity of them standing here, smiling, as if they didn't destroy me, is almost too much to bear. I grip the arms of my chair to steady myself.

"How lovely," I say, my voice deceptively calm. "I didn't realize you were getting married so soon."

Cain chuckles, his tone dripping with false modesty. "It's been a long time coming. We're finally making it official."

His gaze lingers on me, and for a moment, I wonder if he senses anything amiss. But then his expression softens into something resembling sorrow.

"Speaking of the past," I say, leaning forward slightly. "I've heard whispers about your previous mate. What happened to her?"

Claire stiffens beside him, her smile faltering for just a moment. Cain's face darkens, and he lets out a heavy sigh.

"Lira," he says, his voice low. "She... she died tragically."

I arch a brow, feigning curiosity. "Tragic? How so?"

Cain sits in the chair opposite me, running a hand through his hair. "She drank wolfsbane," he says, his voice trembling just enough to seem convincing. "Because I... I refused to mark her."

The words hit me like a slap. My fists clench beneath the table, nails biting into my palms.

"She was humiliated," he continues, his tone heavy with false regret. "I never meant to hurt her. If only she had told me how she felt... I would have marked her in a heartbeat. But she kept it all bottled up, and I didn't see the signs until it was too late."

He pauses, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"I lost not just her but our unborn pup," he says, his voice breaking. "A pup I was so excited to meet. She didn't even give me the chance to say goodbye."

Claire places a hand on his shoulder, her face a perfect mask of sympathy. "It was a terrible time for us all," she says softly, as if she had any right to mourn the life she helped destroy.

I want to scream, to throw something, to lash out at the man who killed me with his betrayal and dares to rewrite the story to paint himself as the victim. But I swallow my rage and force a neutral expression.

"How tragic," I say, my voice cold despite my efforts to remain composed. "And what became of her?"

Cain looks down, his hands trembling slightly. "Her actions were... abominable. Drinking wolfsbane is a grave sin against the pack. She wasn't given a proper burial."

The air feels heavy, my vision blurring slightly as his next words pierce through me like daggers.

"She was thrown into the forest," he says quietly, his voice laced with feigned sorrow. "It wasn't what I wanted, but the pack has traditions."

The room tilts, my rage and grief threatening to consume me. He didn't just kill me-he discarded me like trash. My hands shake, and I grip the edge of the table to steady myself.

Claire, oblivious to my turmoil, leans forward with a smile. "But that's all in the past. Cain and I are so happy now, and we can't wait to start our future together."

Something inside me snaps.

I rise abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. Both Cain and Claire flinch, their eyes widening in surprise.

"Leave," I say, my voice sharp and commanding.

Cain blinks. "Excuse me?"

"I said leave!" My voice rises, filled with a fury I can no longer contain. "Get out of my palace!"

They both stare at me, stunned into silence.

The doors burst open, and Damon strides in, his expression a mix of concern and authority. "What's going on?"

I don't look at him, my eyes locked on Cain and Claire. "Leave. Now."

Damon steps between us, his presence calming the storm brewing in the room. "Forgive her," he says, addressing Cain and Claire. "Nora is still recovering from a severe illness. Her temper has been unpredictable."

Claire's face softens with sympathy. "Oh, of course. We didn't mean to upset her."

Cain nods, rising from his chair. "We wish you a swift recovery, Luna."

They bow and leave without another word.

As soon as the doors close behind them, my legs give out. Damon catches me before I hit the ground, his strong arms steadying me.

"Nora," he says urgently, his hand pressing against my forehead. "You're burning up."

I push his hand away, shaking my head. "I'm fine."

"You're not," he insists, his voice firm but gentle. "Sit down. Rest."

I shake my head again, tears burning in my eyes. "Damon... I..." My voice falters, the weight of my emotions choking me.

He guides me to a chair, his touch surprisingly gentle for a man known for his ruthlessness. "Breathe," he says softly. "Whatever it is, you can tell me."

I meet his gaze, his steel-gray eyes filled with genuine concern. For a moment, I consider telling him everything. But the words die in my throat.

This isn't his battle. Not yet.

As Damon continues to hover, his worry palpable, a new resolve hardens in my chest. Cain and Claire may have rewritten the story of my death, but I will write the final chapter of their lives.

They threw me away. They killed my pup. They will pay.

I grip the edge of the chair, my nails digging into the wood.

This second chance isn't just for me-it's for my pup, the life they stole.

Damon's voice pulls me back. "Nora, what are you thinking?"

I look up at him, forcing a small smile. "Nothing," I say softly.

But inside, my resolve burns brighter than ever.

They will pay for what they've done. No matter what it takes.