Chapter 4

Three days later, Damian forced me to attend the annual Wolf Pack Alliance banquet.

"You have to go, " he said coldly, "I need to announce to everyone that we are dissolving our mate bond."

My leg hadn't fully healed yet, but I still put on the Luna's ceremonial gown-for the last time.

It was a deep blue evening gown, once Damian's favorite color.

Ironically, today would be the last time I ever wore it.

The gathering was held at the Wolf Pack Alliance building, attended by prominent figures from various packs and business partners.

As I limped into the banquet hall, every gaze fixed on me, whispers spreading like wildfire.

"Look, that's the Luna of Laurel Valley. I heard she was abandoned by the Alpha..."

"Is it because she's infertile? Or is there another reason?"

"I heard she's been cursed and is carrying pups tainted by it..."

Each word stabbed into my heart like a needle, but I forced myself to remain composed and walked to my seat.

Then I saw Damian and Selena.

They stood in the center of the banquet hall, accepting congratulations like the true hosts.

Damian was striking in a sharp black suit.

Selena, in a pure white gown, looked radiant and beautiful.

Together, they looked so harmonious, so perfectly matched.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Damian raised his glass. "Tonight, I have an important announcement."

The room fell silent.

"Starting today, the Laurel Valley Pack will launch a charity foundation, overseen by Selena Vance. This project will help both packs and humans in need, spreading love and hope."

The applause was thunderous.

What should have been the Luna's honor and resources were handed entirely to Selena.

I stood in the corner, watching it all, my heart turning to ashes.

Damian continued, "Selena is a kind, gentle, and intelligent woman. She will be the greatest asset to the Laurel Valley Pack." His gaze at Selena was as tender as spring water- a look he had never once given me.

Selena smiled demurely, gracefully accepting the crowd's congratulations.

Amidst the chorus of congratulations, she suddenly looked at me, her eyes flashing with smug provocation.

Just then, a wave of violent dizziness struck me.

The curse flared up again.

I felt warm liquid seeping from the corner of my mouth. I wiped it hastily with a handkerchief, only to find it stained with bright red blood.

Worse still, the other soul within me began to stir restlessly.

"Let me out..." it snarled in my mind. "Let me avenge you..."

"No." I clenched my teeth. "I don't need you." But control over my body was slipping away.

I felt my consciousness fading, as a stronger, more furious presence began to awaken.

"Hahaha!" Suddenly, a maniacal laugh burst from my lips-a voice that wasn't mine, deeper, darker, laced with malice.

Everyone turned to look at me.

"Damian Blackwood!" the voice bellowed through my lips. "Do you think abandoning me will bring you happiness? "You're wrong-dead wrong!"

I fought desperately to regain control, but the soul was far too powerful.

"You will all pay for this!" it roared on. "Especially you, Selena! Did you really think your little tricks would stay hidden?"

Damian's face darkened, and he strode swiftly toward me.

"Ella! Enough!" The pressure inside me grew unbearable. I staggered and crashed to the ground before the entire pack.

Blood gushed from my mouth, splattering across the pristine floor of the banquet hall.

Deep inside, the soul's voice shrieked triumphantly in my mind.

The entire hall fell into deathly silence.

Every gaze fixed on me-horror, disgust, and pity mingling in their eyes.

I lay in a pool of blood, consumed by a humiliation I had never known before.

Was this how my ten years as Luna were destined to end?

Collapsing like a pitiful joke under everyone's gaze?

Damian watched without a trace of panic or concern-only cold fury and humiliation burned in his eyes.

He signaled to the guards-not to help me, but to drag me out as if I were nothing more than a disgrace.

"The banquet will continue," he said coolly to the crowd. "My apologies for the unpleasant scene."

That night, back at home, Damian froze all my bank accounts and trust funds, severing my last source of support.

"Starting tomorrow, you'll move out of the penthouse," he said coldly. "I never want to see you again."

I sat on the sofa in the living room, watching him pack away every trace of me, my heart sinking into utter despair.

This man had once been my entire world.

Now, he was the very one who pushed me into hell.