Chapter 5

The next morning, all my belongings were dumped outside the door of a cramped servant's room.

It was damp and cold, a stark contrast to the penthouse I had once lived in.

Using my public collapse as the final excuse, the council of elders officially declared me "disqualified."

I was stripped of my status and all the privileges that came with being Luna.

"Ella Vance, due to your loss of control at an important event and your unstable condition, the council has decided to temporarily revoke your Luna status," the white-haired high elder announced coldly. "Until your physical and mental state improve, you will no longer enjoy any privileges as Luna."

I knelt in the center of the council hall, listening to their lofty words, feeling nothing but bitter irony.

Disqualified?

They made it sound so noble.

In truth, Damian simply wanted to be rid of me, and they were nothing more than his puppets.

After moving into the servant's room, I finally understood what it meant to taste the coldness of the world.

The servants who had once treated me with utmost respect now looked at me with contempt and glee at my downfall.

"Look at our former Luna, now living in a place worse than the kitchen pantry."

"I heard she's carrying cursed children. It's terrifying."

"Mr. Blackwood is far too merciful. If it were me, I would have cast her out of the pack long ago."

These words coiled around me like venomous snakes, but I had become numb.

Worse still, without financial support, I had lost even the most basic access to medical care.

The curse's attacks were becoming more frequent, and my body was growing weaker.

I tried to appeal to the elders, hoping at least to preserve the lives of the pups within me.

But they were completely cowed by Damian's authority.

"This is an Alpha's family matter and we can't interfere."

"Ella, you should understand the bigger picture."

"For the future of the pack, some sacrifices are necessary."

One door after another closed in front of my face.

I realized that within the Laurel Valley Pack, there was no path left for me.

Damian would let me and my pups wither away here-neglected, cursed, and drowned in despair.

At night, as cold rain tapped against the window of my cramped room, I sat on the rickety bed, gently stroking my swollen belly.

"I'm sorry, my babies," I whispered. "Mama might not be able to protect you."

The faint movements in my belly seemed to answer me, their fragile yet stubborn vitality cutting through my heart like a blade.

I couldn't give up.

No matter what, I mustn't give up.

Shivering in the cold and despair, I pulled out a hidden spare phone.

It was the last item I had hidden away just in case.

I dialed a number I had once sworn I would never call.

The phone rang three times before it was answered.

"Hello?" A warm, concerned voice came through, and instantly the dam of my tears broke.

It was Julian Thorne, the Alpha of the neighboring Crescent Pack.

He was the only one willing to answer my call in my darkest hour.

"Julian..." My voice choked with emotion. "It's me, Ella."

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then a voice filled with anger and concern, "Ella? I knew he would treat you this way! Where are you? Are you safe?"

Hearing his caring voice, I could no longer hold back and burst into sobs.

"Julian, I need your help," through my tears, I begged, "Please... save my pups. Save us."

Clutching the phone, I saw for the first time a glimmer of hope amidst my despair.

Maybe someone was willing to help me.

Maybe there was still a chance for me and my pups to survive.

In the pouring rain, I waited for my salvation.