Evil Luna's Sacrifice

(Carissa)

"You will serve His Majesty tonight."

I stopped recalculating yesterday's royal expenses. Financial reports and funding proposals piled up on the desk. I sorted them by division and stored them in the filing cabinet. My boss would lock it after work.

After turning off the computer, I followed the servant upstairs. I worked on the second floor and lived on the third floor of the palace. It was the floor for royal guests, but I was not a guest.

The servants had laid out clothes on the bed. They helped me take off my clothes and clean my entire body. It was a tradition I had undergone many times before. They dressed me in a nightgown without underwear and covered me with a coat.

"Drink this." The servant gave me a pill.

I took it and put it in my mouth. I didn't know what the medicine was for. The chief maid didn't answer when I asked. I took a glass from her colleague and gulped down the water to help swallow the pill. Then, I opened my mouth to show that I had taken it.

The woman escorted me to the fourth floor. She stopped in front of a pair of doors flanked by two guards. "Your Majesty, I bring you Carissa Moss."

I clenched my fists at the sound of that name. A woman of such low class should not have dared to mention my name without my title. I would teach her a lesson for her insolence.

"Only she may enter," Duncan Bayhill exclaimed from inside.

The two guards opened the door. I entered and waited for them to close it. The three of them stepped away from the front of the room. It was a habit I had memorized. No one was near us when the king summoned me.

A large man sat on the edge of the bed. He was wearing only a cloak and had not tied the belt around his waist. His eyes stared at me without blinking. His aura of leadership was so strong, even though he said nothing. Accustomed to that, I approached him.

"Sit," he ordered.

I obeyed. Duncan never spoke that command. When I stood before him, he would approach me, and everything would be over once he was satisfied. I had to wait for him to wake up to leave the room, because I couldn't do anything without his permission.

"Your husband is dying," the king said.

I furrowed my brow. That wasn't true. I didn't feel anything. If my husband were sick, I would have known. I touched the mark on the curve of my neck. The proof of our union gave no signal about my husband's condition.

"Are you joking, Your Majesty?" I murmured.

"Sleeping with another man for months has destroyed your bond. Your husband can feel you, but you cannot sense him."

His words pierced my heart like a sharp dagger. I forced myself not to clench my fists or show any reaction. I slept with him not because I wanted to, but because I was forced to.

"Your Majesty, let me see my husband," I pleaded.

"You can't ask, Issa. You can only obey my orders." The king wrapped his arms around my waist. "Your job right now is to satisfy me."

The man caressed my cheek and turned my face to look at him. He kissed my lips hungrily. My wolf rebelled, but I locked her away deep beneath my consciousness. It was enough that I suffered from the touch of someone who wasn't my mate.

Duncan removed my clothes and laid me on the bed. He caressed my entire body and impatiently joined our bodies together. I felt guilty for enjoying his touch. But it was my body's reaction, not my heart's.

My soul, heart, and mind still belonged to my mate. Only my Alpha filled my head all the time. Nothing could separate us. Not even death. The king was lying. Ethan couldn't be dying.

"You're perfect, Issa. Your presence in this world is only to please me. You should have met me first, not that useless Alpha."

"We are not soulmates, Your Majesty," I argued.

"Oh, really?" Duncan kissed my lips gently.

His hand caressed my thigh, moving up to my waist. His touch sent a thrilling sensation throughout my body. I was too late to hold back the moan that escaped my lips. My heart was pounding. I was sure he heard it.

His sly smile annoyed me, but his kisses and caresses calmed my anger. Why was my body betraying my mind? I could resist other men's advances. Why couldn't I resist Duncan? Was it because he was a king?

"You rejected me repeatedly. It only took me one day to tame you. Our relationship is far more intense than the years I spent with my mate," Duncan whispered in my ear. "I've always wanted you."

"I'm only a servant, ready to serve whenever Your Majesty desires," I said obediently.

"Good." His kisses grew more intense.

Duncan took me for the second time. He treated me more gently and patiently than the first one. I obeyed his every command, including shouting his name when I reached my peak.

After giving his seed, the king lay beside me and pulled me to sleep on his chest. His hand caressed my long hair, lulling me to sleep. My eyes burned, but I held back my tears. I had to endure for the sake of my life and my husband.

A delicious aroma entered my nostrils, forcing me to open my eyes. Just inhaling the scent made my stomach growl. I lifted my head and searched for the source of the pleasant smell.

"Are you awake?" the king asked. He was sitting on a couch near the window. Food filled the table in front of him.

"I am," I replied.

"Come here. You must be hungry," he said.

I sat down. Realizing I wasn't wearing anything, I looked for my coat. Seeing it on the nightstand, I picked it up. After putting it on, I approached the king. Duncan patted his thigh as I walked toward the sofa across from him.

"Sit here," he ordered when I just stood still.

"Okay." I approached and sat on his lap. After I sat down, he gave me a piece of grilled chicken. "Thank you."

I ate heartily. Even though I didn't like serving the king, at least I could eat well when I was with him. The servants in the palace let me go hungry. I didn't complain because I knew it was the queen's orders.

I didn't know what had happened to cause the king and queen's relationship to become cold. It had been that way since I arrived at the palace. The servants didn't gossip about their relationship. So, I had no idea what was going on.

"Come with me." The Lycan King put his hand on my waist, helping me stand up. He took my hand. "The room must be tidy when I return."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the servants replied obediently.

Those who were tidying up the table paused for a moment. The maids bowed their heads and curtsied as we passed. None of them could resist Duncan's extraordinary aura. Therefore, the people who served him were senior servants.

Strange. Why did the king wake up in the middle of the night to eat? He used to sleep soundly until morning, no matter how long we had intercourse. Impossible. Was he going to ask me to serve him all night?

I frowned as we reached the ground floor. The king left the palace and approached a car. I sat in the back seat reluctantly because I wasn't wearing any underwear. Where was he taking me?

*Author's Note*

Hi! Thank you for choosing my book and read it. I hope you enjoy Carissa and Duncan's love story. Let's start the long journey!

Seeing our destination, my heart began to race. The king took me to the prison. He stepped out of the car and took my hand, leading me into the confines of the cell. We continued walking toward the dungeons.

The smell of blood and filth filled my nostrils. Oh, Moon Goddess. Ethan had been in that dark, filthy place for months. How could he survive? I felt my eyes burn, realizing that my life was better than his.

"You have five minutes," Duncan said.

The man released my hand in front of a cell. I turned my head as the guard opened the door. The room was dim, but I could see with my wolf eyes. My chest ached when I saw someone standing sluggishly against the wall with his hands and feet chained.

His distinctive scent filled my nostrils, mingling with the odors of feces, urine, and blood. I bit my lip, holding back tears. The king must not know I was crying. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he had made me and my partner suffer.

"Ethan?" I stood before him. "It's me."

The man's breathing was very weak. His heartbeat was barely audible. The king wasn't joking. Ethan was dying. I didn't see any wounds from torture. The smell of blood must have been from his old wounds when he was dragged to prison. I also didn't smell wolfsbane. What happened?

'Cari,' Ethan said through the mind link. 'Can you hear me?'

I furrowed my brow. Was I dreaming? I could hear Ethan's voice in my head. That couldn't be. I tried to speak to him through the mind link, but my husband didn't respond. I must be imagining things.

'Cari,' he repeated.

There was no mistake. I could hear his voice. 'Oh, Ethan!! Yes, I can hear you!' I replied happily.

'Thank you for your service and sacrifice for the Blood River Pack and me. You have paid your debt in full,' he said.

'Ethan, why are you-' I sobbed.

'I forgive you,' Ethan continued. 'Forget the Blood River Pack. They're fine without you. Serve that jerk and make sure he doesn't disturb the peace of my pack again.'

'Why do you sound like you're dumping me?'

'Because that's what I'm doing,' he replied heartlessly. 'I, Ethan Darkwood, Alpha of the Blood River Pack, reject you, Carissa Moss, as my mate and Luna of the Blood River Pack.'

I barely believe my ears. Ethan, my Alpha and true mate, was rejecting me. He chose to die without a mate rather than remember me as his life partner. My whole body trembled as I held back my tears and anger. Was my debt to him that great?

'Don't be silent. Quickly accept my rejection!' Ethan urged.

'No,' I refused.

'Cari, accept my rejection. I refuse to die as your mate. Besides, the Blood River Pack needs an Alpha and Luna after months of struggling on their own. If you want my forgiveness, accept my rejection,' he commanded.

'I don't believe it. After all these years together, you don't love me. What's lacking? What does she have that I don't?'

'Everything,' he replied cruelly.

That answer was like a sharp sword piercing my heart. We had been together for four years after discovering we were true mates. We married and led the herd with great struggle after his father passed away, but he loved another woman.

'You forgive me? Ridiculous. Debt of sin? I'm not guilty. It was not I who chose you as my true mate. The Moon Goddess decreed us as lovers. You can reject me if you love her more.' I glared at him.

'You didn't do that because you needed me as Luna to strengthen your position in our pack. Rejecting me and choosing your lover would only weaken your authority, and your people wouldn't like that. Fine, I don't want a jerk for a mate like you either.'

'Don't act so righteous. I did all that because I was protecting my love. You threatened her with the bonds of destiny. Otherwise, I would have rejected you that night!' Ethan argued.

'I have the right to defend my partner! I am your destined mate, not her!' I protested.

'I don't have much time. Reject me quickly. I'm disgusted to see you in front of me with your new mate, especially since he looks impatient to have fun with you,' he sneered.

'I don't regret marrying you. Our time together was the best time of my life. It's a shame you chose her instead.' I clenched my fists. 'I, Carissa Moss, accept your rejection, Ethan Darkwood, as my mate.'

'Ugh!' Ethan and I grimaced in pain at the same time.

'You must reject me as your Alpha and Blood River as your pack,' he commanded.

I smirked. 'I was born in the Blood River Pack, and I will die as part of that pack, too.'

I felt excruciating pain in my chest. I knelt, unable to bear the pain. My chest felt extremely hot, but I clenched my fists on the floor and bit my other hand. I shouldn't scream or cry.

As if the pain wasn't enough, Ethan's mark on the curve of my neck felt excruciating. I turned to him. Ethan drooped lifelessly before me. My lips trembled violently, and I couldn't hold back my tears. My love, my life, my soul, and my Alpha was gone.

Memories of us playing together run through my mind. It all started with my admiration for Alpha's eldest son. Even though he liked another girl, I prayed to the Moon Goddess to make him my mate.

The Goddess answered my prayer on my twenty-first birthday. I was thrilled, and our wedding was a grand affair. I thought he loved me, too, until I saw him and his ex-girlfriend talking alone in the forest.

I didn't know what happened, but when I opened my eyes, I was in the king's chamber. The pain in my chest confused me. What happened? I turned toward the bright light from the window. Someone was standing there, with their back to me.

"Are you awake?" The brown-haired man turned around.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Ethan will be cremated tonight," he replied.

Hearing that, the events in the dungeon played in my head. My eyes burned. Oh, Goddess. Ethan was gone. He rejected and expelled me from our pack. I couldn't believe he had abandoned me in a foreign place.

How cruel. Ethan didn't care about everything I had done to protect our pack. I had to give my body and humiliate myself for his safety and that of our people. My position in the palace was even lower than that of a servant.

If only Ethan knew how many times I had tried to rebel, but it was all in vain. I couldn't fight the kingdom's powerful and numerous warriors. If only the king weren't interested in me, he and I would have been dead long ago.

Duncan let someone in when there was a knock at the door. "What is it?" he asked.

"Her Majesty the Queen is not in her room. We have searched, but she is nowhere to be found in the palace," the door guard reported.

"Call the servants. Help Carissa get ready and bring her breakfast," the king ordered. He approached me. "I'll be right back."

"I-" I said.

"Don't leave the room." Duncan kissed my lips.

I watched him walk out of the room. After the door closed, I sat down. Since he had called the servants, I couldn't let my emotions get the better of me. The servants would report everything to him.

The women came in carrying many items. They helped me bathe, dress, and put on makeup. I was relieved to be fully clothed. That meant I wouldn't have to serve the king in bed. My clothes were black, the color of death and mourning, to announce that I was a widow.

(Duncan)

I stared at each of the elders' faces. They had come to see me only to discuss an old issue: the heir. Davina and I had been married for fourteen years, and we had no children. I didn't know why, because we were both healthy.

"Our kingdom is at peace, but war could break out at any moment. If you were to die in battle, who would lead the kingdom? You won't stay young forever, and our kingdom needs the assurance of a new king when you are gone," Ewan said.

"The queen has failed to produce an heir. You must immediately choose a healthy woman to give you a son. We hear you have been sleeping with Carissa Moss for the past few months. You'd better find another woman, because she has also failed," the chief elder continued.

"Do you think I'm a manwh*re?" I challenged him.

"Carissa Moss is barren. She has been married for four years and has no children with her husband. Your Majesty, you are thirty-five years old. How much longer must we wait until you assure us that this kingdom will have a leader if you are no longer here?" he argued.

"I won't die that quickly if you pray for my well-being."

"The people are restless, and the warriors are worried. If the situation continues, your reign will weaken because the people no longer trust you. Your brother-" Ewan countered.

"One more word about him, and you're dead," I threatened.

I didn't care that they were people I should respect. Everyone who belittled my position as king had to submit to me. They clenched their fists, bowed their heads, and cried when I unleashed my aura.

"I protect you with my life. You can live in peace because I risk my soul on the battlefield. You eat well, sleep soundly, and can enjoy your retirement, while I cannot enjoy any of that for your welfare," I explained.

"Then, you have the audacity to think my sacrifice is meaningless just because I don't have a son. Is my brother more valuable because he has two sons, even though he doesn't have better leadership skills?

"If you suggest again that I give my throne to him, I won't hesitate to take your lives. Davina and I are healthy. We have regular marital intercourse, even when she is in heat. We are also victims of this situation, not just you and all the people."

I suddenly felt an excruciating pain in my chest. I clenched my fists, trying to endure the agony. Damn it. Why did she do that while I was in a meeting? That shameless woman! I had to settle the score with her!

"I have to get back to work. The kingdom cannot run itself without someone to take care of it. If there is nothing else you want to say, let's end the meeting here," I said.

The elders stood up. The arrogance that had been on their faces had vanished. "Thank you for your wisdom, Your Majesty," they said.

I waited until the last person left, and the guard closed the door. After everyone was gone, I clenched my fists on the table and tried to catch my breath. The pain was getting worse, but I forced myself to stand up.

I walked out of the meeting room toward the stairs. Even though the pain made me angry, I walked calmly, unwilling to attract anyone's attention. Arriving on the fourth floor, I turned left and approached a double door guarded by two soldiers.

Sensing my anger, they spontaneously knelt and put their heads on the floor, bowing before me. They were not at fault. So, I just walked past them and opened the door. A disgusting smell filled my nostrils.

A woman sat on top of a man. I couldn't see her face, but I knew she was enjoying the intercourse. Neither of them wore a single piece of clothing. The man lay on the bed with eyes full of fear, staring at me.

"Your Majesty," the man said with difficulty, trying to fight his passion.

"Relax. He won't hurt you," Davina said casually.

Of course, I wouldn't hurt that ant. I lunged at Davina, grabbed her by the neck, and pushed her onto the bed, her back hitting the mattress. Her bedmate hurried up from the bed, put on some clothes, and left the room.

The pain disappeared in an instant. I regulated my breathing and waited until my heart was beating normally. Davina struggled, but I didn't loosen my grip. Seeing her pale face didn't make me feel sorry for her. She played with fire, so she deserved to get burned.

'Why are you angry?' she protested through the mind link. 'You can sleep with any woman you want. Why can't I do the same?'

'If you give me a child, the elders won't come see me every damn month just to pressure me about an heir.' I tightened my grip. 'You did that when I was with them. I know you wanted to embarrass me!'

'You're the one who embarrassed me by sleeping with another woman!' she snapped.

'Have you forgotten who suggested that dumb idea?'

'I allowed you to sleep with one woman for one month and wait for the results. But you've been sleeping with that whore for months. Do you think I don't know you're in love with her!?' Davina protested.

'I'm not a wh*re who sleeps with every woman just to get them pregnant. Your plan has made me a laughingstock. No, Davina. I won't follow your way. If you want to remain queen, Carissa will give birth to our child,' I stated.

The anger in Davina's eyes faded, and her gaze softened. My wife closed her eyes, hiding her pain from me. That charade wouldn't melt my heart. She used the same card repeatedly, and I had had enough.

'I don't want to be your queen. None of this would have happened if you had let me go.' The woman shed tears.

I loosened my grip before releasing her neck. Davina took a deep breath and covered herself with a blanket. That body had once tempted me and aroused my passion. Even though we were a couple, I had no desire to touch her.

I jumped out of bed and walked over to the window. The smell of their lovemaking made me sick. The afternoon air was cool, even though the sun was shining brightly, because it was autumn. I took a deep breath, trying to forget the scent of that betrayal.

"You and I are descendants of nobility. We cannot marry the people we choose. You should be happy that we are fated mates. I love you and give you everything you want. Why do you still bring up the past?" I muttered.

"You know the reason. Because of you, I lost my love."

"I didn't choose you to be my mate. Blame the Moon Goddess if you object."

Davina scoffed. "You only care about the kingdom and your throne. You didn't want to reject me because you wanted to be the most powerful king in history. Look at the consequences of your selfishness. You and I have no children."

"I forgive you. That is the last time. Don't do it again." I walked towards the door.

"Let me go, Duncan. We've been together for fourteen years. No matter how hard we try, we won't produce children. Find another woman who can give you offspring," the queen said in frustration.

"Go back to your office. Today isn't the weekend. You should be working, not screwing around," I ordered.

"I, Davina Haylor," Davina said, making me stop in my tracks, "Queen of the Moon Night Kingdom, reject you, Duncan Bayhill, as my mate."