The Clawless Luna Wants Rejection

"I love Alpha Usher Thorne."

Vione Celestia Munest was frozen. She remained motionless and said nothing in response to the confession she had just heard. How should she react? Should she continue to expend energy, as she had done before, knowing that it would be in vain?

Vione realized that Mireya Lark would not waver. Mireya would never leave, but neither would she.

"Why are you silent, Vione? Didn't you hear what I just said?"

Vione blinked. Her shoulders shifted slightly as she took a breath. "What do you expect me to say? You don't expect me to congratulate you, do you?"

This time Mireya remained silent. She stared at Vione with narrowed eyes, clasped her hands in front of her chest, then walked around Vione with a mocking expression.

"I don't need your congratulations. It's not important, but I think someone is coming to her senses."

Vione closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and hoped in her heart that this disgusting conversation would end soon.

"Congratulations? Hmm. Doesn't this prove that you can finally accept the truth? Turns out it wasn't you who ruled Usher's heart all along. Not you, but me."

The air was trapped in Vione's chest. Thunder echoed there, releasing an uncontrollable heat.

"Enough, Mireya."

Mireya grinned mockingly. "Enough?"

"You shouldn't talk to me like that. Anyway, you should remember that, Meriya," Vione continued and opened her eyes. She breathed slowly and looked straight ahead. "I am his Luna."

Mireya's mocking smile vanished. The small steps that had been circling Vione stopped abruptly. Stunned, she decided to wait for Vione's next move.

But Vione did nothing. She did not say anything. Instead, she walked away from Mireya.

Mireya growled. For a moment, she rolled her eyes in disbelief. Vione just left like that?

Unacceptance made Mireya follow Vione. She grabbed Vione's hand and said, "You are nobody's Luna, Vione. Just as you realize that I'm the only one in Usher's heart, you should also realize that you were never the real Luna."

Vione steadied herself. Mireya's words made her body tremble in an attempt to deny it, but it was all in vain. Mireya continued to corner her in every possible way.

"You know, right? The only reason you became Luna is because of that damn prophecy. Without Ayla's prophecy, it would be impossible for Usher to make you his Luna. You are a pitiful werewolf, Vione. You don't deserve to be Usher's mate."

It seemed that Vione did not need a reminder of the origin of the bond between her and Usher. All thanks to the prophecy of the Sacred Elder of the Frostholm Pack, Ayla Crandall.

Rarely in the history of the Frostholm Pack has a Luna been chosen based on a prophecy. According to the history in the pack's library, the last time it happened was 148 years ago. After that, Alphas always found their Luna by their own destiny.

The incident shook the pack. Some packs voiced their objections, but there was nothing they could do. Ayla's words were absolute and had to be obeyed, even by the Alpha.

As heir to the position of Sacred Elder, Ayla continued the important duties of the previous Sacred Elder. She led all the ceremonies and gave blessings to all the werewolf offspring. She also relayed every prophecy nature showed her, including the fate of Usher's mate.

Many disagreed. Some doubted Ayla's prophecy. But the Thorn family showed their authority. They accepted the prophecy and decided that Vione was the right werewolf to be Usher's mate.

Unfortunately, not everyone agreed. In their eyes, Vione was most unworthy of being Luna. She was unfit to be Usher's mate.

Vione lowered her face. She saw Mireya's grip and slowly let go.

"Deserving or not, the fact remains that I am the Luna now. Not you, Mireya."

"You-"

"No matter who holds the throne in Usher's heart, the fact remains that I am his mate now. Not you, Mireya."

Mireya's eyes widened, especially when Vione released her grip a moment later.

"I don't care how people see me, but I am Usher's luna and mate. While you?"

Vione stared at Mireya without any emotion. After all, why bother with something she had already realized? Just pretend it doesn't exist and is meaningless.

"People only see you as Usher's mistress. Nothing more than that."

Vione closed her eyes as soon as she finished speaking. Mireya's hand floated down and landed on her cheek. The sound of the slap accompanied Vione's head tilting to the side.

Mireya's breath warmed. Her chest rose and fell as she glared at Vione in anger.

"What did you say?"

Vione felt a hint of bitterness at the corner of her lips, but she did not grimace. She held back the pain and smiled.

"Shall I repeat it?" Vione asked in a mocking tone. "Are you sure?"

Mireya did not answer but raised her hand again. The second slap was ready to land on Vione's cheek, but failed. Vione caught her wrist at the right moment.

"It seems you didn't understand my words earlier, Mireya. I am Usher's mate. Like it or not, I am Luna. So, watch your attitude."

Mireya growled as she tried to pull her hand away. "Watch my attitude? Dream on, Vione. You were never anyone's Luna. You should think about it; you're not worthy to be Luna. You should be self-aware. You are just a discarded werewolf without a family, a werewolf without claws".

Being destined to be Luna was not a bad thing. But to be born without a clear origin and claws was a catastrophe for Vione. Until this moment, she realized that these two things made her life feel like hell.

Vione tried to strengthen her resolve. She lifted her chin to build a camouflage that had successfully supported both of her feet so far.

"Imagine this, Mireya. Even with a family and claws, you still can't compete with me."

Mireya's face hardened even more. Vione's reaction fueled her anger. She could no longer control herself, but something caught her eye as she was about to retaliate against Vione.

"Let go of me, Vione! You're hurting me!"

Vione furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

Mireya's change of attitude confused Vione. She looked at Mireya with an expression of incomprehension, and suddenly a thunderous cry erupted.

"Vione! What are you doing with Mireya?!"

Vione jumped, not only from the scream, but also from the jolt that sent her stumbling backwards a few steps. Fortunately, she was agile enough not to fall.

"Usher."

Vione's eyes widened in disbelief at the scene. With her own eyes she saw Usher approach Mireya and check her wrist.

Vione gaped in disbelief. Could Mireya really pull off such a cheap trick?

"Are you okay, Mireya? Is anything hurt?"

Mireya shook her head as Usher examined her. "No, Usher. I'm fine. Thank you."

"Thank God," Usher said, turning away without letting go of Mireya. He made sure that Mireya was standing right next to him, and then stared sharply at Vione. "What's going on, Vione? What do you think you're doing with Mireya?"

Vione could see the mocking look on Mireya's face. Mireya also smiled, as if to signal that there was nothing she could do. Everything was clear. She meant absolutely nothing to Usher.

"What did I do to Mireya?" Vione repeated quietly. Her face was expressionless and she bit her lower lip. "You should ask your mistress about that, Usher. What did she do to me?"

Usher's eyes widened. Mireya also jumped when Vione spoke with contempt. Apparently, neither of them had expected Vione to retaliate.

"She, Usher. She's the one who slapped me. She also said I didn't deserve to be your Luna."

Usher could see the red mark on Vione's pale cheek, and Mireya noticed it too. She waited, wondering what Usher would do next.

"Looking at your behavior, maybe what Mireya said is true."

Vione was stunned, while Mireya felt relief in her chest.

"Your attitude really doesn't reflect a true Luna."

"Doesn't reflect a true Luna? Oh, dear Usher." Vione chuckled ironically while shaking her head repeatedly. "Can you tell me what a true Luna is? Is she a woman who willingly watches her husband's mistress enter her home?"

Usher clenched his jaw. "Watch your words, Vione."

"You must also watch your behavior, Usher."

"Vione!"

Vione did not have time to blink as Usher stepped forward, suddenly standing in front of her. She was shocked, but not for long. Usher immediately grabbed her throat, making it impossible for her to breathe.

"U-Usher."

Vione's hands went up. She tried to pull Usher's hands away from her throat. But the Alpha's strength would never be a match for her.

"U-Usher, let me go. I can't breathe."

Usher's stern face indicated that he was unmoved by Vione's plea. He stood still, his large fingers squeezing.

Vione struggled even harder. Her lungs rebelled and pain began to radiate throughout her body.

"U-Usher."

"You should watch your attitude, Vione. Don't think you're special just because we're pairing. You know very well that all this happened because of that damn prophecy."

Vione could not respond to Usher's words. She gasped for air and her eyes began to blur.

Tears began to trickle down. Her mouth widened and her vision began to blur.

Is this the end of my life? Is this the end of my patience?

Vione closed her eyes. In her heart she cursed herself. She should have left a long time ago. She should not have listened to Ayla's prophecy. She should have ignored the interests of the pack. After all, they were right.

I should have been self-aware. I am truly unworthy.

In the last moments, when Vione thought her breath would stop, Usher released her. She fell to the ground and took a quick breath, still alive.

"This is your final warning, Vione. Lay a hand on Mireya again, even a little, and you'll bear the consequences."

*

Vione must have heard wrong. Maybe Usher had misspoken. After all, how could an Alpha threaten his own Luna in front of his mistress?

It was not embarrassing, but it was heartbreaking. Even Mireya's slap could not compare to the reality that had just hit her.

True. In Usher's eyes there was only Mireya. Vione never meant anything. Just as people had said, she was just a worthless werewolf. She was an invaluable Luna.

Vione's vision was blurred by the tears. In the midst of her efforts to regulate her breathing, she saw Usher leave her to embrace Mireya again.

They looked harmonious. Both handsome and beautiful. They were like gods and goddesses who should be together.

"Usher, aren't you doing a little too much? Look at Vione. She seems to be in real pain."

Usher turned and looked at Vione with a snarl. His look was mocking and highly contemptuous.

"I thought it was the other way around. The punishment is not enough for what she did to you."

Vione tried to rise with great difficulty. She bit her lower lip violently as she clenched her fists. The pain in her heart was beyond words, but she tried to bear it with whatever strength she had left.

"You really are outrageous, Usher."

Usher ignored Vione. He dismissed Vione's words and concentrated on Mireya. He embraced Mireya and let her rest her head on his broad chest, caressing her.

Vione could not hold on any longer. Her remaining strength really did not allow her to stand any longer. So, she decided to leave as quickly as possible before Usher and Mireya humiliated her any further.

"You really have no heart, Usher."

Those were the last words Vione whispered before she really left the scene. She walked, strengthening her heart as she realized that her pitiful state was not enough to evoke pity from Usher.

Her body trembled. Vione's legs began to give way. She almost stumbled as she left the palace hall. But she was grateful. At least she left at the right time, just as Usher began to kiss Mireya, causing deafening cheers.

Vione leaned against the wall for a moment. She took in as much air as she could while closing her eyes. She gathered her courage and left before anyone saw her in such a humiliating state.

When she reached her room, Vione's defenses had completely collapsed. Her body went limp and she fell onto the bed. The tears she had been holding back finally poured out.

Vione squeezed the sheets. She held back the urge to scream out all the pain in her heart, because she did not want Usher and Mireya to hear it; they would surely laugh.

But the pain was truly agonizing. Her chest felt tight and Vione thought she would explode.

Vione sobbed. Amidst all the sadness and resentment, one question echoed in her mind. Why did she have to go through all this?

Fate should not be so cruel. Fate should not bring constant sorrow.

Not only was Vione born without a clear origin and claws, she also lost her dignity because of Usher's behavior. She was truly humiliated to the lowest point she had ever imagined.

How could you, Usher? How could you do this to me?

*

"I really didn't expect Vione to be so violent towards you, Mireya. Forgive me."

Mireya smiled. She saw Usher checking her wrist several times to make sure she was really unharmed.

"Why should you apologize? It's not your fault, Usher. It is Vione's fault and maybe mine."

Usher finished examining Mireya's wrist. "Yours?"

"Yes," Mireya nodded. She wore a guilty expression. "I shouldn't have come to The Palace. In the end, my longing only led me to meet Vione."

There was an interesting thing that made Usher smile. He cupped Mireya's neck and kissed her lips.

"If you miss me, you should contact me. Let me come to you."

Mireya's attitude became affectionate. She shook her head and said, "I came here on purpose because I wanted to surprise you."

"Your plan succeeded," Usher replied with narrowed eyes. He pointed at Mireya's slightly flushed wrist. "I was really surprised, and if I had come too late, I don't know what Vione would have done to you."

"Don't be angry, Usher. You know I did it because I missed you. Besides, I didn't expect Vione to act like that."

Usher sighed. He leaned against the sofa, then pulled Mireya's body toward him. He hugged her and his thumb began to caress Mireya.

"I didn't expect Vione to act like this either. She has never been rough with anyone before."

Mireya looked comfortable in Usher's embrace. "You saw it with your own eyes, Usher. She grabbed my hand very hard. She hurt me. I don't know what she would have done if you hadn't gotten there in time."

Usher nodded without words. He acknowledged Mireya's words and was grateful that his business on the plantation had been settled sooner than they should have been. He could not imagine what would have happened if he had come home later.

"I think it has to do with Ayla's prophecy."

Usher blinked. "Ayla's prophecy?"

"Yes, Ayla's prophecy. She can become your Luna because of this prophecy. Of course, that makes her vain. She feels special."

"Special?" Usher snorted, shaking his head. His laughter sounded faint. "She'll never be special. You'll see. Her life is truly pathetic."

A meaningful smile spread across Mireya's beautiful face. Her hand rose and rubbed Usher's chest. "Special or not. Pathetic or not. The truth is, she and I are not so different."

"What do you mean? Why do you compare yourself to Vione?"

"I didn't mean to compare myself to Vione, but I did," Mireya continued, exhaling. Her posture seemed to indicate fatigue, although in reality, unseen by Usher, she was smiling even wider. "Anyway, Vione is your Luna. So, I'm the one who's really pathetic in people's eyes, Usher. I keep on loving you while Vione, who has you."

"Mireya."

Usher's voice rose. His casual embrace of Mireya vanished. He created enough distance to observe the sadness etched into Mireya's face.

"What did you say?"

Mireya smiled, but this time it was a bitter smile. "I speak the truth, Usher. I am indeed pathetic for loving a man who already has a mate. Especially since that mate was chosen directly by the Moon Goddess and approved by all the packs. Isn't that right?"

"No. Don't ever say you're pathetic, Mireya. You know that I love you, don't you?"

Mireya did not answer. She just remained silent, with a helpless look that continued to stare at Usher.

"Mireya."

Mireya nodded wearily. "I know, Usher. I know you love me."

Mireya's answer did not ease Usher's mind. On the contrary, he became even more agitated. He did not like to see Mireya whining and belittling herself.

"To hell with this prophecy, Mireya. It means nothing compared to my love for you."

"That may be true for you, but what about the others? You don't know, do you? Even Vione humiliated me earlier."

"What do you mean? What did Vione say to you?"

Again, Mireya did not answer. She turned away, avoiding Usher's gaze. "Forget it. You don't need to know. Maybe your love is only for making me your mistress."

Usher was stunned. He absorbed every word Mireya spoke and his face changed. His jaw hardened and veins began to show on his forehead.

"Did Vione tell you that?"

Mireya sighed without answering.

"Mireya, answer my question. Did Vione tell you that?"

Mireya's eyes closed dramatically for a moment, then she nodded. "Yes, she said that to me, Usher."

"Damn it."

"Damn it? No, Usher. You should know everything she said to me. Damn it is not enough to curse her."

"Tell me, Mireya. What did Vione say to you?"

Usher grabbed Mireya's chin. He stared at Mireya as if to signal that it was only right that she be honest with him.

"All right, Usher. I'll tell you everything that happened."

With a sad face and a withered look, it was not difficult for Mireya to distort the facts. She said that Vione had forbidden her to see Usher.

Not only that, but armed with the fact that Usher had arrived at the right time, Mireya added some dramatic elements.

Usher heard it all and held his breath. His blood was boiling. His anger rose in an unmistakable roar of disbelief.

"Among all this, there is one thing that hurts me deeply, Usher."

"Tell me, Mireya."

"She said that I still can't compete with her, regardless of having a family and claws. She will remain your owner and I will only be your mistress."

It seemed to be the only truth Mireya spoke. But she said it in a way that Usher understood it with a completely different meaning.

"How dare Vione say that to you. I won't forgive her."

Mireya rubbed Usher's chest, trying to calm his anger. "Let it go, Usher. Besides, what Vione said is true. I love you. You love me too. Unfortunately, I am nothing more than your mistress."

"Mireya, don't say that."

"What then, Usher? Nothing will change even if I don't say it. The reality won't change. I will still only be your mistress while Vione-" Mireya closed her eyes with a hurt expression. "She is the one who will be your mate."

Hearing a similar sentiment from Mireya made Usher even angrier. He grabbed Mireya's face and tilted it. He made her look straight into his.

"Look at me, Mireya," Usher ordered. Without blinking, he showed unwavering determination. "I love you. Forget Ayla's prophecy or the approval of the packs. In my heart there's only you."

For a moment, Mireya said nothing. She met Usher's gaze with a bitter smile.

"I know, Usher."

Mireya's words did not calm Usher. He growled.

"I would do anything for you, Mireya. I love only you."

Mireya nodded. "I know, Usher."

"Tell me, what do I have to do to make you trust me? I'll do anything to keep you from being sad."

Mireya's hand rose and gripped Usher's wrist. "Anything?"

"Anything," Usher nodded confidently. "Whatever it is. I'll do anything."

Anything. Mireya could feel Usher's determination and confidence. So, she had no hesitation in giving Usher what he wanted, the answer to his question.

"Including breaking your pairing with Vione?"

*

"W-what?" Usher blinked. "Breaking our pairing?"

"Why? Don't you want to?"

Usher did not answer, and Mireya immediately freed herself. She stood up while Usher looked puzzled.

"It seems that what Vione said is true. In your eyes I'm nothing more than a mistress."

"Mireya."

Usher stood quickly and grabbed Mireya's hand. He held it tightly, preventing her from moving any further.

"Usher, let me go."

Usher shook his head. "No."

"Don't be selfish, Usher. You won't let me go, but you won't let Vione go either? Do you want to have both of us?"

Mireya's accusation left Usher speechless. He remained silent while Mireya tried to pull her hand away.

"I'm not selfish, but..."

Usher's words hung in the air. He took a breath, and confusion creased his forehead.

Something was not right here. Something was wrong and Usher could sense it. But what?

"But what, Usher?"

In one swift movement, Mireya managed to free her hand from Usher's grip. But instead of walking away, as Usher had expected, she turned to face him.

"Tell me. But what?" Mireya pressed passionately. "But you won't let go of Vione?"

Usher shook his head. "It's not like that, Mireya."

"Then what is it?" Mireya took a step back as Usher approached. She brushed Usher's hand away as it tried to reach her. "Do you really love Vione?"

Usher's eyes widened. His mouth opened, but he felt something strange as he tried to refute Mireya's accusation.

No. I don't love Vione. I don't-argh!

Usher closed his eyes. Suddenly, an invisible, heavy weight seemed to fall on his head. He was dizzy with a throbbing pain.

Usher's painful moan startled Mireya. Concerned, she approached Usher.

"Usher, what's wrong?"

Usher endured the pain, holding his head with one hand and growling. "My head, Mireya. My head hurts."

Mireya's eyes widened. Panic was written all over her face and she quickly urged Usher to sit down.

"Wait, Usher. I'll get you some medicine."

Usher ignored Mireya. He fought the increasing pain and squeezed his hair with both hands.

"Hold on, Usher."

Mireya quickly prepared tea and grabbed a painkiller from the bedside table. She helped Usher take the medicine.

"Relax. The pain will be gone soon."

Mireya placed the empty cup on the table and led Usher to the bed. She covered him with a blanket and said,

"Rest. I'll stay here and take care of you. If you need anything, just let me know."

Usher nodded once and Mireya said nothing more. The atmosphere fell into silence. The only sound for the next few moments was Usher's moaning as the pain continued.

Mireya remained patient. She did not move, proving her words that she would take care of Usher. Motionless, she sat without moving an inch.

Time passed, not insignificantly. Usher's moaning finally stopped. He no longer moaned in pain and now seemed to be sleeping soundly.

Mireya sighed with relief. "I'm glad I wasn't too late."

*

Usher was not sure how long he'd been asleep. In a brief moment of regained consciousness, he remembered that he had come home early that day because his business at the plantation didn't take much time. He had probably arrived around eleven in the morning.

The quarrel between Vione and Mireya welcomed Usher's return. They argued so much that he had to warn Vione. Then the pain hit him. Right after Mireya pushed him to break the pairing with Vione, the pain came, almost splitting his head.

Vione.

Usher blinked. He turned around to find Mireya sleeping nearby. Mireya had really taken care of him and had not even let go of his hand.

"Mireya."

Usher's hand moved, landing on Mireya's head. His thumb moved and stroked Mireya gently.

Mireya's sleep was disturbed. Her eyelids moved several times before she woke up completely.

"Usher," Mireya whispered happily. "Are you awake?"

Usher nodded.

"How are you feeling?"

Usher stood up and Mireya helped him sit up, leaning against the bed. "No more pain," he replied, cupping Mireya's face with one hand. "Thank you."

"Thank God. I feel relieved now. I don't want anything bad to happen to you, Usher."

"I'm fine. It was just a normal headache."

A regular headache with an extraordinary amount of pain. Frankly, Usher was not sure of his words. He had never had a headache this bad before. It was so painful that he thought his head would explode. Luckily, Mireya gave him the medicine in time.

"You still need to rest, Usher. I'll have the servants prepare meal for you."

Mireya's words made Usher turn around. He looked at the wall clock and opened his eyes wide. It could not be that he had slept so long, could it?

Mireya chuckled softly when she realized Usher's train of thought. "Indeed. You slept almost five hours. Aren't you hungry?"

"Oh! Now that I think about it," Usher said, rubbing his stomach. His forehead creased and he nodded. "It seems I am hungry."

"Wait a moment. The servants will bring your meal, and in the meantime, it looks as if I must go home."

Reflexively, Usher took Mireya's hand. "You want to go home?"

"Yes, Usher. I don't want to disturb your rest."

"You are not disturbing my rest. In fact, you're taking care of me."

Mireya smiled. "Thank you for thinking that way, but I think I need to rest as well."

Usher narrowed his eyes. He looked at Mireya with an uncertain look. Didn't Mireya often rest in The Palace? More precisely, in his room?

"Today has been exhausting for me, Usher. I need time to think about everything."

Usher's face changed. "Mireya, you don't mean-"

"I love you, Usher. You know that, but I can't stand being put down by Vione all the time. I just can't."

Usher could see the implicit wounds in Mireya's eyes. The serene look that Mireya always radiated was gone, and he knew exactly why.

"Forgive me, Mireya. I know that my words must have hurt you."

Mireya took a deep breath. She smiled, but it was obvious that she was in pain. "It's okay, Usher. I am wise enough to realize my position. I shouldn't expect something that will never be my destiny. I don't deserve to be at your side. I-"

"Who said that?" Usher interrupted quickly; his eyes fixed on Mireya. "Who said you don't deserve to be at my side?"

"Usher."

"You must know, Mireya. You are the woman I dream of. You are beautiful and you are strong."

Usher's unwavering gaze left Mireya astonished. Especially the words Usher spoke enchanted her for a moment.

"You love me, Usher. Yes, of course you love me. I am always at your side, I accompany you. I am valuable, unlike Vione, who doesn't even have claws."

A hint of a smile appeared on Usher's stern face and he nodded. "True. You know I love you very much, and I will prove it."

"Prove it?" Mireya blinked with a slowly increasing heartbeat. "How will you prove your love, Usher?"

"I will break my pairing with Vione."

*

Garth Morris had just finished his work five minutes ago. There was a proposal for the purchase of plantation goods that he had to review, followed by checking several messages that had piled up in Usher's email. A busy day, but it seemed he could not rest for a few hours.

His phone rang. Garth took the phone out of his pocket and answered it immediately.

"Hello, Alpha Usher."

"Come to The Palace immediately."

An order without hesitation. Garth did not even have time to express his compliance when the call was immediately ended on the other end.

It seemed to be something important.

Garth did not waste any time. He left the office immediately and drove to The Palace.

Fortunately, the road was not as busy as usual. Garth arrived at the palace about 40 minutes later and went straight to Usher's office.

"What's up, Alpha?"

Usher looked at the Beta standing at attention in front of him. "Go get Vione."

Garth had not expected Usher's order to have anything to do with Vione. He thought it had something to do with work or the problems of the pack.

"There's something important I need to tell Vione, but it turns out she left without telling me. It seems she went to her parents' house because she obviously has nowhere else to go."

Garth nodded with an uneasy feeling. Usher's behavior seemed unusual, so he furrowed his brow. "Understood, Alpha."

"Don't forget. After you pick her up, tell her to meet me immediately."

Garth gave one last obedient nod before leaving. Usher was left alone and decided to work on some tasks while waiting for Vione's arrival. Occasionally Usher glanced at his watch. Trying to immerse himself in work while waiting did not help at all. Waiting was still waiting, and he did not like it.

"Such childish behavior. After causing a ruckus, she's the one who leaves, pretending to be the victim," Usher grumbled, remembering Vione's attitude. He twirled the pen in his hand with an uncertain expression. "Is she going to complain to her adoptive parents?"

It would not make any difference, but Usher would not forget the fact that Vione's adoptive parents-Hilary Russell and Addy Roberto Munest-had a good relationship with his parents-Jemma Lumina Vale and the late Kendrick Thorne. They had worked at the Palace, and everyone liked them. So, he realized it was not strange that his parents had accepted Ayla's prophecy without a second thought.

Despite her obscure origins and lack of claws, Vione had been a popular shewolf. She had been bullied, especially during her childhood and adolescence, but that did not change the fact that she had a good relationship with everyone.

This made Usher uneasy. He wondered if Vione would complain to Jemma as well.

Hopefully not.

Usher might be an Alpha, but he never thought about getting into a fight with his own birth mother. Especially after the death of the previous Alpha, he just wanted to see Jemma live in peace. Losing a mate was not an easy thing, and Jemma had gone through unimaginably hard times. Now it was time for Jemma to find happiness in solitude.

The faint sound of the door opening caught Usher's attention. All his thoughts vanished as he saw Vione enter with an expressionless face.

Vione walked and Usher rose from his seat. They walked toward each other until they met in the middle of the room.

Both footsteps stopped. Both pairs of eyes locked on each other.

"Why did you go back to your parents' house?"

"I just didn't want to be a spectator of the indecent acts in this palace."

"Vione!"

Vione clenched her fists and tried to hold her ground. "Besides, isn't it a good thing? You and Mireya can be intimate without my interference."

Usher clenched his jaw. His eyes narrowed and his jaw hardened with each passing moment.

"Are you mocking me, Vione?"

"Are you offended?" Vione replied with a mocking expression. "Good, if you're offended. Besides, it seems that it's only you, the Alpha, who openly allows his affair to come to The Palace."

"Watch your words, Vione."

"I'll watch my words the day you watch your behavior, Usher. Do you know? I'm disgusted with you."

Usher's eyes widened. "What did you say? You're disgusted with me?"

"Yes. I'm disgusted with you. You're really disgusting."

"You're really disgusting, Vione. Don't you consider me your Alpha anymore?"

"Alpha?"

Vione repeated that one word and she grimaced. A moment later she burst into laughter, but her eyes showed pain. The laughter intensified, and the pain she felt became even more unbearable.

"I have always thought of you as my Alpha, Usher. I promised to devote myself to you, but I never thought this would happen to me."

Usher's anger was disturbed. The emotions caused by Vione's attitude were hindered by something he did not understand.

"V-Vione."

"To be honest, I've been wondering about that for a long time, Usher. Why?" Vione raised her chin as high as she could. She challenged Usher even though her eyes were starting to get hot. "Why did you accept me as your mate if you love Mireya?"

Damn it. The pain returned and Usher frowned, trying to bear it.

"You should have rejected the prophecy, Usher. You know that, right? What you're doing hurts me."

The pain rebelled. Usher growled, but Vione was unyielding.

"You really are heartless to me, Usher. Of all people, you're the one who understands my fears the best. Then you use them to hurt me."

Usher closed his eyes. Vione's words echoed in his head, intensifying the pain.

No. Something is wrong here.

Usher took a deep breath. He tried to calm himself and when he opened his eyes, he saw tears streaming down Vione's face.

Vione blinked. She tried to stop herself, but she could not. The tears welled up and flowed down her cheeks.

"You know I love you and you're hurting me."

Usher's growl exploded. His body lost control and he collapsed to the floor. His hand rose, trying to reach Vione. But Vione chose to walk away, wiping away the tears that continued to fall.

"V-Vione."

*