"You chose Kael. That means you'll always be nothing more than an officer's wife. But I-" her chin lifted-"I will rule the entire Black Moon Pack." I studied her coolly. "Isabella, haven't you noticed the Moon's Tear is rejecting you?" Her smile faltered. "Look at the rash on your neck." I pointed to the red blotches marring her skin. "That necklace rejects your bloodline." Her hand flew to her throat, and she felt the rough patches beneath her fingers. "T-That's just a simple allergy-" "The Moon's Tear recognizes only the purest bloodline of Silver Creek," I pressed. "Haven't you realized yet? The wolf at your side isn't Jacob at all." The air froze. Isabella stared at me for a long ten seconds, then suddenly burst out laughing. Her laugh was sharp, cruel, and cold. "Ha...hahahaha!" She stood, ripping the necklace from her throat and tossing it to the floor. "Elena, do you take me for a fool?" My stomach sank. "I know he's Liam." Her gaze hardened into a blade. "I've always known. The moment I couldn't feel Jacob's mate bond, I knew he was gone." She stepped closer, eyes glittering with obsession. "As long as I can become Luna, what does it matter who my Alpha is?" Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "The Moon Goddess gave everything to you, Elena, while I was mocked and dismissed. Now, finally, my chance has come. Why shouldn't I seize it?" "So you conspired with Liam..." "Elena." Her voice dropped to ice. "If you're smart, you'll keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, you'll be the next to die." At that moment, the door burst open. Liam entered with Arthur and Victoria at his side. "What's going on?" he demanded, instantly moving to Isabella's side. "I heard shouting." Isabella's eyes shimmered with feigned hurt as she clutched his sleeve. "Jacob... Elena was mocking me, saying I'm unworthy of being Luna." Liam's expression hardened, his glare spearing me. "Elena! How could you speak to Isabella that way?" Victoria pointed at me with shaking rage. "Jealous, spiteful woman! You've already chosen another mate. Why come here at all?" "You owe Isabella an apology," Liam said coldly. "Instead, you come here causing trouble. Leave. Now." I looked at them-at his false righteousness, at her fragile act, at their carefully woven lies. "Fine." I turned and walked away, my expression calm. But inside, I was smiling. The hunt had only just begun.