---- that. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" His words quivered with barely contained rage. " Leah has shown you more patience than you deserve. I've said it over and over-she will never threaten your place. So, why are you poisoning the pack with those lies about her? Why would you curse my pups like that?" I let out a bitter chuckle. Of course, I would never do such things, but he never paused to question or seek any proof. He simply assumed my guilt without hesitation. When did the trust between us start to shatter so easily? "Are you done?" I asked casually. After a moment, he said, ''The pups' christening is next week. You have to be there. Stop being so stubborn, please." "Okay," I whispered. ---- I ended the call and stared into the moonlight. Its gentle glow flowed like water, but it couldn't warm the icy void within me. Alan and I once stood side by side beneath this same moon. He had vowed to pluck the brightest star from the sky just for me. Now, I couldn't even steal a moment of his time without someone else's permission. A bitter smile touched my lips as I rested my hand on my chest. The pain had settled into my everyday life. Maybe one day, it would fade into the background, and I wouldn't feel it anymore. I wore no makeup or jewelry during the christening. I dressed plainly, blending into the sea of faces. ---- The pack's eyes followed me with pity. At the center of it all, Leah stood beside Alan, radiant in her gown. At that moment, she looked every bit like the Luna. Thalia nudged my arm. "Go hold the pups." Alan passed the pups to me, his eyes shadowed with remorse. "Anna, once the ceremony ends, I'll take Leah to Northaria. The pups can be registered under your name." His voice was hesitant, as if walking on fragile ground. "You were poisoned by silver when you saved me all those years ago. It left you unable to conceive. Yet now, you have twin pups without the pain of labor. Isn't that some kind of blessing?" Asharp, stabbing pain pierced my heart. During a brutal tribal war, a silver blade pierced my abdomen as I risked everything to save him.