Chapter 2

When we returned to the estate, Killian was already waiting outside.

Bella was beside him with red-rimmed eyes.

"You're back?" Killian's tone was mild, but his eyes scrutinized my face.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "The Royal Court sent word you saw the King. Did you go to complain? Force Bella and Leo out?"

"You're joking, Alpha." I met his gaze, my lips curving in the faintest smile.

"Everyone knows I can't serve my mate. Now she's given you an heir—that's cause for celebration. Why would I force them out?"

Killian's face went white.

He knew what they said about me out there. But five years, and I'd never complained. He must've assumed I didn't care.

His voice came out stiff, avoiding my eyes. "Ignore the gossip. The innocent are innocent."

The innocent are innocent. My chest went cold.

Right. He was innocent.

All of the Northern Territories thought Alpha Killian was devoted, honorable—refusing mistresses, refusing brothels, staying faithful to his barren Luna. A rare gentleman.

And me? I was the jealous, useless one who couldn't give the Pack an heir. The villain.

Five years. I'd sacrificed my reputation, swallowed every degradation, and got four empty words in return.

My throat tightened. I opened my mouth—

But Bella's soft voice interrupted. "The Alpha's right, Luna. You've endured so much slander for the Pack these years. It must have been hard."

"From now on, I'll help shoulder your burdens. If anyone speaks ill of you again, I'll set them straight."

Looking at the two of them, I suddenly laughed.

"Bella, save your energy. Play your act for the one who needs to see it. No need to perform pity in front of me."

"As for defending me—don't bother. Lies stay lies. And the truth always comes out eventually."

Killian's face flushed with embarrassment and anger. "Bella's just trying to help. Why be so cruel?"

I ignored him, walking past them both into my residence.

Back inside, I began quietly packing my belongings.

My gaze swept the cold, sparse room, landing on a rosewood box on my vanity.

Inside, neatly arranged, were all the gifts Killian had given me over the years.

Earrings. Necklace. Bracelets.

And a seal he'd carved himself, engraved with my name.

He'd said: "Maeve, keep my private seal. Seeing it is the same as seeing me."

I'd treasured it back then, thinking it meant trust. Now I knew better. It was charity.

I picked up the seal, stared at it for a long moment, then walked to the brazier and dropped it in.

Then the jewelry.

One by one, five years of memories turned to ash in the flames.

Lily knelt by the brazier, tears streaming. "Luna, these were your most precious things."

"They were. Not anymore." My voice came out flat.

The fire died down slowly.

I stood there a while longer before turning to Lily. "Pack. We're leaving."

As we sorted through my belongings, I realized that after five years, the only things truly mine were a few old personal items.

I looked at the half-empty trunks and felt lighter.

The less I carried, the clearer the path ahead.

Now I just needed to settle things at my mother's apothecary.