Chapter 5

I gripped the moldy root tighter. "Someone switched the apothecary's herbs."

"Evidence?" Killian's tone was cold.

"Every time something goes wrong, it's always someone else's fault. Does the Moonwell Apothecary just attract trouble?"

He stepped closer, lowering his voice but making each word crystal clear.

"Maeve, shut it down. What does it look like—a Luna spending all her time in an apothecary?"

"Bella's right. There's a new incident every other day. You're making us a laughingstock."

I looked at him and suddenly felt like laughing. "Is that why you came today, Alpha?"

"I'm doing this for your own good." He frowned. "And for the Pack's reputation. Close the apothecary. If you need coin, I'll compensate you—"

"No need." I cut him off, turning to Willow. "Request the royal herb examiner to verify the medicine on site."

"Maeve!" Killian's voice turned sharp with anger. "Are you really going to defy me in public?"

Just then, a servant burst through the door, panicked. "Alpha! Bella's having chest pains, can't breathe!"

Killian's face went white. He grabbed my wrist, fingers digging in.

"What did you put in the tea you gave Bella? She's never had episodes like this before!"

I froze. "What tea?"

"Bella said she couldn't sleep. She came to your apothecary yesterday for medicine!"

His eyes went ice-cold. "If anything happens to her, Maeve, your apothecary will never open again!"

He released my wrist roughly and rushed out.

I stood there, a ring of red marks blooming on my skin.

Willow approached, worried. "Luna, Bella never came here for medicine. We've never even seen her..."

"I know." My voice came out quiet.

I watched Killian's carriage disappear down the street and laughed—soft, bitter.

Turns out when someone doesn't love you, even framing you comes naturally.

The next day, the Moonwell Apothecary barely opened before a mob stormed in.

Leading them was the mate of yesterday's she-wolf. He slammed his fist on the counter, sending bottles flying.

"Poison dealers! My son vomited blood last night. He's still unconscious. You're going to pay for what you did!"

A dozen men who looked like hired muscle followed, smashing everything.

Medicine cabinets toppled. Herbs scattered across the floor. Grinding mortars shattered into pieces.

"Shut down this death trap!"

I tried to protect the wooden plaque my mother had left—the one engraved with "Healing Hearts, Saving Lives"—but someone shoved me hard.

I fell, my elbow scraping across broken pottery. Blood welled immediately.

"Stop!" I tried to stand, but the chaos pressed in. Someone stepped on my skirt, and I stumbled again.

"Everyone freeze!" The territory guards arrived.

The captain surveyed the destruction, frowning.

"The Moonwell Apothecary is under investigation for medical malpractice. By order, this establishment is sealed. No one enters or exits!"

"Captain!" I crawled to him, my voice shaking.

"You can't seal the apothecary. We have evidence the herbs were tampered with. Give me three days—"

"Maeve." A cold voice cut through from the doorway.

Killian stood in the morning light, Bella meek and docile behind him.

His gaze swept the ruined apothecary like he was looking at garbage.

"Are you still making a scene?"

"You think the apothecary stayed open all these years because of your skill? You survived on the Winterpeak Pack's name. No one dared investigate too closely."

"Now someone's been hurt, and you're still playing stubborn?"

I looked up at him. At the undisguised irritation in his eyes. At the fleeting smirk on Bella's lips.

Suddenly, I understood everything.

Slowly, I stood and brushed the dust from my dress.

"You're right, Alpha."

"The apothecary only existed because of the Pack. Now that you want it closed, then it's closed."

Killian blinked, like he hadn't expected me to comply so easily.

"Good. You understand." His tone softened slightly. "Go back to the estate. Stay inside where you belong. I will handle the rest."

I said nothing.

I watched the guards nail the official notice to the door, sealing it with wax.

Watched my mother's life's work dissolve with Killian's casual dismissal.

The last thread of attachment snapped.

I walked out of the apothecary quietly, passing Killian and Bella without stopping. But as I did, I murmured under my breath.

"Three more days."

Killian frowned. "What did you say?"

But I was already gone.