The Alpha Stole My Daughter’s Heart, So I Burned Down His Throne

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Fianna's POV

On the sixth anniversary of our mating bond, I went to the Alpha pack hall with a gift, hoping to surprise my Alpha mate.

My mate, Alpha Bastien Ashbourne, had been obsessed with a rare Moonfang Shadowrunner, a legendary wolf-drawn royal carriage crafted by the finest artisans in the Alpha Kingdom. I used every connection I had and finally secured it for him. The enchanted moonstone token that proved ownership rested inside a black velvet box.

In my other hand was a pregnancy crystal glowing with two silver lines because I also wanted to share the joyful news that he would become a father once again.

A bright smile stretched across my face as I stepped into his office without knocking.

I almost wished I hadn't.

Because what I saw shattered my entire world.

He wasn't alone.

He was with my best friend, Valeska Firemane.

Valeska sat on Bastien's desk as though she ruled the place. Her blouse hung open, and her lips were swollen. She trailed her fingers across his shoulder while he stood between her knees, his ceremonial Alpha jacket unfastened and his hand gripping her thigh.

My heart slammed against my chest.

My best friend.

My mate.

I opened my mouth to scream, but no sound came out.

For a long moment, I couldn't move or breathe. I simply couldn't believe what I was seeing. My mind refused to accept it, trying to convince me it was nothing more than a cruel illusion.

Because it couldn't be real.

Valeska, who had stood beside me under the Moon Goddess's blessing when my daughter, Danica, was born.

Valeska, who had become Danica's moon guardian.

And now she sat there, moaning against my mate's lips.

The betrayal cut through me like silver blades.

My chest tightened. Tears filled my eyes as I stared at them.

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to cross the room and drag her away from him.

But my body refused to obey.

I remained frozen in the doorway, the gifts trembling in my hands.

Just when I thought nothing could hurt more than this, Bastien's crystal communicator began to glow.

He growled in annoyance and pulled away from Valeska before answering it. His hand never left her thigh.

"What do you want now?" he snapped. His voice was cold and irritated. "I already paid you to stay silent. Don't push your luck."

Valeska pouted and brushed her fingers across his chest.

"I already gave you a fortune in gold for the heart transfer ritual," Bastien hissed. "You know how much I've spent to bury this."

The words struck me like a blow.

Heart transfer ritual?

What ritual?

My ears rang, but I forced myself to listen.

I couldn't hear the healer on the other side, but Bastien's answer came sharp and furious.

"I already paid you to give the heart to Valeska, not Danica. Danica is dead now, so why are you threatening me?"

The ground seemed to shift beneath my feet.

My daughter's heart? Given to my best friend, Valeska?

None of it made sense.

I couldn't understand what I was hearing. My mind refused to process it.

Meanwhile, Bastien's voice turned icy.

"Don't contact me again, Healer. If this secret gets out, I'll destroy you."

After ending the call, Valeska smiled softly and ran her hand across his chest.

"I still can't believe you really did all that for me," she murmured, loud enough for me to hear. "You truly gave me her heart."

Bastien pressed a gentle kiss against her wrist, admiration shining in his eyes.

"I told you, Valeska. I'd do anything for you. Fianna was too foolish to notice. She signed the ritual approval herself. I told her it was a trade agreement between packs, and she didn't bother reading it."

A sharp gasp escaped me before I could stop it, but Valeska's laughter drowned out the sound.

My chest collapsed inward. My knees nearly gave way as his words echoed through my mind.

Two months ago, a suitable heart became available. It had felt like a miracle.

Our daughter, Danica, had been waiting for a heart blessing for three winters.

At last, after all the pain, all the prayers beneath the moonlight, and all the sleepless nights beside her healing chamber, there had been hope.

I still remembered the day the healers summoned us.

"We have found a perfect match, Luna Fianna," the healer had said with a warm smile.

That day, I fell to my knees and cried with happiness because my little girl was finally going to live.

But two days later, Danica died during the ritual.

Bastien told me there had been complications. He even blamed the healers.

And I believed him.

But the fact just came out that he was the one murdered our daughter for Valeska. Even he used my signature to make it happen.

Valeska only had a minor heart weakness from birth. Moon herbs and healing potions could have treated it. Yet Bastien used my signature to give Danica's heart to Valeska, someone who never truly needed it.

That was probably why she never attended Danica's funeral pyre beneath the sacred moon.

My best friend turned out to be my mate's mistress.

Danica's moon guardian also her murderer.

I trusted her with my life.

And all the while, she held me as I cried for my daughter, even as my baby's heart beat inside her chest.

Fianna's POV

Valeska moved closer to Bastien, lowering her voice.

"But Bastien... what if Fianna discovers the truth? Aren't you afraid of what she might do?"

Bastien let out a cold laugh.

"Fianna? You're joking. Without me, she's nothing. She abandoned her clan and turned her back on her family for me. Now she has no one. She has no power. If she causes trouble, I'll throw her out of my territory and leave her with nothing."

Valeska laughed softly.

The velvet gift box slipped from my fingers and landed on the floor.

Neither of them noticed. They were too lost in each other.

Valeska had been there the night Danica suffered her first heart failure. She even stayed beside me in the Moon Healers' Hall.

She also brought me food when I forgot to eat and told me Danica was the brightest light in her life.

A bitter laugh rose in my throat as I remembered her words.

"Danica will always live inside me."

She hadn't lied.

Tears blurred my vision as I stumbled backward, struggling to breathe.

My entire world had broken apart in a single moment.

I picked up the gift from the floor, tears streaming down my face as I quietly walked away.

By the time I reached the living chamber, my legs gave out.

I collapsed onto the couch and burst into tears.

The sobs wouldn't stop.

My chest ached. My throat burned.

Then my crystal communicator vibrated.

It was a picture Valeska had posted on MoonGram.

In the photo, she stood smiling beside a man while his hand rested gently on her stomach.

That mans face wasn't visible, but I recognized the watch immediately.

That was the same watch I had given it to Bastien during our last mating anniversary.

In the picture, he was kissing her belly.

"Only a few more weeks until we meet our little blessing."

A heart symbol followed the message.

I stared at the image until everything became blurry.

Yeah that was my mate

And that was my daughter's heart beating inside my best friend's chest.

My mate's mistress.

I hurled the gift box against the wall and screamed until my throat felt raw.

My stomach churned.

I rushed to the bathroom and vomited until my throat stung.

I wanted to tear my own skin apart.

I sank onto the cold stone floor, trembling as tears rolled down my cheeks.

This was my fault.

I should have read the agreement. I should have checked what I was signing. But I had trusted Bastien completely.

Bastien called me a nobody. He believed I had no one left.

But he couldn't be more wrong.

I grabbed my crystal communicator and called a number I had sworn never to use again.

"Father, I'm ready to accept whatever mating alliance you choose for me. Come get me in five days, after I complete my bond severance."

I tried to keep my voice steady.

"Bond severance? I thought you were madly devoted to Alpha Bastien Ashbourne. Why have you changed your mind?"

"He murdered my daughter," I said. "And I want him to suffer for it."

My father's voice instantly turned sharp.

"I had always warned you. Bastien was never worthy of you. He even isn't fit to stand in your shadow."

A bitter laugh escaped me.

"I know that now. Soon enough, he'll understand it too."

My father's voice grew colder.

"Then return home, Fianna. Your brothers have been waiting for you. And Bastien will learn the price of making enemies of the Wolfhart Clan."

A tear slipped down my cheek as I thought of my seven brothers.

They were protective, loud, and quick to fight.

But they had always loved me.

And I had thrown them away for Bastien.

Every one of them warned me. All seven.

They told me Bastien was trash. But I shouted at them to stay out of my life.

The day I chose Bastien, I slammed the gates in my father's face.

"Tell them I'm coming home," I whispered.

I ended the call and looked around the pack house one final time.

In five days, I would be gone.

But before that, Bastien would pay.

He stole my daughter's heart to save his mistress. Now I would destroy everything he cared about, piece by piece.

It wasn't merely a threat. It was a mother's oath.

Bastien would finally learn what happened when someone crossed a Wolfhart.

Because my father wasn't just any Alpha.

He was Jorge Wolfhart, High Alpha of the Wolfhart Pack, ruler of the strongest wolf kingdom in the western territories.

Fianna's POV

I didn't hesitate.

The moment I ended the call with my father, I grabbed the first suitcase I saw and dragged it into the bedroom. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to stay focused.

There was no time to think. If I stopped for even a moment, the truth I had just learned would crush me.

I pulled open drawers, grabbed clothes without care, and threw them into the suitcases.

While folding a dress, my hands suddenly stopped.

It was the one Danica loved.

"Mommy, you look like a Moon Princess in this."

My chest tightened. I swallowed hard. Tears filled my eyes, but I forced them back.

Not now.

I shoved another shirt into the suitcase.

Then the bedroom door opened.

"Fianna?" Bastien called from behind me. "What are you doing?"

I closed the suitcase and turned around with a fake smile.

"Just sorting out my wardrobe."

His eyes narrowed as he looked around the messy room.

He opened his mouth to speak, but another voice interrupted him.

"Hello, Fianna."

I froze.

My stomach twisted.

Valeska.

I hadn't realized she had entered with Bastien.

Before I could stop myself, my eyes dropped to her chest. To the place where my daughter's heart beat.

A violent urge rose inside me.

I wanted to tear it out with my own claws. I clenched my fists so hard my nails cut into my palms.

My daughter's heart was inside her. Yet she stood in my bedroom smiling at me.

But I only said nothing. Because if I spoke, I would scream.

Then I noticed the luggage. Two expensive suitcases stood behind Bastien.

My brows furrowed.

Bastien followed my gaze. Before I could ask, he smiled as if bringing wonderful news.

"Valeska will be staying with us for a while."

I blinked. "What?"

Before Bastien could continue, Valeska stepped forward with a cheerful laugh.

"Didn't Bastien tell you? I'm carrying a pup."

Her hand rested on her stomach, a bright smile on her face, as if she expected me to gasp, congratulate her, and pull her into a hug.

Instead, I raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Her smile wavered.

For a brief second, her mask slipped. Shock flashed across her face at my cold reaction.

Then she quickly recovered. Her lower lip trembled as she tried to look hurt.

"I thought you'd be happy for me, Fianna. After everything we've shared."

Happy?

The word burned through me.

What exactly was I supposed to celebrate? The fact that she had stolen everything from me?

Before I could answer, Bastien cut in sharply.

"Fianna, whats wrong with you? She's your closest friend. You should be happy for her. Instead, you're acting resentful and jealous."

I slowly turned to him, a mocking smile on my lips.

Jealous? Resentful?

"Jealous?" I repeated coldly. "Why would I be jealous?"

His eyes flashed. "Because she's having a pup, and you..."

He stopped.

But it was too late. The wound had already been opened.

Because I lost mine.

Because he murdered mine.

I drew a slow breath, fighting to stay calm. "Then explain something to me, Bastien."

I pointed at Valeska.

"Why is she moving into this pack house? Why does she suddenly need to live here?"

Bastiens jaw tightened as he stepped closer.

"Because she shouldn't be alone right now. She needs support. She needs protection. That pup needs people around it."

"People?" I asked quietly.

"Yes," Valeska added softly, trying to sound helpless. "Only until things calm down. I thought you'd understand better than anyone."

Bastien nodded.

"Exactly. She needs us. She's our family too, Fianna."

A sarcastic laugh escaped me. "She's not my family."

Valeska flinched. Bastien frowned.

"Why can't you be happy for her, Fianna? Instead of celebrating, you're acting like this." He pointed at me with clear disgust. "Listen to yourself. It's embarrassing."

Embarrassing?

The word cut deep. But I refused to react.

I tilted my head and looked between them with a bitter smile.

"The way you're acting makes me curious, Bastien."

My voice remained calm.

"Is the pup yours?"

Silence filled the room.

Bastien's jaw twitched, while Valeska widened her eyes in fake shock.

"Don't be absurd," Bastien snapped. "Of course it isn't mine."

"Really?"

I raised a brow. "Then why is she moving in with us? Why are you defending her so fiercely?"

"She's alone, Fianna!" Bastien barked. "She has nobody else, and she's carrying a pup. What kind of monster would turn her away?"

What kind of monster sacrifices his own daughter?

The question echoed inside my mind.

But I kept it to myself.

Instead, I turned back to the suitcase and pulled the zipper closed.

"If you'll excuse me, I'd like to finish organizing my things."

Bastien muttered something to Valeska. Then the two of them left the room together.

The second the door closed behind them, my smile disappeared.

My hands shook as I gripped the suitcase.

Fianna's POV

That night, sleep never came.

I lay on the bed, staring into the darkness.

Bastien stayed beside me for a while, but around midnight, I felt him quietly leave the bed. He thought I was asleep.

I kept my eyes closed and my breathing steady until the bedroom door clicked shut.

For a long time, I remained still.

From somewhere down the hall, I could hear Bastien's voice and Valeska's laughter.

I placed a hand over my stomach. A new life was growing inside me.

But Bastien didn't know. And I would make sure he never found out.

The next morning, Bastien entered the room wearing a smile, as if he hadn't spent the entire night with my best friend.

"Fianna," he said carefully, "we need to discuss something."

The way he said it made my stomach tighten.

"What is it now?" I asked with an immediate frown.

He hesitated before clearing his throat.

"Valeska shouldn't stay in the guest chamber anymore. She's carrying a pup. She needs more room and better comfort."

I blinked. My mind struggled to understand what he had just said.

"Comfort?"

He nodded. "The Alpha suite is larger and much nicer. It makes sense for her to have it."

For a moment, I thought I had heard wrong. Then a laugh of disbelief escaped me.

"You want me to give my room to Valeska?"

His jaw tightened. "It won't be permanent. Only until the pup is born."

I stared at him, fighting the urge to wrap my hands around his throat. I wanted to tell him I was carrying a pup too. That my pup deserved comfort and protection, not Valeska's illegitimate pup.

But I stayed silent.

He was a murderer. He had no right to know.

Then Bastien continued speaking, "Fianna, you've enjoyed that room for years. Valeska is pregnant. Shouldn't she be the one receiving special care now? Can't you make one sacrifice for your best friend?"

I pressed my lips together. There was no point arguing.

In a few days, I would be gone forever. So I swallowed my anger.

My nails dug into my palms.

"Fine," I said quietly.

Besides, it made things easier. I was already packing my belongings.

His shoulders relaxed. A relieved sigh escaped him.

He leaned forward and gently kissed my forehead.

Revulsion washed through me. I nearly shivered.

"Bastien?"

Valeska's voice floated down the hallway.

Immediately, he turned toward the door.

"Wait, Bastien," I said calmly. "I need your signature."

I forced my hands to remain steady as I picked up a folder from the table.

"Before you leave, there's a document I need signed."

He frowned impatiently. "Fianna, not now."

"But it's only a small piece of paperwork," I interrupted softly. "It'll only take a moment."

He hesitated and narrowed his eyes.

Then Valeska called again, "Bastien!"

"Fine. Give it to me."

He snatched the papers from my hand. Without even reading them, he signed his name.

My face remained expressionless. But inside, my heart hammered wildly.

He even had no idea what he had just signed.

"Anything else?" he asked.

"No."

He didn't wait.

Before I could say another word, he was already gone.

The second he left, I called my pack attorney.

"My bond severance with Alpha Bastien Ashbourne is complete. Withdraw all of my support and investments from Ashbourne Pack Holdings."

Yes, there was something Bastien had never known.

For years, I had secretly helped him build his territory. I had funded him, supported him, and protected him.

Now all of that was over.

A hollow laugh escaped me before I returned to packing.

A few minutes later, Valeska appeared at the doorway.

Her voice dripped with fake kindness. "Fianna, let me help."

Her smile even never reached her eyes.

But I knew that smile. I had seen it when she comforted me after Danica died.

Now I really wanted to scream at her. I wanted to rip her hair out.

But instead, I only forced a smile.

"That's alright. I can handle it."

She entered anyway, glancing around the room.

The shelves were nearly empty.

"It's okay. I'm good at organizing things. I'll take care of everything."

She walked directly toward the dresser where I kept Danica's belongings.

I hadn't found the strength to pack them away yet.

"Be careful. Don't touch that area," I said sharply.

Valeska's smile widened. She picked up a snow globe from the corner.

It had been Danica's favorite toy. A tiny moon dancer twirled inside whenever it was shaken.

On nights when grief became unbearable, I would hold that snow globe until sleep finally claimed me.

Watching the little dancer spin always soothed my heart.

"This is beautiful," Valeska said softly, turning it in her hands. "It belonged to Danica, didn't it?"

Pain squeezed my chest. "Yes. Put it down."

Her smile deepened. Mischief sparkled in her eyes.

"Oops."

She let it slip from her fingers. The snow globe crashed against the floor. Glass shattered everywhere.

The moon dancer snapped into two pieces. Silver liquid spilled across the floor.

"Oh, no!" Valeska gasped dramatically, pressing a hand against her chest. "I'm so sorry, Fianna. I've become so clumsy lately. It must be pregnancy fog."

Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she watched me.

Waiting.

Watching for my reaction.

For a moment, I couldn't move.

That snow globe wasn't merely a toy. It was the one thing that helped me survive the nights after Danica died.

Now it lay shattered. Destroyed by Valeska's deliberate mistake.

I dropped to my knees. My trembling hands gathered the broken pieces. I even didn't care when sharp glass sliced my skin.

Tears blurred my vision as I cradled the broken moon dancer in my palm.

"It was her favorite." My voice barely came out.

Valeska crouched beside me. A small, pleased smile rested on her lips.

"Don't worry, Fianna. You'll have more pups someday. You'll get over it."

My chest burned. Slowly, I lifted my eyes to meet hers.

At that moment, everything crashed down on me.

And I finally snapped.

Fianna's POV

My hands trembled as I held the broken moon dancer in my palms.

Something inside me finally shattered.

"You vicious wolf!" I snarled.

My voice came out as a low growl.

Valeska tilted her head and gave me a sweet smile. The same smile that had fooled me for years.

"Fianna, calm down. It was only an accident..."

The word accident made something explode inside me.

Before I could stop myself, my hand flew out.

Slap!

The slap echoed through the room.

Valeska stumbled backward and clutched her cheek. Her eyes widened in shock.

She had never expected me to strike her.

"You have no right to touch my daughters things! You have no right to destroy the only thing I had left of her!" I screamed, my throat raw.

"Fianna!"

Bastien's furious voice thundered from the doorway.

I turned just as he stormed into the room.

Rage filled his face as he rushed to Valeska and pulled her into his arms.

"She attacked me, Alpha," Valeska whimpered. Tears filled her eyes. Her voice trembled pitifully.

My chest rose and fell violently as I stared at them, still clutching the broken moon dancer.

Bastien's expression hardened. He turned toward me, fury blazing in his eyes.

"What is wrong with you, Fianna?"

"She broke Danica's snow globe!" I cried, pointing at the shattered glass. "She did it on purpose, Bastien. She"

"Enough!"

His voice cut through the room like a blade.

"Listen to yourself. You're pathetic. Bitter. Jealous of a pregnant she wolf. Jealous because your friend has what you don't."

His words stabbed into me like silver claws.

But he wasn't finished.

"Its not Valeska's fault that you don't have a pup anymore, Fianna. Danica is gone. Maybe if you had been a better mother, maybe if you had tried harder"

"Don't you dare blame me, you monster!" A scream ripped from my throat before he could continue.

Bastien growled.

And before I could react, his hand struck my face.

The blow landed hard until my head snapped sideways. My knees gave out.

I crashed to the floor. Pain burned across my cheek. My ears rang.

Tears filled my eyes. Not because it hurt, but because it humiliated me.

Meanwhile, Valeska gasped dramatically. Her hands covered her mouth as if she were horrified.

But I saw the truth. The satisfaction in her eyes.

She loved every second of this.

My shaking fingers touched my burning cheek.

Bastien stood frozen, breathing heavily, his hand still half-raised. His eyes widened with sudden realization, as if he had only now understood what he had done.

For a brief moment, regret flashed across his face.

He took a hesitant step toward me.

"Fianna"

Before he could continue, Valeska interrupted.

She burst into loud sobs. Her body shook as she wrapped her arms around her stomach.

"Alpha Bastien" she cried as she collapsed against him. "This is all because of me. I never should have come here. I've only brought trouble. Luna Fianna is right. I don't deserve to live."

Her crying was dramatic. Fake.

But Bastien was completely blind.

She buried her face against his chest and sobbed even harder.

"Maybe I should die. Me and this pup. Then both of you would finally be free."

Panic instantly replaced the regret on Bastien's face.

He held her tightly and stroked her hair.

"Don't say that, Valeska. Never say that." His voice softened. "You and this pup mean everything. Do you understand? Everything."

I stared at them from the floor. My heart cracked apart. My cheek still burned.

Valeska's tears were fake. I could see the victory shining in her eyes.

But Bastien believed every word.

How fool!

He glared down at me while pulling Valeska even closer.

"Look at what you've done, Fianna. Look at her. She's terrified. She's blaming herself because of you."

"Because of me?" My voice broke as I struggled to hold back tears. "But"

"Enough!"

His face became cold as stone and his eyes burned with anger.

"I don't even recognize you anymore. You're completely out of control."

I wanted to say something, but again, Valeska released another sob and clutched her stomach.

"Bastien," she whispered weakly. "The pup... it hurts."

Bastiens panic deepened. He looked down at Valeska trembling in his arms. Then he shot me a venomous glare.

"You're staying in this room until you learn to control yourself."

His voice was cold and final, making me froze.

"What?"

"You heard me, Fianna."

After that, he wrapped an arm around Valeska and guided her toward the door.

"You're not leaving this room until you learn how to behave. I won't allow you to hurt Valeska or her pup."

Then the door slammed shut.

A second later, I heard the lock click from the outside.

"No!"

I threw myself at the door. My fists pounded against the wood until they throbbed.

"Bastien! Don't leave me in here! Open the door!"

But only silence answered.

I grabbed the handle and pulled, but it didn't move.

"Bastien!" My voice cracked. "Please! You can't do this!"

But he never returned.

The room was at the top of the Alpha Manor. There was no escape.

Minutes turned into hours.

I screamed until my voice gave out, leaving my throat raw and burning.

Again and again, I tried reaching Bastien through our crystal communicator, but every call unanswered.

Eventually, he blocked my frequency completely. Cutting me off.

My body ached. My stomach growled with hunger.

There was no food. No water.

The room felt less like a bedroom and more like a prison cell..

I clawed at the door until my nails split and bled.

I screamed.

I begged.

I cursed.

I even prayed to the Moon Goddess.

And eventually, my voice stopped working.

Fianna's POV

I had no idea how long I lay on the floor before the door finally opened.

Bastien stood there, looking down at me with disgust.

"You should be thanking Valeska," he said coldly. "If not for her, you would still be locked in here. She begged me to release you because of your friendship."

His words cut deep, but I kept my face expressionless.

"How generous of her," I croaked. My voice was rough after hours of screaming.

He frowned at my sarcasm but ignored it.

Stepping aside, he allowed me to leave the room.

My legs trembled from weakness, but he made no move to help me.

"Make sure everything is removed from this chamber before tomorrow," he said coldly before walking away.

For a moment, I simply stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall for support.

Humiliation burned inside me. My chest ached, but I forced myself to stay calm.

Soon enough, they would pay for everything.

***

Later that evening, Valeska walked into the nearly empty room as if she owned it.

A bowl of soup rested in her hands. She placed it on the table and sighed.

"You should eat. You look awful."

I ignored her and continued packing the few belongings I had left.

She clicked her tongue. "You can fool Bastien, but not me."

Her voice lowered. "I can see it in your eyes. You know everything."

My hands paused for a second. Then I continued packing. Ignoring her.

She stepped closer.

"Tell me, Fianna. How does it feel knowing he sacrificed your daughter for me?"

I turned away.

She continued anyway, He never loved you. Not even once."

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"You've always been nothing more than a burden to him."

I remained silent. I simply walked toward the window and refused to acknowledge her.

A mocking laugh escaped her lips.

"I wonder how it felt watching us together in his office."

Still, I said nothing. I was too tired to waste words on her.

Unfortunately, silence wasn't the reaction she wanted.

A moment later, a loud bang echoed through the room.

I spun around.

Valeska had slammed her own head against the wall.

"Bastien!"

Tears instantly appeared in her eyes.

Heavy footsteps thundered down the hallway.

The door burst open.

"What happened?" Bastien demanded.

Valeska immediately broke into sobs.

"She smashed my head into the wall," she cried. "I brought her food. I was only trying to help, and she attacked me."

I stared at her in shock.

"That's a lie. I didn't"

Before I could finish, Bastien's fist crashed into my face.

The force sent me stumbling backward.

My body slammed against the wall before collapsing onto the floor.

Pain exploded through me.

"Have you lost your mind?!" he roared. "If you touch her again, I swear"

"I didn't touch her!" I said through bloodied lips. "She"

A brutal kick to my stomach cut me off.

The air left my lungs instantly.

I curled over and clutched my abdomen, gasping for breath.

He towered above me, rage blazing in his eyes.

Behind him stood Valeska, fake tears running down her face.

"I"

I coughed, tasting blood.

"Bastien... I'm"

The word pregnant reached my lips.

But his fist struck me again.

My head slammed into the floor. Pain shot through my body.

Still, I struggled to speak.

"I'm... carrying"

"Shut up!"

His roar silenced me.

Then another kick landed.

I screamed and wrapped my arms protectively around my stomach.

"You need to learn your place!"

He kicked me again.

After that, he grabbed Valeska and stormed out.

The door slammed shut behind them.

Agonizing pain ripped through my abdomen. Then suddenly, I felt warmth between my legs.

I froze.

Slowly, I touched the floor.

My fingers came away stained red.

"No..."

My voice broke.

I pressed both hands against my stomach. Shaking my head.

"No. No, no, no..."

Tears blurred my vision as the blood kept flowing, soaking through my clothes and spreading across the floor.

I didn't need a Moon Healer to tell me what had happened.

I already knew.

Tears streamed down my face.

Not from sadness.

Not from pain.

They were tears of hatred, of fury.

The only thing keeping me standing now.

"Bastien!"

My scream echoed through the manor.

Hatred was the only thing keeping me alive.

***

Groaning in pain, I dragged myself out of the Alpha Manor.

Every step felt like torture. Blood stained my dress. I could barely remain standing.

But I forced myself into a moon carriage and gave the driver the location of the nearest Moon Healers' Hall.

Hours later, I lay weak in a healing chamber.

The healer's words repeated endlessly in my head.

"We couldn't save the pup."

They kept me there through the night.

The following afternoon, I insisted on leaving.

Part of me expected Bastien to appear, or send a message, or at least ask where I was.

But he did none of those things.

When I returned to the manor, he didn't even notice I had been gone.

Or perhaps he simply didn't care.

***

Two days later

With Valeska standing beside him, Bastien said, "Fianna, my moon-born day celebration is tonight. Be there on time. Valeska and I have somewhere else to go first. We'll meet you there later."

I smiled.

"Alright. I'll see you there."

Since losing my unborn pup, I hadn't argued with him once. Not even gave him sarcasm or complaints. Only quiet smiles and obedient nods.

I became silent. Simply agreeable and easy to control.

Those which Bastien loved.

His expression softened, then he smiled with satisfaction. Like an Alpha pleased with a wolf who had finally stopped resisting.

Then he leaned forward and tried to kiss my lips. But I turned my head slightly. So his kiss landed on my cheek instead.

He blinked in surprise.

But I only smiled sweetly as if nothing had happened. As if I hadn't noticed.

"See you later," I said softly.

Bastien grinned and turned toward Valeska.

The two of them headed for the door.

As they passed the table, Valeska's purse brushed against it.

Danica's framed picture fell to the floor.

The glass shattered. The frame cracked apart.

Bastien flinched at the sound. Then he looked at me. Waiting for a reaction.

Because he knew how much that picture meant to me.

But I simply smiled and stayed unbothered.

"It's alright. Go ahead. I'll clean it up."

Confusion crossed his face.

For a brief moment, he frowned. He looked as if he wanted to say something.

But before he could speak, Valeska slipped her arm through his.

"Come on, Alpha," she purred. "We'll be late."

He hesitated.

Then he allowed her to lead him away.

If only he knew

This would be the last time he ever saw me.

I stood by the window and watched them leave. A cold smile touched my lips.

Then I gathered everything: the bond severance papers, the documents proving I had withdrawn my investments from Ashbourne Pack Holdings, the evidence of Bastien and Valeska's affair, my pregnancy report. And finally, the records proving he had sacrificed our daughter for his mistress.

I placed everything into a large brown envelope.

Across the front, I wrote: Happy Moon-born Day, Alpha Bastien Ashbourne. From Fianna Wolfhart.

I sealed it and handed it to a courier.

"Deliver this to the celebration."

A few minutes later, a black enchanted carriage rolled into the driveway.

It was my father's carriage.

The driver stepped out and opened the door for me. And without a word, he loaded my luggage.

As we rode away from the territory, I never looked back. I clenched my fists as hatred surged through me once more.

One day, Bastien and Valeska would regret everything they had done.