They called me barren. Five years as Luna to Alpha Killian, we’d never once consummated our bond. The gossip had spread like wildfire— servants whispering in corridors, merchants trading stories at the market, nobles discussing it over wine. Some said I was as plain as dirt. Others claimed Killian’s heart belonged to a dead first love. The most ridiculous version? That I was barren—unable to bear the Alpha his heirs. I walked through the estate gardens, catching fragments of conversation from the servants trimming hedges nearby, my expression unchanged as I continued my path. Lily’s eyes reddened with rage. “Luna, how can they spread such lies about you? I’ll—” “Let them talk,” I interrupted softly, keeping my voice calm. “The worse they make it sound, the safer the Alpha stays.” Only I knew the truth. On our mating night, Killian stood by the bed, his face twisted with shame. After a long silence, his voice came out hoarse: “Maeve, I have… an affliction. I cannot fulfill a mate’s duty.” He told me he suffered from what the healers called Mate-Shame— A psychological condition that made him recoil from intimate touch since childhood, let alone consummate our mating bond. The condition was rare. If word got out, he’d be mocked across the realm, and the Pack’s honor would be ruined. “If you’re unwilling, I’ll petition the Lycan King tomorrow to dissolve this arranged mating.” Back then, his words were sincere. He’d been the only one to extend his hand when my family was slaughtered, my father murdered. I remembered Father’s dying words: The Winterpeak Pack can be trusted. Gently, I reached for his sleeve. “I didn’t accept this bond for that reason, Alpha. If you trust me, I’ll protect you.” That protection lasted five years. Five years of blocking every attack, swallowing every insult. Outsiders said I wasn’t favored. Said I couldn’t breed. Said this Luna was nothing but decoration. I never defended myself. Hell, I encouraged the rumors, shaping myself into a jealous, useless mate so everyone would believe I was the problem—not him. I thought we were protecting a secret together. Until three days ago. Killian came to my quarters for the first time in months, his eyes bright with something I hadn’t seen in years—hope. “Maeve, I found a healer. Says there’s a seventy percent chance he can cure me. I need to leave the Pack for a few days.” My heart jumped. Five years. I’d long stopped hoping for a real mating, but if he could heal, if we could be like normal mates— “Good.” I gripped his hand, smiling softly. “I’ll wait for you.” I waited three days. On the third evening, Killian returned. I heard the news and rushed out, barely smoothing down my dress. Then I saw him. Killian was holding a pup, maybe two years old, giggling as he tugged at Killian’s collar. Beside Killian stood a she-wolf in a pale green dress. The she-wolf was delicate, fragile-looking, with one hand resting lightly on Killian’s arm. My feet froze on the porch. Killian saw me. Something complicated flickered across his face. He walked forward with the pup and the she-wolf, his voice still gentle but carrying a new, unfamiliar distance. “Maeve, this is Bella.” He paused, looking down at the pup with soft eyes. “And this is my son. Leo.” The winter wind cut through the courtyard like a blade. I stared at the pup’s features—an exact copy of Killian’s. Stared at how Bella nestled against him. Suddenly, these five years felt like a complete joke. Mate-Shame. An affliction. Bullshit. He’d just been saving himself for her. And I—I’d spent five years shouldering every insult, every humiliation, all to be his fucking shield while he protected his true love. Killian kept talking, like he’d rehearsed this speech a thousand times. “Bella saved my life. Leo was… an accident. I’ve wronged her all these years.” “Now that I’ve brought them home, I want to give them proper status. Since Bella bore my heir, I need you to step down as Luna—” Every eye in the courtyard locked onto me, waiting for the show. But I just smiled softly. I raised my head, my gaze sweeping over Killian, over Bella, finally landing on the pup’s face. “Alpha, the healer cured you, didn’t he?” Killian’s expression shifted. He couldn’t find words. I didn’t wait for an answer. My voice stayed light. “Then congratulations, Alpha. As for the Luna position—whatever you say.” Killian froze. He’d expected tears, accusations. He’d already prepared excuses. But not this. “You really agree?” He searched my face, irritation rising in his eyes for no reason I could name. “Yes.” I nodded slightly. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.” I turned without another word and walked back to my quarters. Lily hurried after me, voice trembling. “Luna…” I didn’t stop. “Get ready. We’re going to see the King.” I changed into my simplest dress and pulled out a dusty wooden box from a hidden compartment. Holding it close, I walked straight out of the estate. When I left the Royal Court, the box was empty. In exchange, I carried a sealed decree—effective in seven days: formal dissolution of the mate bond. In the carriage home, Lily finally broke. “Luna, you really asked for Rejection? After all this?” I nodded. “But I’ve seen it—these five years, you loved him. You’re just gonna walk away? Let that rogue bitch win? Can you really let go?” I stared at the swaying curtain, silent for a moment. These five years, yes—I’d felt warmth when he remembered to bring me soup from the West End on cold nights. When I’d poisoned myself testing medicine and he’d stormed the Royal Healers’ Hall in the middle of the night, staying by my bedside without sleep, I’d almost believed in happily ever after. But all those small sparks, all that warmth—today crushed them to dust. I remembered why I became his Luna. And I’d never forgotten this was never my real home. “I bonded with him to honor my father’s dying wish. That debt’s paid. We’re done.” “My mother’s apothecary—I never abandoned it these five years.” “Leaving here just means doing what I should’ve done all along.” I glanced at Lily, a faint light in my eyes. “Besides, someone is waiting for me.”
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.
The next day, I left the estate alone. Passing the West Market tavern, raucous laughter spilled into the street. A drunk’s voice carried through the open door. “Five years that Luna’s been warming his bed—nothing! Then some stray bitch waltzes in with a pup, and suddenly the Alpha’s got an heir. Heard the Luna’s face went white as a sheet when she saw the pup!” Another voice chimed in: “Right? If I were her, I’d hang myself. How’s she got the nerve to be still breathing?” The filth hit me like barbs, my face going pale. Five years of this. I’d heard it countless times. But right now, something inside my chest felt carved out, my fingers going numb. I quickened my pace, turning onto West Street. The apothecary was just ahead. But before I got close, I spotted Killian and Bella standing outside the cosmetics shop across the street. Bella held up a box of rouge, leaning close to show him. Killian bent his head, their postures intimate. I immediately turned around. “Maeve?” But Killian had already seen me. He crossed the street with Bella, blocking my path. “What are you doing out here alone?” Bella’s soft voice followed. “Luna, did you follow us? The Alpha’s just helping me adjust to the Pack—please don’t misunderstand.” She pressed closer to Killian’s side. I didn’t bother responding. I turned to leave. Suddenly, a horse’s scream split the air. A slop cart spooked it—it charged straight toward us. People scattered, screaming. Killian’s instinct kicked in—he yanked Bella hard into his arms, shielding her as they stumbled backward. His elbow slammed into my shoulder. I staggered back, falling. The cart flew past, missing me by inches. The next second, an entire barrel of rancid slop dumped over my head. The street went silent. Everyone stared. Someone covered their nose. Others looked disgusted. Then laughter exploded. “Oh my Goddess, isn’t that the Luna?” “Look at her—pathetic…” I sat frozen, slop dripping down my hair. Rotten vegetables, moldy bread crusts tangled in my hair and on my face. My vision blurred. A few steps away, Killian steadied a shaken Bella, his eyes full of worry and tenderness. When he finally registered my condition, he instinctively moved toward me—then seemed repulsed by the filth covering me, stepping back, frowning. “I told you not to go out. Now look at you. Get up.” Bella coughed delicately. Killian immediately looked down at her. “Are you scared? Let’s get you home.” He glanced back at me, his expression uncomfortable, impatient. “Clean yourself up and come back to the estate. Bella’s not feeling well. We’re taking the carriage.” Without another look, he helped Bella turn and walk away. The carriage disappeared in a cloud of dust. I slowly stood, and with the entire street watching, walked home step by step, covered in stinking refuse. From West Street to the estate—half an hour on foot. Even back at the estate, servants avoided me wherever I went, whispering and stifling laughter. Lily saw me and screamed, rushing over. “Luna, what happened?!” I waved her off. “Draw a bath.” Lily nodded, eyes red, and ran to make arrangements. But the hot water that usually took fifteen minutes never came. After a long wait, two servants finally appeared with a single bucket of lukewarm water. “Luna, the kitchens said the Alpha ordered household expenses reviewed. Hot water’s rationed. This is all they could spare…” I looked at the pathetic bucket, barely steaming, then down at the filth coating my body. I smiled bitterly. “Fine. This’ll do.” Lily’s tears spilled over. “How can the Alpha treat you like this? Even if he didn’t protect you, to deny you hot water…” “It’s deliberate.” My voice cut through the quiet.
Lily looked up, eyes wide. I lowered my gaze. “That cart was timed perfectly.” “I leave the estate, and he just happens to be there. The horse spooks at exactly the right moment. The barrel tips at just the right angle.” Lily’s mouth opened soundlessly, cold dread crawling up her spine. “Leaving me alone in the street, letting the servants disrespect me—that’s deliberate too.” Lily’s voice shook. “Why would the Alpha do this?” “Why?” I opened my eyes, staring at the darkening sky outside. “He needs me dirty. Needs me humiliated. Needs everyone in the Pack to see me as trash—so worthless even street slop can be dumped on me.” I took a slow breath, the last warmth in my chest freezing solid. “That way, no matter what Bella’s background is, as long as she stands next to me, people will heap all their scorn on me instead.” Once upon a time, Killian would frown over a scratch on my finger. Would go cold if anyone spoke ill of me. He’d promised to protect me for life when my family was slaughtered. And now, he orchestrated my public degradation for another she-wolf. How easily hearts change. That night, I spiked a fever, delirious for two days. On the third day, when I finally recovered enough, I headed out to the apothecary as planned. But stepping outside, I realized the estate gossip had gotten worse. “Cook told me herself—the Alpha’s ordering rare herbs from across the territory just for Bella’s tea!” “And yesterday? He took her jewelry shopping himself. Getting some expensive piece made for the kid—probably a christening gift.” “Since our dear Luna got doused in slop, the Alpha won’t even step foot in her courtyard. If I were her, I’d be too ashamed to keep living.” Lily’s eyes reddened with rage. She started forward—I gently stopped her. “Let them talk.” At the apothecary’s back courtyard—where we dried and prepared medicines—Healer Willow hurried over the moment I arrived. “Luna, we have a problem.” “This morning’s inventory—several rare herbs were swapped with inferior goods. Even the prepared medicines are contaminated.” My heart sank. “When did this happen?” “These past few days.” Willow lowered her voice. “Only four wolves have access to the storage: me, Bennett, and two apprentices who just started.” Before she could finish, screams erupted from the front hall. A she-wolf burst in, clutching a feverish pup. “Help! My son took your medicine and now he’s burning up, breaking out in rashes!” I rushed forward to examine the boy. His face was flushed, the rash bright red—clear signs of an allergic reaction. I checked the medicine packet the she-wolf brought. One ingredient—the goldenseal root—was dark, moldy-smelling. My head snapped up. “This root is rotten. The Moonwell Apothecary would never dispense this!” “It came from HERE!” the she-wolf wailed. “If my son dies, I’ll kill you all!” The crowd outside grew, pointing and whispering. In the chaos, a carriage stopped at the entrance. Killian strode in, his expression dark, eyes landing on me. “What trouble are you causing now?”
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.
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