The Pack’s Outcast Luna

Chapter 001

“Kaia Nightshade of Silvermoon,” the Elder called out, “you stand accused of treason against this pack.”

The Elder coldly said to me while I stood at the judgment stand bound in silver chains.

Treason.

I laughed; a sharp, broken sound that echoed through the hall. “I bled for this pack. I fought for this pack. What exactly am I being accused of?”

The Elder didn’t blink. “Of conspiring with rogues to assassinate Liora, The Alpha’s chosen consort. You led them to the northern patrol, where six of our warriors were slaughtered protecting the consort.”

I laughed, bitter and hollow. “You’ve lost your minds! I would never betray the pack. I would never betray you—”

“Enough,” Draven’s voice cut through me like steel. Cold and sharp. “The evidence is clear. You tried to assassinate Liora while she's carrying the Pack’s heir. That's treason.”

My knees threatened to snap. A scream clawed its way up my throat, but I swallowed it.

The bond that had tied us together; my mate, my husband, my love, shattered in a heartbeat.

And then I remembered that night. Where my whole life went up in flames.

I had fallen apart that night, crumpled wondering how the man I loved could betray me so completely.

**Two Months Ago**

“Honey, you don't look good. Shall I get you warm lemon water?” I asked, concerned.

The firelight flickered in Draven’s private chambers. He had summoned me there, his expression unreadable, but he remained calm.

“Kaia,” he said softly, almost grimly, “Liora is pregnant.”

I froze. My stomach dropped.

My claws itched against my palms, jiggling. “Pregnant?” My voice cracked, trembling. “You…Y-you told me she was just an Advisor. How can you—”

My chest heaved, betrayal and disbelief twisting together like a blade in my gut.

Draven’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t deny it.

“I thought you said she was just your advisor"

He stepped closer, his eyes cold fixed on me like a hawk.

“Kaia,” he called out to me, flatly,“Liora is pregnant with my heir. It's time we make things official and crown her as Luna”

“I want you to understand. She will bear my heir. I intend to make her my Luna. You… cannot give me that. I need her for the pack. Not you.”

My heart dropped, his words hitting me where it hurts.

Without warning, my vision blurred and my knees gave way. I sank to the floor, tears burning my eyes.

I couldn’t breathe. My throat constricted. My heart felt hollow. I had trusted him every every step of the way, and he had discarded me like a broken tool.

“You said, she was just your Advisor, how could you do this to me?” I managed to say, sobbing. “Why, Draven?”

Driven didn't flinch, instead I saw something cross his face —guilt, or maybe he's just annoyed that I remembered this.

“I said what I had to,” he replied, “It doesn't change the fact that she's carrying the future Alpha. The Pack deserves a Luna, who can stand beside me and fulfil her duties”

“A Luna, or a mistress you lied about until you got what you wanted?” I snapped, spilling everything in my heart.

Draven’s face twisted. “Watch your mouth, Kaia. This isn't about you anymore, it's about the pack”

“About the pack?,” I laughed pitifully.“ Or about you covering up the fact that you couldn't keep it in your pants?”

Driven clenched his fists, stepping in front of me and towering over me but I didn't look away, not even flinching.

“I stood by you,”I spat.“Through every council meeting, fighting alongside you, every damn sleepless night you came home bleeding. And this is how you pay me? By parading her in front of me and calling it duty?”

Draven’s jaw tightened, but he didn't answer. His silence was worse than anything he could have said.

My hands trembled but I was determined to speak my mind.

“You know what's funny? I actually believed you. When you said she was just an Advisor. When you swore she meant nothing to you,”

I took a step back, shaking my head in self-pity.

“Turns out I wasn't losing my mate to war or rogue. I was losing him to someone he was too much of a coward to admit he was cheating with.”

Clenching his fists, Draven turned away, clearly enraged.

“You think you can just strip me of my title? Throw me aside because she's carrying your child?” I asked, my chest heaving.

I laughed dryly. “No, Draven. I am your Luna. That bond wasn't given by you, and it won't be taken away by you. Never”

Draven’s nose flared, his Alpha aura filling the room; a silent warning but I didn't care.

“Crown her if you want, Draven. Call her your Consort, your pretty little secret. But she will never be Luna while I breathe”

Draven’s jaw clenched. “Kaia—”

“ No,” I raised a hand, cutting him off.“You made your choice when you took her to your bed. Now live with it. But don't you dare think you can erase me just because she's giving you an heir”

With that I turned to leave, just as I was about to step out the door, I looked over my shoulder and added.

“The Pack doesn't need another Luna, Draven. It already has one—Me”

The pack had gathered in the courtyard of the Packhouse for the Unity Festival.

The Unity Festival was meant to be a celebration; a night where every wolf in the pack gathered to honor the bond that kept them strong.

The air was buzzing with low conversation.

I stood at Draven’s side, shoulders raised, chin high.

Words spread like fire about The Alpha’s chosen Consort and the child she carries through the pack.

I refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.

Then,as if on cue, I saw Liora approaching slowly, her hand on her rounded stomach as if trying to show everyone she was carrying the heir and I was a temporary Luna, standing in her place.

The pack parted for her as though she were already Luna.

Draven stood up when she approached. His expression softened, and my stomach tangled in disgust.

“Alpha,” Liora said softly, bowing her head respectfully. Then, she turned her tear-bright eyes to me. “Luna Kaia….May I?”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Liora had never addressed me in public before

Especially with the rumour of her pregnancy spreading like wildfire.

My fingers curled into my  skirts, but I gave a stiff nod. “Speak.”

Liora stepped closer, voice trembling.

“I wanted to honour the spirit of the festival—to show the pack that there is no hatred between us. That we can stand together for the sake of our Pack. I know you love the Pack as much as I do. Please don't hate me and my child.

Then she rested a hand protectively over her stomach, as though shielding the unborn heir from my evil eye.

“Instead, we should unite to give the Pack an heir, Luna Kaia”

Whispers stirred through the crowd. I felt every eye on me, waiting for me to smile, to embrace Liora, to bless this “peace offering.”

Instead, I turned to Draven.

“Is this what tonight was about? Parading your mistress under the lanterns and calling it unity?”

The courtyard went dead silent almost immediately.

I didn’t wait for an answer. I turned on my heel and strode from the table, head held high, before I could leave I felt a hand, restraining me.

“Luna Kaia, I'm only here to pay my respects,” Liora said, standing almost between me and Draven.

I didn't reply, clearly disgusted by her cheap tricks.

“Alpha,” She said, softly, turning to Draven. Then, it settles on me again“ I only wish to pay my respects to Luna.”

Her voice raised just enough for the crowd to hear.

“please,” she whispered, loud enough. “I just wanted to show her that I mean no harm.That we could…Co-exist”

My jaw tightened, but I nodded stiffly. “Respect paid. Now step aside.”

Liora’s lower lip trembled, and she reached out—not to me, but to Draven’s arm, her fingers lingering far too long.

Disgusted. I didn't want to stay here any longer as I was afraid I would pull that whore away from my mate.

With my expressions turned to stone, I refused to speak nor lash out. I just turned on my heels and walked away.

The moment my back was turned, Liora let out a soft cry, cradling her belly.

Gasps rose from the onlookers behind me.The crowd parting in stunned shock.

I froze, spinning back just in time to see Liora was on her knees , clutching her stomach, tears streaking her face.

”She….she pushed me,” Liora stuttered, pointing towards me.

Several pack members rushed forward, murmuring in alarm. 

From a distance, it looked as though I had stormed off after hurting the fragile pregnant consort.

Draven was at her side in an instant, helping her up, his hands on her shoulder.

His face darkened as he glared in my direction.

“Take it easy, Liora,” Draven said, warmly, breaking my heart into pieces.

“I just wanted peace,“ Liora whimpered, tears streaming down her face.“But, she…She hates me so much”

All around, I saw the Pack members murmuring, their eyes suspicious and some openly judgmental.

“What will happen to me and my baby, Alpha?” Liora refused to stop crying.

“Gamma Sage!” Draven growled.“Escort Liora to the Pack infirmary. The Luna has some questions to answer for later.”

Draven’s eyes flashed to me, my heart rippling in my chest.

My throat tightened with a lump but I refused to let them watch me break down. So, I walked away in a hurry.

The Pack members’ judgmental eyes followed me as I walked away.

Before I could take five steps, someone clasped my arms, stopping me mid-step.

“What are you doing? Let me go,Draven” I wrestle to free myself but he won't let go.

“I’m making you answer for your actions ,” Draven’s eyes burned.

“Answer for what?,” I asked, my voice steady.

Although my heart thudded painfully in my chest, I didn't look away.

”For attempting to harm the mother of my child”

I shook my head, looking at him with disbelief.

“You’re joking, Draven. You can't really be serious about this. I did nothing to your mistress and you want to punish me? What a joke!”

Draven’s golden eyes burned. “I wish I were joking, Kaia.”

Turning to the crowd, Draven’s words rolled off his tongue like a whip. “Beta Rylan, summon the councils, Luna Kaia has questions to answer.”

Turning to me, he coldly said.“Three days, Luna Kaia. You have three days”

Chapter 002

The memory snapped away, leaving me in the trial chamber with every eye on me.

“Well, Luna?” Elder Norman pressed, “what do you have to say for yourself?”

My chest rose and fell, fury coiling in.

“That I did nothing wrong,“ I replied, my voice sharp as a blade.

Draven’s face was stone-cold.

“Then, you have nothing to fear,” He coldly said."If the councils finds you guilty—Your title will be stripped and so will your bond to me”

The words struck like a blow, but I didn’t look away, I did nothing wrong. They betrayed me.

“Then, let the council judge,” I replied through gritted teeth.“I am ready.”

The pack members gasped while the council prepared to deliver the trial.

I stood in the centre, silver shackles biting into my wrists, the entire council watching like wolves ready to pounce.

“Luna Kaia,” Elder Norman’s voice rang through the public chambers. “You are accused of treason and conspiracy to assassinate Liora—The mother of the Alpha’s heir. How do you plead?”

My heart thudded against my ribs, but I swallowed hard and chin up.

“I plead innocent”

Draven’s eyes burned into me. “Then explain two nights after humiliating her before the entire Pack, Liora was found half-dead on the North border —ambushed by rogues who claimed they were hired”

My mind reeled. Hired? By who?

“You think I sent the rogues?” My eyes snapped to Draven, my mate, who I no longer recognise.“ That I would risk the entire Pack’s safety just to hurt her?”

“Your hatred for her is no secret. You refused to step down, Kaia.You made your choice" Draven’s golden eyes blazed.

“Enough!” Elder Norman’s gavel struck the table.“The council will deliberate. If found guilty, Luna Kaia, you will be stripped of your title and exiled—if not executed”

His words struck like a death sentence, sending shivers down my shivers.

I lifted my chin, staring straight at Draven, letting my rage blaze for every wolf to see.

For the first time, I felt fear creeping in.

“Proceed,” Draven grimly said.

“Luna Kaia,You may give your accounts of the event leading up to the alleged attack”

My shackled hands curled into fists by my sides. Forcing my voice to stay steady.

“I have nothing to hide. I did not send rogues after Liora.I would never endanger the pack for my personal gains”

A murmur of agreement rose from a few wolves at the back but Draven’s glare silenced them.

Draven stepped forward, his alpha aura pressing down like a weight.

“You humiliated her before the entire pack at the Unity festival,” He said, his voice sharp.“You walked away when she offered peace. You refused to relinquish your title as Luna despite knowing she carries my heir and the Pack’s future Alpha”

My jaw clenched

“Because I am your mate,” I snapped. “Because you swore yourself to me before the moon goddess. And now you would strip me of that for her?”

Liora’s soft sobs broke the tense silence.

All eyes turned to her when she walked into the chambers with a few people aiding her.

She looked pale and trembling, one hand resting protectively on her belly.

“I never wanted this,” Liora’s perfectly pitched fragile voice rang out.“I begged the Alpha not to summon the council. I told him you were angry that night,but you will never hurt me. But then, the rogues…”

She broke off with a shudder, tears sliding down her cheeks.

“One of them said my name,” She whispered.“Said they were sent to make sure I didn't live to be crowned”

Gasps rippled through the room.

Elder Norman turned a sharp gaze on me.

“Do you deny this?”

My breath caught.

“Of course I do! Anyone can claim a name—rogues lie for coins! You think I would hire scum like that when the safety of the pack is my responsibility?

Draven’s eyes narrowed, annoyed.“ You had a motive.You had a reason to do this”

My anger flared up.

“Then perhaps you should ask yourself who truly benefits from this attack,” I pointed out coldly.“Because it certainly isn't me”

“What are you implying?” Draven asked, his eyes darkened.

“That I had no reason to hire rogues,” I replied sharply.

“You have a reason to…To get rid of Liora because she can bear a child for me but you cannot”

Draven hit me where it hurts the most.

“That's not true,” I shook my head.

“You wanted Liora and our heir gone so that you get to keep your title as Luna” Draven said.

“I said it's not true, I will never do that!”

“You pushed her down,trying to make her miscarry my heir she carries,” Draven accused.

“I didn’t touch her. She fell on her own. Anyone who was there saw that” I retorted.

“Yet,we all saw her stumble and clutch her stomach. Are you saying the entire pack imagined it?” Elder Rowan asked.

“That’s not what happened. I never touched her“ I protested.

A few wolves in the crowd muttered agreement, but Draven didn’t flinch.

“And yet you left her on her knees,” he coldly said.“You refused to reconcile, refused to put the pack first because you love your title as Luna more than anything!”

“Because it’s the right thing to do!” I snapped back.

“I…I don’t want to cause trouble. I’m sure Luna Kaia didn’t mean to frighten me. She just…looked so angry” Liora’s voice trembled as she spoke.

“You are twisting this,” my hands curled into fists.“I walked away because I refused to play her games”

“We all saw Luna Kaia’s hostility towards Liora. Now,she claims innocence when Liora was nearly killed by rogues? The truth is plain —Luna Kaia had a motive, and she’s already shown the lengths she’ll go to keep her crown, "another elder stated.

I wanted to argue but he wouldn’t let me.

“And what happened on the days following the festival,” Elder Norman returned his gaze to me.

My throat tightened as the memories rippled through.

“You all avoided me,” I replied bitterly,“The pack whispered behind my back. And Liora? She walked the halls as though she had already been crowned. And the Alpha,” I looked at Draven, my voice breaking.“..Wouldn't even look at me”

With tears threatening to fall from my eyes, I continued.“Then, last night, I was dragged from my chambers without warning. Shackled like a criminal in front of my pack”

My nail dug into my palms.

“I was told Liora had been found on the northern border —Half dead after a rogue attack and that those rogues confessed that I sent them.”

The chambers gasped as Liora stepped forward again, her hands clasping her pregnant belly.

“I begged the alpha not to summon you, that you are still his Luna and I didn't want to come between you two.” Her voice cracked with emotion.

She shuddered, turning her face to Draven, who readily wrapped his arms around her protectively.

My stomach twisted as if a blade had been driven through it.

I looked at them, disgusted. 

I wish I could disappear but I was bound in silver chains.

Liora raised her head from Draven’s chest and looked at me.

“But the rogues…Said they were ordered to kill me before I could be crowned Luna, before this child could be born” She said softly, tears in her eyes.

“I swear I didn't want your throne, Kaia,” She cried, lifting her tears-stained face just enough for the council to see.“I only wanted peace and protection for my child”

Saying this, Liora subtly lifted Draven’s hand and pressed it against her belly, forcing the entire chamber’s attention on them.

Then, a sob left her lips, and she fell against Draven’s chest, weeping.

“I never wanted any of this, Luna Kaia,” she clutched Draven’s hand.“I want the best for Draven, this Pack and its future”

The council shifted uncomfortably.their expressions tight with pity as they nodded to what Liora said.

Then, Liora’s gaze shifted to me. For the quickest second, I saw her mask flipped off. Her eyes glittered, her lips curving into the faintest smile.

And in the most vulnerable voice, she whispered, loud enough for the chamber to hear.

“I suppose not everyone can love this pack enough to let go of their crown”

I knew this whore wasn't innocent as she pretended to be but she's getting bolder each second.

I turned to look at the council, sympathy was etched on their faces. Even the pack members watching from the side looked at her with pity and me with judgment.

I want to pull her hair and call her a liar but if I did anything, her accusations would be proven true.

I’d look jealous. Bitter. Guilty.

And Liora knew this.

I was forced to watch as she turned everyone against me.

As if on cue, Liora lifted her head.

“I never wanted to replace her,” Liora said, clutching her stomach.“I only wanted to serve the Alpha, to protect this heir. But, I was so afraid. Afraid because Luna Kaia told me herself that I will never belong here”

The chamber gasped. Hundreds of heads sharply turned to me.

My eyes widened in shock, I didn't realise when the words left my throat.

“Lies. That's a lie!”

Liora’s lip quivered as she buried her face against Draven’s chest, letting her sobs spill into his shirt.

“Luna Kaia said the moon goddess made a mistake,” Liora’s voice cracked, as if she had practiced it many times.“That my baby would be a curse on the pack…She threatened she’d make sure I was gone before my baby was born if I didn't leave this pack”

The chambers burst into a horrified murmur.

“She's a monster!”

“Jealous witch. She threatened an innocent child when she failed to give birth to an heir”

“A woman like her is not fit to be our Luna”

I watched my pack members turn against me in real time.

I used to think my pack’s loyalty was unshakable, that my mate’s love was stronger than any storm.

Tonight, I learned how quickly both can be ripped away.

Wolves I had led, protected, bled for… now glaring at me with disgust.

“Enough!” Amidst the uproar, Elder Norman struck the gavel once more.

“ The council will hear the rogue witnesses, who survived the attack at moonrise. If their testimonies hold, Luna Kaia your title will be stripped and your bond to the Alpha will be severed”

My heart pounded as the guards stepped forward.

“Take her back to her cell until moonrise,” Elder Normal ordered.

As they seized my arms, I lifted my chin and locked eyes with Draven.

“This isn't justice,” I spat.“This is all part of her game plan”

Draven’s jaws tightened but he didn't say anything as the guards dragged me out of the chambers.

Instead,he held Liora close to his chest like she’s his fragile Luna, and I’m the evil monster, trying to kill her.

I kept my head down while the guards dragged me away in my silver chains, burning hot like a furnace.

The whispers of the guards did not escape my ears. It was targeted at me. For me to hear how much they hate me now.

“What a heartless Luna. She doesn't deserve to be called one. Shameless”

“Trying to kill an innocent child to keep her title. She's worse than rogues”

“The ropes are not enough. Her head should be placed beneath Liora’s feet”

My breath hitched but I swallowed my rage.

If I lash out now, they win.

As the cell door slammed shut, I knew the next time I saw the light of moonrise, it might be my last.

Chapter 003

~Moonrise later~

“Let's return to the trial of Luna Kaia Nightshade, everyone,” the elders announced, taking their seats.

The council chambers were silent when I was dragged in but it wasn’t the silence of respect.

It was the silence of wolves waiting for a Luna to fall.

I had ruled this pack alongside Draven for three years— through war, famine, and loss. I had stood at his side when he buried his father, when he took the Alpha crown, when the pack questioned why the Luna still had not given him an heir.

I had endured the whispers. The pitying glances. The fact that my womb had become the pack’s greatest disappointment.

But nothing could have prepared me for this moonrise.

Draven was already on the high seat, his expression stiff. To his left, standing where no one but I should stand, was her—Liora. Beautiful and fragile.

The sight of her twisted something deep inside me, but I kept my chin high.

My hands bruised from struggle, I forced myself to look up, my heart still thundering.

Soon, the rogues were brought in next;filthy, bloodied,forced to kneel before the council.

Their eyes flickered between fear and malice. I felt my stomach twisting with fear.

An elder’s voice rang sharp. “Speak. Who commanded you to ambush The Alpha’s Consort, Liora?”

One of the rogues hesitated, trembling. Then he lifted a shaky hand and pointed straight at me.

“It was her. The Luna. She promised us freedom if we killed the Alpha’s Consort…She wanted her gone before she had a chance to be crowned Luna and birth the heir”

The chambers burst into murmurs with the pack members pointing accusatory fingers and carrying judgmental glances my way.

My chest seized.

“ No, that's a lie!”,” I burst out crying with my silver chains biting into my bones. “I never did such a thing–”

But my voice was drowned by the angry wolves in the chambers.

Liora stepped forward, her face stained with tears while clutching her stomach.

“Why, Luna Kaia?” Her voice broke, trembling.“I begged the Alpha to spare you, not to shame you in front of the Pack. I prayed you'd be spared. But still, you sent rogues after me and my child?”

The chamber erupted in growls and snarls. Some were already chanting for my death.

My pulse pounded in my ears. “Liora, stop this!” I shouted. “You know I’d never harm you, never—”

But Liora’s sobs ered my protest. She leaned weakly against Draven, who caught her as though she were his treasure.

The sight pierced a blade straight through my heart.

“Are you sure you spoke to the Luna herself?” Elder Norman asked, I hope they retracted their statements.

“Yes, sire. I can recognise Silvermoon's Luna very well. We've met so many times in the past” The rogue replied, and my heart sank.

“Lies! I never spoke to you! This is madness!” I rattled.

But the rogue wasn’t finished. Slowly, deliberately, he reached into his filthy cloak and pulled out something that gleamed under the torches.

Gasps swept the chamber.

It was a silver emblem. My Luna crest.

“She gave us this,” he said, holding it up for everyone to see. “Proof of her words. Proof that our deal came from the Luna herself.”

My heart dropped. “No! That was stolen from me weeks ago! I never gave it to you”

However,my protests were drowned in the furious uproar of the pack.

“Infact, the Luna herself led us to wait in ambush in the woods for the Alpha Consort. She showed us the route” the rogue continued.

“That’s a lie!” My voice cracked.“I wasn’t even near the woods! I was in the healer’s chambers that night when the attack happened. She treated my wound herself. Ask them!”

For a minute I had hopes. Surely, Seraphine would defend me. The woman who taught me to stitch wounds, grind herbs and cure fever with tea.

The woman who once said my hands were steady enough to heal a pack of my own.

When I mentioned Seraphine, she was immediately summoned to the chambers to testify.

I turned toward her, eyes wide, pleading.

“Please, Seraphine. Tell them. Tell them the truth, I was with you that night”

But Seraphine didn't meet my gaze. Her face was tight when she bowed before the Alpha.

“Forgive me, Alpha…I do not recall seeing Lady Kaia in my chambers that night”

Like a dagger dug through my soul, I felt my leg go weak.

My breath caught.

“No! No! You’re lying!” I shouted, jerking forward in my chains. “You treated me yourself —I had a gash on my arm from training! You stitched it!”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Whispers turned to snarls.

The healer, Seraphine, was an older lady with greying dark hair.

Seraphine refused to meet my gaze. Her voice was flat as she testified.

“I treated many warriors that night. But the Luna? I did not see her”

Instantly, the Pack went up in uproar

“Shes a liar, roping the healer into her schemes”

“Traitor. She has betrayed our trust!”

The words struck me like a blow. Her head snapped up, eyes wide.

The healer lowered her gaze as if contemplating. Then, she spoke again.

“What I do recall, is that not long ago, the Luna came to me asking about a particular herb.Nightshade leaf;A poison that kills slow, without a trace”

I shook her head violently. “..No I only asked because I wanted to learn, because..because healers must know what harms as well as what heals! You know me, Seraphine, you raised me!”

The chamber erupted again. Intensified by Seraphine’s testimonies. Many of the wolves were demanding for my blood.

“Nightshade leaf? Oh Moon Goddess” Liora gasped dramatically, clutching her stomach. “Luna Kaia, even if you hated me, how could you endanger my child’s life?

My voice was raw as I screamed over them. But my pleas fell on deaf ears.

“You’re all being deceived! Don’t you see? I’m being framed!”

I turned to Draven, my mate, my Alpha. He didn’t look at me; just at the mark on my neck, the bond we shared.

Liora’s sobs filled the silence. She clung to Draven’s arm, whispering weakly,

“All I wanted for us to live in peace. Why do you hate me so much?” Liora asked, sobbing.

“Draven, you know me, right?” I begged. “Tell them you know me. That you know I’d never–”

“Enough.” His voice was quiet, deadly. “The evidence is clear. You’ve betrayed your pack, your people… and me.”

My legs gave way. “No… no, listen to me. This is a trick!”

Draven’s eyes now burned with fury. “Enough. The council has heard enough”

“As a healer,it is your sacred city to tend to sounds without bias. Head Healer,Seraphine, can you confirm that Liora was truly attacked by rogues and those claw marks belong to rogues" Elder Norman asked.

All eyes turned on Seraphine,mine as well,silently begging she will tell the truth and save my life.

“I examined Lady Liora’s wounds immediately after the attack,” Seraphine stated.“ The wounds were consistent with rogue claws,”

“I thought I would lose my child that night,” Liora whispered,her voice cracking.

“Claw marks can be staged. Who says they ain’t self-inflicted?” I asked,refusing to let them frame me without a fight.

Seraphine frowns, refusing to meet my gaze, and then she answers.

“I only speak what my eyes have seen. The scars are real. And they almost cost the Alpha his heir

Liora’s sobs cut through the air, fragile and vulnerable. She clung to Draven.

“ I begged her to accept me, but she only wanted my death…How can we be safe if she remains here?”

“Cast her out!” One of the wolves bellowed, his fist slamming against the wall.

“Strip her of everything she's so greedy for” another cried, his eyes glowing with rage.

“Exile the traitor! Exile the traitor!”

The chant grew like wildfire. And for the longest time, I realised I would not escape Liora’s scheme.

All the pack members I had loved as a Luna. Looked after during wars and famine were calling for my head.

And then, I saw her,Liora,her head buried in Draven’s chest, trembling like a wounded dove.

“Please, Alpha Draven,please protect me from her. Luna Kaia will kill me and my baby”

Draven turned to me,his eyes sharp with rage.

“Liora will be the mother of our pack’s future heir. You…You couldn't give birth to my child”

“I , Alpha Draven Stormer of Silvermoon Pack reject you,Kaia Nightshade as my mate and Luna. You are no longer my Luna.”

The bond between us pulsed;then seared with a pain so sharp I nearly fell to my knees. He was severing it.

“No!” The word ripped from my throat. “Draven, please don’t do this to me”

The pain tears through my heart , leaving a hollow.

Before I could recover from the pain, Elder Norman’s voice rang,

“By the decree of the Alpha of Silvermoon Pack, and with the council’s judgment, Kaia Nightshade of Silvermoon pack is hereby stripped of her title as Luna,her rank and her place in this pack. You have been casted out. Leave ….”

Draven coldly muttered as he slammed the armrest ,sealing my fate.

“ Leave before dawn, or die where you stand.”

My breath caught in my throat,my world,everything I’ve known collapsed in front of me.

Then I heard the pack members’ shrill voices.

“Traitor,leave this Pack or die!”

As the council’s gavel struck, I realized the pack had already chosen their Luna — and it wasn’t me.

Chapter 004

The council doors slammed shut behind me and I was shoved into the cold night air.

Guards gripped my arms like iron, dragging me down the steps.

The crowd was already waiting. They erupted the moment they saw me.

“Traitor!”

“Murderous monster!”

“Get out of our pack!”

“Leave, or die!”

The pack’s fury rose like a storm, their faces twisted with hate.

Some hurled stones at my feet while others spat on my face.

I forced myself to keep my head high, though every step felt like a dagger to the chest.

This was the same pack I had healed, protected, bled for. Now they wanted me gone—or dead.

Then a soft voice stopped the chaos.

“Wait.”

Liora stepped forward, her face swollen from fake crying.

One hand rested protectively on her flat belly, she looked as pure as a dove , the contrast picture of me, who looked like a haggard criminal.

The crowd immediately quieted, bowing their heads slightly as if she were already their Luna.

“Stay away, my lady. She's very dangerous. She might attempt to harm you and your baby” The Delta said, urging Liora back.

He looked at me with disgust, as if I was going to cut through my chains and kill her.

“I beg you,” Liora said, her voice trembling. “Let me speak with her… just once. She was my Luna, after all.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd when Liors spoke. They looked at her with admiration. They were moved by her facade.

The guards hesitated, glancing at Draven’s men for guidance. At last, one gave a reluctant nod.

My stomach twisted. I knew this was no act of mercy.

Liora approached slowly, eyes glistening with false tears. Her perfume is sickeningly sweet. She leaned close enough that only I could hear.

“You look so small like this,” she whispered, lips curving into a cruel smile. “Dragged in chains, your title stripped, your name ruined. And all because you couldn’t accept that he chose me.”

“Did you hear them? They begged for your head and I saved you. I told Draven banishment would be enough. You should thank me,Kaia…Afterall, without me you'd already be rotting in a shallow grave”

My throat burned, rage choking me.

Liora was deliberately provoking me to my limits, twisting the knife deeper into my heart. I can't let her.

She wants to see me lose control and snap recklessly in front of these people.

Not like they think any better of me anymore.

“You thought he would fight for you? You thought they would believe you? ” Liora chuckled,mockingly. “Poor Kaia. You've lost everything —Your crown, your mate and your pack. So sad”

Pointing to her stomach, Liora reminded. “This child will carry the Alpha’s blood, the future of Silvermoon Pack. And me? Soon, I'll be Luna in name, not just in heart. And you? You'll be nothing but a forgotten shadow. By the time my child is born, nobody will remember you anymore”

Hearing this, I clenched my fists hard, and my nails pierced my palm.

Liora lowered her voice even further, her eyes glittering with malice.

“Do you want to know a secret, Luna Kaia? That attack on me… it was never meant to kill me. It was meant to kill you. And now the whole pack believes it was your doing. Tell me, how does it feel to be crushed by your own story?”

I lunged, fury exploding out of me, but the guards yanked me back.

“How could you be so evil, Liora? You are a monster!”

I struggled against my chains, spitting out words that were lost beneath the gasps of the crowd.

Liora jerked away, clutching her belly, feigning fear.

“You see? She would harm me even now!” she cried, her voice breaking. “Luna Kaia, I was trying to have a word with you”

“Banishment is too lenient. She deserve to die”

“Die! You evil woman”

The pack erupted again, voices thundering in defense of their new darling. To them, Liora was the fragile, forgiving victim; I, the unhinged traitor.

“As a Luna, she carried the title with pride once,” Liora wistfully spoke again.“But being a Luna is a heavy burden…Not everyone can bear its weight”

Her eyes shimmered as if in sympathy, but the slight curve of her lips told me exactly how much she was enjoying seeing me humiliated.

“She stumbled,” Liora went on gently, “and the pack suffered for it. But I cannot let bitterness linger in my heart. A queen must forgive… even when the wounds run deep.”

Murmur spread through the crowd as they nodded in approval of Liora’s graceful and forgiving spirit.

“Please take the former Luna away. She still needs to learn to let go of the hate in her heart” Liora turned away, instructing.

The guards dragged me forward, jeers chasing me into the night.

I struggled against the chain piercing my skin like hot iron while they roughly dragged me away.

Once we reached the main exit gate of the pack, they flung me out like trash.

And above the noise, Liora’s soft, poisonous whisper lingered in my ears;

“Goodbye, Luna. You’ll die forgotten, while I reign in your place.”

The gates thundered shut behind me.

For a moment, I collapsed to my knees, the world spinning. The jeers of the pack still rang in my ears, cruel and merciless.

They hate me now. They forgot so soon everything we've been through together.

I pressed a hand to my ribs where the guards had shoved me, trying to breathe through the sharp sting of rejection that cut deeper than any wound.

I was no longer their Luna. No longer their Kaia. Only an outcast.

But as I lifted my head to the silver glow of the moon,my tears dried. Rage and resolve hardened in their place.

Clasping my ribs, I swore bitterly.

“This is not the end, Liora. It's only the beginning. I will be back but not as the Pack’s Outcast Luna”

Chapter 005

For the first time in my life, I stood beyond the border. No title. No wolf. No pack.

Just an exiled outcast.

My wrists throbbed from where the guards had gripped too tightly, a few bruises forming and my cheek burned from the stone someone had thrown as I was dragged through the crowd.

Despite the pain I forced my feet to move.

I can't collapse here. Not where they could still see me from the walls.

I walked until the torches of the pack lands disappeared, swallowed by shadows. Only then did I let myself stumble, knees buckling against the damp earth.

This is how they want me to die, I thought bitterly.

Alone. Forgotten.

Like I hadn't been their Luna for three years.

Now,I'm nothing more than a common criminal to them.

Moving a little into the forest that's when I heard it.

A growl—low, throaty.

Then a clash of claws, the sickening rip of flesh. Snarls echoed through the trees, snapping me out of my daze.

Instinct snapped my head toward the sound. At first, I thought it was a rogue—but then I saw him.

I ducked behind a thick oak, heart hammering.

The fight ended as abruptly as it began.

A shadow stumbled into the moonlight, collapsing to the ground a few feet from me.

I froze.

The man before me was tall, broad-shouldered, his black cloak soaked in blood. Even unconscious, power bled from him, raw and commanding.

My instincts screamed for me to leave but I couldn't.

I rushed to the spot. There, a man lay half-buried in leaves, blood soaking his side. His chest rose and fell shallowly, eyes half-lidded with pain.

His clothes—dark leathers torn by claw marks—spoke of power, not weakness.

And the aura that clung to him… My breath caught.

He wasn’t just any man. He was an Alpha.

I should have run. Should have left him. But when I saw the crimson pool spreading beneath him, something inside me broke.

Blood. Smoke.

The metallic tang of blood thickens in the air.

I should’ve walked away—goddess knows I’d had enough of saving people who’d only call me traitor later.

But then I felt it.

That pull.

That weight that bends the air when an Alpha breathes.

Even half-dead and half-mad from exhaustion, I knew. I could recognize an Alpha even in my half-dead state.

It wasn’t just his scent—it was the way the world seemed to pause around him, waiting.

His pulse was weak under my fingers, but steady. Stubborn. Like mine.

Maybe that’s why I stayed. Maybe that’s why I pressed my hands against his wounds and whispered, “Don’t you dare die on me, stranger.”

My training surged to the surface before fear could. I crawled to his side, pressing my hand to the wound. Hot blood pulsed against my palm.

When I tried to move him, more blood spilt out. He was drifting away from consciousness.

“No… no, not like this,” I whispered, my hands trembling.

My trembling hands tore open the satchel at my hip. I had little left, a strip of cloth, a crushed root, a single vial of salve, I always kept this with me for emergencies.

Thank goodness, it came in handy.

“…Wha..t,” the injured man struggled to speak.

“You’re bleeding out,” I muttered, scanning the damage. “If I don’t stop it now, you won’t see the next moonrise.”

The man’s lips curved faintly, even through the pain. “Then… save me, healer.”

Kneeling beside him, I tore what was left of my torn dress. I pressed the cloth hard against his wound where the blood wouldn't stop seeping through. His breath hitched, shallow but steady.

The wound was deep; too deep for any normal wolf to survive. But he wasn’t ordinary. I could feel that even before his eyes fluttered open.

I’d treated enough bodies to know the difference between those clinging to life and those already gone. He clung. Fiercely.

My hands moved quickly, memory guiding me.

I got a few herbs,ground them between stones, and pressed the paste to his wound.

I tied thewound with my torn dress, binding it.

I whispered steadying breaths, urging him to stay awake. Slowly, the flow of blood lessened. His breathing steadied.

His breath rattled, low and uneven. “Why… help me?”

I almost laughed. It came out rough. “Because you’re alive. For now.”

He tried to move, but I pushed him down with a firm hand. “Don’t be stupid, Alpha. You’ll tear it open again.”

The title slipped out before I could stop it. He looked at me then—really looked—and something flickered behind his pain.

Surprise, maybe. Or curiosity.

After tightening up his wounds, I stood up looking at the weak man in front of me.

“I hope this is enough to keep you alive,” I said.

I shook my head,saying. “I could recognize an Alpha even in my half-dead state. And I’ve never been good at walking away from trouble.”

He smirked, faint but real.

“Why did you save me?” he asked, weakly, his eyes drooping.

I hesitated, swallowing whatever was in my throat tightly.

“Because…” I faltered, the words clawing their way out. “…because I couldn’t save myself.”

“You shouldn’t… have risked yourself,” he rasped, eyes half-lidded.

His voice was deep, edged with command, though weakness dragged it down.

“You would have bled out before dawn,” I muttered, binding his side tighter. “I don’t care who you are. I don’t leave people to die.”

“Strange…”

Suddenly, he catches my wrist, his grip surprisingly strong for a dying man.

His eyes, a stormy grey, locked on mine.

“Your name,” he rasped. “Tell me your name.”

I hesitated, my throat tight. “Kaia.”

The ghost of a smile touched his lips. “I’ll remember it.”

For a heartbeat, something unspoken passed between us. Then his grip slackened, his body sagging.

“Stay with me,” I urged, applying more pressure but he fell unconscious again.

But the forest shifted again—voices, hurried footsteps.

I rose slowly, wiping my bloodstained hands on my torn dress.

Three men burst into the clearing, all wearing the same uniform.

Their eyes widened at the sight of him.

“Alpha Theo!” one barked, rushing to lift him.

I jerked back, stunned. Alpha…Theo

“Step away from him,” another, who I presumed was the Delta yelled.

His tone made it sound less like a warning and more of a threat.

I lifted my hands, palms open. “He was dying. I helped him.”

Another man knelt beside the Alpha, checking his pulse, his expression grim. “She’s right. But we don’t know who she is.”

I bit back the sharp reply forming on my tongue.

They wouldn’t believe me anyway. Not with the state I was in; mud-caked, thin, half-starved, and reeking of exile.

The leader, a tall wolf with a scar across his jaw, stepped closer.

His eyes raked over me, suspicious and cold. “Whatever debt you think you’re owed, girl, leave it. You’ll get no reward from the Alpha.”

I stiffened. “I didn’t do it for a reward.”

He scoffed. “Then do yourself a favor and disappear before you regret staying.”

They lifted the Alpha between them, moving with a practised urgency.

They worked quickly, lifting him as though he were weightless.

One warrior turned to me, gaze sharp. “Forget you ever saw him. You never speak of this. For your own sake.”

One of them spared me a glance;a fleeting flicker of something like pity—before they vanished into the trees.

Before I could respond, they vanished into the night, leaving only the blood-soaked earth as proof he’d been there at all.

And just like that, the clearing was silent again.

I stood there for a long time, staring at the crushed grass where he’d been lying. His scent still lingered in the air—smoke, cedar, and command.

“I could recognize an Alpha even half-dead,” I whispered to no one. “And somehow, that makes it worse.”

I sank back onto the ground, staring at my stained hands. My chest tightened, not with fear, but with something I couldn’t name.

An Alpha nearly died at my feet… and I would never forget the storm in his eyes.