After He Stripped Me of Luna Duties, I Took His Power

The pack gathering hall buzzed with activity as I slipped through the side entrance, hoping to avoid the main crowd. My fingers traced the simple silver pendant at my neck—my father's gift before he fell into coma—as I took my usual seat among the elders. Not the Luna's place beside the Alpha. Never that.

"Valentina." Elder Marissa nodded respectfully, the only one who still acknowledged me as Luna despite Lorenzo's blatant rejection.

"The Moon Goddess blesses you," I murmured, taking my seat on the hard wooden bench. The elders' section was deliberately placed in the shadows of the grand hall, away from the ornate Alpha platform where Lorenzo would soon appear.

The double doors swung open, and the pack members filed in, their excited chatter filling the space. I kept my eyes downcast, focusing on the polished stone floor rather than the pitying glances thrown my way. Three years of rejection had taught me to make myself invisible when possible.

"Luna Valentina," a young Delta whispered as she passed, her eyes wide with something between fear and admiration. I offered her a small smile that didn't reach my eyes. The title felt like a cruel joke now.

The lights dimmed, and Lorenzo strode onto the platform, his powerful frame commanding attention. Even after three years of his coldness, my traitorous heart still skipped a beat at the sight of him. His dark hair was perfectly styled, his tailored suit accentuating broad shoulders that had never offered me comfort.

"Shadow Moon Pack," his voice boomed across the hall, "today marks a significant moment for our future."

I straightened involuntarily, wondering if he would finally acknowledge our mate bond publicly. Hope—that dangerous emotion—flickered briefly in my chest.

The massive screen behind him illuminated, and my hope died a swift death.

Lexi's face filled the display, her perfect features framed by golden hair that cascaded over bare shoulders. She wore a silk robe that left little to imagination, her red-painted lips curved in a predatory smile.

"Hello, my loves," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I miss you all terribly."

Lorenzo's expression softened in a way it never did for me. "As you can see, our Lexi will be returning to us next week. She's been away too long."

The pack shifted uncomfortably, eyes darting between the screen and me. I sat frozen, my nails digging into my palms.

"Lexi has always been the future of Shadow Moon," Lorenzo continued, oblivious to the shock rippling through the assembly. "Her return marks a new era for us all."

Whispers erupted around me. "But what about Luna Valentina?" someone dared to ask.

Lorenzo's cold gaze swept the hall until it found me. For a heartbeat, our eyes locked—his challenging, mine defiant despite the pain tearing through me.

"Luna duties will be... adjusted," he said dismissively. "Valentina has other responsibilities."

I felt dozens of eyes on me, some pitying, others curious to see how I would react to this public humiliation. I lifted my