Hidden Heiress: The Lycan King's Disfigured Queen

VALENTINA

The mood around the pack's court is extremely tense. With doubtful gazes and smug faces bore into me like salt in my fresh wounds, I, Luna Valentina Rodriguez, sat in the middle of the questionnaire of the council.

"Luna Valentina, do you have anything to say in your defence?" The stern voice of the council minister resonated in the grand hall, drawing my lowered eyes toward him.

"There's nothing for her to say. I, Alpha of the Shadow Crust pack, have decided already." My husband, Atlas, said firmly. "She's here for the formalities only."

I looked up at him. Tears brimmed in my eyes as I felt a wave of warmth within my pierced heart. Even after everything, he still chose me.

"But Alpha, you must realize that she is no longer a worthy Luna after-"

"Enough, Minister," Atlas's voice boomed in the court hall, silencing the place like a graveyard. "Valentina is my mate and wife. She may not be in a condition to perform as a proper Luna now, but we must not forget her selfless contributions for over two years. Now, when she has suffered a great loss, both physically and mentally, for which we are all somewhat responsible, you are raising fingers at her? This is absolutely unacceptable."

His words were a resilient shield to me. Under his protection, I felt most secure and loved.

"Alpha, we understand your concerns. We can probably overlook other things, but we must remember that she is unable to bear children, and unfortunately, you remain heirless." The minister rebuked Atlas, and the ache in my heart intensified violently at the reminder of the harsh reality.

"Without an heir, your position as Alpha is at stake." The minister's words echoed in my ears like sharp darts as anguish overwhelmed my soul.

"Everything isn't finished yet; I'll find a way," Atlas growled. "The questionnaire ends here," he barked at the minister, took my hand, and almost dragged me from the hall.

My gaze fell on his tense back. It hurts me so much to see him so worried and at risk because of me, yet his unwavering support fills me with hope to live and move on.

Nothing was his fault, nor mine, yet we both are suffering.

It was just the curse of my fate.

Two days ago, while patrolling the border, an unexpected attack by rogues left me infertile and facially disfigured.

For some reason, I couldn't fight against those beasts as though I had fallen numb and paralyzed.

I almost died that night, but Atlas and other warriors arrived quickly and saved me. When I woke up in the hospital, I discovered that I had also lost my wolf spirit in the attack. It broke me severely, and I feared that maybe-maybe I'd lose Atlas as well.

However, my husband didn't change; he accepted me for who I am, and the way he defended me before the minister-I'm truly the luckiest woman on Earth.

Slowly, I touched his