Chapter 2
I was carefully sorting through the ceremonial artifacts sent by the Red Flame Pack when Kayson stormed into the room, his presence suffocating the air with his Alpha aura. In his hand, he clutched the ceremonial necklace I had prepared for the marking ceremony, and without hesitation, he slammed it onto the floor.
“Selena, what did you do to this necklace? Francesca has been complaining of headaches since she wore it yesterday!”
This scene was all too familiar, a cruel echo from my past. He never believed me, never cared for evidence. Francesca’s word was all he needed.
This time, I didn’t even bother to explain. I knelt down, picking up the necklace and gently adjusting the chain that had been dislodged. My voice was calm, though my hands trembled slightly. “This necklace was my mother’s. Do you really think I would risk damaging it with poison?”
Kayson didn’t hesitate. He snatched the necklace from my hands and hurled it to the ground again, this time with enough force to shatter it completely. “You’re jealous of Francesca! What wouldn’t you do to hurt her?”
He knew how much the ceremonial necklace meant to the Blue Moon Pack, how we treasured heirlooms like this. Yet, he destroyed it without a second thought. I bit my lip hard enough to draw blood, my eyes burning with unshed tears. “I didn’t poison anything, and I don’t have a cure. If Francesca has a headache, maybe you should take her to the pack’s healer instead of accusing me without proof.”
Just then, Francesca entered, coughing weakly and leaning heavily on Kayson’s arm. “It’s okay, Kayson,” she said, her voice soft and pitiful. “Even if she did it, she’d never admit it. I was just too naive to think she was being kind, offering me the necklace. I didn’t realize how much she resents me.”
Kayson’s anger softened as he turned to her, his voice gentle. “You’ve done nothing wrong. It’s her who’s cruel and scheming. I’ll get the cure for you, don’t worry.”
Then, his gaze snapped back to me, his tone sharp and impatient. “Last chance, Selena. Give me the cure.”
I looked away, my voice firm. “I don’t have one.”
Francesca suddenly clutched her head, feigning weakness. “Kayson, I feel so weak, like I can’t even stand. Maybe the poison is meant to kill me. I’ve heard that the blood of a Delta from the Blue Moon Pack can neutralize any poison. I wonder if Selena would be willing to help.”
Before I could react, Kayson grabbed my arm, his grip bruising. I struggled, panic rising in my chest. “Kayson! You know the Blue Moon Pack’s traditions—drawing blood like this weakens us, drains our aura! Let me go!”
But he ignored my pleas, slicing my arm with his claws. The pain was instant, and I watched as my blood dripped onto the floor. “You brought this on yourself,” he growled. “If you won’t take responsibility, I will.”
Francesca eagerly pressed her hand to the wound, her eyes glinting with satisfaction as she absorbed the blood. “Oh, I feel better already,” she said sweetly, her tone mocking. “Selena, since it was your poison, it’s only fair that you’re the one to fix it. No need to thank me.”
By the time Kayson finally released me, I was weak and trembling, collapsing to the floor. He didn’t even look back as he carried Francesca out of the room, his voice cold. “If anything happens to her, I’m holding you responsible.”
I sat there, my vision blurring, as I remembered the man who had once saved me during a pack run years ago. He had been so kind then, his voice gentle as he helped me to my feet. “You did well today, Selena. You’re strong, but don’t push yourself too hard. Next time, I know you’ll do even better.”
He had handed me a first-aid kit, his presence calming and reassuring. That man was gone now, replaced by someone I barely recognized. The kindness in his eyes, the warmth in his voice—it all belonged to Francesca now, and I was left with nothing but the cold emptiness of betrayal.
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