Chapter 4

Iris waved a languid hand, competitiveness glinting in his voice.

“Don’t worry — I’ll cover her stake. Consider it charity for Zoe’s sake. An accomplished Alpha, and yet he ends up with such lowborn blood? Truly shameful.”

A few Alphas snorted; the sound was hungry, like wolves before a hunt.

Ivy’s face lit up with triumph, her every feature basking in the praise as she kept murmuring thanks. Then she turned to me, smile sharpened into ridicule.

“Well? Luna. Kneel and admit defeat, apologize now — it’ll still look better than crawling naked later.”

I didn’t bother to look at her. I tilted my head toward Iris instead, voice cool and precise.

“With so many witnesses here, Iris — does your word count?”

“Of course,” he replied, thumping his chest. “This is entertainment — we play for the thrill.”

I inclined my head, then addressed the auction manager.

“Prepare a wagering contract. Have a notary present. When the agreement is signed, start the auction immediately.”

Zoe’s face went pale, madness flaring behind his eyes as if he wanted to tear me apart.

“Nina, what are you doing? Where will you get the money? Don’t expect me to pay a single coin if you lose!”

For a second my body twitched, but resolve hardened like iron. “I won’t lose.”

Zoe had neglected me for five years; he didn’t know me at all. He didn’t know the thing older Alphas coveted most — the line in my blood that had been blessed by the Moon.

Ivy’s smirk widened. “Don’t forget — if you lose, you’ll crawl out.”

“That word — I can return it to you,” I said, tone icy.

She turned to Zoe and feigned concern, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes. “Zoe, are you sure about this bet? She’s your Luna. If she crawls out, won’t that embarrass you?”

Zoe’s brow pinched; his disdain for me leaked through.

“She eats my food, wears my clothes, and still dares to show attitude? Let her crawl out — that’s mercy. Maybe have her kowtow a few times too, so the apology looks sincere.”

I fixed Zoe with a steady stare, in a particularly earnest tone.

“Are you absolutely certain you’ll cover Ivy’s bid?”

This was his last chance to remember who he was.

“Of course,” he answered without hesitation. “She’s useful in business — she’s helped me in the boardroom. She wants, she gets. You, Nina — don’t count on a single coin from me.”

Even Eva inside me growled, low and resentful, a wild sound pressed under the ribs: Money? That isn’t what scares us.

The notary affixed his seal; the auctioneer mounted the dais. The bidding opened.

“—Fifty million!”

Ivy was first to hold up her paddle, voice clear and ostentatious. Iris applauded, delighted at the display.

I lifted my teacup, let my fingertip trace the porcelain’s warmth, and stayed silent. The room fell quieter.

“—Fifty million to open…” the auctioneer drawled.

Ivy covered her mouth and laughed as if watching a comedy. “Nina, already chickening out? I thought you were tough, but you’re all bluff.”

Iris scoffed, shaking his head in mock pity. “Tsk. Ivy’s gonna win. Imagine the scene — someone stripped and crawling across the floor. Now that would be a show worth paying for.”