Chapter 2

At last, Lirik looked up. His gaze fixed on me, holding no trace of inquiry, only a matter-of-fact order.

But this time, he didn’t say "Go cook." Instead, he said, "Saga, you are the Luna. Go instruct the kitchen to prepare a feast for my friends. And tell the healer to make a special bowl of moonlight herb soup, it will help Anara recover."

A sharp pain stabbed at my heart.

"Instruct the kitchen", he knew full well that since Anara and his group of friends had been visiting frequently, my authority as Luna to command the pack’s omegas had long since become merely nominal. They only listened to Anara’s soft words and Lirik’s orders.

His words now were not an exercise of a mate’s right, but an Alpha commanding his Luna to complete a task she had already been sidelined from. This was even more humiliating than telling me to cook myself.

I turned and walked toward the kitchen, trying to block out their laughter and chatter.

I didn’t feel like the mistress of the house, I felt more like an isolated stranger in my own territory.

By the time I finally directed the bewildered omega servants to prepare the food, I was exhausted.

Anara offered to help carry the soup, but then "accidentally" pulled back.

Just as I handed her the bowl of moonlight herb soup, it slipped and shattered on the floor, scalding soup splashing all over me.

"Be careful!" Lirik quickly stepped in front of Anara. But a large patch of skin on my bare calf had turned bright red from the burning liquid.

"Saga, I know you don’t like me, but you didn’t have to deliberately drop the bowl!" Even though not a drop of soup had touched her, Anara threw herself into Lirik’s arms.

I glanced coldly at them, then said calmly, "She let go first."

However, Lirik sharply interrupted me. "Saga, apologize! Anara is a guest, and more importantly, my friend. As Luna, is this how you treat an injured pack member and show our hospitality?"

Even though it was a sweltering summer day, I couldn’t help but shiver. The man who had once promised to share power and safeguard my honor during the Marking Ritual was now stripping me of my last shred of dignity as Luna in front of everyone, all for another woman.

The last thread in my mind snapped.

"...Very well."

Suppressing my anger, my voice was so low it was barely audible.

"If this is the Alpha’s order, I will obey."

I looked up and forced a smile that was more bitter than tears.

"Lirik, all you want is superficial obedience, isn’t it? Then I’ll give it to you."

My words took him by surprise.

I slowly walked up to Anara, bent down, and said in a calm tone, "I’m sorry, Anara. May the moonlight watch over your speedy recovery."

The air froze for a few seconds.

I could feel a burning sensation on the back of my neck, that was the mate mark he had left on me. Now it felt like a branding iron, a constant reminder of my humiliating status.

"The feast is ready," I turned to Lirik, my voice devoid of any emotion. "If the Alpha has no further orders, I wish to take my leave first to tend to my burns."

He said nothing.

I didn’t wait for a response, turning and walking back to my room.

My skin still throbbed with pain. I lifted the skirt soaked in soup, the wind seeped through the window cracks, stinging my wounds like needles.

Just then, I heard the familiar delicate voice from outside.

"It’s all my fault... Saga doesn’t like me. I’m so clumsy, putting Lirik in a difficult position."

Every word was soft, yet they pierced my bones like poisoned needles.

Then came the sound of hurried footsteps. The door was pushed open, then slammed shut.

Lirik walked in. I had thought he would go comfort her, he always defended her.

Without a word, he directly hugged me from behind.

That familiar scent made me tremble instinctively.

"Saga," he whispered, his tone surprisingly gentle, "why are you always like this? Anara is just an injured pack member. She doesn’t want to compete with you for anything. You should understand her."

I didn’t turn around, only replied faintly, "Understand? Did I cause her ‘injuries’?"

Lirik’s hands tightened on my shoulders, his attempt to soothe masking his underlying dominance, "Stop clashing with her. Once this period passes, I’ll make everything return to normal. You will still be my Luna."

I laughed at last. My laugh was hollow as the wind.

"Your Luna? I thought that was just a title, a symbol to show everyone how benevolent you are."