Game of Fate33

"After the witch’s memory severance ritual, I forgot everything. I forgot the Alpha I was fated to for seven years. I forgot the Omega girl I’d sponsored since childhood, the one who stole my entire life. I forgot everything about the Blackwood Pack. With the paperwork severing my ties to the pack finalized, I applied to join the Lunar Guard and was shipped out to a conflict zone overseas. Everyone assumed I was just throwing a tantrum. They thought I'd come crawling back to the pack’s protection after a few weeks in the shit. They were wrong. Five years later, helicopters with strange markings descended on the Lunar Guard’s outpost, surrounding us. Armed wolf warriors swarmed the area, securing it in seconds. Under the blinding glare of a searchlight, an emissary from the North American Wolf Alliance stepped out. He looked at me, his face a mask of shock. “After all these years, why did you never contact Alpha Aiden of the Blackwood Pack? Do you have any idea he’s been waiting for you for five whole years?” I blinked, confused. “I’m sorry, I underwent a memory severance ritual a long time ago. Who… who is Aiden?” The air went still. A sudden, sharp panic seized my chest, and I instinctively looked up. In the helicopter's open hatch stood a man in tactical gear. His tall, powerful frame was rigid, and his eyes, red-rimmed and raw, were locked on me. … I found out about Aiden and Lily on the night of our bonding ceremony. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Finally, I saw them on the terrace of the pack leader’s cabin. He had her, Lily, the Omega girl I’d supported for a decade, pressed against the wall, his mouth devouring hers. I walked over calmly and slapped him across the face. The next thing I knew, Lily shoved me off the terrace. As I fell, a strange sense of predictability washed over me. It was happening again. Everyone I cared about was eventually stolen by Lily. She was the orphaned daughter of my father’s old war buddy, a pitiful Omega with a tragic backstory. I started sponsoring her when she was twelve, treating her like a little sister. I paid for her education, brought her into my social circle, and found her a comfortable administrative job within the pack. She was clever, charming, and bright, like a little ray of sunshine. My family and my pack mates, who were initially wary of her, all grew to adore her. “That little Omega is so much more likable than you.” I’d heard those words more times than I could count. And now, even my Alpha, the man I’d loved for seven years and was about to officially bond with under the Moon Goddess’s watch, had fallen for her act. When I woke up in the pack infirmary, Aiden was sitting by my bed. He wasn’t there to check on my injuries. The only name on his lips was Lily. “Selena, that kiss… it was a mistake… It will never happen again.” “And as for Lily, you’ve taken care of her for years. Her life is already hard enough. Don’t hold this against her, okay?” I looked into his golden eyes, the mark of an Alpha, and a bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Aiden, you’re saying all this because you’re scared I’ll ruin her reputation, scared I’ll have her kicked out of the pack. Isn’t that right?” His face darkened. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. “I know you’re angry, but as the future Luna, your actions affect the stability of the entire pack.” “Let this go. We’re about to be bonded. Don’t make this messy.” I wrenched my hand free and stared at the full moon outside the window. He opened his mouth to say more, but his Beta appeared, whispering in his ear. Lily was having an emotional breakdown. She needed him. Aiden glanced at me, his tone softening slightly. “There’s trouble with some rogue wolves on the border. I have to handle it myself. You get some rest.” He was gone before I could answer. He rushed out without a backward glance. He never came back. I lay motionless in bed, my eyes fixed on an ad on a hidden forum on my phone. 【An ancient witch’s memory severance ritual. Break the chains of your past.】 I’ve always been decisive. And I have zero tolerance for betrayal. I never wanted something that was already tainted. So, whether it was Aiden or the seven years we shared, I was done. I walked out of the witch’s hidden cottage, my mind feeling strangely clear, yet terrifyingly empty. Parts of my past were now locked away in a magically sealed box. I knew they were there, but I had lost both the key and the desire to open it. The ritual required two stages. I had to return in five days for the final session. Following the faint memory of an address, I returned to the Blackwood Pack’s territory. The guards recognized me and let me pass with a respectful nod. I opened the door to my house to the sound of laughter. “Lily did great! She won first place in the Alliance Hunt!” “She’s really made our pack proud!” I saw Lily surrounded by a crowd of my friends, her face blushing with pride. Aiden stood beside her, his posture relaxed but proud, a smile of approval on his lips. One of them noticed me, and their smile faded. The lively room fell silent. A flicker of discomfort crossed Aiden’s face as he walked toward me. “Selena? You’re back? Why didn’t you tell me you were out of the infirmary? I would have picked you up.” I stepped away from his outstretched hand, my voice flat. “What? Did my return to my own home interrupt your party?” The atmosphere turned awkward. Chloe, a pack mate I’d fought and bled with for years, tried to smooth things over. “Selena, you’re just in time.” “We’re celebrating Lily’s victory. We all pitched in for a gift, and since you’ve looked after her for so long, it’s only right that you give it to her.” Before I could refuse, she shoved a small, beautifully wrapped box into my hand. Not wanting to drag this out, I held it out to Lily. The moment she reached for it, the box suddenly dropped to the floor. The wolf totem, carved from moonstone, shattered into pieces. Lily’s eyes filled with tears. “Selena… you still can’t forgive me, can you? That night was just an accident… I didn’t mean for it to happen.” “I’ve been so worried about you while you were recovering…” Seeing her cry, everyone turned on me, their words sharp with blame. “Selena, honestly, Lily’s life has been hard enough!” “Can’t you just let her have one happy day to celebrate her achievement?” I looked at the faces accusing me. In the center of it all, my fiancé of seven years stared at me with pure disappointment. My heart felt like it was being pierced by silver needles. I could barely stand. “That’s enough,” Aiden said, his voice low but carrying the full weight of his Alpha authority. The murmuring stopped. He walked to my side, his voice a low growl. “Selena, stop being childish. Lily earned this honor through her own hard work.” “Even if you’re upset, know your time and place.” He picked up the broken gift and tried to hand it back to me. “Give it to her again. After all, you two will have to get along in the future.” His voice was gentle, but the hand on my shoulder was applying pressure, a silent command. I took a deep breath and stepped away from his touch. “There’s no need,” I said softly. “She and I… probably won’t be living together anymore.” “I actually came back today to pack my things.” The moment I finished speaking, Lily’s crying intensified. “Selena, what do you mean by that? Are you kicking me out?” She looked at Aiden, her eyes pleading. “Aiden, what do I do? You promised me…” Aiden’s brow furrowed. He turned to me, his voice laced with Alpha authority and a weariness he couldn’t hide. “Selena, do you really have to take it this far?” Before I could even explain, I was drowned out by the accusations of my former friends. “Selena! That’s way too far!” “If you kick Lily out, where will she go? It’s dangerous for an Omega out there alone!” “What if something happens to her? How could you live with yourself?” Chloe looked at me, her face full of pity for Lily. “Just let it go, Selena. Look how much you’re hurting her. She’s already been through so much…” I stared at Chloe, my heart turning to ice. A few years ago, she was captured by rogue wolves. I was the one who risked my life, sneaking into their den alone to rescue her. She had cried with gratitude, swearing she would never forget what I did for her. Now, she stood against me, defending the girl who kissed my fiancé. “Chloe, even if we are friends, this is my family matter… Besides, I’m the one moving out. This house…” Aiden cut me off. “That’s enough, Selena. Chloe is just trying to stand up for Lily.” He comforted Lily with a soft voice while glaring at me. “In the end, this is all because you’re still angry about me and Lily. But she’s suffered enough. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don’t take it out on her.” Faced with one accusation after another, I suddenly felt tired. So incredibly tired. I swallowed the explanation that was on the tip of my tongue and turned to go to my room. But Lily lunged forward, grabbing my arm, her eyes swimming with tears. “Selena, please don’t be mad at me. I promise I’ll never speak to Aiden again…” Her grip was tight, her nails digging into my skin. I instinctively shook her off. I didn’t use much force, but Lily stumbled backward and fell dramatically to the floor. I reached out to help her, but Aiden shoved me away. “Don’t you touch her!” I had never seen him so frantic. A sharp pain shot through my chest. “Aiden, my ankle… I think it’s sprained,” Lily cried out. Aiden scooped her into his arms, holding her like she was the most precious treasure in the pack. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with thick, suffocating disappointment. “You know how crucial mobility is for an Omega’s survival, yet you still let your petty jealousy hurt her.” He carried Lily and strode toward the door. He paused without turning back, his voice low and cold. “Selena, you’re a fucking disgrace to this pack.” My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a silver icicle, the chill spreading through my entire body. I forced my back straight, refusing to collapse. The others exchanged glances, and most of them followed Aiden out the door. The last to leave was a young wolf, one of Lily’s admirers. As he passed me, he sneered loudly. “Someone just can’t stand that Lily is more popular than she is. An old bitch getting into catfights, how pathetic.” My eyelashes trembled, but I held on to the last shred of my dignity. Aiden’s call came while I was with the Pack Elders. “Elder, I wish to apply for release from the pack to join the Lunar Guard.” The Elder looked surprised. “But you’re about to be bonded with the Alpha. Why would you want to go to a place like that?” I managed a bitter smile. “The bonding is off. Aiden and I… it’s over.” “Selena, what did you just say?” I realized with a jolt that my phone had somehow connected the call. The Elder gestured for me to answer it. “Nothing,” I said into the phone. “It’s just a movie.” Aiden was silent for a long time, probably trying to figure out if I was lying. He must have believed me, because he didn’t press it. “Your silver bullet necklace is at my place. When are you coming to get it?” Seven years ago, on a mission, he’d taken a silver bullet for me. It had missed his heart by an inch. After it was removed, he’d polished it and made it into a necklace, fastening it around my neck himself. “My heart is yours now,” he had whispered. For seven years, I had treasured that necklace. Now, it stirred nothing in me. “You can hold onto it for now,” I replied coolly. “We’ll sort it out later.” After hanging up, I formally completed the paperwork to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard. The Elder knew enough about my situation not to argue. I went back to my house and fell into a heavy sleep. When I woke up, Aiden was sitting on the edge of my bed. His voice was hoarse. “You’re awake? I came to check on you, and… to bring you this.” He pointed to the silver bullet necklace on the nightstand. I glanced at it but didn’t move to get it. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring it over so late.” He shook his head. “This necklace is important.” “Seeing it reminds me of everything we’ve been through… We’ve overcome so much, and now we’re fighting over something so small… It’s not worth it.” I remembered the past, too. I remembered him driving through a blizzard in the middle of the night to buy me medicine from a human town when I had a fever, nearly crashing his car. I remembered when my father died, he defied the Elders and rushed back from a border patrol to stay by my side. I remembered the day I was awarded the Pack Warrior medal, he announced to everyone that I was his pride and joy. Those were good times. I shifted slightly, the bruises and cuts on my body still visible. He didn’t seem to notice. He just kept talking. “The pack gossip has been really hard on Lily. Her mental state is fragile, and she can’t handle her duties right now.” “Could you go to the Elders and explain that what happened was a misunderstanding? So she can go back to work?” I looked at him calmly. “Aiden, in what capacity would I be explaining this? As your fated mate? Because I don’t want to marry you anymore.” His jaw tightened, and a suppressed rage flared in his eyes. “Selena, would you just stop this bullshit.” “I’ve explained it a million times, the kiss was a mistake. Why are you still saying things just to piss me off?!” I let out a low, bitter laugh. Aiden, how fucking arrogant do you have to be to think I can’t live without you? Seeing the pain on my face, he softened his tone. “Just rest for now. But deal with the explanation as soon as possible.” “I’m going to the infirmary to check on Lily. She can’t move well, she shouldn’t be alone.” The moment the door clicked shut, I got up and locked it. Then I crawled back into bed and wrapped myself tightly in the blankets. I didn’t sleep at all. I woke up the next morning with a heavy head. As I reached for a glass of water, I accidentally knocked the silver bullet necklace off the table. I bent down to pick it up and my blood ran cold. On the side of the bullet, a tiny inscription was carved into the metal: 【LOVE LILY】 Lily. There was no question who this necklace belonged to. I got up, opened my safe, and there it was. My necklace, with the letter ‘S’ carved into it, lying right where I left it. I stared at it for a long time, and then I started to laugh. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. So, Aiden had already given his heart to someone else. I wiped my tears, contacted the Elders, and relinquished my claim on the independent cabin I had been assigned in the pack territory. After settling the paperwork, I checked into a cheap motel in the human town. My days were spent either finalizing my duties with the Elders or at the shooting range. Aiden and Lily felt like a distant memory. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace. Until Aiden called. “Get to the pack infirmary, now! That is an order from your Alpha! Do not disobey!” I didn’t want to go, but my release from the pack wasn’t finalized. He was still my Alpha. I couldn’t defy a direct command. When I arrived at the intensive care wing, the hallway was crowded with pack members, the mood somber and tense. The second Aiden saw me, his eyes blazed with fury. He stormed over and grabbed my arm. “Tell me! Why did you do it!” “You knew Lily has had severe trauma ever since her father died! And you hired someone to threaten her?” “Selena, when did you become so fucking cruel?” Pain shot up my arm. I tried to pull away, but his grip was like a steel trap. The others just watched, saying nothing. “It wasn’t me. I haven’t even seen her. And I had no idea she had any trauma.” Chloe couldn’t hold back. “You still deny it? Then how did you use your authority as her former guardian to prevent the doctors from giving Lily her sedatives?” “If Lily had gotten her medication on time, she wouldn’t have been triggered! Are you still lying? Do you have any idea she almost died?” That’s when I saw Lily, cowering behind Aiden, trembling. “Lily? What’s wrong?” At the sound of my voice, she flinched violently, covered her ears, and screamed. “Stay away! Don’t hurt me! You can have Aiden! You can have everything, just leave me alone!” She scrambled for the vase on her nightstand and hurled it at me. I couldn’t dodge in time. It smashed against my forehead. A deep gash opened up, and blood poured down my face. Aiden immediately shielded Lily with his body and roared at me. “Get out! Don’t come near her!” I took a deep breath, pressed my hand to my bleeding head, and walked out of the room. Through the crack in the door, I saw Aiden holding Lily gently, whispering reassurances as if she were a fragile piece of glass. The others crowded around them, their faces etched with concern. I found the nurse’s station and got my forehead patched up. Just as they finished, Aiden found me. His face was still a mask of fury. He glanced at the bandage on my head, a flicker of something in his eyes, but his voice was cold as ice. “Lily’s condition is unstable. She’s not in control of her actions. You should… try to be more understanding.” I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m not going to argue with a patient. It must be hard for the Alpha, having to take care of a patient on top of all your duties.” He was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to be so “mature” about it. The lecture he had prepared died in his throat. “It’s good that you… understand.” He reached out to check my wound, but I stepped back, avoiding his touch. His hand froze in mid-air before he slowly lowered it, clenching it into a fist. “What happened to Lily has nothing to do with me,” I said, my gaze clear and steady. He retorted instantly, his Alpha certainty unwavering. “All the evidence points to you! Do you really think Lily would frame herself? She’s not that manipulative!” I looked at his absolute conviction, and suddenly, defending myself felt pointless. I didn’t argue. I just said, “Aiden, let’s just bre—” Before I could finish, Chloe came running up. “Alpha! It’s bad! Lily had a breakdown because you were gone for too long!” Aiden’s face changed. Without a second of hesitation, he turned and sprinted back toward the hospital room. Watching his desperate retreat, I silently said goodbye. In three days, I would have my second and final memory severance ritual. Then, everything about them, about the pack, would be locked away for good. I turned to leave, but someone grabbed me from behind. Before I could struggle, a sharp pain exploded at the back of my head, and everything went dark. I woke up with a splitting headache. I was in a cold, windowless stone room. My hands and feet were bound to a stone slab with leather straps etched with silver runes. The silver burned against my skin, a constant, searing pain. The door opened, and Aiden walked in. He was wearing the black tactical uniform of the Alpha, his expression as hard as granite. “Aiden? Let me go!” My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and weakness. He shook his head, his tone chillingly calm, as if he were ordering an execution. “Selena, Lily’s mind has been shattered. The pack’s shaman says the chances of a full recovery are slim.” “So what? I told you, her condition has nothing to do with me!” The last bit of warmth vanished from his eyes. “You’re still denying it. Since you have no remorse, I have no choice but to take necessary measures. I’m going to let you experience for yourself the pain of having your mind torn apart. This is the price… you have to pay.” He finished speaking and nodded to a witch in a black robe standing by the door. The witch approached, holding a piece of obsidian covered in grotesque runes. Her eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion. “Begin,” Aiden commanded, pressing a bloody thumbprint onto a parchment scroll, sealing the order. I watched in horror as the witch held the obsidian to my forehead. My blood turned to ice. “Aiden! You can’t do this to me!” He didn’t look back. He walked out with a steady, determined stride, and the heavy stone door slammed shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. The witch pulled on a pair of gloves and pressed the obsidian against my temple, a twisted smile on her face. “Miss Selena, someone paid extra for me to take special care of you. Don’t worry, I guarantee you’ll walk out of here without a single physical scar.” She began to chant. An unearthly cold radiated from the stone, and an indescribable psychic force tore through my consciousness. My body convulsed violently, beyond my control. “Ahhhh!” I thrashed against the restraints, the silver burning deep into my flesh. I wanted to scream, to curse him, but even my thoughts were being ripped to shreds by the dark energy. I don’t know how many times I endured the torture. When they finally unbound me, I could barely stand. My eyes were vacant, my responses to the world around me sluggish and delayed. Three days later, Aiden came for me. He tried to help me up, but I shoved him away with all the strength I had left. I stumbled, using the wall to hold myself up. He looked at my broken state, and a complex emotion—maybe guilt—flashed in his eyes. “I know you hate me, but you have to believe I did this for your own good.” “You have to pay for what you did. I couldn’t let you bully Lily.” “Selena, I will make this up to you…” I didn’t say a word. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I just wanted to get away from him. As I was wondering how, his Beta ran in. “Alpha, Miss Lily is having another episode. She’s screaming for you…” Aiden immediately turned, his voice urgent. “Keep an eye on her, I’m on my way!” He looked back at me, hesitating. “Go,” I said flatly. “I can get a cab.” He stared at me for a moment, then turned and hurried away. Just then, I got a notification from the Elders. My application to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard had been approved. I turned off my phone, hailed a cab, and went straight to the witch’s hidden cottage. As I lay down on the familiar ritual slab, the witch’s voice was as gentle as ever. “Relax, Miss Selena. This is the final session.” “Forget what needs to be forgotten. Your future will be like a field of untouched snow. Clean, and new.” I said nothing. As my consciousness faded into darkness, a single tear escaped the corner of my eye and traced a path down my temple."

"After the witch’s memory severance ritual, I forgot everything. I forgot the Alpha I was fated to for seven years. I forgot the Omega girl I’d sponsored since childhood, the one who stole my entire life. I forgot everything about the Blackwood Pack. With the paperwork severing my ties to the pack finalized, I applied to join the Lunar Guard and was shipped out to a conflict zone overseas. Everyone assumed I was just throwing a tantrum. They thought I'd come crawling back to the pack’s protection after a few weeks in the shit. They were wrong. Five years later, helicopters with strange markings descended on the Lunar Guard’s outpost, surrounding us. Armed wolf warriors swarmed the area, securing it in seconds. Under the blinding glare of a searchlight, an emissary from the North American Wolf Alliance stepped out. He looked at me, his face a mask of shock. “After all these years, why did you never contact Alpha Aiden of the Blackwood Pack? Do you have any idea he’s been waiting for you for five whole years?” I blinked, confused. “I’m sorry, I underwent a memory severance ritual a long time ago. Who… who is Aiden?” The air went still. A sudden, sharp panic seized my chest, and I instinctively looked up. In the helicopter's open hatch stood a man in tactical gear. His tall, powerful frame was rigid, and his eyes, red-rimmed and raw, were locked on me. … I found out about Aiden and Lily on the night of our bonding ceremony. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Finally, I saw them on the terrace of the pack leader’s cabin. He had her, Lily, the Omega girl I’d supported for a decade, pressed against the wall, his mouth devouring hers. I walked over calmly and slapped him across the face. The next thing I knew, Lily shoved me off the terrace. As I fell, a strange sense of predictability washed over me. It was happening again. Everyone I cared about was eventually stolen by Lily. She was the orphaned daughter of my father’s old war buddy, a pitiful Omega with a tragic backstory. I started sponsoring her when she was twelve, treating her like a little sister. I paid for her education, brought her into my social circle, and found her a comfortable administrative job within the pack. She was clever, charming, and bright, like a little ray of sunshine. My family and my pack mates, who were initially wary of her, all grew to adore her. “That little Omega is so much more likable than you.” I’d heard those words more times than I could count. And now, even my Alpha, the man I’d loved for seven years and was about to officially bond with under the Moon Goddess’s watch, had fallen for her act. When I woke up in the pack infirmary, Aiden was sitting by my bed. He wasn’t there to check on my injuries. The only name on his lips was Lily. “Selena, that kiss… it was a mistake… It will never happen again.” “And as for Lily, you’ve taken care of her for years. Her life is already hard enough. Don’t hold this against her, okay?” I looked into his golden eyes, the mark of an Alpha, and a bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Aiden, you’re saying all this because you’re scared I’ll ruin her reputation, scared I’ll have her kicked out of the pack. Isn’t that right?” His face darkened. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. “I know you’re angry, but as the future Luna, your actions affect the stability of the entire pack.” “Let this go. We’re about to be bonded. Don’t make this messy.” I wrenched my hand free and stared at the full moon outside the window. He opened his mouth to say more, but his Beta appeared, whispering in his ear. Lily was having an emotional breakdown. She needed him. Aiden glanced at me, his tone softening slightly. “There’s trouble with some rogue wolves on the border. I have to handle it myself. You get some rest.” He was gone before I could answer. He rushed out without a backward glance. He never came back. I lay motionless in bed, my eyes fixed on an ad on a hidden forum on my phone. 【An ancient witch’s memory severance ritual. Break the chains of your past.】 I’ve always been decisive. And I have zero tolerance for betrayal. I never wanted something that was already tainted. So, whether it was Aiden or the seven years we shared, I was done. I walked out of the witch’s hidden cottage, my mind feeling strangely clear, yet terrifyingly empty. Parts of my past were now locked away in a magically sealed box. I knew they were there, but I had lost both the key and the desire to open it. The ritual required two stages. I had to return in five days for the final session. Following the faint memory of an address, I returned to the Blackwood Pack’s territory. The guards recognized me and let me pass with a respectful nod. I opened the door to my house to the sound of laughter. “Lily did great! She won first place in the Alliance Hunt!” “She’s really made our pack proud!” I saw Lily surrounded by a crowd of my friends, her face blushing with pride. Aiden stood beside her, his posture relaxed but proud, a smile of approval on his lips. One of them noticed me, and their smile faded. The lively room fell silent. A flicker of discomfort crossed Aiden’s face as he walked toward me. “Selena? You’re back? Why didn’t you tell me you were out of the infirmary? I would have picked you up.” I stepped away from his outstretched hand, my voice flat. “What? Did my return to my own home interrupt your party?” The atmosphere turned awkward. Chloe, a pack mate I’d fought and bled with for years, tried to smooth things over. “Selena, you’re just in time.” “We’re celebrating Lily’s victory. We all pitched in for a gift, and since you’ve looked after her for so long, it’s only right that you give it to her.” Before I could refuse, she shoved a small, beautifully wrapped box into my hand. Not wanting to drag this out, I held it out to Lily. The moment she reached for it, the box suddenly dropped to the floor. The wolf totem, carved from moonstone, shattered into pieces. Lily’s eyes filled with tears. “Selena… you still can’t forgive me, can you? That night was just an accident… I didn’t mean for it to happen.” “I’ve been so worried about you while you were recovering…” Seeing her cry, everyone turned on me, their words sharp with blame. “Selena, honestly, Lily’s life has been hard enough!” “Can’t you just let her have one happy day to celebrate her achievement?” I looked at the faces accusing me. In the center of it all, my fiancé of seven years stared at me with pure disappointment. My heart felt like it was being pierced by silver needles. I could barely stand. “That’s enough,” Aiden said, his voice low but carrying the full weight of his Alpha authority. The murmuring stopped. He walked to my side, his voice a low growl. “Selena, stop being childish. Lily earned this honor through her own hard work.” “Even if you’re upset, know your time and place.” He picked up the broken gift and tried to hand it back to me. “Give it to her again. After all, you two will have to get along in the future.” His voice was gentle, but the hand on my shoulder was applying pressure, a silent command. I took a deep breath and stepped away from his touch. “There’s no need,” I said softly. “She and I… probably won’t be living together anymore.” “I actually came back today to pack my things.” The moment I finished speaking, Lily’s crying intensified. “Selena, what do you mean by that? Are you kicking me out?” She looked at Aiden, her eyes pleading. “Aiden, what do I do? You promised me…” Aiden’s brow furrowed. He turned to me, his voice laced with Alpha authority and a weariness he couldn’t hide. “Selena, do you really have to take it this far?” Before I could even explain, I was drowned out by the accusations of my former friends. “Selena! That’s way too far!” “If you kick Lily out, where will she go? It’s dangerous for an Omega out there alone!” “What if something happens to her? How could you live with yourself?” Chloe looked at me, her face full of pity for Lily. “Just let it go, Selena. Look how much you’re hurting her. She’s already been through so much…” I stared at Chloe, my heart turning to ice. A few years ago, she was captured by rogue wolves. I was the one who risked my life, sneaking into their den alone to rescue her. She had cried with gratitude, swearing she would never forget what I did for her. Now, she stood against me, defending the girl who kissed my fiancé. “Chloe, even if we are friends, this is my family matter… Besides, I’m the one moving out. This house…” Aiden cut me off. “That’s enough, Selena. Chloe is just trying to stand up for Lily.” He comforted Lily with a soft voice while glaring at me. “In the end, this is all because you’re still angry about me and Lily. But she’s suffered enough. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don’t take it out on her.” Faced with one accusation after another, I suddenly felt tired. So incredibly tired. I swallowed the explanation that was on the tip of my tongue and turned to go to my room. But Lily lunged forward, grabbing my arm, her eyes swimming with tears. “Selena, please don’t be mad at me. I promise I’ll never speak to Aiden again…” Her grip was tight, her nails digging into my skin. I instinctively shook her off. I didn’t use much force, but Lily stumbled backward and fell dramatically to the floor. I reached out to help her, but Aiden shoved me away. “Don’t you touch her!” I had never seen him so frantic. A sharp pain shot through my chest. “Aiden, my ankle… I think it’s sprained,” Lily cried out. Aiden scooped her into his arms, holding her like she was the most precious treasure in the pack. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with thick, suffocating disappointment. “You know how crucial mobility is for an Omega’s survival, yet you still let your petty jealousy hurt her.” He carried Lily and strode toward the door. He paused without turning back, his voice low and cold. “Selena, you’re a fucking disgrace to this pack.” My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a silver icicle, the chill spreading through my entire body. I forced my back straight, refusing to collapse. The others exchanged glances, and most of them followed Aiden out the door. The last to leave was a young wolf, one of Lily’s admirers. As he passed me, he sneered loudly. “Someone just can’t stand that Lily is more popular than she is. An old bitch getting into catfights, how pathetic.” My eyelashes trembled, but I held on to the last shred of my dignity. Aiden’s call came while I was with the Pack Elders. “Elder, I wish to apply for release from the pack to join the Lunar Guard.” The Elder looked surprised. “But you’re about to be bonded with the Alpha. Why would you want to go to a place like that?” I managed a bitter smile. “The bonding is off. Aiden and I… it’s over.” “Selena, what did you just say?” I realized with a jolt that my phone had somehow connected the call. The Elder gestured for me to answer it. “Nothing,” I said into the phone. “It’s just a movie.” Aiden was silent for a long time, probably trying to figure out if I was lying. He must have believed me, because he didn’t press it. “Your silver bullet necklace is at my place. When are you coming to get it?” Seven years ago, on a mission, he’d taken a silver bullet for me. It had missed his heart by an inch. After it was removed, he’d polished it and made it into a necklace, fastening it around my neck himself. “My heart is yours now,” he had whispered. For seven years, I had treasured that necklace. Now, it stirred nothing in me. “You can hold onto it for now,” I replied coolly. “We’ll sort it out later.” After hanging up, I formally completed the paperwork to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard. The Elder knew enough about my situation not to argue. I went back to my house and fell into a heavy sleep. When I woke up, Aiden was sitting on the edge of my bed. His voice was hoarse. “You’re awake? I came to check on you, and… to bring you this.” He pointed to the silver bullet necklace on the nightstand. I glanced at it but didn’t move to get it. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring it over so late.” He shook his head. “This necklace is important.” “Seeing it reminds me of everything we’ve been through… We’ve overcome so much, and now we’re fighting over something so small… It’s not worth it.” I remembered the past, too. I remembered him driving through a blizzard in the middle of the night to buy me medicine from a human town when I had a fever, nearly crashing his car. I remembered when my father died, he defied the Elders and rushed back from a border patrol to stay by my side. I remembered the day I was awarded the Pack Warrior medal, he announced to everyone that I was his pride and joy. Those were good times. I shifted slightly, the bruises and cuts on my body still visible. He didn’t seem to notice. He just kept talking. “The pack gossip has been really hard on Lily. Her mental state is fragile, and she can’t handle her duties right now.” “Could you go to the Elders and explain that what happened was a misunderstanding? So she can go back to work?” I looked at him calmly. “Aiden, in what capacity would I be explaining this? As your fated mate? Because I don’t want to marry you anymore.” His jaw tightened, and a suppressed rage flared in his eyes. “Selena, would you just stop this bullshit.” “I’ve explained it a million times, the kiss was a mistake. Why are you still saying things just to piss me off?!” I let out a low, bitter laugh. Aiden, how fucking arrogant do you have to be to think I can’t live without you? Seeing the pain on my face, he softened his tone. “Just rest for now. But deal with the explanation as soon as possible.” “I’m going to the infirmary to check on Lily. She can’t move well, she shouldn’t be alone.” The moment the door clicked shut, I got up and locked it. Then I crawled back into bed and wrapped myself tightly in the blankets. I didn’t sleep at all. I woke up the next morning with a heavy head. As I reached for a glass of water, I accidentally knocked the silver bullet necklace off the table. I bent down to pick it up and my blood ran cold. On the side of the bullet, a tiny inscription was carved into the metal: 【LOVE LILY】 Lily. There was no question who this necklace belonged to. I got up, opened my safe, and there it was. My necklace, with the letter ‘S’ carved into it, lying right where I left it. I stared at it for a long time, and then I started to laugh. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. So, Aiden had already given his heart to someone else. I wiped my tears, contacted the Elders, and relinquished my claim on the independent cabin I had been assigned in the pack territory. After settling the paperwork, I checked into a cheap motel in the human town. My days were spent either finalizing my duties with the Elders or at the shooting range. Aiden and Lily felt like a distant memory. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace. Until Aiden called. “Get to the pack infirmary, now! That is an order from your Alpha! Do not disobey!” I didn’t want to go, but my release from the pack wasn’t finalized. He was still my Alpha. I couldn’t defy a direct command. When I arrived at the intensive care wing, the hallway was crowded with pack members, the mood somber and tense. The second Aiden saw me, his eyes blazed with fury. He stormed over and grabbed my arm. “Tell me! Why did you do it!” “You knew Lily has had severe trauma ever since her father died! And you hired someone to threaten her?” “Selena, when did you become so fucking cruel?” Pain shot up my arm. I tried to pull away, but his grip was like a steel trap. The others just watched, saying nothing. “It wasn’t me. I haven’t even seen her. And I had no idea she had any trauma.” Chloe couldn’t hold back. “You still deny it? Then how did you use your authority as her former guardian to prevent the doctors from giving Lily her sedatives?” “If Lily had gotten her medication on time, she wouldn’t have been triggered! Are you still lying? Do you have any idea she almost died?” That’s when I saw Lily, cowering behind Aiden, trembling. “Lily? What’s wrong?” At the sound of my voice, she flinched violently, covered her ears, and screamed. “Stay away! Don’t hurt me! You can have Aiden! You can have everything, just leave me alone!” She scrambled for the vase on her nightstand and hurled it at me. I couldn’t dodge in time. It smashed against my forehead. A deep gash opened up, and blood poured down my face. Aiden immediately shielded Lily with his body and roared at me. “Get out! Don’t come near her!” I took a deep breath, pressed my hand to my bleeding head, and walked out of the room. Through the crack in the door, I saw Aiden holding Lily gently, whispering reassurances as if she were a fragile piece of glass. The others crowded around them, their faces etched with concern. I found the nurse’s station and got my forehead patched up. Just as they finished, Aiden found me. His face was still a mask of fury. He glanced at the bandage on my head, a flicker of something in his eyes, but his voice was cold as ice. “Lily’s condition is unstable. She’s not in control of her actions. You should… try to be more understanding.” I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m not going to argue with a patient. It must be hard for the Alpha, having to take care of a patient on top of all your duties.” He was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to be so “mature” about it. The lecture he had prepared died in his throat. “It’s good that you… understand.” He reached out to check my wound, but I stepped back, avoiding his touch. His hand froze in mid-air before he slowly lowered it, clenching it into a fist. “What happened to Lily has nothing to do with me,” I said, my gaze clear and steady. He retorted instantly, his Alpha certainty unwavering. “All the evidence points to you! Do you really think Lily would frame herself? She’s not that manipulative!” I looked at his absolute conviction, and suddenly, defending myself felt pointless. I didn’t argue. I just said, “Aiden, let’s just bre—” Before I could finish, Chloe came running up. “Alpha! It’s bad! Lily had a breakdown because you were gone for too long!” Aiden’s face changed. Without a second of hesitation, he turned and sprinted back toward the hospital room. Watching his desperate retreat, I silently said goodbye. In three days, I would have my second and final memory severance ritual. Then, everything about them, about the pack, would be locked away for good. I turned to leave, but someone grabbed me from behind. Before I could struggle, a sharp pain exploded at the back of my head, and everything went dark. I woke up with a splitting headache. I was in a cold, windowless stone room. My hands and feet were bound to a stone slab with leather straps etched with silver runes. The silver burned against my skin, a constant, searing pain. The door opened, and Aiden walked in. He was wearing the black tactical uniform of the Alpha, his expression as hard as granite. “Aiden? Let me go!” My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and weakness. He shook his head, his tone chillingly calm, as if he were ordering an execution. “Selena, Lily’s mind has been shattered. The pack’s shaman says the chances of a full recovery are slim.” “So what? I told you, her condition has nothing to do with me!” The last bit of warmth vanished from his eyes. “You’re still denying it. Since you have no remorse, I have no choice but to take necessary measures. I’m going to let you experience for yourself the pain of having your mind torn apart. This is the price… you have to pay.” He finished speaking and nodded to a witch in a black robe standing by the door. The witch approached, holding a piece of obsidian covered in grotesque runes. Her eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion. “Begin,” Aiden commanded, pressing a bloody thumbprint onto a parchment scroll, sealing the order. I watched in horror as the witch held the obsidian to my forehead. My blood turned to ice. “Aiden! You can’t do this to me!” He didn’t look back. He walked out with a steady, determined stride, and the heavy stone door slammed shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. The witch pulled on a pair of gloves and pressed the obsidian against my temple, a twisted smile on her face. “Miss Selena, someone paid extra for me to take special care of you. Don’t worry, I guarantee you’ll walk out of here without a single physical scar.” She began to chant. An unearthly cold radiated from the stone, and an indescribable psychic force tore through my consciousness. My body convulsed violently, beyond my control. “Ahhhh!” I thrashed against the restraints, the silver burning deep into my flesh. I wanted to scream, to curse him, but even my thoughts were being ripped to shreds by the dark energy. I don’t know how many times I endured the torture. When they finally unbound me, I could barely stand. My eyes were vacant, my responses to the world around me sluggish and delayed. Three days later, Aiden came for me. He tried to help me up, but I shoved him away with all the strength I had left. I stumbled, using the wall to hold myself up. He looked at my broken state, and a complex emotion—maybe guilt—flashed in his eyes. “I know you hate me, but you have to believe I did this for your own good.” “You have to pay for what you did. I couldn’t let you bully Lily.” “Selena, I will make this up to you…” I didn’t say a word. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I just wanted to get away from him. As I was wondering how, his Beta ran in. “Alpha, Miss Lily is having another episode. She’s screaming for you…” Aiden immediately turned, his voice urgent. “Keep an eye on her, I’m on my way!” He looked back at me, hesitating. “Go,” I said flatly. “I can get a cab.” He stared at me for a moment, then turned and hurried away. Just then, I got a notification from the Elders. My application to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard had been approved. I turned off my phone, hailed a cab, and went straight to the witch’s hidden cottage. As I lay down on the familiar ritual slab, the witch’s voice was as gentle as ever. “Relax, Miss Selena. This is the final session.” “Forget what needs to be forgotten. Your future will be like a field of untouched snow. Clean, and new.” I said nothing. As my consciousness faded into darkness, a single tear escaped the corner of my eye and traced a path down my temple."

"After the witch’s memory severance ritual, I forgot everything. I forgot the Alpha I was fated to for seven years. I forgot the Omega girl I’d sponsored since childhood, the one who stole my entire life. I forgot everything about the Blackwood Pack. With the paperwork severing my ties to the pack finalized, I applied to join the Lunar Guard and was shipped out to a conflict zone overseas. Everyone assumed I was just throwing a tantrum. They thought I'd come crawling back to the pack’s protection after a few weeks in the shit. They were wrong. Five years later, helicopters with strange markings descended on the Lunar Guard’s outpost, surrounding us. Armed wolf warriors swarmed the area, securing it in seconds. Under the blinding glare of a searchlight, an emissary from the North American Wolf Alliance stepped out. He looked at me, his face a mask of shock. “After all these years, why did you never contact Alpha Aiden of the Blackwood Pack? Do you have any idea he’s been waiting for you for five whole years?” I blinked, confused. “I’m sorry, I underwent a memory severance ritual a long time ago. Who… who is Aiden?” The air went still. A sudden, sharp panic seized my chest, and I instinctively looked up. In the helicopter's open hatch stood a man in tactical gear. His tall, powerful frame was rigid, and his eyes, red-rimmed and raw, were locked on me. … I found out about Aiden and Lily on the night of our bonding ceremony. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Finally, I saw them on the terrace of the pack leader’s cabin. He had her, Lily, the Omega girl I’d supported for a decade, pressed against the wall, his mouth devouring hers. I walked over calmly and slapped him across the face. The next thing I knew, Lily shoved me off the terrace. As I fell, a strange sense of predictability washed over me. It was happening again. Everyone I cared about was eventually stolen by Lily. She was the orphaned daughter of my father’s old war buddy, a pitiful Omega with a tragic backstory. I started sponsoring her when she was twelve, treating her like a little sister. I paid for her education, brought her into my social circle, and found her a comfortable administrative job within the pack. She was clever, charming, and bright, like a little ray of sunshine. My family and my pack mates, who were initially wary of her, all grew to adore her. “That little Omega is so much more likable than you.” I’d heard those words more times than I could count. And now, even my Alpha, the man I’d loved for seven years and was about to officially bond with under the Moon Goddess’s watch, had fallen for her act. When I woke up in the pack infirmary, Aiden was sitting by my bed. He wasn’t there to check on my injuries. The only name on his lips was Lily. “Selena, that kiss… it was a mistake… It will never happen again.” “And as for Lily, you’ve taken care of her for years. Her life is already hard enough. Don’t hold this against her, okay?” I looked into his golden eyes, the mark of an Alpha, and a bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Aiden, you’re saying all this because you’re scared I’ll ruin her reputation, scared I’ll have her kicked out of the pack. Isn’t that right?” His face darkened. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. “I know you’re angry, but as the future Luna, your actions affect the stability of the entire pack.” “Let this go. We’re about to be bonded. Don’t make this messy.” I wrenched my hand free and stared at the full moon outside the window. He opened his mouth to say more, but his Beta appeared, whispering in his ear. Lily was having an emotional breakdown. She needed him. Aiden glanced at me, his tone softening slightly. “There’s trouble with some rogue wolves on the border. I have to handle it myself. You get some rest.” He was gone before I could answer. He rushed out without a backward glance. He never came back. I lay motionless in bed, my eyes fixed on an ad on a hidden forum on my phone. 【An ancient witch’s memory severance ritual. Break the chains of your past.】 I’ve always been decisive. And I have zero tolerance for betrayal. I never wanted something that was already tainted. So, whether it was Aiden or the seven years we shared, I was done. I walked out of the witch’s hidden cottage, my mind feeling strangely clear, yet terrifyingly empty. Parts of my past were now locked away in a magically sealed box. I knew they were there, but I had lost both the key and the desire to open it. The ritual required two stages. I had to return in five days for the final session. Following the faint memory of an address, I returned to the Blackwood Pack’s territory. The guards recognized me and let me pass with a respectful nod. I opened the door to my house to the sound of laughter. “Lily did great! She won first place in the Alliance Hunt!” “She’s really made our pack proud!” I saw Lily surrounded by a crowd of my friends, her face blushing with pride. Aiden stood beside her, his posture relaxed but proud, a smile of approval on his lips. One of them noticed me, and their smile faded. The lively room fell silent. A flicker of discomfort crossed Aiden’s face as he walked toward me. “Selena? You’re back? Why didn’t you tell me you were out of the infirmary? I would have picked you up.” I stepped away from his outstretched hand, my voice flat. “What? Did my return to my own home interrupt your party?” The atmosphere turned awkward. Chloe, a pack mate I’d fought and bled with for years, tried to smooth things over. “Selena, you’re just in time.” “We’re celebrating Lily’s victory. We all pitched in for a gift, and since you’ve looked after her for so long, it’s only right that you give it to her.” Before I could refuse, she shoved a small, beautifully wrapped box into my hand. Not wanting to drag this out, I held it out to Lily. The moment she reached for it, the box suddenly dropped to the floor. The wolf totem, carved from moonstone, shattered into pieces. Lily’s eyes filled with tears. “Selena… you still can’t forgive me, can you? That night was just an accident… I didn’t mean for it to happen.” “I’ve been so worried about you while you were recovering…” Seeing her cry, everyone turned on me, their words sharp with blame. “Selena, honestly, Lily’s life has been hard enough!” “Can’t you just let her have one happy day to celebrate her achievement?” I looked at the faces accusing me. In the center of it all, my fiancé of seven years stared at me with pure disappointment. My heart felt like it was being pierced by silver needles. I could barely stand. “That’s enough,” Aiden said, his voice low but carrying the full weight of his Alpha authority. The murmuring stopped. He walked to my side, his voice a low growl. “Selena, stop being childish. Lily earned this honor through her own hard work.” “Even if you’re upset, know your time and place.” He picked up the broken gift and tried to hand it back to me. “Give it to her again. After all, you two will have to get along in the future.” His voice was gentle, but the hand on my shoulder was applying pressure, a silent command. I took a deep breath and stepped away from his touch. “There’s no need,” I said softly. “She and I… probably won’t be living together anymore.” “I actually came back today to pack my things.” The moment I finished speaking, Lily’s crying intensified. “Selena, what do you mean by that? Are you kicking me out?” She looked at Aiden, her eyes pleading. “Aiden, what do I do? You promised me…” Aiden’s brow furrowed. He turned to me, his voice laced with Alpha authority and a weariness he couldn’t hide. “Selena, do you really have to take it this far?” Before I could even explain, I was drowned out by the accusations of my former friends. “Selena! That’s way too far!” “If you kick Lily out, where will she go? It’s dangerous for an Omega out there alone!” “What if something happens to her? How could you live with yourself?” Chloe looked at me, her face full of pity for Lily. “Just let it go, Selena. Look how much you’re hurting her. She’s already been through so much…” I stared at Chloe, my heart turning to ice. A few years ago, she was captured by rogue wolves. I was the one who risked my life, sneaking into their den alone to rescue her. She had cried with gratitude, swearing she would never forget what I did for her. Now, she stood against me, defending the girl who kissed my fiancé. “Chloe, even if we are friends, this is my family matter… Besides, I’m the one moving out. This house…” Aiden cut me off. “That’s enough, Selena. Chloe is just trying to stand up for Lily.” He comforted Lily with a soft voice while glaring at me. “In the end, this is all because you’re still angry about me and Lily. But she’s suffered enough. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don’t take it out on her.” Faced with one accusation after another, I suddenly felt tired. So incredibly tired. I swallowed the explanation that was on the tip of my tongue and turned to go to my room. But Lily lunged forward, grabbing my arm, her eyes swimming with tears. “Selena, please don’t be mad at me. I promise I’ll never speak to Aiden again…” Her grip was tight, her nails digging into my skin. I instinctively shook her off. I didn’t use much force, but Lily stumbled backward and fell dramatically to the floor. I reached out to help her, but Aiden shoved me away. “Don’t you touch her!” I had never seen him so frantic. A sharp pain shot through my chest. “Aiden, my ankle… I think it’s sprained,” Lily cried out. Aiden scooped her into his arms, holding her like she was the most precious treasure in the pack. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with thick, suffocating disappointment. “You know how crucial mobility is for an Omega’s survival, yet you still let your petty jealousy hurt her.” He carried Lily and strode toward the door. He paused without turning back, his voice low and cold. “Selena, you’re a fucking disgrace to this pack.” My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a silver icicle, the chill spreading through my entire body. I forced my back straight, refusing to collapse. The others exchanged glances, and most of them followed Aiden out the door. The last to leave was a young wolf, one of Lily’s admirers. As he passed me, he sneered loudly. “Someone just can’t stand that Lily is more popular than she is. An old bitch getting into catfights, how pathetic.” My eyelashes trembled, but I held on to the last shred of my dignity. Aiden’s call came while I was with the Pack Elders. “Elder, I wish to apply for release from the pack to join the Lunar Guard.” The Elder looked surprised. “But you’re about to be bonded with the Alpha. Why would you want to go to a place like that?” I managed a bitter smile. “The bonding is off. Aiden and I… it’s over.” “Selena, what did you just say?” I realized with a jolt that my phone had somehow connected the call. The Elder gestured for me to answer it. “Nothing,” I said into the phone. “It’s just a movie.” Aiden was silent for a long time, probably trying to figure out if I was lying. He must have believed me, because he didn’t press it. “Your silver bullet necklace is at my place. When are you coming to get it?” Seven years ago, on a mission, he’d taken a silver bullet for me. It had missed his heart by an inch. After it was removed, he’d polished it and made it into a necklace, fastening it around my neck himself. “My heart is yours now,” he had whispered. For seven years, I had treasured that necklace. Now, it stirred nothing in me. “You can hold onto it for now,” I replied coolly. “We’ll sort it out later.” After hanging up, I formally completed the paperwork to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard. The Elder knew enough about my situation not to argue. I went back to my house and fell into a heavy sleep. When I woke up, Aiden was sitting on the edge of my bed. His voice was hoarse. “You’re awake? I came to check on you, and… to bring you this.” He pointed to the silver bullet necklace on the nightstand. I glanced at it but didn’t move to get it. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring it over so late.” He shook his head. “This necklace is important.” “Seeing it reminds me of everything we’ve been through… We’ve overcome so much, and now we’re fighting over something so small… It’s not worth it.” I remembered the past, too. I remembered him driving through a blizzard in the middle of the night to buy me medicine from a human town when I had a fever, nearly crashing his car. I remembered when my father died, he defied the Elders and rushed back from a border patrol to stay by my side. I remembered the day I was awarded the Pack Warrior medal, he announced to everyone that I was his pride and joy. Those were good times. I shifted slightly, the bruises and cuts on my body still visible. He didn’t seem to notice. He just kept talking. “The pack gossip has been really hard on Lily. Her mental state is fragile, and she can’t handle her duties right now.” “Could you go to the Elders and explain that what happened was a misunderstanding? So she can go back to work?” I looked at him calmly. “Aiden, in what capacity would I be explaining this? As your fated mate? Because I don’t want to marry you anymore.” His jaw tightened, and a suppressed rage flared in his eyes. “Selena, would you just stop this bullshit.” “I’ve explained it a million times, the kiss was a mistake. Why are you still saying things just to piss me off?!” I let out a low, bitter laugh. Aiden, how fucking arrogant do you have to be to think I can’t live without you? Seeing the pain on my face, he softened his tone. “Just rest for now. But deal with the explanation as soon as possible.” “I’m going to the infirmary to check on Lily. She can’t move well, she shouldn’t be alone.” The moment the door clicked shut, I got up and locked it. Then I crawled back into bed and wrapped myself tightly in the blankets. I didn’t sleep at all. I woke up the next morning with a heavy head. As I reached for a glass of water, I accidentally knocked the silver bullet necklace off the table. I bent down to pick it up and my blood ran cold. On the side of the bullet, a tiny inscription was carved into the metal: 【LOVE LILY】 Lily. There was no question who this necklace belonged to. I got up, opened my safe, and there it was. My necklace, with the letter ‘S’ carved into it, lying right where I left it. I stared at it for a long time, and then I started to laugh. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. So, Aiden had already given his heart to someone else. I wiped my tears, contacted the Elders, and relinquished my claim on the independent cabin I had been assigned in the pack territory. After settling the paperwork, I checked into a cheap motel in the human town. My days were spent either finalizing my duties with the Elders or at the shooting range. Aiden and Lily felt like a distant memory. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace. Until Aiden called. “Get to the pack infirmary, now! That is an order from your Alpha! Do not disobey!” I didn’t want to go, but my release from the pack wasn’t finalized. He was still my Alpha. I couldn’t defy a direct command. When I arrived at the intensive care wing, the hallway was crowded with pack members, the mood somber and tense. The second Aiden saw me, his eyes blazed with fury. He stormed over and grabbed my arm. “Tell me! Why did you do it!” “You knew Lily has had severe trauma ever since her father died! And you hired someone to threaten her?” “Selena, when did you become so fucking cruel?” Pain shot up my arm. I tried to pull away, but his grip was like a steel trap. The others just watched, saying nothing. “It wasn’t me. I haven’t even seen her. And I had no idea she had any trauma.” Chloe couldn’t hold back. “You still deny it? Then how did you use your authority as her former guardian to prevent the doctors from giving Lily her sedatives?” “If Lily had gotten her medication on time, she wouldn’t have been triggered! Are you still lying? Do you have any idea she almost died?” That’s when I saw Lily, cowering behind Aiden, trembling. “Lily? What’s wrong?” At the sound of my voice, she flinched violently, covered her ears, and screamed. “Stay away! Don’t hurt me! You can have Aiden! You can have everything, just leave me alone!” She scrambled for the vase on her nightstand and hurled it at me. I couldn’t dodge in time. It smashed against my forehead. A deep gash opened up, and blood poured down my face. Aiden immediately shielded Lily with his body and roared at me. “Get out! Don’t come near her!” I took a deep breath, pressed my hand to my bleeding head, and walked out of the room. Through the crack in the door, I saw Aiden holding Lily gently, whispering reassurances as if she were a fragile piece of glass. The others crowded around them, their faces etched with concern. I found the nurse’s station and got my forehead patched up. Just as they finished, Aiden found me. His face was still a mask of fury. He glanced at the bandage on my head, a flicker of something in his eyes, but his voice was cold as ice. “Lily’s condition is unstable. She’s not in control of her actions. You should… try to be more understanding.” I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m not going to argue with a patient. It must be hard for the Alpha, having to take care of a patient on top of all your duties.” He was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to be so “mature” about it. The lecture he had prepared died in his throat. “It’s good that you… understand.” He reached out to check my wound, but I stepped back, avoiding his touch. His hand froze in mid-air before he slowly lowered it, clenching it into a fist. “What happened to Lily has nothing to do with me,” I said, my gaze clear and steady. He retorted instantly, his Alpha certainty unwavering. “All the evidence points to you! Do you really think Lily would frame herself? She’s not that manipulative!” I looked at his absolute conviction, and suddenly, defending myself felt pointless. I didn’t argue. I just said, “Aiden, let’s just bre—” Before I could finish, Chloe came running up. “Alpha! It’s bad! Lily had a breakdown because you were gone for too long!” Aiden’s face changed. Without a second of hesitation, he turned and sprinted back toward the hospital room. Watching his desperate retreat, I silently said goodbye. In three days, I would have my second and final memory severance ritual. Then, everything about them, about the pack, would be locked away for good. I turned to leave, but someone grabbed me from behind. Before I could struggle, a sharp pain exploded at the back of my head, and everything went dark. I woke up with a splitting headache. I was in a cold, windowless stone room. My hands and feet were bound to a stone slab with leather straps etched with silver runes. The silver burned against my skin, a constant, searing pain. The door opened, and Aiden walked in. He was wearing the black tactical uniform of the Alpha, his expression as hard as granite. “Aiden? Let me go!” My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and weakness. He shook his head, his tone chillingly calm, as if he were ordering an execution. “Selena, Lily’s mind has been shattered. The pack’s shaman says the chances of a full recovery are slim.” “So what? I told you, her condition has nothing to do with me!” The last bit of warmth vanished from his eyes. “You’re still denying it. Since you have no remorse, I have no choice but to take necessary measures. I’m going to let you experience for yourself the pain of having your mind torn apart. This is the price… you have to pay.” He finished speaking and nodded to a witch in a black robe standing by the door. The witch approached, holding a piece of obsidian covered in grotesque runes. Her eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion. “Begin,” Aiden commanded, pressing a bloody thumbprint onto a parchment scroll, sealing the order. I watched in horror as the witch held the obsidian to my forehead. My blood turned to ice. “Aiden! You can’t do this to me!” He didn’t look back. He walked out with a steady, determined stride, and the heavy stone door slammed shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. The witch pulled on a pair of gloves and pressed the obsidian against my temple, a twisted smile on her face. “Miss Selena, someone paid extra for me to take special care of you. Don’t worry, I guarantee you’ll walk out of here without a single physical scar.” She began to chant. An unearthly cold radiated from the stone, and an indescribable psychic force tore through my consciousness. My body convulsed violently, beyond my control. “Ahhhh!” I thrashed against the restraints, the silver burning deep into my flesh. I wanted to scream, to curse him, but even my thoughts were being ripped to shreds by the dark energy. I don’t know how many times I endured the torture. When they finally unbound me, I could barely stand. My eyes were vacant, my responses to the world around me sluggish and delayed. Three days later, Aiden came for me. He tried to help me up, but I shoved him away with all the strength I had left. I stumbled, using the wall to hold myself up. He looked at my broken state, and a complex emotion—maybe guilt—flashed in his eyes. “I know you hate me, but you have to believe I did this for your own good.” “You have to pay for what you did. I couldn’t let you bully Lily.” “Selena, I will make this up to you…” I didn’t say a word. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I just wanted to get away from him. As I was wondering how, his Beta ran in. “Alpha, Miss Lily is having another episode. She’s screaming for you…” Aiden immediately turned, his voice urgent. “Keep an eye on her, I’m on my way!” He looked back at me, hesitating. “Go,” I said flatly. “I can get a cab.” He stared at me for a moment, then turned and hurried away. Just then, I got a notification from the Elders. My application to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard had been approved. I turned off my phone, hailed a cab, and went straight to the witch’s hidden cottage. As I lay down on the familiar ritual slab, the witch’s voice was as gentle as ever. “Relax, Miss Selena. This is the final session.” “Forget what needs to be forgotten. Your future will be like a field of untouched snow. Clean, and new.” I said nothing. As my consciousness faded into darkness, a single tear escaped the corner of my eye and traced a path down my temple."

"After the witch’s memory severance ritual, I forgot everything. I forgot the Alpha I was fated to for seven years. I forgot the Omega girl I’d sponsored since childhood, the one who stole my entire life. I forgot everything about the Blackwood Pack. With the paperwork severing my ties to the pack finalized, I applied to join the Lunar Guard and was shipped out to a conflict zone overseas. Everyone assumed I was just throwing a tantrum. They thought I'd come crawling back to the pack’s protection after a few weeks in the shit. They were wrong. Five years later, helicopters with strange markings descended on the Lunar Guard’s outpost, surrounding us. Armed wolf warriors swarmed the area, securing it in seconds. Under the blinding glare of a searchlight, an emissary from the North American Wolf Alliance stepped out. He looked at me, his face a mask of shock. “After all these years, why did you never contact Alpha Aiden of the Blackwood Pack? Do you have any idea he’s been waiting for you for five whole years?” I blinked, confused. “I’m sorry, I underwent a memory severance ritual a long time ago. Who… who is Aiden?” The air went still. A sudden, sharp panic seized my chest, and I instinctively looked up. In the helicopter's open hatch stood a man in tactical gear. His tall, powerful frame was rigid, and his eyes, red-rimmed and raw, were locked on me. … I found out about Aiden and Lily on the night of our bonding ceremony. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Finally, I saw them on the terrace of the pack leader’s cabin. He had her, Lily, the Omega girl I’d supported for a decade, pressed against the wall, his mouth devouring hers. I walked over calmly and slapped him across the face. The next thing I knew, Lily shoved me off the terrace. As I fell, a strange sense of predictability washed over me. It was happening again. Everyone I cared about was eventually stolen by Lily. She was the orphaned daughter of my father’s old war buddy, a pitiful Omega with a tragic backstory. I started sponsoring her when she was twelve, treating her like a little sister. I paid for her education, brought her into my social circle, and found her a comfortable administrative job within the pack. She was clever, charming, and bright, like a little ray of sunshine. My family and my pack mates, who were initially wary of her, all grew to adore her. “That little Omega is so much more likable than you.” I’d heard those words more times than I could count. And now, even my Alpha, the man I’d loved for seven years and was about to officially bond with under the Moon Goddess’s watch, had fallen for her act. When I woke up in the pack infirmary, Aiden was sitting by my bed. He wasn’t there to check on my injuries. The only name on his lips was Lily. “Selena, that kiss… it was a mistake… It will never happen again.” “And as for Lily, you’ve taken care of her for years. Her life is already hard enough. Don’t hold this against her, okay?” I looked into his golden eyes, the mark of an Alpha, and a bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Aiden, you’re saying all this because you’re scared I’ll ruin her reputation, scared I’ll have her kicked out of the pack. Isn’t that right?” His face darkened. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. “I know you’re angry, but as the future Luna, your actions affect the stability of the entire pack.” “Let this go. We’re about to be bonded. Don’t make this messy.” I wrenched my hand free and stared at the full moon outside the window. He opened his mouth to say more, but his Beta appeared, whispering in his ear. Lily was having an emotional breakdown. She needed him. Aiden glanced at me, his tone softening slightly. “There’s trouble with some rogue wolves on the border. I have to handle it myself. You get some rest.” He was gone before I could answer. He rushed out without a backward glance. He never came back. I lay motionless in bed, my eyes fixed on an ad on a hidden forum on my phone. 【An ancient witch’s memory severance ritual. Break the chains of your past.】 I’ve always been decisive. And I have zero tolerance for betrayal. I never wanted something that was already tainted. So, whether it was Aiden or the seven years we shared, I was done. I walked out of the witch’s hidden cottage, my mind feeling strangely clear, yet terrifyingly empty. Parts of my past were now locked away in a magically sealed box. I knew they were there, but I had lost both the key and the desire to open it. The ritual required two stages. I had to return in five days for the final session. Following the faint memory of an address, I returned to the Blackwood Pack’s territory. The guards recognized me and let me pass with a respectful nod. I opened the door to my house to the sound of laughter. “Lily did great! She won first place in the Alliance Hunt!” “She’s really made our pack proud!” I saw Lily surrounded by a crowd of my friends, her face blushing with pride. Aiden stood beside her, his posture relaxed but proud, a smile of approval on his lips. One of them noticed me, and their smile faded. The lively room fell silent. A flicker of discomfort crossed Aiden’s face as he walked toward me. “Selena? You’re back? Why didn’t you tell me you were out of the infirmary? I would have picked you up.” I stepped away from his outstretched hand, my voice flat. “What? Did my return to my own home interrupt your party?” The atmosphere turned awkward. Chloe, a pack mate I’d fought and bled with for years, tried to smooth things over. “Selena, you’re just in time.” “We’re celebrating Lily’s victory. We all pitched in for a gift, and since you’ve looked after her for so long, it’s only right that you give it to her.” Before I could refuse, she shoved a small, beautifully wrapped box into my hand. Not wanting to drag this out, I held it out to Lily. The moment she reached for it, the box suddenly dropped to the floor. The wolf totem, carved from moonstone, shattered into pieces. Lily’s eyes filled with tears. “Selena… you still can’t forgive me, can you? That night was just an accident… I didn’t mean for it to happen.” “I’ve been so worried about you while you were recovering…” Seeing her cry, everyone turned on me, their words sharp with blame. “Selena, honestly, Lily’s life has been hard enough!” “Can’t you just let her have one happy day to celebrate her achievement?” I looked at the faces accusing me. In the center of it all, my fiancé of seven years stared at me with pure disappointment. My heart felt like it was being pierced by silver needles. I could barely stand. “That’s enough,” Aiden said, his voice low but carrying the full weight of his Alpha authority. The murmuring stopped. He walked to my side, his voice a low growl. “Selena, stop being childish. Lily earned this honor through her own hard work.” “Even if you’re upset, know your time and place.” He picked up the broken gift and tried to hand it back to me. “Give it to her again. After all, you two will have to get along in the future.” His voice was gentle, but the hand on my shoulder was applying pressure, a silent command. I took a deep breath and stepped away from his touch. “There’s no need,” I said softly. “She and I… probably won’t be living together anymore.” “I actually came back today to pack my things.” The moment I finished speaking, Lily’s crying intensified. “Selena, what do you mean by that? Are you kicking me out?” She looked at Aiden, her eyes pleading. “Aiden, what do I do? You promised me…” Aiden’s brow furrowed. He turned to me, his voice laced with Alpha authority and a weariness he couldn’t hide. “Selena, do you really have to take it this far?” Before I could even explain, I was drowned out by the accusations of my former friends. “Selena! That’s way too far!” “If you kick Lily out, where will she go? It’s dangerous for an Omega out there alone!” “What if something happens to her? How could you live with yourself?” Chloe looked at me, her face full of pity for Lily. “Just let it go, Selena. Look how much you’re hurting her. She’s already been through so much…” I stared at Chloe, my heart turning to ice. A few years ago, she was captured by rogue wolves. I was the one who risked my life, sneaking into their den alone to rescue her. She had cried with gratitude, swearing she would never forget what I did for her. Now, she stood against me, defending the girl who kissed my fiancé. “Chloe, even if we are friends, this is my family matter… Besides, I’m the one moving out. This house…” Aiden cut me off. “That’s enough, Selena. Chloe is just trying to stand up for Lily.” He comforted Lily with a soft voice while glaring at me. “In the end, this is all because you’re still angry about me and Lily. But she’s suffered enough. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don’t take it out on her.” Faced with one accusation after another, I suddenly felt tired. So incredibly tired. I swallowed the explanation that was on the tip of my tongue and turned to go to my room. But Lily lunged forward, grabbing my arm, her eyes swimming with tears. “Selena, please don’t be mad at me. I promise I’ll never speak to Aiden again…” Her grip was tight, her nails digging into my skin. I instinctively shook her off. I didn’t use much force, but Lily stumbled backward and fell dramatically to the floor. I reached out to help her, but Aiden shoved me away. “Don’t you touch her!” I had never seen him so frantic. A sharp pain shot through my chest. “Aiden, my ankle… I think it’s sprained,” Lily cried out. Aiden scooped her into his arms, holding her like she was the most precious treasure in the pack. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with thick, suffocating disappointment. “You know how crucial mobility is for an Omega’s survival, yet you still let your petty jealousy hurt her.” He carried Lily and strode toward the door. He paused without turning back, his voice low and cold. “Selena, you’re a fucking disgrace to this pack.” My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a silver icicle, the chill spreading through my entire body. I forced my back straight, refusing to collapse. The others exchanged glances, and most of them followed Aiden out the door. The last to leave was a young wolf, one of Lily’s admirers. As he passed me, he sneered loudly. “Someone just can’t stand that Lily is more popular than she is. An old bitch getting into catfights, how pathetic.” My eyelashes trembled, but I held on to the last shred of my dignity. Aiden’s call came while I was with the Pack Elders. “Elder, I wish to apply for release from the pack to join the Lunar Guard.” The Elder looked surprised. “But you’re about to be bonded with the Alpha. Why would you want to go to a place like that?” I managed a bitter smile. “The bonding is off. Aiden and I… it’s over.” “Selena, what did you just say?” I realized with a jolt that my phone had somehow connected the call. The Elder gestured for me to answer it. “Nothing,” I said into the phone. “It’s just a movie.” Aiden was silent for a long time, probably trying to figure out if I was lying. He must have believed me, because he didn’t press it. “Your silver bullet necklace is at my place. When are you coming to get it?” Seven years ago, on a mission, he’d taken a silver bullet for me. It had missed his heart by an inch. After it was removed, he’d polished it and made it into a necklace, fastening it around my neck himself. “My heart is yours now,” he had whispered. For seven years, I had treasured that necklace. Now, it stirred nothing in me. “You can hold onto it for now,” I replied coolly. “We’ll sort it out later.” After hanging up, I formally completed the paperwork to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard. The Elder knew enough about my situation not to argue. I went back to my house and fell into a heavy sleep. When I woke up, Aiden was sitting on the edge of my bed. His voice was hoarse. “You’re awake? I came to check on you, and… to bring you this.” He pointed to the silver bullet necklace on the nightstand. I glanced at it but didn’t move to get it. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring it over so late.” He shook his head. “This necklace is important.” “Seeing it reminds me of everything we’ve been through… We’ve overcome so much, and now we’re fighting over something so small… It’s not worth it.” I remembered the past, too. I remembered him driving through a blizzard in the middle of the night to buy me medicine from a human town when I had a fever, nearly crashing his car. I remembered when my father died, he defied the Elders and rushed back from a border patrol to stay by my side. I remembered the day I was awarded the Pack Warrior medal, he announced to everyone that I was his pride and joy. Those were good times. I shifted slightly, the bruises and cuts on my body still visible. He didn’t seem to notice. He just kept talking. “The pack gossip has been really hard on Lily. Her mental state is fragile, and she can’t handle her duties right now.” “Could you go to the Elders and explain that what happened was a misunderstanding? So she can go back to work?” I looked at him calmly. “Aiden, in what capacity would I be explaining this? As your fated mate? Because I don’t want to marry you anymore.” His jaw tightened, and a suppressed rage flared in his eyes. “Selena, would you just stop this bullshit.” “I’ve explained it a million times, the kiss was a mistake. Why are you still saying things just to piss me off?!” I let out a low, bitter laugh. Aiden, how fucking arrogant do you have to be to think I can’t live without you? Seeing the pain on my face, he softened his tone. “Just rest for now. But deal with the explanation as soon as possible.” “I’m going to the infirmary to check on Lily. She can’t move well, she shouldn’t be alone.” The moment the door clicked shut, I got up and locked it. Then I crawled back into bed and wrapped myself tightly in the blankets. I didn’t sleep at all. I woke up the next morning with a heavy head. As I reached for a glass of water, I accidentally knocked the silver bullet necklace off the table. I bent down to pick it up and my blood ran cold. On the side of the bullet, a tiny inscription was carved into the metal: 【LOVE LILY】 Lily. There was no question who this necklace belonged to. I got up, opened my safe, and there it was. My necklace, with the letter ‘S’ carved into it, lying right where I left it. I stared at it for a long time, and then I started to laugh. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. So, Aiden had already given his heart to someone else. I wiped my tears, contacted the Elders, and relinquished my claim on the independent cabin I had been assigned in the pack territory. After settling the paperwork, I checked into a cheap motel in the human town. My days were spent either finalizing my duties with the Elders or at the shooting range. Aiden and Lily felt like a distant memory. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace. Until Aiden called. “Get to the pack infirmary, now! That is an order from your Alpha! Do not disobey!” I didn’t want to go, but my release from the pack wasn’t finalized. He was still my Alpha. I couldn’t defy a direct command. When I arrived at the intensive care wing, the hallway was crowded with pack members, the mood somber and tense. The second Aiden saw me, his eyes blazed with fury. He stormed over and grabbed my arm. “Tell me! Why did you do it!” “You knew Lily has had severe trauma ever since her father died! And you hired someone to threaten her?” “Selena, when did you become so fucking cruel?” Pain shot up my arm. I tried to pull away, but his grip was like a steel trap. The others just watched, saying nothing. “It wasn’t me. I haven’t even seen her. And I had no idea she had any trauma.” Chloe couldn’t hold back. “You still deny it? Then how did you use your authority as her former guardian to prevent the doctors from giving Lily her sedatives?” “If Lily had gotten her medication on time, she wouldn’t have been triggered! Are you still lying? Do you have any idea she almost died?” That’s when I saw Lily, cowering behind Aiden, trembling. “Lily? What’s wrong?” At the sound of my voice, she flinched violently, covered her ears, and screamed. “Stay away! Don’t hurt me! You can have Aiden! You can have everything, just leave me alone!” She scrambled for the vase on her nightstand and hurled it at me. I couldn’t dodge in time. It smashed against my forehead. A deep gash opened up, and blood poured down my face. Aiden immediately shielded Lily with his body and roared at me. “Get out! Don’t come near her!” I took a deep breath, pressed my hand to my bleeding head, and walked out of the room. Through the crack in the door, I saw Aiden holding Lily gently, whispering reassurances as if she were a fragile piece of glass. The others crowded around them, their faces etched with concern. I found the nurse’s station and got my forehead patched up. Just as they finished, Aiden found me. His face was still a mask of fury. He glanced at the bandage on my head, a flicker of something in his eyes, but his voice was cold as ice. “Lily’s condition is unstable. She’s not in control of her actions. You should… try to be more understanding.” I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m not going to argue with a patient. It must be hard for the Alpha, having to take care of a patient on top of all your duties.” He was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to be so “mature” about it. The lecture he had prepared died in his throat. “It’s good that you… understand.” He reached out to check my wound, but I stepped back, avoiding his touch. His hand froze in mid-air before he slowly lowered it, clenching it into a fist. “What happened to Lily has nothing to do with me,” I said, my gaze clear and steady. He retorted instantly, his Alpha certainty unwavering. “All the evidence points to you! Do you really think Lily would frame herself? She’s not that manipulative!” I looked at his absolute conviction, and suddenly, defending myself felt pointless. I didn’t argue. I just said, “Aiden, let’s just bre—” Before I could finish, Chloe came running up. “Alpha! It’s bad! Lily had a breakdown because you were gone for too long!” Aiden’s face changed. Without a second of hesitation, he turned and sprinted back toward the hospital room. Watching his desperate retreat, I silently said goodbye. In three days, I would have my second and final memory severance ritual. Then, everything about them, about the pack, would be locked away for good. I turned to leave, but someone grabbed me from behind. Before I could struggle, a sharp pain exploded at the back of my head, and everything went dark. I woke up with a splitting headache. I was in a cold, windowless stone room. My hands and feet were bound to a stone slab with leather straps etched with silver runes. The silver burned against my skin, a constant, searing pain. The door opened, and Aiden walked in. He was wearing the black tactical uniform of the Alpha, his expression as hard as granite. “Aiden? Let me go!” My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and weakness. He shook his head, his tone chillingly calm, as if he were ordering an execution. “Selena, Lily’s mind has been shattered. The pack’s shaman says the chances of a full recovery are slim.” “So what? I told you, her condition has nothing to do with me!” The last bit of warmth vanished from his eyes. “You’re still denying it. Since you have no remorse, I have no choice but to take necessary measures. I’m going to let you experience for yourself the pain of having your mind torn apart. This is the price… you have to pay.” He finished speaking and nodded to a witch in a black robe standing by the door. The witch approached, holding a piece of obsidian covered in grotesque runes. Her eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion. “Begin,” Aiden commanded, pressing a bloody thumbprint onto a parchment scroll, sealing the order. I watched in horror as the witch held the obsidian to my forehead. My blood turned to ice. “Aiden! You can’t do this to me!” He didn’t look back. He walked out with a steady, determined stride, and the heavy stone door slammed shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. The witch pulled on a pair of gloves and pressed the obsidian against my temple, a twisted smile on her face. “Miss Selena, someone paid extra for me to take special care of you. Don’t worry, I guarantee you’ll walk out of here without a single physical scar.” She began to chant. An unearthly cold radiated from the stone, and an indescribable psychic force tore through my consciousness. My body convulsed violently, beyond my control. “Ahhhh!” I thrashed against the restraints, the silver burning deep into my flesh. I wanted to scream, to curse him, but even my thoughts were being ripped to shreds by the dark energy. I don’t know how many times I endured the torture. When they finally unbound me, I could barely stand. My eyes were vacant, my responses to the world around me sluggish and delayed. Three days later, Aiden came for me. He tried to help me up, but I shoved him away with all the strength I had left. I stumbled, using the wall to hold myself up. He looked at my broken state, and a complex emotion—maybe guilt—flashed in his eyes. “I know you hate me, but you have to believe I did this for your own good.” “You have to pay for what you did. I couldn’t let you bully Lily.” “Selena, I will make this up to you…” I didn’t say a word. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I just wanted to get away from him. As I was wondering how, his Beta ran in. “Alpha, Miss Lily is having another episode. She’s screaming for you…” Aiden immediately turned, his voice urgent. “Keep an eye on her, I’m on my way!” He looked back at me, hesitating. “Go,” I said flatly. “I can get a cab.” He stared at me for a moment, then turned and hurried away. Just then, I got a notification from the Elders. My application to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard had been approved. I turned off my phone, hailed a cab, and went straight to the witch’s hidden cottage. As I lay down on the familiar ritual slab, the witch’s voice was as gentle as ever. “Relax, Miss Selena. This is the final session.” “Forget what needs to be forgotten. Your future will be like a field of untouched snow. Clean, and new.” I said nothing. As my consciousness faded into darkness, a single tear escaped the corner of my eye and traced a path down my temple."

"After the witch’s memory severance ritual, I forgot everything. I forgot the Alpha I was fated to for seven years. I forgot the Omega girl I’d sponsored since childhood, the one who stole my entire life. I forgot everything about the Blackwood Pack. With the paperwork severing my ties to the pack finalized, I applied to join the Lunar Guard and was shipped out to a conflict zone overseas. Everyone assumed I was just throwing a tantrum. They thought I'd come crawling back to the pack’s protection after a few weeks in the shit. They were wrong. Five years later, helicopters with strange markings descended on the Lunar Guard’s outpost, surrounding us. Armed wolf warriors swarmed the area, securing it in seconds. Under the blinding glare of a searchlight, an emissary from the North American Wolf Alliance stepped out. He looked at me, his face a mask of shock. “After all these years, why did you never contact Alpha Aiden of the Blackwood Pack? Do you have any idea he’s been waiting for you for five whole years?” I blinked, confused. “I’m sorry, I underwent a memory severance ritual a long time ago. Who… who is Aiden?” The air went still. A sudden, sharp panic seized my chest, and I instinctively looked up. In the helicopter's open hatch stood a man in tactical gear. His tall, powerful frame was rigid, and his eyes, red-rimmed and raw, were locked on me. … I found out about Aiden and Lily on the night of our bonding ceremony. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Finally, I saw them on the terrace of the pack leader’s cabin. He had her, Lily, the Omega girl I’d supported for a decade, pressed against the wall, his mouth devouring hers. I walked over calmly and slapped him across the face. The next thing I knew, Lily shoved me off the terrace. As I fell, a strange sense of predictability washed over me. It was happening again. Everyone I cared about was eventually stolen by Lily. She was the orphaned daughter of my father’s old war buddy, a pitiful Omega with a tragic backstory. I started sponsoring her when she was twelve, treating her like a little sister. I paid for her education, brought her into my social circle, and found her a comfortable administrative job within the pack. She was clever, charming, and bright, like a little ray of sunshine. My family and my pack mates, who were initially wary of her, all grew to adore her. “That little Omega is so much more likable than you.” I’d heard those words more times than I could count. And now, even my Alpha, the man I’d loved for seven years and was about to officially bond with under the Moon Goddess’s watch, had fallen for her act. When I woke up in the pack infirmary, Aiden was sitting by my bed. He wasn’t there to check on my injuries. The only name on his lips was Lily. “Selena, that kiss… it was a mistake… It will never happen again.” “And as for Lily, you’ve taken care of her for years. Her life is already hard enough. Don’t hold this against her, okay?” I looked into his golden eyes, the mark of an Alpha, and a bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Aiden, you’re saying all this because you’re scared I’ll ruin her reputation, scared I’ll have her kicked out of the pack. Isn’t that right?” His face darkened. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. “I know you’re angry, but as the future Luna, your actions affect the stability of the entire pack.” “Let this go. We’re about to be bonded. Don’t make this messy.” I wrenched my hand free and stared at the full moon outside the window. He opened his mouth to say more, but his Beta appeared, whispering in his ear. Lily was having an emotional breakdown. She needed him. Aiden glanced at me, his tone softening slightly. “There’s trouble with some rogue wolves on the border. I have to handle it myself. You get some rest.” He was gone before I could answer. He rushed out without a backward glance. He never came back. I lay motionless in bed, my eyes fixed on an ad on a hidden forum on my phone. 【An ancient witch’s memory severance ritual. Break the chains of your past.】 I’ve always been decisive. And I have zero tolerance for betrayal. I never wanted something that was already tainted. So, whether it was Aiden or the seven years we shared, I was done. I walked out of the witch’s hidden cottage, my mind feeling strangely clear, yet terrifyingly empty. Parts of my past were now locked away in a magically sealed box. I knew they were there, but I had lost both the key and the desire to open it. The ritual required two stages. I had to return in five days for the final session. Following the faint memory of an address, I returned to the Blackwood Pack’s territory. The guards recognized me and let me pass with a respectful nod. I opened the door to my house to the sound of laughter. “Lily did great! She won first place in the Alliance Hunt!” “She’s really made our pack proud!” I saw Lily surrounded by a crowd of my friends, her face blushing with pride. Aiden stood beside her, his posture relaxed but proud, a smile of approval on his lips. One of them noticed me, and their smile faded. The lively room fell silent. A flicker of discomfort crossed Aiden’s face as he walked toward me. “Selena? You’re back? Why didn’t you tell me you were out of the infirmary? I would have picked you up.” I stepped away from his outstretched hand, my voice flat. “What? Did my return to my own home interrupt your party?” The atmosphere turned awkward. Chloe, a pack mate I’d fought and bled with for years, tried to smooth things over. “Selena, you’re just in time.” “We’re celebrating Lily’s victory. We all pitched in for a gift, and since you’ve looked after her for so long, it’s only right that you give it to her.” Before I could refuse, she shoved a small, beautifully wrapped box into my hand. Not wanting to drag this out, I held it out to Lily. The moment she reached for it, the box suddenly dropped to the floor. The wolf totem, carved from moonstone, shattered into pieces. Lily’s eyes filled with tears. “Selena… you still can’t forgive me, can you? That night was just an accident… I didn’t mean for it to happen.” “I’ve been so worried about you while you were recovering…” Seeing her cry, everyone turned on me, their words sharp with blame. “Selena, honestly, Lily’s life has been hard enough!” “Can’t you just let her have one happy day to celebrate her achievement?” I looked at the faces accusing me. In the center of it all, my fiancé of seven years stared at me with pure disappointment. My heart felt like it was being pierced by silver needles. I could barely stand. “That’s enough,” Aiden said, his voice low but carrying the full weight of his Alpha authority. The murmuring stopped. He walked to my side, his voice a low growl. “Selena, stop being childish. Lily earned this honor through her own hard work.” “Even if you’re upset, know your time and place.” He picked up the broken gift and tried to hand it back to me. “Give it to her again. After all, you two will have to get along in the future.” His voice was gentle, but the hand on my shoulder was applying pressure, a silent command. I took a deep breath and stepped away from his touch. “There’s no need,” I said softly. “She and I… probably won’t be living together anymore.” “I actually came back today to pack my things.” The moment I finished speaking, Lily’s crying intensified. “Selena, what do you mean by that? Are you kicking me out?” She looked at Aiden, her eyes pleading. “Aiden, what do I do? You promised me…” Aiden’s brow furrowed. He turned to me, his voice laced with Alpha authority and a weariness he couldn’t hide. “Selena, do you really have to take it this far?” Before I could even explain, I was drowned out by the accusations of my former friends. “Selena! That’s way too far!” “If you kick Lily out, where will she go? It’s dangerous for an Omega out there alone!” “What if something happens to her? How could you live with yourself?” Chloe looked at me, her face full of pity for Lily. “Just let it go, Selena. Look how much you’re hurting her. She’s already been through so much…” I stared at Chloe, my heart turning to ice. A few years ago, she was captured by rogue wolves. I was the one who risked my life, sneaking into their den alone to rescue her. She had cried with gratitude, swearing she would never forget what I did for her. Now, she stood against me, defending the girl who kissed my fiancé. “Chloe, even if we are friends, this is my family matter… Besides, I’m the one moving out. This house…” Aiden cut me off. “That’s enough, Selena. Chloe is just trying to stand up for Lily.” He comforted Lily with a soft voice while glaring at me. “In the end, this is all because you’re still angry about me and Lily. But she’s suffered enough. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don’t take it out on her.” Faced with one accusation after another, I suddenly felt tired. So incredibly tired. I swallowed the explanation that was on the tip of my tongue and turned to go to my room. But Lily lunged forward, grabbing my arm, her eyes swimming with tears. “Selena, please don’t be mad at me. I promise I’ll never speak to Aiden again…” Her grip was tight, her nails digging into my skin. I instinctively shook her off. I didn’t use much force, but Lily stumbled backward and fell dramatically to the floor. I reached out to help her, but Aiden shoved me away. “Don’t you touch her!” I had never seen him so frantic. A sharp pain shot through my chest. “Aiden, my ankle… I think it’s sprained,” Lily cried out. Aiden scooped her into his arms, holding her like she was the most precious treasure in the pack. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with thick, suffocating disappointment. “You know how crucial mobility is for an Omega’s survival, yet you still let your petty jealousy hurt her.” He carried Lily and strode toward the door. He paused without turning back, his voice low and cold. “Selena, you’re a fucking disgrace to this pack.” My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a silver icicle, the chill spreading through my entire body. I forced my back straight, refusing to collapse. The others exchanged glances, and most of them followed Aiden out the door. The last to leave was a young wolf, one of Lily’s admirers. As he passed me, he sneered loudly. “Someone just can’t stand that Lily is more popular than she is. An old bitch getting into catfights, how pathetic.” My eyelashes trembled, but I held on to the last shred of my dignity. Aiden’s call came while I was with the Pack Elders. “Elder, I wish to apply for release from the pack to join the Lunar Guard.” The Elder looked surprised. “But you’re about to be bonded with the Alpha. Why would you want to go to a place like that?” I managed a bitter smile. “The bonding is off. Aiden and I… it’s over.” “Selena, what did you just say?” I realized with a jolt that my phone had somehow connected the call. The Elder gestured for me to answer it. “Nothing,” I said into the phone. “It’s just a movie.” Aiden was silent for a long time, probably trying to figure out if I was lying. He must have believed me, because he didn’t press it. “Your silver bullet necklace is at my place. When are you coming to get it?” Seven years ago, on a mission, he’d taken a silver bullet for me. It had missed his heart by an inch. After it was removed, he’d polished it and made it into a necklace, fastening it around my neck himself. “My heart is yours now,” he had whispered. For seven years, I had treasured that necklace. Now, it stirred nothing in me. “You can hold onto it for now,” I replied coolly. “We’ll sort it out later.” After hanging up, I formally completed the paperwork to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard. The Elder knew enough about my situation not to argue. I went back to my house and fell into a heavy sleep. When I woke up, Aiden was sitting on the edge of my bed. His voice was hoarse. “You’re awake? I came to check on you, and… to bring you this.” He pointed to the silver bullet necklace on the nightstand. I glanced at it but didn’t move to get it. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring it over so late.” He shook his head. “This necklace is important.” “Seeing it reminds me of everything we’ve been through… We’ve overcome so much, and now we’re fighting over something so small… It’s not worth it.” I remembered the past, too. I remembered him driving through a blizzard in the middle of the night to buy me medicine from a human town when I had a fever, nearly crashing his car. I remembered when my father died, he defied the Elders and rushed back from a border patrol to stay by my side. I remembered the day I was awarded the Pack Warrior medal, he announced to everyone that I was his pride and joy. Those were good times. I shifted slightly, the bruises and cuts on my body still visible. He didn’t seem to notice. He just kept talking. “The pack gossip has been really hard on Lily. Her mental state is fragile, and she can’t handle her duties right now.” “Could you go to the Elders and explain that what happened was a misunderstanding? So she can go back to work?” I looked at him calmly. “Aiden, in what capacity would I be explaining this? As your fated mate? Because I don’t want to marry you anymore.” His jaw tightened, and a suppressed rage flared in his eyes. “Selena, would you just stop this bullshit.” “I’ve explained it a million times, the kiss was a mistake. Why are you still saying things just to piss me off?!” I let out a low, bitter laugh. Aiden, how fucking arrogant do you have to be to think I can’t live without you? Seeing the pain on my face, he softened his tone. “Just rest for now. But deal with the explanation as soon as possible.” “I’m going to the infirmary to check on Lily. She can’t move well, she shouldn’t be alone.” The moment the door clicked shut, I got up and locked it. Then I crawled back into bed and wrapped myself tightly in the blankets. I didn’t sleep at all. I woke up the next morning with a heavy head. As I reached for a glass of water, I accidentally knocked the silver bullet necklace off the table. I bent down to pick it up and my blood ran cold. On the side of the bullet, a tiny inscription was carved into the metal: 【LOVE LILY】 Lily. There was no question who this necklace belonged to. I got up, opened my safe, and there it was. My necklace, with the letter ‘S’ carved into it, lying right where I left it. I stared at it for a long time, and then I started to laugh. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. So, Aiden had already given his heart to someone else. I wiped my tears, contacted the Elders, and relinquished my claim on the independent cabin I had been assigned in the pack territory. After settling the paperwork, I checked into a cheap motel in the human town. My days were spent either finalizing my duties with the Elders or at the shooting range. Aiden and Lily felt like a distant memory. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace. Until Aiden called. “Get to the pack infirmary, now! That is an order from your Alpha! Do not disobey!” I didn’t want to go, but my release from the pack wasn’t finalized. He was still my Alpha. I couldn’t defy a direct command. When I arrived at the intensive care wing, the hallway was crowded with pack members, the mood somber and tense. The second Aiden saw me, his eyes blazed with fury. He stormed over and grabbed my arm. “Tell me! Why did you do it!” “You knew Lily has had severe trauma ever since her father died! And you hired someone to threaten her?” “Selena, when did you become so fucking cruel?” Pain shot up my arm. I tried to pull away, but his grip was like a steel trap. The others just watched, saying nothing. “It wasn’t me. I haven’t even seen her. And I had no idea she had any trauma.” Chloe couldn’t hold back. “You still deny it? Then how did you use your authority as her former guardian to prevent the doctors from giving Lily her sedatives?” “If Lily had gotten her medication on time, she wouldn’t have been triggered! Are you still lying? Do you have any idea she almost died?” That’s when I saw Lily, cowering behind Aiden, trembling. “Lily? What’s wrong?” At the sound of my voice, she flinched violently, covered her ears, and screamed. “Stay away! Don’t hurt me! You can have Aiden! You can have everything, just leave me alone!” She scrambled for the vase on her nightstand and hurled it at me. I couldn’t dodge in time. It smashed against my forehead. A deep gash opened up, and blood poured down my face. Aiden immediately shielded Lily with his body and roared at me. “Get out! Don’t come near her!” I took a deep breath, pressed my hand to my bleeding head, and walked out of the room. Through the crack in the door, I saw Aiden holding Lily gently, whispering reassurances as if she were a fragile piece of glass. The others crowded around them, their faces etched with concern. I found the nurse’s station and got my forehead patched up. Just as they finished, Aiden found me. His face was still a mask of fury. He glanced at the bandage on my head, a flicker of something in his eyes, but his voice was cold as ice. “Lily’s condition is unstable. She’s not in control of her actions. You should… try to be more understanding.” I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m not going to argue with a patient. It must be hard for the Alpha, having to take care of a patient on top of all your duties.” He was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to be so “mature” about it. The lecture he had prepared died in his throat. “It’s good that you… understand.” He reached out to check my wound, but I stepped back, avoiding his touch. His hand froze in mid-air before he slowly lowered it, clenching it into a fist. “What happened to Lily has nothing to do with me,” I said, my gaze clear and steady. He retorted instantly, his Alpha certainty unwavering. “All the evidence points to you! Do you really think Lily would frame herself? She’s not that manipulative!” I looked at his absolute conviction, and suddenly, defending myself felt pointless. I didn’t argue. I just said, “Aiden, let’s just bre—” Before I could finish, Chloe came running up. “Alpha! It’s bad! Lily had a breakdown because you were gone for too long!” Aiden’s face changed. Without a second of hesitation, he turned and sprinted back toward the hospital room. Watching his desperate retreat, I silently said goodbye. In three days, I would have my second and final memory severance ritual. Then, everything about them, about the pack, would be locked away for good. I turned to leave, but someone grabbed me from behind. Before I could struggle, a sharp pain exploded at the back of my head, and everything went dark. I woke up with a splitting headache. I was in a cold, windowless stone room. My hands and feet were bound to a stone slab with leather straps etched with silver runes. The silver burned against my skin, a constant, searing pain. The door opened, and Aiden walked in. He was wearing the black tactical uniform of the Alpha, his expression as hard as granite. “Aiden? Let me go!” My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and weakness. He shook his head, his tone chillingly calm, as if he were ordering an execution. “Selena, Lily’s mind has been shattered. The pack’s shaman says the chances of a full recovery are slim.” “So what? I told you, her condition has nothing to do with me!” The last bit of warmth vanished from his eyes. “You’re still denying it. Since you have no remorse, I have no choice but to take necessary measures. I’m going to let you experience for yourself the pain of having your mind torn apart. This is the price… you have to pay.” He finished speaking and nodded to a witch in a black robe standing by the door. The witch approached, holding a piece of obsidian covered in grotesque runes. Her eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion. “Begin,” Aiden commanded, pressing a bloody thumbprint onto a parchment scroll, sealing the order. I watched in horror as the witch held the obsidian to my forehead. My blood turned to ice. “Aiden! You can’t do this to me!” He didn’t look back. He walked out with a steady, determined stride, and the heavy stone door slammed shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. The witch pulled on a pair of gloves and pressed the obsidian against my temple, a twisted smile on her face. “Miss Selena, someone paid extra for me to take special care of you. Don’t worry, I guarantee you’ll walk out of here without a single physical scar.” She began to chant. An unearthly cold radiated from the stone, and an indescribable psychic force tore through my consciousness. My body convulsed violently, beyond my control. “Ahhhh!” I thrashed against the restraints, the silver burning deep into my flesh. I wanted to scream, to curse him, but even my thoughts were being ripped to shreds by the dark energy. I don’t know how many times I endured the torture. When they finally unbound me, I could barely stand. My eyes were vacant, my responses to the world around me sluggish and delayed. Three days later, Aiden came for me. He tried to help me up, but I shoved him away with all the strength I had left. I stumbled, using the wall to hold myself up. He looked at my broken state, and a complex emotion—maybe guilt—flashed in his eyes. “I know you hate me, but you have to believe I did this for your own good.” “You have to pay for what you did. I couldn’t let you bully Lily.” “Selena, I will make this up to you…” I didn’t say a word. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I just wanted to get away from him. As I was wondering how, his Beta ran in. “Alpha, Miss Lily is having another episode. She’s screaming for you…” Aiden immediately turned, his voice urgent. “Keep an eye on her, I’m on my way!” He looked back at me, hesitating. “Go,” I said flatly. “I can get a cab.” He stared at me for a moment, then turned and hurried away. Just then, I got a notification from the Elders. My application to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard had been approved. I turned off my phone, hailed a cab, and went straight to the witch’s hidden cottage. As I lay down on the familiar ritual slab, the witch’s voice was as gentle as ever. “Relax, Miss Selena. This is the final session.” “Forget what needs to be forgotten. Your future will be like a field of untouched snow. Clean, and new.” I said nothing. As my consciousness faded into darkness, a single tear escaped the corner of my eye and traced a path down my temple."

"After the witch’s memory severance ritual, I forgot everything. I forgot the Alpha I was fated to for seven years. I forgot the Omega girl I’d sponsored since childhood, the one who stole my entire life. I forgot everything about the Blackwood Pack. With the paperwork severing my ties to the pack finalized, I applied to join the Lunar Guard and was shipped out to a conflict zone overseas. Everyone assumed I was just throwing a tantrum. They thought I'd come crawling back to the pack’s protection after a few weeks in the shit. They were wrong. Five years later, helicopters with strange markings descended on the Lunar Guard’s outpost, surrounding us. Armed wolf warriors swarmed the area, securing it in seconds. Under the blinding glare of a searchlight, an emissary from the North American Wolf Alliance stepped out. He looked at me, his face a mask of shock. “After all these years, why did you never contact Alpha Aiden of the Blackwood Pack? Do you have any idea he’s been waiting for you for five whole years?” I blinked, confused. “I’m sorry, I underwent a memory severance ritual a long time ago. Who… who is Aiden?” The air went still. A sudden, sharp panic seized my chest, and I instinctively looked up. In the helicopter's open hatch stood a man in tactical gear. His tall, powerful frame was rigid, and his eyes, red-rimmed and raw, were locked on me. … I found out about Aiden and Lily on the night of our bonding ceremony. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Finally, I saw them on the terrace of the pack leader’s cabin. He had her, Lily, the Omega girl I’d supported for a decade, pressed against the wall, his mouth devouring hers. I walked over calmly and slapped him across the face. The next thing I knew, Lily shoved me off the terrace. As I fell, a strange sense of predictability washed over me. It was happening again. Everyone I cared about was eventually stolen by Lily. She was the orphaned daughter of my father’s old war buddy, a pitiful Omega with a tragic backstory. I started sponsoring her when she was twelve, treating her like a little sister. I paid for her education, brought her into my social circle, and found her a comfortable administrative job within the pack. She was clever, charming, and bright, like a little ray of sunshine. My family and my pack mates, who were initially wary of her, all grew to adore her. “That little Omega is so much more likable than you.” I’d heard those words more times than I could count. And now, even my Alpha, the man I’d loved for seven years and was about to officially bond with under the Moon Goddess’s watch, had fallen for her act. When I woke up in the pack infirmary, Aiden was sitting by my bed. He wasn’t there to check on my injuries. The only name on his lips was Lily. “Selena, that kiss… it was a mistake… It will never happen again.” “And as for Lily, you’ve taken care of her for years. Her life is already hard enough. Don’t hold this against her, okay?” I looked into his golden eyes, the mark of an Alpha, and a bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Aiden, you’re saying all this because you’re scared I’ll ruin her reputation, scared I’ll have her kicked out of the pack. Isn’t that right?” His face darkened. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. “I know you’re angry, but as the future Luna, your actions affect the stability of the entire pack.” “Let this go. We’re about to be bonded. Don’t make this messy.” I wrenched my hand free and stared at the full moon outside the window. He opened his mouth to say more, but his Beta appeared, whispering in his ear. Lily was having an emotional breakdown. She needed him. Aiden glanced at me, his tone softening slightly. “There’s trouble with some rogue wolves on the border. I have to handle it myself. You get some rest.” He was gone before I could answer. He rushed out without a backward glance. He never came back. I lay motionless in bed, my eyes fixed on an ad on a hidden forum on my phone. 【An ancient witch’s memory severance ritual. Break the chains of your past.】 I’ve always been decisive. And I have zero tolerance for betrayal. I never wanted something that was already tainted. So, whether it was Aiden or the seven years we shared, I was done. I walked out of the witch’s hidden cottage, my mind feeling strangely clear, yet terrifyingly empty. Parts of my past were now locked away in a magically sealed box. I knew they were there, but I had lost both the key and the desire to open it. The ritual required two stages. I had to return in five days for the final session. Following the faint memory of an address, I returned to the Blackwood Pack’s territory. The guards recognized me and let me pass with a respectful nod. I opened the door to my house to the sound of laughter. “Lily did great! She won first place in the Alliance Hunt!” “She’s really made our pack proud!” I saw Lily surrounded by a crowd of my friends, her face blushing with pride. Aiden stood beside her, his posture relaxed but proud, a smile of approval on his lips. One of them noticed me, and their smile faded. The lively room fell silent. A flicker of discomfort crossed Aiden’s face as he walked toward me. “Selena? You’re back? Why didn’t you tell me you were out of the infirmary? I would have picked you up.” I stepped away from his outstretched hand, my voice flat. “What? Did my return to my own home interrupt your party?” The atmosphere turned awkward. Chloe, a pack mate I’d fought and bled with for years, tried to smooth things over. “Selena, you’re just in time.” “We’re celebrating Lily’s victory. We all pitched in for a gift, and since you’ve looked after her for so long, it’s only right that you give it to her.” Before I could refuse, she shoved a small, beautifully wrapped box into my hand. Not wanting to drag this out, I held it out to Lily. The moment she reached for it, the box suddenly dropped to the floor. The wolf totem, carved from moonstone, shattered into pieces. Lily’s eyes filled with tears. “Selena… you still can’t forgive me, can you? That night was just an accident… I didn’t mean for it to happen.” “I’ve been so worried about you while you were recovering…” Seeing her cry, everyone turned on me, their words sharp with blame. “Selena, honestly, Lily’s life has been hard enough!” “Can’t you just let her have one happy day to celebrate her achievement?” I looked at the faces accusing me. In the center of it all, my fiancé of seven years stared at me with pure disappointment. My heart felt like it was being pierced by silver needles. I could barely stand. “That’s enough,” Aiden said, his voice low but carrying the full weight of his Alpha authority. The murmuring stopped. He walked to my side, his voice a low growl. “Selena, stop being childish. Lily earned this honor through her own hard work.” “Even if you’re upset, know your time and place.” He picked up the broken gift and tried to hand it back to me. “Give it to her again. After all, you two will have to get along in the future.” His voice was gentle, but the hand on my shoulder was applying pressure, a silent command. I took a deep breath and stepped away from his touch. “There’s no need,” I said softly. “She and I… probably won’t be living together anymore.” “I actually came back today to pack my things.” The moment I finished speaking, Lily’s crying intensified. “Selena, what do you mean by that? Are you kicking me out?” She looked at Aiden, her eyes pleading. “Aiden, what do I do? You promised me…” Aiden’s brow furrowed. He turned to me, his voice laced with Alpha authority and a weariness he couldn’t hide. “Selena, do you really have to take it this far?” Before I could even explain, I was drowned out by the accusations of my former friends. “Selena! That’s way too far!” “If you kick Lily out, where will she go? It’s dangerous for an Omega out there alone!” “What if something happens to her? How could you live with yourself?” Chloe looked at me, her face full of pity for Lily. “Just let it go, Selena. Look how much you’re hurting her. She’s already been through so much…” I stared at Chloe, my heart turning to ice. A few years ago, she was captured by rogue wolves. I was the one who risked my life, sneaking into their den alone to rescue her. She had cried with gratitude, swearing she would never forget what I did for her. Now, she stood against me, defending the girl who kissed my fiancé. “Chloe, even if we are friends, this is my family matter… Besides, I’m the one moving out. This house…” Aiden cut me off. “That’s enough, Selena. Chloe is just trying to stand up for Lily.” He comforted Lily with a soft voice while glaring at me. “In the end, this is all because you’re still angry about me and Lily. But she’s suffered enough. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don’t take it out on her.” Faced with one accusation after another, I suddenly felt tired. So incredibly tired. I swallowed the explanation that was on the tip of my tongue and turned to go to my room. But Lily lunged forward, grabbing my arm, her eyes swimming with tears. “Selena, please don’t be mad at me. I promise I’ll never speak to Aiden again…” Her grip was tight, her nails digging into my skin. I instinctively shook her off. I didn’t use much force, but Lily stumbled backward and fell dramatically to the floor. I reached out to help her, but Aiden shoved me away. “Don’t you touch her!” I had never seen him so frantic. A sharp pain shot through my chest. “Aiden, my ankle… I think it’s sprained,” Lily cried out. Aiden scooped her into his arms, holding her like she was the most precious treasure in the pack. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with thick, suffocating disappointment. “You know how crucial mobility is for an Omega’s survival, yet you still let your petty jealousy hurt her.” He carried Lily and strode toward the door. He paused without turning back, his voice low and cold. “Selena, you’re a fucking disgrace to this pack.” My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a silver icicle, the chill spreading through my entire body. I forced my back straight, refusing to collapse. The others exchanged glances, and most of them followed Aiden out the door. The last to leave was a young wolf, one of Lily’s admirers. As he passed me, he sneered loudly. “Someone just can’t stand that Lily is more popular than she is. An old bitch getting into catfights, how pathetic.” My eyelashes trembled, but I held on to the last shred of my dignity. Aiden’s call came while I was with the Pack Elders. “Elder, I wish to apply for release from the pack to join the Lunar Guard.” The Elder looked surprised. “But you’re about to be bonded with the Alpha. Why would you want to go to a place like that?” I managed a bitter smile. “The bonding is off. Aiden and I… it’s over.” “Selena, what did you just say?” I realized with a jolt that my phone had somehow connected the call. The Elder gestured for me to answer it. “Nothing,” I said into the phone. “It’s just a movie.” Aiden was silent for a long time, probably trying to figure out if I was lying. He must have believed me, because he didn’t press it. “Your silver bullet necklace is at my place. When are you coming to get it?” Seven years ago, on a mission, he’d taken a silver bullet for me. It had missed his heart by an inch. After it was removed, he’d polished it and made it into a necklace, fastening it around my neck himself. “My heart is yours now,” he had whispered. For seven years, I had treasured that necklace. Now, it stirred nothing in me. “You can hold onto it for now,” I replied coolly. “We’ll sort it out later.” After hanging up, I formally completed the paperwork to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard. The Elder knew enough about my situation not to argue. I went back to my house and fell into a heavy sleep. When I woke up, Aiden was sitting on the edge of my bed. His voice was hoarse. “You’re awake? I came to check on you, and… to bring you this.” He pointed to the silver bullet necklace on the nightstand. I glanced at it but didn’t move to get it. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring it over so late.” He shook his head. “This necklace is important.” “Seeing it reminds me of everything we’ve been through… We’ve overcome so much, and now we’re fighting over something so small… It’s not worth it.” I remembered the past, too. I remembered him driving through a blizzard in the middle of the night to buy me medicine from a human town when I had a fever, nearly crashing his car. I remembered when my father died, he defied the Elders and rushed back from a border patrol to stay by my side. I remembered the day I was awarded the Pack Warrior medal, he announced to everyone that I was his pride and joy. Those were good times. I shifted slightly, the bruises and cuts on my body still visible. He didn’t seem to notice. He just kept talking. “The pack gossip has been really hard on Lily. Her mental state is fragile, and she can’t handle her duties right now.” “Could you go to the Elders and explain that what happened was a misunderstanding? So she can go back to work?” I looked at him calmly. “Aiden, in what capacity would I be explaining this? As your fated mate? Because I don’t want to marry you anymore.” His jaw tightened, and a suppressed rage flared in his eyes. “Selena, would you just stop this bullshit.” “I’ve explained it a million times, the kiss was a mistake. Why are you still saying things just to piss me off?!” I let out a low, bitter laugh. Aiden, how fucking arrogant do you have to be to think I can’t live without you? Seeing the pain on my face, he softened his tone. “Just rest for now. But deal with the explanation as soon as possible.” “I’m going to the infirmary to check on Lily. She can’t move well, she shouldn’t be alone.” The moment the door clicked shut, I got up and locked it. Then I crawled back into bed and wrapped myself tightly in the blankets. I didn’t sleep at all. I woke up the next morning with a heavy head. As I reached for a glass of water, I accidentally knocked the silver bullet necklace off the table. I bent down to pick it up and my blood ran cold. On the side of the bullet, a tiny inscription was carved into the metal: 【LOVE LILY】 Lily. There was no question who this necklace belonged to. I got up, opened my safe, and there it was. My necklace, with the letter ‘S’ carved into it, lying right where I left it. I stared at it for a long time, and then I started to laugh. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. So, Aiden had already given his heart to someone else. I wiped my tears, contacted the Elders, and relinquished my claim on the independent cabin I had been assigned in the pack territory. After settling the paperwork, I checked into a cheap motel in the human town. My days were spent either finalizing my duties with the Elders or at the shooting range. Aiden and Lily felt like a distant memory. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace. Until Aiden called. “Get to the pack infirmary, now! That is an order from your Alpha! Do not disobey!” I didn’t want to go, but my release from the pack wasn’t finalized. He was still my Alpha. I couldn’t defy a direct command. When I arrived at the intensive care wing, the hallway was crowded with pack members, the mood somber and tense. The second Aiden saw me, his eyes blazed with fury. He stormed over and grabbed my arm. “Tell me! Why did you do it!” “You knew Lily has had severe trauma ever since her father died! And you hired someone to threaten her?” “Selena, when did you become so fucking cruel?” Pain shot up my arm. I tried to pull away, but his grip was like a steel trap. The others just watched, saying nothing. “It wasn’t me. I haven’t even seen her. And I had no idea she had any trauma.” Chloe couldn’t hold back. “You still deny it? Then how did you use your authority as her former guardian to prevent the doctors from giving Lily her sedatives?” “If Lily had gotten her medication on time, she wouldn’t have been triggered! Are you still lying? Do you have any idea she almost died?” That’s when I saw Lily, cowering behind Aiden, trembling. “Lily? What’s wrong?” At the sound of my voice, she flinched violently, covered her ears, and screamed. “Stay away! Don’t hurt me! You can have Aiden! You can have everything, just leave me alone!” She scrambled for the vase on her nightstand and hurled it at me. I couldn’t dodge in time. It smashed against my forehead. A deep gash opened up, and blood poured down my face. Aiden immediately shielded Lily with his body and roared at me. “Get out! Don’t come near her!” I took a deep breath, pressed my hand to my bleeding head, and walked out of the room. Through the crack in the door, I saw Aiden holding Lily gently, whispering reassurances as if she were a fragile piece of glass. The others crowded around them, their faces etched with concern. I found the nurse’s station and got my forehead patched up. Just as they finished, Aiden found me. His face was still a mask of fury. He glanced at the bandage on my head, a flicker of something in his eyes, but his voice was cold as ice. “Lily’s condition is unstable. She’s not in control of her actions. You should… try to be more understanding.” I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m not going to argue with a patient. It must be hard for the Alpha, having to take care of a patient on top of all your duties.” He was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to be so “mature” about it. The lecture he had prepared died in his throat. “It’s good that you… understand.” He reached out to check my wound, but I stepped back, avoiding his touch. His hand froze in mid-air before he slowly lowered it, clenching it into a fist. “What happened to Lily has nothing to do with me,” I said, my gaze clear and steady. He retorted instantly, his Alpha certainty unwavering. “All the evidence points to you! Do you really think Lily would frame herself? She’s not that manipulative!” I looked at his absolute conviction, and suddenly, defending myself felt pointless. I didn’t argue. I just said, “Aiden, let’s just bre—” Before I could finish, Chloe came running up. “Alpha! It’s bad! Lily had a breakdown because you were gone for too long!” Aiden’s face changed. Without a second of hesitation, he turned and sprinted back toward the hospital room. Watching his desperate retreat, I silently said goodbye. In three days, I would have my second and final memory severance ritual. Then, everything about them, about the pack, would be locked away for good. I turned to leave, but someone grabbed me from behind. Before I could struggle, a sharp pain exploded at the back of my head, and everything went dark. I woke up with a splitting headache. I was in a cold, windowless stone room. My hands and feet were bound to a stone slab with leather straps etched with silver runes. The silver burned against my skin, a constant, searing pain. The door opened, and Aiden walked in. He was wearing the black tactical uniform of the Alpha, his expression as hard as granite. “Aiden? Let me go!” My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and weakness. He shook his head, his tone chillingly calm, as if he were ordering an execution. “Selena, Lily’s mind has been shattered. The pack’s shaman says the chances of a full recovery are slim.” “So what? I told you, her condition has nothing to do with me!” The last bit of warmth vanished from his eyes. “You’re still denying it. Since you have no remorse, I have no choice but to take necessary measures. I’m going to let you experience for yourself the pain of having your mind torn apart. This is the price… you have to pay.” He finished speaking and nodded to a witch in a black robe standing by the door. The witch approached, holding a piece of obsidian covered in grotesque runes. Her eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion. “Begin,” Aiden commanded, pressing a bloody thumbprint onto a parchment scroll, sealing the order. I watched in horror as the witch held the obsidian to my forehead. My blood turned to ice. “Aiden! You can’t do this to me!” He didn’t look back. He walked out with a steady, determined stride, and the heavy stone door slammed shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. The witch pulled on a pair of gloves and pressed the obsidian against my temple, a twisted smile on her face. “Miss Selena, someone paid extra for me to take special care of you. Don’t worry, I guarantee you’ll walk out of here without a single physical scar.” She began to chant. An unearthly cold radiated from the stone, and an indescribable psychic force tore through my consciousness. My body convulsed violently, beyond my control. “Ahhhh!” I thrashed against the restraints, the silver burning deep into my flesh. I wanted to scream, to curse him, but even my thoughts were being ripped to shreds by the dark energy. I don’t know how many times I endured the torture. When they finally unbound me, I could barely stand. My eyes were vacant, my responses to the world around me sluggish and delayed. Three days later, Aiden came for me. He tried to help me up, but I shoved him away with all the strength I had left. I stumbled, using the wall to hold myself up. He looked at my broken state, and a complex emotion—maybe guilt—flashed in his eyes. “I know you hate me, but you have to believe I did this for your own good.” “You have to pay for what you did. I couldn’t let you bully Lily.” “Selena, I will make this up to you…” I didn’t say a word. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I just wanted to get away from him. As I was wondering how, his Beta ran in. “Alpha, Miss Lily is having another episode. She’s screaming for you…” Aiden immediately turned, his voice urgent. “Keep an eye on her, I’m on my way!” He looked back at me, hesitating. “Go,” I said flatly. “I can get a cab.” He stared at me for a moment, then turned and hurried away. Just then, I got a notification from the Elders. My application to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard had been approved. I turned off my phone, hailed a cab, and went straight to the witch’s hidden cottage. As I lay down on the familiar ritual slab, the witch’s voice was as gentle as ever. “Relax, Miss Selena. This is the final session.” “Forget what needs to be forgotten. Your future will be like a field of untouched snow. Clean, and new.” I said nothing. As my consciousness faded into darkness, a single tear escaped the corner of my eye and traced a path down my temple."

"After the witch’s memory severance ritual, I forgot everything. I forgot the Alpha I was fated to for seven years. I forgot the Omega girl I’d sponsored since childhood, the one who stole my entire life. I forgot everything about the Blackwood Pack. With the paperwork severing my ties to the pack finalized, I applied to join the Lunar Guard and was shipped out to a conflict zone overseas. Everyone assumed I was just throwing a tantrum. They thought I'd come crawling back to the pack’s protection after a few weeks in the shit. They were wrong. Five years later, helicopters with strange markings descended on the Lunar Guard’s outpost, surrounding us. Armed wolf warriors swarmed the area, securing it in seconds. Under the blinding glare of a searchlight, an emissary from the North American Wolf Alliance stepped out. He looked at me, his face a mask of shock. “After all these years, why did you never contact Alpha Aiden of the Blackwood Pack? Do you have any idea he’s been waiting for you for five whole years?” I blinked, confused. “I’m sorry, I underwent a memory severance ritual a long time ago. Who… who is Aiden?” The air went still. A sudden, sharp panic seized my chest, and I instinctively looked up. In the helicopter's open hatch stood a man in tactical gear. His tall, powerful frame was rigid, and his eyes, red-rimmed and raw, were locked on me. … I found out about Aiden and Lily on the night of our bonding ceremony. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Finally, I saw them on the terrace of the pack leader’s cabin. He had her, Lily, the Omega girl I’d supported for a decade, pressed against the wall, his mouth devouring hers. I walked over calmly and slapped him across the face. The next thing I knew, Lily shoved me off the terrace. As I fell, a strange sense of predictability washed over me. It was happening again. Everyone I cared about was eventually stolen by Lily. She was the orphaned daughter of my father’s old war buddy, a pitiful Omega with a tragic backstory. I started sponsoring her when she was twelve, treating her like a little sister. I paid for her education, brought her into my social circle, and found her a comfortable administrative job within the pack. She was clever, charming, and bright, like a little ray of sunshine. My family and my pack mates, who were initially wary of her, all grew to adore her. “That little Omega is so much more likable than you.” I’d heard those words more times than I could count. And now, even my Alpha, the man I’d loved for seven years and was about to officially bond with under the Moon Goddess’s watch, had fallen for her act. When I woke up in the pack infirmary, Aiden was sitting by my bed. He wasn’t there to check on my injuries. The only name on his lips was Lily. “Selena, that kiss… it was a mistake… It will never happen again.” “And as for Lily, you’ve taken care of her for years. Her life is already hard enough. Don’t hold this against her, okay?” I looked into his golden eyes, the mark of an Alpha, and a bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Aiden, you’re saying all this because you’re scared I’ll ruin her reputation, scared I’ll have her kicked out of the pack. Isn’t that right?” His face darkened. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. “I know you’re angry, but as the future Luna, your actions affect the stability of the entire pack.” “Let this go. We’re about to be bonded. Don’t make this messy.” I wrenched my hand free and stared at the full moon outside the window. He opened his mouth to say more, but his Beta appeared, whispering in his ear. Lily was having an emotional breakdown. She needed him. Aiden glanced at me, his tone softening slightly. “There’s trouble with some rogue wolves on the border. I have to handle it myself. You get some rest.” He was gone before I could answer. He rushed out without a backward glance. He never came back. I lay motionless in bed, my eyes fixed on an ad on a hidden forum on my phone. 【An ancient witch’s memory severance ritual. Break the chains of your past.】 I’ve always been decisive. And I have zero tolerance for betrayal. I never wanted something that was already tainted. So, whether it was Aiden or the seven years we shared, I was done. I walked out of the witch’s hidden cottage, my mind feeling strangely clear, yet terrifyingly empty. Parts of my past were now locked away in a magically sealed box. I knew they were there, but I had lost both the key and the desire to open it. The ritual required two stages. I had to return in five days for the final session. Following the faint memory of an address, I returned to the Blackwood Pack’s territory. The guards recognized me and let me pass with a respectful nod. I opened the door to my house to the sound of laughter. “Lily did great! She won first place in the Alliance Hunt!” “She’s really made our pack proud!” I saw Lily surrounded by a crowd of my friends, her face blushing with pride. Aiden stood beside her, his posture relaxed but proud, a smile of approval on his lips. One of them noticed me, and their smile faded. The lively room fell silent. A flicker of discomfort crossed Aiden’s face as he walked toward me. “Selena? You’re back? Why didn’t you tell me you were out of the infirmary? I would have picked you up.” I stepped away from his outstretched hand, my voice flat. “What? Did my return to my own home interrupt your party?” The atmosphere turned awkward. Chloe, a pack mate I’d fought and bled with for years, tried to smooth things over. “Selena, you’re just in time.” “We’re celebrating Lily’s victory. We all pitched in for a gift, and since you’ve looked after her for so long, it’s only right that you give it to her.” Before I could refuse, she shoved a small, beautifully wrapped box into my hand. Not wanting to drag this out, I held it out to Lily. The moment she reached for it, the box suddenly dropped to the floor. The wolf totem, carved from moonstone, shattered into pieces. Lily’s eyes filled with tears. “Selena… you still can’t forgive me, can you? That night was just an accident… I didn’t mean for it to happen.” “I’ve been so worried about you while you were recovering…” Seeing her cry, everyone turned on me, their words sharp with blame. “Selena, honestly, Lily’s life has been hard enough!” “Can’t you just let her have one happy day to celebrate her achievement?” I looked at the faces accusing me. In the center of it all, my fiancé of seven years stared at me with pure disappointment. My heart felt like it was being pierced by silver needles. I could barely stand. “That’s enough,” Aiden said, his voice low but carrying the full weight of his Alpha authority. The murmuring stopped. He walked to my side, his voice a low growl. “Selena, stop being childish. Lily earned this honor through her own hard work.” “Even if you’re upset, know your time and place.” He picked up the broken gift and tried to hand it back to me. “Give it to her again. After all, you two will have to get along in the future.” His voice was gentle, but the hand on my shoulder was applying pressure, a silent command. I took a deep breath and stepped away from his touch. “There’s no need,” I said softly. “She and I… probably won’t be living together anymore.” “I actually came back today to pack my things.” The moment I finished speaking, Lily’s crying intensified. “Selena, what do you mean by that? Are you kicking me out?” She looked at Aiden, her eyes pleading. “Aiden, what do I do? You promised me…” Aiden’s brow furrowed. He turned to me, his voice laced with Alpha authority and a weariness he couldn’t hide. “Selena, do you really have to take it this far?” Before I could even explain, I was drowned out by the accusations of my former friends. “Selena! That’s way too far!” “If you kick Lily out, where will she go? It’s dangerous for an Omega out there alone!” “What if something happens to her? How could you live with yourself?” Chloe looked at me, her face full of pity for Lily. “Just let it go, Selena. Look how much you’re hurting her. She’s already been through so much…” I stared at Chloe, my heart turning to ice. A few years ago, she was captured by rogue wolves. I was the one who risked my life, sneaking into their den alone to rescue her. She had cried with gratitude, swearing she would never forget what I did for her. Now, she stood against me, defending the girl who kissed my fiancé. “Chloe, even if we are friends, this is my family matter… Besides, I’m the one moving out. This house…” Aiden cut me off. “That’s enough, Selena. Chloe is just trying to stand up for Lily.” He comforted Lily with a soft voice while glaring at me. “In the end, this is all because you’re still angry about me and Lily. But she’s suffered enough. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don’t take it out on her.” Faced with one accusation after another, I suddenly felt tired. So incredibly tired. I swallowed the explanation that was on the tip of my tongue and turned to go to my room. But Lily lunged forward, grabbing my arm, her eyes swimming with tears. “Selena, please don’t be mad at me. I promise I’ll never speak to Aiden again…” Her grip was tight, her nails digging into my skin. I instinctively shook her off. I didn’t use much force, but Lily stumbled backward and fell dramatically to the floor. I reached out to help her, but Aiden shoved me away. “Don’t you touch her!” I had never seen him so frantic. A sharp pain shot through my chest. “Aiden, my ankle… I think it’s sprained,” Lily cried out. Aiden scooped her into his arms, holding her like she was the most precious treasure in the pack. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with thick, suffocating disappointment. “You know how crucial mobility is for an Omega’s survival, yet you still let your petty jealousy hurt her.” He carried Lily and strode toward the door. He paused without turning back, his voice low and cold. “Selena, you’re a fucking disgrace to this pack.” My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a silver icicle, the chill spreading through my entire body. I forced my back straight, refusing to collapse. The others exchanged glances, and most of them followed Aiden out the door. The last to leave was a young wolf, one of Lily’s admirers. As he passed me, he sneered loudly. “Someone just can’t stand that Lily is more popular than she is. An old bitch getting into catfights, how pathetic.” My eyelashes trembled, but I held on to the last shred of my dignity. Aiden’s call came while I was with the Pack Elders. “Elder, I wish to apply for release from the pack to join the Lunar Guard.” The Elder looked surprised. “But you’re about to be bonded with the Alpha. Why would you want to go to a place like that?” I managed a bitter smile. “The bonding is off. Aiden and I… it’s over.” “Selena, what did you just say?” I realized with a jolt that my phone had somehow connected the call. The Elder gestured for me to answer it. “Nothing,” I said into the phone. “It’s just a movie.” Aiden was silent for a long time, probably trying to figure out if I was lying. He must have believed me, because he didn’t press it. “Your silver bullet necklace is at my place. When are you coming to get it?” Seven years ago, on a mission, he’d taken a silver bullet for me. It had missed his heart by an inch. After it was removed, he’d polished it and made it into a necklace, fastening it around my neck himself. “My heart is yours now,” he had whispered. For seven years, I had treasured that necklace. Now, it stirred nothing in me. “You can hold onto it for now,” I replied coolly. “We’ll sort it out later.” After hanging up, I formally completed the paperwork to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard. The Elder knew enough about my situation not to argue. I went back to my house and fell into a heavy sleep. When I woke up, Aiden was sitting on the edge of my bed. His voice was hoarse. “You’re awake? I came to check on you, and… to bring you this.” He pointed to the silver bullet necklace on the nightstand. I glanced at it but didn’t move to get it. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring it over so late.” He shook his head. “This necklace is important.” “Seeing it reminds me of everything we’ve been through… We’ve overcome so much, and now we’re fighting over something so small… It’s not worth it.” I remembered the past, too. I remembered him driving through a blizzard in the middle of the night to buy me medicine from a human town when I had a fever, nearly crashing his car. I remembered when my father died, he defied the Elders and rushed back from a border patrol to stay by my side. I remembered the day I was awarded the Pack Warrior medal, he announced to everyone that I was his pride and joy. Those were good times. I shifted slightly, the bruises and cuts on my body still visible. He didn’t seem to notice. He just kept talking. “The pack gossip has been really hard on Lily. Her mental state is fragile, and she can’t handle her duties right now.” “Could you go to the Elders and explain that what happened was a misunderstanding? So she can go back to work?” I looked at him calmly. “Aiden, in what capacity would I be explaining this? As your fated mate? Because I don’t want to marry you anymore.” His jaw tightened, and a suppressed rage flared in his eyes. “Selena, would you just stop this bullshit.” “I’ve explained it a million times, the kiss was a mistake. Why are you still saying things just to piss me off?!” I let out a low, bitter laugh. Aiden, how fucking arrogant do you have to be to think I can’t live without you? Seeing the pain on my face, he softened his tone. “Just rest for now. But deal with the explanation as soon as possible.” “I’m going to the infirmary to check on Lily. She can’t move well, she shouldn’t be alone.” The moment the door clicked shut, I got up and locked it. Then I crawled back into bed and wrapped myself tightly in the blankets. I didn’t sleep at all. I woke up the next morning with a heavy head. As I reached for a glass of water, I accidentally knocked the silver bullet necklace off the table. I bent down to pick it up and my blood ran cold. On the side of the bullet, a tiny inscription was carved into the metal: 【LOVE LILY】 Lily. There was no question who this necklace belonged to. I got up, opened my safe, and there it was. My necklace, with the letter ‘S’ carved into it, lying right where I left it. I stared at it for a long time, and then I started to laugh. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. So, Aiden had already given his heart to someone else. I wiped my tears, contacted the Elders, and relinquished my claim on the independent cabin I had been assigned in the pack territory. After settling the paperwork, I checked into a cheap motel in the human town. My days were spent either finalizing my duties with the Elders or at the shooting range. Aiden and Lily felt like a distant memory. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace. Until Aiden called. “Get to the pack infirmary, now! That is an order from your Alpha! Do not disobey!” I didn’t want to go, but my release from the pack wasn’t finalized. He was still my Alpha. I couldn’t defy a direct command. When I arrived at the intensive care wing, the hallway was crowded with pack members, the mood somber and tense. The second Aiden saw me, his eyes blazed with fury. He stormed over and grabbed my arm. “Tell me! Why did you do it!” “You knew Lily has had severe trauma ever since her father died! And you hired someone to threaten her?” “Selena, when did you become so fucking cruel?” Pain shot up my arm. I tried to pull away, but his grip was like a steel trap. The others just watched, saying nothing. “It wasn’t me. I haven’t even seen her. And I had no idea she had any trauma.” Chloe couldn’t hold back. “You still deny it? Then how did you use your authority as her former guardian to prevent the doctors from giving Lily her sedatives?” “If Lily had gotten her medication on time, she wouldn’t have been triggered! Are you still lying? Do you have any idea she almost died?” That’s when I saw Lily, cowering behind Aiden, trembling. “Lily? What’s wrong?” At the sound of my voice, she flinched violently, covered her ears, and screamed. “Stay away! Don’t hurt me! You can have Aiden! You can have everything, just leave me alone!” She scrambled for the vase on her nightstand and hurled it at me. I couldn’t dodge in time. It smashed against my forehead. A deep gash opened up, and blood poured down my face. Aiden immediately shielded Lily with his body and roared at me. “Get out! Don’t come near her!” I took a deep breath, pressed my hand to my bleeding head, and walked out of the room. Through the crack in the door, I saw Aiden holding Lily gently, whispering reassurances as if she were a fragile piece of glass. The others crowded around them, their faces etched with concern. I found the nurse’s station and got my forehead patched up. Just as they finished, Aiden found me. His face was still a mask of fury. He glanced at the bandage on my head, a flicker of something in his eyes, but his voice was cold as ice. “Lily’s condition is unstable. She’s not in control of her actions. You should… try to be more understanding.” I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m not going to argue with a patient. It must be hard for the Alpha, having to take care of a patient on top of all your duties.” He was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to be so “mature” about it. The lecture he had prepared died in his throat. “It’s good that you… understand.” He reached out to check my wound, but I stepped back, avoiding his touch. His hand froze in mid-air before he slowly lowered it, clenching it into a fist. “What happened to Lily has nothing to do with me,” I said, my gaze clear and steady. He retorted instantly, his Alpha certainty unwavering. “All the evidence points to you! Do you really think Lily would frame herself? She’s not that manipulative!” I looked at his absolute conviction, and suddenly, defending myself felt pointless. I didn’t argue. I just said, “Aiden, let’s just bre—” Before I could finish, Chloe came running up. “Alpha! It’s bad! Lily had a breakdown because you were gone for too long!” Aiden’s face changed. Without a second of hesitation, he turned and sprinted back toward the hospital room. Watching his desperate retreat, I silently said goodbye. In three days, I would have my second and final memory severance ritual. Then, everything about them, about the pack, would be locked away for good. I turned to leave, but someone grabbed me from behind. Before I could struggle, a sharp pain exploded at the back of my head, and everything went dark. I woke up with a splitting headache. I was in a cold, windowless stone room. My hands and feet were bound to a stone slab with leather straps etched with silver runes. The silver burned against my skin, a constant, searing pain. The door opened, and Aiden walked in. He was wearing the black tactical uniform of the Alpha, his expression as hard as granite. “Aiden? Let me go!” My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and weakness. He shook his head, his tone chillingly calm, as if he were ordering an execution. “Selena, Lily’s mind has been shattered. The pack’s shaman says the chances of a full recovery are slim.” “So what? I told you, her condition has nothing to do with me!” The last bit of warmth vanished from his eyes. “You’re still denying it. Since you have no remorse, I have no choice but to take necessary measures. I’m going to let you experience for yourself the pain of having your mind torn apart. This is the price… you have to pay.” He finished speaking and nodded to a witch in a black robe standing by the door. The witch approached, holding a piece of obsidian covered in grotesque runes. Her eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion. “Begin,” Aiden commanded, pressing a bloody thumbprint onto a parchment scroll, sealing the order. I watched in horror as the witch held the obsidian to my forehead. My blood turned to ice. “Aiden! You can’t do this to me!” He didn’t look back. He walked out with a steady, determined stride, and the heavy stone door slammed shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. The witch pulled on a pair of gloves and pressed the obsidian against my temple, a twisted smile on her face. “Miss Selena, someone paid extra for me to take special care of you. Don’t worry, I guarantee you’ll walk out of here without a single physical scar.” She began to chant. An unearthly cold radiated from the stone, and an indescribable psychic force tore through my consciousness. My body convulsed violently, beyond my control. “Ahhhh!” I thrashed against the restraints, the silver burning deep into my flesh. I wanted to scream, to curse him, but even my thoughts were being ripped to shreds by the dark energy. I don’t know how many times I endured the torture. When they finally unbound me, I could barely stand. My eyes were vacant, my responses to the world around me sluggish and delayed. Three days later, Aiden came for me. He tried to help me up, but I shoved him away with all the strength I had left. I stumbled, using the wall to hold myself up. He looked at my broken state, and a complex emotion—maybe guilt—flashed in his eyes. “I know you hate me, but you have to believe I did this for your own good.” “You have to pay for what you did. I couldn’t let you bully Lily.” “Selena, I will make this up to you…” I didn’t say a word. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I just wanted to get away from him. As I was wondering how, his Beta ran in. “Alpha, Miss Lily is having another episode. She’s screaming for you…” Aiden immediately turned, his voice urgent. “Keep an eye on her, I’m on my way!” He looked back at me, hesitating. “Go,” I said flatly. “I can get a cab.” He stared at me for a moment, then turned and hurried away. Just then, I got a notification from the Elders. My application to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard had been approved. I turned off my phone, hailed a cab, and went straight to the witch’s hidden cottage. As I lay down on the familiar ritual slab, the witch’s voice was as gentle as ever. “Relax, Miss Selena. This is the final session.” “Forget what needs to be forgotten. Your future will be like a field of untouched snow. Clean, and new.” I said nothing. As my consciousness faded into darkness, a single tear escaped the corner of my eye and traced a path down my temple."

"After the witch’s memory severance ritual, I forgot everything. I forgot the Alpha I was fated to for seven years. I forgot the Omega girl I’d sponsored since childhood, the one who stole my entire life. I forgot everything about the Blackwood Pack. With the paperwork severing my ties to the pack finalized, I applied to join the Lunar Guard and was shipped out to a conflict zone overseas. Everyone assumed I was just throwing a tantrum. They thought I'd come crawling back to the pack’s protection after a few weeks in the shit. They were wrong. Five years later, helicopters with strange markings descended on the Lunar Guard’s outpost, surrounding us. Armed wolf warriors swarmed the area, securing it in seconds. Under the blinding glare of a searchlight, an emissary from the North American Wolf Alliance stepped out. He looked at me, his face a mask of shock. “After all these years, why did you never contact Alpha Aiden of the Blackwood Pack? Do you have any idea he’s been waiting for you for five whole years?” I blinked, confused. “I’m sorry, I underwent a memory severance ritual a long time ago. Who… who is Aiden?” The air went still. A sudden, sharp panic seized my chest, and I instinctively looked up. In the helicopter's open hatch stood a man in tactical gear. His tall, powerful frame was rigid, and his eyes, red-rimmed and raw, were locked on me. … I found out about Aiden and Lily on the night of our bonding ceremony. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Finally, I saw them on the terrace of the pack leader’s cabin. He had her, Lily, the Omega girl I’d supported for a decade, pressed against the wall, his mouth devouring hers. I walked over calmly and slapped him across the face. The next thing I knew, Lily shoved me off the terrace. As I fell, a strange sense of predictability washed over me. It was happening again. Everyone I cared about was eventually stolen by Lily. She was the orphaned daughter of my father’s old war buddy, a pitiful Omega with a tragic backstory. I started sponsoring her when she was twelve, treating her like a little sister. I paid for her education, brought her into my social circle, and found her a comfortable administrative job within the pack. She was clever, charming, and bright, like a little ray of sunshine. My family and my pack mates, who were initially wary of her, all grew to adore her. “That little Omega is so much more likable than you.” I’d heard those words more times than I could count. And now, even my Alpha, the man I’d loved for seven years and was about to officially bond with under the Moon Goddess’s watch, had fallen for her act. When I woke up in the pack infirmary, Aiden was sitting by my bed. He wasn’t there to check on my injuries. The only name on his lips was Lily. “Selena, that kiss… it was a mistake… It will never happen again.” “And as for Lily, you’ve taken care of her for years. Her life is already hard enough. Don’t hold this against her, okay?” I looked into his golden eyes, the mark of an Alpha, and a bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Aiden, you’re saying all this because you’re scared I’ll ruin her reputation, scared I’ll have her kicked out of the pack. Isn’t that right?” His face darkened. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. “I know you’re angry, but as the future Luna, your actions affect the stability of the entire pack.” “Let this go. We’re about to be bonded. Don’t make this messy.” I wrenched my hand free and stared at the full moon outside the window. He opened his mouth to say more, but his Beta appeared, whispering in his ear. Lily was having an emotional breakdown. She needed him. Aiden glanced at me, his tone softening slightly. “There’s trouble with some rogue wolves on the border. I have to handle it myself. You get some rest.” He was gone before I could answer. He rushed out without a backward glance. He never came back. I lay motionless in bed, my eyes fixed on an ad on a hidden forum on my phone. 【An ancient witch’s memory severance ritual. Break the chains of your past.】 I’ve always been decisive. And I have zero tolerance for betrayal. I never wanted something that was already tainted. So, whether it was Aiden or the seven years we shared, I was done. I walked out of the witch’s hidden cottage, my mind feeling strangely clear, yet terrifyingly empty. Parts of my past were now locked away in a magically sealed box. I knew they were there, but I had lost both the key and the desire to open it. The ritual required two stages. I had to return in five days for the final session. Following the faint memory of an address, I returned to the Blackwood Pack’s territory. The guards recognized me and let me pass with a respectful nod. I opened the door to my house to the sound of laughter. “Lily did great! She won first place in the Alliance Hunt!” “She’s really made our pack proud!” I saw Lily surrounded by a crowd of my friends, her face blushing with pride. Aiden stood beside her, his posture relaxed but proud, a smile of approval on his lips. One of them noticed me, and their smile faded. The lively room fell silent. A flicker of discomfort crossed Aiden’s face as he walked toward me. “Selena? You’re back? Why didn’t you tell me you were out of the infirmary? I would have picked you up.” I stepped away from his outstretched hand, my voice flat. “What? Did my return to my own home interrupt your party?” The atmosphere turned awkward. Chloe, a pack mate I’d fought and bled with for years, tried to smooth things over. “Selena, you’re just in time.” “We’re celebrating Lily’s victory. We all pitched in for a gift, and since you’ve looked after her for so long, it’s only right that you give it to her.” Before I could refuse, she shoved a small, beautifully wrapped box into my hand. Not wanting to drag this out, I held it out to Lily. The moment she reached for it, the box suddenly dropped to the floor. The wolf totem, carved from moonstone, shattered into pieces. Lily’s eyes filled with tears. “Selena… you still can’t forgive me, can you? That night was just an accident… I didn’t mean for it to happen.” “I’ve been so worried about you while you were recovering…” Seeing her cry, everyone turned on me, their words sharp with blame. “Selena, honestly, Lily’s life has been hard enough!” “Can’t you just let her have one happy day to celebrate her achievement?” I looked at the faces accusing me. In the center of it all, my fiancé of seven years stared at me with pure disappointment. My heart felt like it was being pierced by silver needles. I could barely stand. “That’s enough,” Aiden said, his voice low but carrying the full weight of his Alpha authority. The murmuring stopped. He walked to my side, his voice a low growl. “Selena, stop being childish. Lily earned this honor through her own hard work.” “Even if you’re upset, know your time and place.” He picked up the broken gift and tried to hand it back to me. “Give it to her again. After all, you two will have to get along in the future.” His voice was gentle, but the hand on my shoulder was applying pressure, a silent command. I took a deep breath and stepped away from his touch. “There’s no need,” I said softly. “She and I… probably won’t be living together anymore.” “I actually came back today to pack my things.” The moment I finished speaking, Lily’s crying intensified. “Selena, what do you mean by that? Are you kicking me out?” She looked at Aiden, her eyes pleading. “Aiden, what do I do? You promised me…” Aiden’s brow furrowed. He turned to me, his voice laced with Alpha authority and a weariness he couldn’t hide. “Selena, do you really have to take it this far?” Before I could even explain, I was drowned out by the accusations of my former friends. “Selena! That’s way too far!” “If you kick Lily out, where will she go? It’s dangerous for an Omega out there alone!” “What if something happens to her? How could you live with yourself?” Chloe looked at me, her face full of pity for Lily. “Just let it go, Selena. Look how much you’re hurting her. She’s already been through so much…” I stared at Chloe, my heart turning to ice. A few years ago, she was captured by rogue wolves. I was the one who risked my life, sneaking into their den alone to rescue her. She had cried with gratitude, swearing she would never forget what I did for her. Now, she stood against me, defending the girl who kissed my fiancé. “Chloe, even if we are friends, this is my family matter… Besides, I’m the one moving out. This house…” Aiden cut me off. “That’s enough, Selena. Chloe is just trying to stand up for Lily.” He comforted Lily with a soft voice while glaring at me. “In the end, this is all because you’re still angry about me and Lily. But she’s suffered enough. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don’t take it out on her.” Faced with one accusation after another, I suddenly felt tired. So incredibly tired. I swallowed the explanation that was on the tip of my tongue and turned to go to my room. But Lily lunged forward, grabbing my arm, her eyes swimming with tears. “Selena, please don’t be mad at me. I promise I’ll never speak to Aiden again…” Her grip was tight, her nails digging into my skin. I instinctively shook her off. I didn’t use much force, but Lily stumbled backward and fell dramatically to the floor. I reached out to help her, but Aiden shoved me away. “Don’t you touch her!” I had never seen him so frantic. A sharp pain shot through my chest. “Aiden, my ankle… I think it’s sprained,” Lily cried out. Aiden scooped her into his arms, holding her like she was the most precious treasure in the pack. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with thick, suffocating disappointment. “You know how crucial mobility is for an Omega’s survival, yet you still let your petty jealousy hurt her.” He carried Lily and strode toward the door. He paused without turning back, his voice low and cold. “Selena, you’re a fucking disgrace to this pack.” My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a silver icicle, the chill spreading through my entire body. I forced my back straight, refusing to collapse. The others exchanged glances, and most of them followed Aiden out the door. The last to leave was a young wolf, one of Lily’s admirers. As he passed me, he sneered loudly. “Someone just can’t stand that Lily is more popular than she is. An old bitch getting into catfights, how pathetic.” My eyelashes trembled, but I held on to the last shred of my dignity. Aiden’s call came while I was with the Pack Elders. “Elder, I wish to apply for release from the pack to join the Lunar Guard.” The Elder looked surprised. “But you’re about to be bonded with the Alpha. Why would you want to go to a place like that?” I managed a bitter smile. “The bonding is off. Aiden and I… it’s over.” “Selena, what did you just say?” I realized with a jolt that my phone had somehow connected the call. The Elder gestured for me to answer it. “Nothing,” I said into the phone. “It’s just a movie.” Aiden was silent for a long time, probably trying to figure out if I was lying. He must have believed me, because he didn’t press it. “Your silver bullet necklace is at my place. When are you coming to get it?” Seven years ago, on a mission, he’d taken a silver bullet for me. It had missed his heart by an inch. After it was removed, he’d polished it and made it into a necklace, fastening it around my neck himself. “My heart is yours now,” he had whispered. For seven years, I had treasured that necklace. Now, it stirred nothing in me. “You can hold onto it for now,” I replied coolly. “We’ll sort it out later.” After hanging up, I formally completed the paperwork to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard. The Elder knew enough about my situation not to argue. I went back to my house and fell into a heavy sleep. When I woke up, Aiden was sitting on the edge of my bed. His voice was hoarse. “You’re awake? I came to check on you, and… to bring you this.” He pointed to the silver bullet necklace on the nightstand. I glanced at it but didn’t move to get it. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring it over so late.” He shook his head. “This necklace is important.” “Seeing it reminds me of everything we’ve been through… We’ve overcome so much, and now we’re fighting over something so small… It’s not worth it.” I remembered the past, too. I remembered him driving through a blizzard in the middle of the night to buy me medicine from a human town when I had a fever, nearly crashing his car. I remembered when my father died, he defied the Elders and rushed back from a border patrol to stay by my side. I remembered the day I was awarded the Pack Warrior medal, he announced to everyone that I was his pride and joy. Those were good times. I shifted slightly, the bruises and cuts on my body still visible. He didn’t seem to notice. He just kept talking. “The pack gossip has been really hard on Lily. Her mental state is fragile, and she can’t handle her duties right now.” “Could you go to the Elders and explain that what happened was a misunderstanding? So she can go back to work?” I looked at him calmly. “Aiden, in what capacity would I be explaining this? As your fated mate? Because I don’t want to marry you anymore.” His jaw tightened, and a suppressed rage flared in his eyes. “Selena, would you just stop this bullshit.” “I’ve explained it a million times, the kiss was a mistake. Why are you still saying things just to piss me off?!” I let out a low, bitter laugh. Aiden, how fucking arrogant do you have to be to think I can’t live without you? Seeing the pain on my face, he softened his tone. “Just rest for now. But deal with the explanation as soon as possible.” “I’m going to the infirmary to check on Lily. She can’t move well, she shouldn’t be alone.” The moment the door clicked shut, I got up and locked it. Then I crawled back into bed and wrapped myself tightly in the blankets. I didn’t sleep at all. I woke up the next morning with a heavy head. As I reached for a glass of water, I accidentally knocked the silver bullet necklace off the table. I bent down to pick it up and my blood ran cold. On the side of the bullet, a tiny inscription was carved into the metal: 【LOVE LILY】 Lily. There was no question who this necklace belonged to. I got up, opened my safe, and there it was. My necklace, with the letter ‘S’ carved into it, lying right where I left it. I stared at it for a long time, and then I started to laugh. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. So, Aiden had already given his heart to someone else. I wiped my tears, contacted the Elders, and relinquished my claim on the independent cabin I had been assigned in the pack territory. After settling the paperwork, I checked into a cheap motel in the human town. My days were spent either finalizing my duties with the Elders or at the shooting range. Aiden and Lily felt like a distant memory. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace. Until Aiden called. “Get to the pack infirmary, now! That is an order from your Alpha! Do not disobey!” I didn’t want to go, but my release from the pack wasn’t finalized. He was still my Alpha. I couldn’t defy a direct command. When I arrived at the intensive care wing, the hallway was crowded with pack members, the mood somber and tense. The second Aiden saw me, his eyes blazed with fury. He stormed over and grabbed my arm. “Tell me! Why did you do it!” “You knew Lily has had severe trauma ever since her father died! And you hired someone to threaten her?” “Selena, when did you become so fucking cruel?” Pain shot up my arm. I tried to pull away, but his grip was like a steel trap. The others just watched, saying nothing. “It wasn’t me. I haven’t even seen her. And I had no idea she had any trauma.” Chloe couldn’t hold back. “You still deny it? Then how did you use your authority as her former guardian to prevent the doctors from giving Lily her sedatives?” “If Lily had gotten her medication on time, she wouldn’t have been triggered! Are you still lying? Do you have any idea she almost died?” That’s when I saw Lily, cowering behind Aiden, trembling. “Lily? What’s wrong?” At the sound of my voice, she flinched violently, covered her ears, and screamed. “Stay away! Don’t hurt me! You can have Aiden! You can have everything, just leave me alone!” She scrambled for the vase on her nightstand and hurled it at me. I couldn’t dodge in time. It smashed against my forehead. A deep gash opened up, and blood poured down my face. Aiden immediately shielded Lily with his body and roared at me. “Get out! Don’t come near her!” I took a deep breath, pressed my hand to my bleeding head, and walked out of the room. Through the crack in the door, I saw Aiden holding Lily gently, whispering reassurances as if she were a fragile piece of glass. The others crowded around them, their faces etched with concern. I found the nurse’s station and got my forehead patched up. Just as they finished, Aiden found me. His face was still a mask of fury. He glanced at the bandage on my head, a flicker of something in his eyes, but his voice was cold as ice. “Lily’s condition is unstable. She’s not in control of her actions. You should… try to be more understanding.” I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m not going to argue with a patient. It must be hard for the Alpha, having to take care of a patient on top of all your duties.” He was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to be so “mature” about it. The lecture he had prepared died in his throat. “It’s good that you… understand.” He reached out to check my wound, but I stepped back, avoiding his touch. His hand froze in mid-air before he slowly lowered it, clenching it into a fist. “What happened to Lily has nothing to do with me,” I said, my gaze clear and steady. He retorted instantly, his Alpha certainty unwavering. “All the evidence points to you! Do you really think Lily would frame herself? She’s not that manipulative!” I looked at his absolute conviction, and suddenly, defending myself felt pointless. I didn’t argue. I just said, “Aiden, let’s just bre—” Before I could finish, Chloe came running up. “Alpha! It’s bad! Lily had a breakdown because you were gone for too long!” Aiden’s face changed. Without a second of hesitation, he turned and sprinted back toward the hospital room. Watching his desperate retreat, I silently said goodbye. In three days, I would have my second and final memory severance ritual. Then, everything about them, about the pack, would be locked away for good. I turned to leave, but someone grabbed me from behind. Before I could struggle, a sharp pain exploded at the back of my head, and everything went dark. I woke up with a splitting headache. I was in a cold, windowless stone room. My hands and feet were bound to a stone slab with leather straps etched with silver runes. The silver burned against my skin, a constant, searing pain. The door opened, and Aiden walked in. He was wearing the black tactical uniform of the Alpha, his expression as hard as granite. “Aiden? Let me go!” My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and weakness. He shook his head, his tone chillingly calm, as if he were ordering an execution. “Selena, Lily’s mind has been shattered. The pack’s shaman says the chances of a full recovery are slim.” “So what? I told you, her condition has nothing to do with me!” The last bit of warmth vanished from his eyes. “You’re still denying it. Since you have no remorse, I have no choice but to take necessary measures. I’m going to let you experience for yourself the pain of having your mind torn apart. This is the price… you have to pay.” He finished speaking and nodded to a witch in a black robe standing by the door. The witch approached, holding a piece of obsidian covered in grotesque runes. Her eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion. “Begin,” Aiden commanded, pressing a bloody thumbprint onto a parchment scroll, sealing the order. I watched in horror as the witch held the obsidian to my forehead. My blood turned to ice. “Aiden! You can’t do this to me!” He didn’t look back. He walked out with a steady, determined stride, and the heavy stone door slammed shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. The witch pulled on a pair of gloves and pressed the obsidian against my temple, a twisted smile on her face. “Miss Selena, someone paid extra for me to take special care of you. Don’t worry, I guarantee you’ll walk out of here without a single physical scar.” She began to chant. An unearthly cold radiated from the stone, and an indescribable psychic force tore through my consciousness. My body convulsed violently, beyond my control. “Ahhhh!” I thrashed against the restraints, the silver burning deep into my flesh. I wanted to scream, to curse him, but even my thoughts were being ripped to shreds by the dark energy. I don’t know how many times I endured the torture. When they finally unbound me, I could barely stand. My eyes were vacant, my responses to the world around me sluggish and delayed. Three days later, Aiden came for me. He tried to help me up, but I shoved him away with all the strength I had left. I stumbled, using the wall to hold myself up. He looked at my broken state, and a complex emotion—maybe guilt—flashed in his eyes. “I know you hate me, but you have to believe I did this for your own good.” “You have to pay for what you did. I couldn’t let you bully Lily.” “Selena, I will make this up to you…” I didn’t say a word. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I just wanted to get away from him. As I was wondering how, his Beta ran in. “Alpha, Miss Lily is having another episode. She’s screaming for you…” Aiden immediately turned, his voice urgent. “Keep an eye on her, I’m on my way!” He looked back at me, hesitating. “Go,” I said flatly. “I can get a cab.” He stared at me for a moment, then turned and hurried away. Just then, I got a notification from the Elders. My application to leave the pack and join the Lunar Guard had been approved. I turned off my phone, hailed a cab, and went straight to the witch’s hidden cottage. As I lay down on the familiar ritual slab, the witch’s voice was as gentle as ever. “Relax, Miss Selena. This is the final session.” “Forget what needs to be forgotten. Your future will be like a field of untouched snow. Clean, and new.” I said nothing. As my consciousness faded into darkness, a single tear escaped the corner of my eye and traced a path down my temple."