The days after Vanessa's fake pregnancy announcement were cold and tense. The mansion was quiet, but the silence was not peaceful, it was heavy, filled with confusion, whispers, and unspoken questions. Lucian moved through the halls with her head held high, but her heart was heavy. She hadn't spoken to Alex since that morning. His face had been blank, his voice low when he denied remembering anything from the night before. But most of all he came to her. She had stared into his eyes, searching for something, regret, guilt, even anger—but found only silence. He defended himself. He didn't explain. That hurt more than anything else. Lucian buried herself in her Luna duties. She spent her mornings checking on the omegas, sitting with the children during their learning sessions, and speaking with the elders. She visited the kitchens, the infirmary, and the guard posts, learning every corner of the territory. She made notes in a little notebook Lena had given her and wrote down all the things she needed to improve. If she was going to be Luna, she would not be a quiet decoration in the background. She would be strong, useful, and visible. Still, the pack remained unsure of her. Many were afraid to choose sides, Vanessa had history and power behind her name, while Lucian was still a mystery. Whispers followed her wherever she went, but she walked on, refusing to let them break her. In another part of the mansion, Vanessa was busy planting seeds of doubt. She smiled sweetly when others were watching but whispered poison into willing ears. One of those ears belonged to someone dangerous, Damien, Alex's cousin. Damien had once tried to take the alpha position when Alex's father passed away. He was strong, charming, and respected, but he lacked one thing, bloodline authority. The pack chose Alex. But Damien had never forgotten that rejection. "You've always wanted the title," Vanessa said, standing beside Damien in the dark garden. "And I know how much you hate seeing him wear the crown that should have been yours." Damien's eyes were cold. "Get to the point." "I can help you," she said smoothly. "Lucian is the only reason Alex is holding on to that position. If she's gone, and the bond breaks, he'll weaken. The elders will vote again." "And what's in it for you?" "I want Lucian out of this house. Out of this pack. I want her humiliated, heartbroken, and gone." Damien looked at her for a long moment. "You're asking me to go against my own blood." "I'm offering you the position you deserve," she whispered, placing a hand on his arm. "And all I want is one little girl out of the way." Back inside, Lucian stood at the training grounds, watching as the younger wolves trained. The sun was setting, casting golden light over the field. She was dressed in simple pants and a tunic, her hair pulled back. "You should train with us, Luna," someone called out. It was Maya, the same girl who had tried to challenge her before. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. Lucian smiled faintly. "Maybe another time." Just then, Alex stepped onto the field. The moment he arrived, the atmosphere shifted. He didn't say a word as his eyes swept over everyone, stopping briefly on Lucian. She looked away. He called a few warriors to him and began to give instructions. Lucian excused herself and started walking back to the mansion. As she reached the front steps, Lena met her with a letter. "It was found in the hallway," Lena said. "No name. I think it's for you." Lucian opened the envelope carefully. Her heart dropped as she read the words inside: "If you don't leave him soon, I will destroy everything you love. The choice is yours, Luna." Lucian's hand trembled. She folded the note and slipped it into her pocket. Her thoughts raced. Who could have written this? Was it Vanessa? Someone from the pack? Or someone else entirely? Later that night, as she sat on her bed staring at the ceiling, Alex knocked softly and entered her room. She felt what seems like happiness "You're not safe here," he said quietly. She looked at him, surprised. "There's something going on. I'm trying to figure it out. But until then, don't trust anyone, not even the ones who smile at you," he said. She nodded, but her heart felt heavy. "Why didn't you say something sooner?" He hesitated. "Because I didn't know what to say." They stared at each other for a long moment, and then he turned and walked out again, his dark aura trailing behind him. The next day, Lucian stood before the Council of Elders. They had requested her presence after rumors of Vanessa's pregnancy spread too far. "Luna Lucian," one of the elders began, "we are concerned about the current situation. The pack is confused. The Alpha has not spoken on the matter. And Vanessa claims to be carrying his heir." Lucian stood tall. "I understand your concern. But I ask for a little more time. I will find out the truth. And when I do, I will not stay silent." There was a murmur in the room. Some of the elders nodded. Others looked doubtful. But Lucian walked out with her head high. She had made her choice, She would not back down, She would fight. That night, Vanessa stood on the balcony with Damien beside her. She handed him a small vial filled with dark liquid. "Slip this into her tea," she said with a smile. "By the time she collapses, she'll be too weak to fight. Then you can act. Make it look like she betrayed the Alpha. The pack will turn against her." Damien held the vial between his fingers and stared at it. Lucian didn't know that someone had already marked her for betrayal.
