Chapter 2
Winona’s POV
Did I desire to have Benjamin all to myself?
Well, yes.
I yearned for his undivided attention, for his gaze to be solely fixed upon me. I longed for his embrace, to share conversations with him every single day.
This book had been added on your bookshelf.
nt of hesitation
My hands tremb and then stopped on the still–loose chains.
This wolf was Sebastian, known as a werewolf demon. The stories surrounding him spoke of his brutal nature. It is said that he was originally a son of an Alpha, but for some reason his wolf became extra powerful and he lost control,
slaughtered countless werewolves. Several packs had to work together to capture and jail him here.
His age and past remained a mystery, but I tend to think he is immortal. His reputation as a killing force was well-
established. The only thing that could stop him was those special–made silver chains.
Once I loosened the chains, he’d kill Isabella for me, and there
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would be nothing between me and Benjamin. I closed my eyes and imagined what it felt like if it was true.
“I, Winona, solemnly swear an oath to the Moon Goddess to fulfill my duty as Luna, unwavering in my love and support for Benjamin. Come poverty, sickness, or greed, I shall remain.”
As I repeated my vow to Benjamin, my heart brimmed with pride and love. My eyes snapped open with new
determination, and my grip on the silver chains tightened. Caving into Sebastian’s temptation wasn’t the choice a good Luna would make.
Taking a deep breath, I completed checking on the chains. With a resolute decision, I turned my back on Sebastian, leaving the dark cell behind.
“Winona, you’re not choosing wisely,” his voice resonated with a sinister edge.
“Isabella almost succeeded in freeing me earlier. She knows better.”
His words stopped me in my tracks.
Moon Goddess, it was Isabella who tried to release him!
I sprinted out of the dungeon and into the forest without looking back. My feet followed the familiar path toward the packhouse. With each step, hanging branches slapped the
Chapter 2
wound on my shoulder, but I couldn’t care less and sped up.
Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor, warming my body and returning me to my senses. I ignored the pain that intensified with each stride and pushed myself to sprint faster.
The upcoming pack meeting presented the perfect
opportunity to let everyone know what Isabella had done. Her betrayal needed to be exposed, and we needed to be on the lookout for her.
Arriving at the packhouse, I took a moment to compose myself. The buzz of conversation filled the air as wolves gathered for the meeting. I then navigated through the crowd, searching for a seat amidst the familiar faces.
“The incident in the dungeon warned us that Winona does not fit to take on the responsibility as Sebastian’s jailor. There’s suspicion that she might’ve colluded with him and betrayed our trust. I implore the council that Winona be punished following the Pack Law.“”
Gamma Jacob’s voice echoed through the room. Our history of differing opinions on pack management and his previous interactions with Isabella made it clear that the man held a grudge against me. I knew that if any trouble arose, he would be quick to place the blame on me.
I raised my voice with firmness and conviction, “I shouldn’t be held responsible for the incident in the dungeon today.”
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I swept my gaze over the crowd and eventually fixated on my mate. The wind brought his familiar scent to me, warming my heart. I took a deep breath, steadied my racing heartbeat, and proceeded with my statement.
“As Luna and Gamma, it’s my duty to ensure the safety and well–being of everyone in the pack. I must clarify that I never tried to help him escape.”
I paused, allowing the weight of my words to sink in, and then continued-
“The one who attempted to free The Demon was Isabella.”
“What did you say?” Jacob retorted angrily. “Isabella is a good woman. Why would she free The Demon? You’re lying!”
“I heard it from Sebastian!” I countered firmly.
There was a gratifying buzz in the venue, with elders and warriors present discussing this astonishing news.
About five minutes later, silence fell and was broken by a timid voice. “I… I didn’t mean it!”
Isabella’s gentle and sweet voice was heard, causing me to freeze in place. How could she be in the meeting? Her status didn’t permit her attendance at a formal Pack Meeting. Who let her in?
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I watched Isabella closely, taking in her appearance. Her long, dark hair cascaded over her robed shoulders, and she was pale. Had I not known the truth of what had transpired, I might’ve been convinced that she could never do such a
heinous act.
The robe she was wearing was none other than Benjamin’s. I felt a mix of anger and betrayal. I washed all Benjamin’s clothes myself. After ironing them, I put them neatly in his closet. I gave him that robe as a birthday gift last year. It had the phrase “My Darling Benjamin” embroidered on the corner and was only meant to be worn by him alone.
Staring at the robe, I forgot what Jacob had said and what I was about to say. It felt like a heavy weight was settled upon my chest, constricting my breathing.
The realization struck me with painful clarity. Benjamin, my beloved mate, had chosen Isabella over me. He spat on his oath before the Moon Goddess and betrayed our mate bond.
I looked down and tightly gripped my jaw, fearing my anger would give way to nasty words. Mia, attuned to my emotions, mirrored my discontent and sorrow. She let out a soft whimper in my mind.
“Ben….” Isabella’s voice quivered, trembling as if she was suppressing tears. “I learned about precious herbs growing near the dungeon, and I thought of gathering some as a gift. for you!” Her sobbing intensified, and she sank to the floor.
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“I never meant to free him. He just talked to me, and it frightened me. Please don’t blame me….”
She buried her face in her hands, and her sobs echoed heart- wrenchingly.
Isabella had a way about her that elicited sympathy and protective instincts from others. Her soft black hair, large eyes, and round face gave her a cute and innocent
appearance. With her delicate figure, it was easy for people to be forgiving when she made mistakes, especially when she shed tears.
Well, everyone but me. I made mistakes, too, but I rarely cried or voiced my frustration.
“Winona, I’m ordering you to apologize to Isabella now!” Benjamin approached her to wipe her tears and comfort her. His gaze, however, turned cold as he looked at me, and in response, I tightly clenched my fists.
“I spoke the truth. She was the one who loosened the chains. I won’t apologize!” I locked eyes with him, refusing the order, and stated clearly, “She must be investigated.”
“Please, don’t blame Winona. If only I was stronger. I’m so useless.” Isabella sobbed uncontrollably and snuck his face into Benjamin’s embrace, and no one at the scene thought she shouldn’t be so close to Alpha in front of Luna.
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As Isabella’s cries echoed through the room, Benjamin’s eyes burned with anger toward me. I could sense his fury and knew that he would’ve lashed out at me if we weren’t in the
meeting.
Disobeying an Alpha’s orders, especially as his Luna, was a grave transgression in the werewolf hierarchy. Despite the consequences, I persisted. The truth had to be revealed to the rest of the pack members.
“Enough!” Benjamin shouted. His next words sent shockwaves through my being. “My verdict as Alpha is that Isabella’s not guilty. I hereby strip Winona of her Gamma position for violating Alpha’s orders!”
“How could you? I didn’t do anything wrong!” I shouted, but Benjamin quieted me down with an Alpha tone, “Enough! Isabella, go get some rest. I need to talk to Luna.”
Isabella left after bowing, but before she left, she flashed a sneer at me from behind Benjamin’s shoulder.
Isabella, that bitch!
I was in disbelief. Benjamin had used his authority as Alpha to shield Isabella, disregarding the well–being and safety of the entire pack. He had chosen to ignore the truth in favor of protecting her!
I always believed that Benjamin needed a capable and
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trustworthy Luna, but he had let me down. The
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disappointment in him was overwhelming, and I no longer wanted to talk with him.
“Winona, what’s wrong with you?” Benjamin said, interrupting my thoughts.
“No, what’s wrong with you!” I glared at him in frustration. However, his eyes were fixed on my shoulder in suspicion.
“Why do you have Sebastian’s mark?”