Vione must have heard wrong. Maybe Usher had misspoken. After all, how could an Alpha threaten his own Luna in front of his mistress?
It was not embarrassing, but it was heartbreaking. Even Mireya's slap could not compare to the reality that had just hit her.
True. In Usher's eyes there was only Mireya. Vione never meant anything. Just as people had said, she was just a worthless werewolf. She was an invaluable Luna.
Vione's vision was blurred by the tears. In the midst of her efforts to regulate her breathing, she saw Usher leave her to embrace Mireya again.
They looked harmonious. Both handsome and beautiful. They were like gods and goddesses who should be together.
"Usher, aren't you doing a little too much? Look at Vione. She seems to be in real pain."
Usher turned and looked at Vione with a snarl. His look was mocking and highly contemptuous.
"I thought it was the other way around. The punishment is not enough for what she did to you."
Vione tried to rise with great difficulty. She bit her lower lip violently as she clenched her fists. The pain in her heart was beyond words, but she tried to bear it with whatever strength she had left.
"You really are outrageous, Usher."
Usher ignored Vione. He dismissed Vione's words and concentrated on Mireya. He embraced Mireya and let her rest her head on his broad chest, caressing her.
Vione could not hold on any longer. Her remaining strength really did not allow her to stand any longer. So, she decided to leave as quickly as possible before Usher and Mireya humiliated her any further.
"You really have no heart, Usher."
Those were the last words Vione whispered before she really left the scene. She walked, strengthening her heart as she realized that her pitiful state was not enough to evoke pity from Usher.
Her body trembled. Vione's legs began to give way. She almost stumbled as she left the palace hall. But she was grateful. At least she left at the right time, just as Usher began to kiss Mireya, causing deafening cheers.
Vione leaned against the wall for a moment. She took in as much air as she could while closing her eyes. She gathered her courage and left before anyone saw her in such a humiliating state.
When she reached her room, Vione's defenses had completely collapsed. Her body went limp and she fell onto the bed. The tears she had been holding back finally poured out.
Vione squeezed the sheets. She held back the urge to scream out all the pain in her heart, because she did not want Usher and Mireya to hear it; they would surely laugh.
But the pain was truly agonizing. Her chest felt tight and Vione thought she would explode.
Vione sobbed. Amidst all the sadness and resentment, one question echoed in her mind. Why did she have to go through all this?
Fate should not be so cruel. Fate should not bring constant sorrow.
Not only was Vione born without a clear origin and claws, she also lost her dignity because of Usher's behavior. She was truly humiliated to the lowest point she had ever imagined.
How could you, Usher? How could you do this to me?
*
"I really didn't expect Vione to be so violent towards you, Mireya. Forgive me."
Mireya smiled. She saw Usher checking her wrist several times to make sure she was really unharmed.
"Why should you apologize? It's not your fault, Usher. It is Vione's fault and maybe mine."
Usher finished examining Mireya's wrist. "Yours?"
"Yes," Mireya nodded. She wore a guilty expression. "I shouldn't have come to The Palace. In the end, my longing only led me to meet Vione."
There was an interesting thing that made Usher smile. He cupped Mireya's neck and kissed her lips.
"If you miss me, you should contact me. Let me come to you."
Mireya's attitude became affectionate. She shook her head and said, "I came here on purpose because I wanted to surprise you."
"Your plan succeeded," Usher replied with narrowed eyes. He pointed at Mireya's slightly flushed wrist. "I was really surprised, and if I had come too late, I don't know what Vione would have done to you."
"Don't be angry, Usher. You know I did it because I missed you. Besides, I didn't expect Vione to act like that."
Usher sighed. He leaned against the sofa, then pulled Mireya's body toward him. He hugged her and his thumb began to caress Mireya.
"I didn't expect Vione to act like this either. She has never been rough with anyone before."
Mireya looked comfortable in Usher's embrace. "You saw it with your own eyes, Usher. She grabbed my hand very hard. She hurt me. I don't know what she would have done if you hadn't gotten there in time."
Usher nodded without words. He acknowledged Mireya's words and was grateful that his business on the plantation had been settled sooner than they should have been. He could not imagine what would have happened if he had come home later.
"I think it has to do with Ayla's prophecy."
Usher blinked. "Ayla's prophecy?"
"Yes, Ayla's prophecy. She can become your Luna because of this prophecy. Of course, that makes her vain. She feels special."
"Special?" Usher snorted, shaking his head. His laughter sounded faint. "She'll never be special. You'll see. Her life is truly pathetic."
A meaningful smile spread across Mireya's beautiful face. Her hand rose and rubbed Usher's chest. "Special or not. Pathetic or not. The truth is, she and I are not so different."
"What do you mean? Why do you compare yourself to Vione?"
"I didn't mean to compare myself to Vione, but I did," Mireya continued, exhaling. Her posture seemed to indicate fatigue, although in reality, unseen by Usher, she was smiling even wider. "Anyway, Vione is your Luna. So, I'm the one who's really pathetic in people's eyes, Usher. I keep on loving you while Vione, who has you."
“Mireya.”
Usher's voice rose. His casual embrace of Mireya vanished. He created enough distance to observe the sadness etched into Mireya's face.
"What did you say?"
Mireya smiled, but this time it was a bitter smile. "I speak the truth, Usher. I am indeed pathetic for loving a man who already has a mate. Especially since that mate was chosen directly by the Moon Goddess and approved by all the packs. Isn't that right?"
"No. Don't ever say you're pathetic, Mireya. You know that I love you, don't you?"
Mireya did not answer. She just remained silent, with a helpless look that continued to stare at Usher.
"Mireya."
Mireya nodded wearily. "I know, Usher. I know you love me."
Mireya's answer did not ease Usher's mind. On the contrary, he became even more agitated. He did not like to see Mireya whining and belittling herself.
"To hell with this prophecy, Mireya. It means nothing compared to my love for you."
"That may be true for you, but what about the others? You don't know, do you? Even Vione humiliated me earlier."
"What do you mean? What did Vione say to you?"
Again, Mireya did not answer. She turned away, avoiding Usher's gaze. "Forget it. You don't need to know. Maybe your love is only for making me your mistress."
Usher was stunned. He absorbed every word Mireya spoke and his face changed. His jaw hardened and veins began to show on his forehead.
"Did Vione tell you that?"
Mireya sighed without answering.
"Mireya, answer my question. Did Vione tell you that?"
Mireya's eyes closed dramatically for a moment, then she nodded. "Yes, she said that to me, Usher."
"Damn it."
"Damn it? No, Usher. You should know everything she said to me. Damn it is not enough to curse her."
"Tell me, Mireya. What did Vione say to you?"
Usher grabbed Mireya's chin. He stared at Mireya as if to signal that it was only right that she be honest with him.
"All right, Usher. I'll tell you everything that happened."
With a sad face and a withered look, it was not difficult for Mireya to distort the facts. She said that Vione had forbidden her to see Usher.
Not only that, but armed with the fact that Usher had arrived at the right time, Mireya added some dramatic elements.
Usher heard it all and held his breath. His blood was boiling. His anger rose in an unmistakable roar of disbelief.
"Among all this, there is one thing that hurts me deeply, Usher."
"Tell me, Mireya."
"She said that I still can't compete with her, regardless of having a family and claws. She will remain your owner and I will only be your mistress."
It seemed to be the only truth Mireya spoke. But she said it in a way that Usher understood it with a completely different meaning.
"How dare Vione say that to you. I won't forgive her."
Mireya rubbed Usher's chest, trying to calm his anger. "Let it go, Usher. Besides, what Vione said is true. I love you. You love me too. Unfortunately, I am nothing more than your mistress."
"Mireya, don't say that."
"What then, Usher? Nothing will change even if I don't say it. The reality won't change. I will still only be your mistress while Vione—" Mireya closed her eyes with a hurt expression. "She is the one who will be your mate."
Hearing a similar sentiment from Mireya made Usher even angrier. He grabbed Mireya's face and tilted it. He made her look straight into his.
"Look at me, Mireya," Usher ordered. Without blinking, he showed unwavering determination. "I love you. Forget Ayla's prophecy or the approval of the packs. In my heart there's only you."
For a moment, Mireya said nothing. She met Usher's gaze with a bitter smile.
"I know, Usher."
Mireya's words did not calm Usher. He growled.
"I would do anything for you, Mireya. I love only you."
Mireya nodded. "I know, Usher."
"Tell me, what do I have to do to make you trust me? I'll do anything to keep you from being sad."
Mireya's hand rose and gripped Usher's wrist. "Anything?"
"Anything," Usher nodded confidently. "Whatever it is. I'll do anything."
Anything. Mireya could feel Usher's determination and confidence. So, she had no hesitation in giving Usher what he wanted, the answer to his question.
"Including breaking your pairing with Vione?"
*
"W-what?" Usher blinked. "Breaking our pairing?""Why? Don't you want to?"Usher did not answer, and Mireya immediately freed herself. She stood up while Usher looked puzzled."It seems that what Vione said is true. In your eyes I'm nothing more than a mistress.""Mireya."Usher stood quickly and grabbed Mireya's hand. He held it tightly, preventing her from moving any further."Usher, let me go."Usher shook his head. "No.""Don't be selfish, Usher. You won't let me go, but you won't let Vione go either? Do you want to have both of us?"Mireya's accusation left Usher speechless. He remained silent while Mireya tried to pull her hand away."I'm not selfish, but..."Usher's words hung in the air. He took a breath, and confusion creased his forehead.Something was not right here. Something was wrong and Usher could sense it. But what?"But what, Usher?"In one swift movement, Mireya managed to free her hand from Usher's grip. But instead of walking away, as Usher had expected, she turne
Vione ignored several pairs of sympathetic eyes that stared at her. It was not the first time; she had received such looks many times before. Being small, it was only natural for people to pity her.But this was different. It seemed that in the history of the Frostholm Pack, no Luna had ever suffered such a tragic fate. Usually they lived happily, cherished, and loved by everyone, not only by the pack but also by the Alpha.Unfortunately, that was not the case for Vione. The hopes and dreams that had filled her days after Ayla's prophecy were gone. Without the love and affection of the Alpha, she truly became a pitiful Luna.After arriving in her room, Vione let out all her sadness. She let out all the screams and tears she had been holding back. Her chest hurt and she thought she could not take it anymore.Maybe this was the end. Maybe it was time to give up.Vione could not take it anymore. She knew her limits and she had crossed them.It was not just the pitying looks people gave h
The morning sunlight poured in through the vents and tried to pierce the thickness of the curtains that still covered all the large windows in the room. Its brightness and warmth cast a beauty that should have been irresistible to anyone, including Vione.Slowly Vione opened her eyes. With the return of consciousness, a beautifully curved smile adorned her face. She let out a small sigh, and fleeting memories flashed through her mind.Usher and I....Vione paused for a moment. Last night had been beautiful, but she wondered if it was real or just a dream.Still fresh in Vione's mind, she and Usher had a fight. She cried and ran across the room. Her consciousness faded as exhaustion and sadness
The same morning repeated itself for the umpteenth time. Vione awoke without Usher at her side. Usher had left and she sighed as she rose from the bed. As she sat up, holding the blanket to her chest, she surveyed the aftermath of the chaos in the room—a testament to the passion of their love the night before. The thought of it brought up a myriad of flowers with different scents, all blooming simultaneously in Vione's chest. Her emotions soared, and she felt as if she could truly fly until she touched the ceiling. Unfortunately, the joy was interrupted when a trace of resentment managed to surface. Every once in a while, it seemed appropriate, not overly so, that Vione wanted to wake up in the morning in Usher's embrace. She wanted to start her day with Usher for breakfast, feel the warm kiss on his forehead, and open her eyes to see Usher's face first. But Vione realized that Usher was really busy. He got up early every morning to be on time for work. There were many responsibilit
"What do you mean, Mireya?"Mireya turned away. She looked at Usher, her raised hand pointing at Vione. "She, the Luna respected by the pack, is a low woman. She betrayed you, Usher. She betrayed you."Vione was stunned. She looked at Mireya with an incredulous expression, shook her head and then grimaced. "So, this is your next tactic, Mireya? Not content with taking Usher away from me, now you're trying to smear me?""Slander?" Mireya answered with a confident smile. "Do you think I should bother to slander you? When Usher himself loved me so deeply?" She shook her head. "No, Vione. I don't need to get my hands dirty because this is the reality of what happened."At this point, Vione could not understand Mireya's plan. As Mireya said, there was no point in accusing Vione anymore. In reality, she had already won Usher's heart and love without any additional scenarios.Nevertheless, Vione could not remain silent. She would not let Mireya accuse her of something she had never done."I
Vione thought that her unhappiness and suffering were enough. Despite the happiness she received from her adoptive parents and those who cared for her, there was still considerable sadness, mostly from those who often used her shortcomings as an object of ridicule. Still, she tried not to be sad as much as possible. After all, that's life. Happiness and sadness are always meant to be together, inseparable.The challenging journey of life had shaped Vione's heart. She was no longer easily hurt. She had gotten used to it. More wisely, she focused on those who loved her rather than those who hurt her. But she forgot that there is always an exception to everything.That exception was called Usher. But Vione had her defense. In the past, Usher belonged to the category of people who loved her. Usher was warm and always there for her. Then everything changed after they became a couple. Usher was no longer the Usher she knew. She began to think that Usher's kindness all along
What Addy and Hilary saw wasn't. The tears that fell, unnoticed by Vione, were real proof that she was truly devastated.Hilary pulled Vione close, gave her a warm hug, and allowed her to pour out all her sadness. He didn't offer any comforting words, just continued to rub Vione's back. Then he said, "We're here. You don't have to worry. We will always be there for you."At least being an adopted child and being found by parents like Addy and Hilary was not a bad thing. In fact, Vione was very grateful. Even with the embarrassing incident that had just happened, they were not afraid to stand up for Vione.Of course, news of Vione and Usher's separation spread throughout the pack. In addition, pack protocol required Garth to announce it. Everyone had to know that Vione was no longer the Luna, and many people made fun of her, especially when they learned the reason for her dismissal—Vione's alleged infidelity.It felt like the first time in the histor
"Wh-what? A coup?"Vione was shocked, as were Addy and Hilary. All the werewolves who had gathered at the Munest house were also surprised. They asked each other, but no one had an answer."I'm sure there's a misunderstanding here," Vione said, trying to stop the werewolves from taking Addy and Hilary. "They couldn't possibly be involved in a coup."But they all remained unmoved by her plea. Vione could not stop them from taking Addy and Hilary. Even when Addy and Hilary tried to defend themselves, no one believed them. They were truly treated as if they were in the midst of a coup.Vione didn't give up. She found Garth. She knew that Garth still respected her in some way. Even though she wasn't a Luna anymore, Garth had a certain respect for her.Unfortunately, what happened wasn't what she had hoped for. Garth stared at Vione with a regretful expression."Sorry, Vione. If this has to do with a coup against the Alpha, then I'm the one who s