Chapter 5

After that nauseating night, Leo practically never left Grace's side.

As for me? From the moment I accepted the truth, I stopped holding any expectations for him.

Several days passed. I was in my room organizing the last of my personal belongings when Grace's affected voice drifted into my ears.

"Leo..." Her voice was so fragile it seemed ready to shatter at a touch, carrying a restrained sob.

"I felt some cramping in my belly again today. I'm so scared... scared I won't be able to keep our pup."

"But the doctor said my body is too weak..." Grace sniffled, her tone full of pitiful grievance.

"I heard that the Crescent Moon necklace around Amelia's neck received the Moon Goddess's deepest blessing at the altar. If I could borrow it for a while, it would surely bless our pup to be born safely. But... it's her treasured possession after all, and she already resents me. Never mind, I don't want you fighting with her because of me. I can endure more hardship myself, it doesn't matter..."

Hearing this roundabout manipulation made me want to vomit.

That necklace was the symbol of Ironclaw Pack's Lunas through the generations. At my Luna ceremony, Leo had placed it around my neck himself.

On the surface, Grace was praying for the child's well-being, but in reality, she wanted to brazenly strip away the last remnants of my dignity as Luna.

"Don't talk nonsense. You're carrying my heir now. Nothing is more important than you and the pup."

Leo snorted coldly, completely disregarding his former vows. "I'll get it from Amelia tonight. You should wear it, carrying my heir, you need the best protection."

If I'd heard these words a few days ago, they would have cut me like claws.

But now, my heart was nothing but a dead wasteland.

Before long, Leo pushed open my door.

"Amelia..." He walked over and gently took my hand.

"Grace's health is a bit fragile. The pack witch said the Moon Goddess's blessing on the Crescent Moon necklace can help her deliver safely. Could you... lend it to her? Just until the day she gives birth."

"Sure."

I agreed readily, my tone so calm it surprised even me.

Leo froze, a flash of astonishment crossing his face. He clearly hadn't expected me to agree so easily.

He'd anticipated a major scene.

"Leo," I lowered my eyes, putting on an exhausted appearance.

"I've been running around trying to conceive an heir all these years, and the doctor said my body has been severely damaged. I really don't have the strength to bear Luna's responsibilities anymore. So, I want to officially transfer Luna's duties to Grace."

I walked to my desk and picked up a document I'd prepared long ago, handing it to him.

"This is the responsibility transfer agreement. It needs your signature. Once you sign, the necklace is Grace's."

Relief flooded his face, as if I'd solved all his problems.

He tried to pull me into an embrace, but I dodged, not letting him touch me.

Grace's sticky scent still clung to him, making my wolf sick.

"Thank you for being so reasonable," he said, giving me the first genuine smile I'd seen in weeks.

"After Grace gives birth to the pup, I'll return the necklace. Your status as Luna will never change, Amelia."

He finished speaking and eagerly picked up the pen.

He didn't even look carefully. He signed his name without hesitation.

The moment his signature dried on the paper, the mate bond connecting us in my mind began to tremble violently, but I bit down hard and didn't even furrow my brow.

I expressionlessly raised my hand and undid the clasp at my neck.

"It's just a necklace." I handed it to Leo, my voice ice-cold. "Grace can keep it forever."

Leo took the necklace, triumph and eagerness flashing in his eyes.

He didn't even notice the finality in my tone, turning to rush off to Grace.

Seconds later, I heard Grace's delighted laughter.

I stood in the empty room, gazing at the moonlight outside the window.

Tomorrow, I would leave this place forever and never look back.