Chapter 4

I blinked, taken aback.

I took the clean linen cloth from his hand and gently wiped my lips.

More blood.

Draven took a half-step back, giving me a comfortable space.

"No one here ever thought to set up proper heat for a Luna. I had the fires in the main den stoked for you. Just hold on."

He didn't ask why I was here.

He didn't question the bride swap.

I lowered my eyes and said softly, "Thank you, Alpha."

The silver poison flared, a thousand icy needles digging into my bones.

I clenched my jaw, refusing to make a sound.

A habit I learned over three long years.

Because Kain once told me he hated hearing women cry out in pain.

Three years ago, I blocked that silver poison arrow for him.

The poison nearly destroyed my wolf core.

A blizzard had sealed the mountains that night.

He carried me through the deep snow, desperate to find a healer.

My blood stained his back red.

Tears streamed down his face as he made a vow.

"Lyra, I swear I'll never let you suffer again."

But then, Sara returned to the clan.

She merely twisted her ankle in the garden, letting out a soft whimper.

Kain abandoned me while I was writhing in agony and sprinted to her side.

He scooped her into his arms.

"Sara is so fragile. How could you leave her alone out here?"

That was the first time he ever blamed me.

After that, I learned to suffer in silence.

"Alpha."

A voice came from the door.

"The Crescent Clan sent something for the Luna."

Draven glanced at me.

"Bring it in."

It was Finn, one of Kain's most trusted enforcers.

He stood with his head bowed, holding out a rough wooden box.

"Luna, our Alpha sent this for you. He's sorry for tonight's hardships. Alpha went to three markets to find this frostbite salve for you. He knows the Shadow Mountains are harsh. This should help you endure."

I just stared at that wooden box.

And I almost laughed.