Chapter 7

When Sorenna’s provocative words rang out, Kael clutched the hem of Freya’s cloak. “Mom… why don’t we just let Sorenna take that necklace? We already have so many treasures in the Manor.”

Freya’s lips curved in a strained smile. “What if this is the only one my heart refuses to yield?”

She had never cared for adornments blessed by the Moon Goddess, but this time she would not retreat.

Riven gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before flicking Kael’s forehead with gentle reprimand.

“In this family, we honor what your mother wants. How could you ask to give away the item she desires?”

He lifted his bidding token once more. In the end, Riven won the Eternal Heart for seventy-five hundred thousand moon credits.

Sorenna’s cheeks flushed crimson. Her eyes shimmered with angry tears as she stormed out of the grand hall.

Riven exhaled deeply, rising as if to chase after her. Before leaving, he bent and pressed a kiss to Freya’s forehead. “I’ll collect the necklace… and get Kael some warm moon-milk on the way.”

Kael, who had been ready to run after his father, paused, turning back to Freya and tugging her hand. He began pestering her for a bedtime tale. It was the old routine, the silent collusion between father and pup.

For years, Riven had used this distraction to slip away unnoticed, giving himself a perfect excuse to indulge in his forbidden appetites under the cover of night.

But a pup was still a pup and Freya uncovered his ploy effortlessly. Feigning the need for fresh air, she excused herself. Kael sensed her mood and didn’t stop her.

She followed Riven’s scent trail through the corridors until it led her to the secluded washchamber hall, where Sorenna stood crying into Riven’s chest.

From behind the stone wall, their voices reached her ears clearly.

“This is your fault!” Sorenna sobbed. “You humiliated me in front of that woman. You clearly care more about her. If I had met you sooner, you never would have mated with her!”

Then her voice sharpened, dripping with jealousy. “The only reason she still holds the Luna title is because the mate bond you two get since puphood.”

Sorenna cried for quite a while. Riven didn’t interrupt—not a word.

And when her sobs finally quieted, he chuckled softly. “Look at you… crying like a newborn wolf pup. What a mess you are.”

His teasing only deepened her pout. She planted her fists on her hips. “I don’t care! Your Luna snatched the treasure I wanted. You owe me tonight!”

The air thickened between them, charged with feral desire.

Riven’s voice dropped to a low growl. “You said it yourself. Don’t beg me to stop later.”

The self-controlled Alpha he was in front of Freya vanished—replaced by the ravenous wolf he became with Sorenna.

Freya stood frozen as she listened—every sound, every gasp, every muffled moan slicing into her chest like fangs.

It was unbearable. When their lovemaking reached its peak, she fled, unable to endure another second.

What she didn’t witness was Sorenna’s next question, asked in a trembling voice, “Do you love me?”

“If I didn’t, why would I be here with you?” Riven replied, lust still clouding his gaze.

Emboldened, she pressed on coyly, “If you had to choose between me and that old she-wolf… who would you pick?”

“Obviously you,” he said without hesitation.

“Then… divorce her. Become my rightful mate,” Sorenna whispered.

At those words, Riven’s face turned instantly cold. “You’re stepping over the boundary.”

Seeing her fright, he softened again and gathered her into his arms. “You know I barely lay a hand on her anymore. Isn’t that proof enough of how much you mean to me?”

Sorenna cried softly. But affection wasn’t enough. She wanted the Luna crown.

She was tired of lurking in the shadows like a thief.

Her gaze dropped to her flat stomach. One moon day, she would give Riven a reason to cast Freya aside willingly and do the mating ceremony with her.

Meanwhile, Freya wandered aimlessly through the Alpha Council’s labyrinthine halls, not knowing where to go.

Eventually, she pushed open an unused chamber door and stepped inside—the darkness within mirroring the hollow ache consuming her heart.