The Moonlight of Betrayal

"Emma…" Luke's voice was uncharacteristically hesitant.

"You’re really giving everything to Fiona? Your companies… even your insurance?"

His confusion caught me off guard.

This was my mate who had always insisted Fiona deserved more—who had never once questioned her lies. Now, of all times, he hesitates?

Then Father shattered the silence, his voice dripping with approval.

"Emma, finally, you’re being the sister you should have been all along! If only you’d shown this kindness sooner. It’s a relief to see you’re no longer so… selfish."

Kane’s lips curled into a smile—one he hadn’t wasted on me in years.

"Yes, Emma. Family should take care of each other. I’m glad you’ve finally learned that."

Their joy should have gutted me. But all I felt was a hollow ache.

Not for the wealth I’d lost—but for the answer to a question I already knew.

Would they even care when the truth came out?

Then the blood came.

A slow, warm trickle from my nose stained my clothes crimson.

"Emma?!" Mother’s voice was shrill with panic.

I wiped the blood away, my voice eerily calm.

"Tell me, Mom… would you miss me if I died from this sickness?"

She recoiled as if I’d cursed her.

"Don’t be absurd! Your wolf is the strongest among us. The Moon Goddess would never let illness take you!"

Dad nodded, already turning back to Fiona.

"Your mom’s right. Fiona’s the one we should worry about—her wolf is still weak from the attack."

Jim, ever the devoted pup, rushed to Fiona’s side.

"Exactly. Mom—I mean, you always recover soon. But Fiona needs us."

Something inside me snapped.

Not anger. Not grief. Just…

finality.

I turned to Jim, my voice a whisper.

"You’ve always wanted Fiona to be your mother, haven’t you?"

A beat of silence.

"Congratulations. From now on, she is. I won’t stand in your way anymore."

“Really? So wonderful, Mom. I never thought you’d agree this time.”

I gently smiled.

"Yes, Jim." My voice was hollow, the last thread of hope snapping.

"From now on, you can call Fiona 'Mom.' She’ll be with you forever."

Jim’s face lit up with triumph.

"You’re the best, Mom! I love you!"

He pressed an eager kiss to Fiona’s cheek, his laughter ringing through the room like a victory bell.

My parents exchanged smug, satisfied glances, as if they’d finally won some long-awaited battle. Kane ruffled Jim’s hair approvingly, while Luke fussed over Fiona like she was made of glass, murmuring for her to rest.

I stood there, invisible.

They were the perfect family—warm, whole, united.

And I?

I was the spare part, the forgotten shadow.

Not a single glance. Not a word.

So I left.

I walked toward Moon Lake, the place I’d begged them to take me for years.

"Next summer," they’d always said, "when things are less busy."

Lies.

Empty promises.

Now, I’d go alone.

But my body betrayed me. Halfway there, my wolf gave out—her strength spent, her spirit broken. My legs buckled, and the world was spinning.

I had one last lifeline.

With trembling fingers, I dialed the number I hadn’t dared call in years—the one who might still care for me.

Then—the darkness filled in my eyes.