Hazel's point of view
Sunlight streamed weakly through the window as I fought to open my eyes, my body aching from the previous night's ordeal. Liam had forced himself on me again, leaving my lips split when I initially resisted his demands.
Another day had begun, and I turned to find Liam's side of the bed empty. He'd left after I failed to meet his expectations. I could sense Ava, my wolf, stirring restlessly within me.
"He's probably with one of his other women," she growled.
"I can't let that distract me from what needs to be done," I warned Ava.
Today marked our kingdom's National celebration. Despite my gaunt appearance, swollen eyes from endless tears, and the emotional weight crushing my spirit, I bore visible reminders of Liam's cruelty—red welts on my cheeks and bruises on my arms from the belt he'd used when I couldn't satisfy him completely.
Still, I had to prepare and appear as the Luna of the Luparian Kingdom. My pregnancy was becoming impossible to conceal as my belly had grown noticeably, but beneath all the expected grandeur lived a broken wolf drowning in anguish, her heart ready to shatter.
Liam's behavior had deteriorated steadily, each day bringing fresh torment for both Ava and me. I could no longer hide the damage, even with careful makeup application.
Two years prior, Liam had conquered numerous wolf packs through brutal combat. He enslaved the defeated—women became servants in his palace while men joined his army. All the subjugated packs now formed the unified Luparian Kingdom under Liam's rule as Alpha. His reputation inspired universal fear.
The public viewed me as an elegant and honored Luna. Many young she-wolves envied my status and longed for my position, but I despised every moment of being Liam's Luna.
Sometimes I hoped someone might see past my fabricated smiles and forced cheerfulness to recognize my suffering, but no one dared speak out. To them, Liam was the perfect mate, and I was fortunate to be chosen as his partner and Luna.
If only they understood that behind the palace walls lived a wolf torn to pieces, a hollow soul no better than any other servant in my mate's household—they would never desire my life. I had no confidant, no one would believe my truth. I faced my destiny alone, bearing this pain and torment in isolation.
Liam was too clever to be exposed. Though my cries sometimes echoed throughout the palace, no one questioned the Alpha—the mighty Nash who had conquered kingdoms and united the wolf packs.
Once, the head maid burst in during one of his violent episodes, asking if everything was alright after hearing my screams.
"My wife enjoys rough play, and I give her what she wants," Liam told her smoothly.
I smiled at the maid, and she departed. That was the last time I saw her—what became of her remains a mystery.
After selecting the finest dress to complement my figure, I applied cosmetics to conceal the red marks and bruises, ensuring no one would notice the evidence.
A servant knocked and delivered unexpected news.
"Ma'am, the Alpha requests that you remain at the palace. Your presence isn't required at the celebration grounds."
This was clearly Liam's method of keeping me hidden from public view—he didn't want anyone seeing me in this battered state.
I knew better than to protest or lash out at the messenger; she was simply following orders. I thanked her, and she left. Many palace servants treated me like their equal since my treatment wasn't much better than theirs.
Returning to my room, I felt somewhat relieved. Standing beside Liam would only be an act of pretense, as he'd never truly considered me his mate. I was merely a vessel for producing his heir and satisfying his physical desires.
My only motivation for attending the celebration had been seeing my family, despite their indifference to my pleas and frustrations. All that mattered to them was having their daughter as Luna, making them the Alpha's in-laws.
I climbed to the palace's forgotten attic to observe the festivities and hopefully spot my family. Carefully opening the dusty window, I suppressed a cough as particles filled my throat, not wanting to draw attention. The view was quite good from there.
Soon I spotted my parents in royal attire, walking hand-in-hand and waving regally to the crowd. Their daughter's position as Luna had made them influential. Looking elsewhere, I saw my brother at the center of attention, dressed magnificently like royalty. This was all they cared about—their image and status, gained at the cost of my happiness.
I thought that was enough and prepared to sit on the dusty floor in self-pity, but then I witnessed Liam entering the celebration with his mistress in full view. My jaw dropped at his brazen display.
Unknown to me, Liam had orchestrated everything. When people questioned the Luna's absence, he put on a sorrowful expression and announced:
"It breaks my heart that Hazel cannot join tonight's celebration. She's unwell and receiving medical treatment."
Liam held hands with the daughter of one of his subordinate Alphas. She boldly caressed and kissed him before the entire crowd, clearly establishing her position in his life.
What a disgrace, I thought!
I felt electrified, never expecting Liamto portray me so shamefully. The crowd began whispering. Some called me weak and unworthy of being his mate, others claimed the moon goddess had chosen poorly for Liam, that he deserved a stronger, more capable Luna. Still others believed I was arrogant and spoiled, unable to fulfill my duties as Luna.
Their words shattered my heart—none recognized the pain he inflicted on me. I sank onto the dusty floor, ignoring the spiders on the walls and the scurrying rats and roaches, and wept uncontrollably.
My life was in ruins, yet those around me only cared about their reputations and my role in the pack.
I sat there drowning in tears when I heard approaching footsteps. I attempted to dry my eyes, but it was too late as the door opened and someone entered. Looking up, I saw Colton.
I was stunned. How had he found me here?
Before I could speak or move, he pulled me into his arms in a close embrace.
Colton was Liam's brother and our pack's Beta. I could barely count our previous encounters or conversations. He was quiet and withdrawn, rarely socializing with others. He had never supported Liam's ruling methods.
He asked why I was here crying instead of at the celebration.
"I'm receiving medical treatment," I replied, echoing Liam's earlier words.
"Please spare me that nonsense—I know better."
I was uncertain how to respond, since he shared blood with Liam, the source of my tears and suffering. I stood to leave, but he grasped my hand and assured me I could rely on him.
I studied him briefly, then pulled away and fled.
But as I hurried down the stairs, one question echoed in my mind: How had he found me?