Chapter 2: The Festival Humiliation

The morning sun crept over the horizon as I stood atop the altar in a flowing white gown, a delicate crown resting on my brow. "Moon Goddess, bestow your grace upon us and grant us new life." The priestess's gentle chant filled the air. Sacred water sprinkled over us. "What's the point of all this? Evelyn, you've been married for three years, yet you can't even produce an heir." Helene's voice cut through the ceremony like a blade. Daniel's grandmother. The coldest elder of Crimson Pack. She'd never hidden her disdain for my failure to bear a child. But I couldn't believe she'd unleash her contempt in front of the entire pack. My eyes snapped open. Whispers slithered through the crowd. "Helene isn't wrong. Three years without a child. Could it be she isn't chosen by the Moon Goddess?" "In any other pack, she'd have been cast away." "Some Alphas would break the Mate Bond for someone capable of giving them an heir." My face drained of color. Helene kept pressing. "And here we are, pleading for the Moon Goddess to grant us new life. Yet for three years, Evelyn, you've failed to receive her blessings. Dare I say, perhaps you lack sincerity?" My fists clenched. "No, Helene. I undertook every preparation—" She cut me off. "The healer's verdict suggests otherwise. You haven't sought answers for your barrenness, have you?" Everything went dark at the edges. My palms slicked with sweat. "I have gone to the healer, Helene. There's... there's nothing physically wrong with me." "Then why have you failed to conceive?" I pressed my lips together. My silence left Helene nothing but disdain. "It's fine you don't answer me. But remember this, Evelyn. You are Luna of Crimson Pack. It is your sacred obligation to give this pack an heir. Evading this responsibility is betrayal." I felt like I was on trial. About to be burned at the stake. Every member's eyes drilled into me, full of blame and doubt. But I couldn't defend myself. The truth? In the past year, I'd seen Daniel maybe six times. He was always "busy with work." But now? Now I wondered—how much of that time had been spent with his mistress? I couldn't tell everyone my husband was cheating. And worse—his mistress was the girl I'd been supporting for five years. I started shaking. My vision blurred. At that moment, I nearly blurted everything out. But Daniel's voice brought me back. He stepped between Helene and me, grabbing my hand. His touch was warm. "Grandmother, Evelyn is my mate. No one has the right to disgrace her. She deserves respect." His tone softened. "This hostility wounds me, Grandmother. Please, let it end here." Helene snorted. "You shield her like you always do." Daniel stepped forward. "We'll have children, Grandma. Just not right now." His hand rested on my shoulder, steadying me. He led me away, announcing to the gathered members, "Tonight, a feast awaits you all. Let us not sully it with unpleasant memories. Remember—Evelyn is the Luna of Crimson Pack. Always." Stepping out of that hellish place, I glanced at Daniel's profile. If not for him, I might have collapsed right there. That was just how Daniel was—every single time, he'd stand up for me. I had to admit, at that moment, I didn't care about the photos or Amy. I wanted to believe it was all a misunderstanding. "Daniel, I wonder..." His phone rang, cutting me off. His brows furrowed with anxiety. Without looking at me, he fixed his blue eyes on his phone. "I have urgent business, E. I promise, I'll come back soon." Without hesitation, Daniel turned and disappeared. I froze in place. The caller ID: M. Amy? I followed him at a distance. My werewolf senses caught every word. I told myself—if nothing was happening, I'd pretend I never saw this. No cheating. No Amy's scent. Maybe they were just traveling together for work. It could all be a misunderstanding. My eyes locked on them. Amy stood there in a white dress—twenty years old, flawless skin, golden hair shimmering. A floral wreath adorned her head. Her eyes brimmed red, her face wounded innocence. "Why didn't you pick up my calls, Daniel?" "You shouldn't be here, Amy. I told you to wait. What if Evelyn finds out?" Tears painted her cheeks. "I just... wanted to see you." Daniel's stern expression wavered. His hand settled atop her hair. "I'm not scolding you, babe. But if anyone sees you here, I can't keep you safe." This means nothing. It can't mean anything. I told myself that. Amy stopped crying. But then— She surged forward, pressing herself against his chest. My fists clenched. Daniel! Gods damn it! PUSH. HER. AWAY. But he didn't. His arms wrapped around her tightly. Amy's muffled voice vibrated against his chest. "I know I messed up, but don't be mad, okay? I missed you so much." Daniel's low chuckle made my stomach turn. "It's alright, baby. I'm not angry, just worried. Let me see that pretty face. I'll make it up to you tonight." His fingers kneaded her neck. She tilted her head up. Then they kissed. Right in front of me. I could see everything. Even the way their tongues tangled. Sanity left me in a rush. I had to flee before I charged in and ripped them apart. But their kiss replayed in my mind over and over. Revulsion twisted my gut. I barely caught myself against a tree before my stomach convulsed. "Why run? If my memory serves me right, he's your husband, right?" An unfamiliar male voice rang out from above me.