I looked up at him, tears still clinging to my lashes. "What choice do I have?"

He looked down at me, his expression unreadable. "You deserve better than this. Kaidon… he’s too blinded by Elara. But you don’t have to keep suffering."

I laughed bitterly, wincing at the pain in my ribs. "Where would I go? This is my pack. Kaidon is my mate."

Ronan’s eyes softened for the briefest moment. "You could leave, Luna. Find a new life. A better one."

I shook my head. The mate bond between Kaidon and me was strong, but it was one-sided. I had loved him fiercely, but he had never returned that love. Still, leaving the pack felt like abandoning everything I had ever known.

"Think about it," Ronan said softly before turning to leave. "You don’t have to decide now. Just… think about it."

As he left the room, I collapsed back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. I could still feel the sting of the whip on my back, but it was nothing compared to the emptiness that had settled in my chest.

Kaidon’s rejection. His betrayal. It was all too much to bear. But what hurt the most was knowing that I would always come second to Elara. Even though I was his mate, I would never be enough.

And maybe… maybe it was time to stop trying.

I forced a smile, but the weight of my emotions was too much to hide. My heart felt heavy with triumph and despair all at once. Kaidon, the Alpha, saw my apology and let it slide. His gaze softened, and for a moment, I thought maybe he admired my obedience. But deep down, I knew the truth.

Ronan, Kaidon's younger brother and the Beta, led me to the guest room. He mentioned a healer would see me tomorrow to take care of my injuries. Before he left, his words carried a serious tone.

"You can’t touch anything of Elara’s. Understand?" His eyes bore into mine, reminding me where I stood.

I nodded, sadness swelling in my chest. If only Kaidon treated me the way he did before Elara returned. How could I even dare to touch the food he made for her? I was just a substitute, nothing more.

The first time I met Kaidon, it was at a pack meeting. He stared at me with wide eyes and murmured her name, "Elara." I thought maybe I reminded him of someone, but I later learned that I looked exactly like his true mate, the one he lost.