Chapter 1

Raven's POV

Today was the day my beloved Alpha bonded with another she-wolf.

The blood moon hung high as the temple square blazed with lights. I stood at the edge of the crowd, watching the couple on the steps, my heart being carved out with a dull blade.

No, this pain wasn't heartbreak. It was the blood moon curse taking effect—tonight was my 25th blood moon night, and my death date.

"By the Moon Goddess's name, I declare Asher and Lydia officially bonded as mates!"

The elder's voice echoed across the square as the pack erupted in cheers. I clapped stiffly, watching the man I'd loved for six years gently place a laurel crown on his new Luna's head.

He'd never smiled at me like that.

My wolf whimpered desperately inside, sensing death approaching.

Six years ago, I'd trespassed into forbidden territory.

While chasing an enemy spy, I'd gotten lost and panicked my way into the sacred temple housing divine artifacts. The moment I touched that Moon Goddess statue, the ancient relic shattered instantly, and the blood moon curse latched onto me: I had to bond with someone who truly loved me before my 25th blood moon night, or I would die.

When I woke from my coma, the first person I saw was Asher.

"Did you save me?" I asked weakly.

He was silent for a moment, then never denied it.

That moment shattered my heart completely.

For six years, I'd believed I was his destined Luna. I'd bled for him on battlefields, handled his heavy pack duties, and worked tirelessly to become a worthy Luna. Everyone thought we'd bond, including myself.

Until a week ago, when Asher brought back Lydia and announced their bonding ceremony...

"Why HER?" I'd burst into Asher's study, staring at the blonde, blue-eyed stranger beside him.

"The prophecy chose her." Asher wouldn't even look at me. "The bonding ceremony is in three days."

"Six YEARS, Asher! Don't you remember everything I've done for you these past six years?"

"I know what you've sacrificed." He finally looked up, but his eyes held no warmth. "But the Luna choice isn't yours to make."

"Then what am I?" My voice trembled uncontrollably.

"An excellent warrior." His answer was ice-cold. "Nothing more."

Nothing more.

Six years of silent devotion, six years of genuine dedication—in his eyes, I was just "an excellent warrior."

The ceremony ended. I watched them receive the pack's blessings, my hand reaching for the small vial in my pocket.

Love-Erasing Potion—Shaman Nera's secret last hope for me.

"Raven, the Love-Erasing Potion can sever all emotions, including the curse's bonds. But once you drink it, you'll lose the ability to love or hate forever. This is the only way."

I'd nodded without hesitation: "If I can't have true love, then I'll cut off these feelings completely."

The silver liquid gleamed eerily in the moonlight. I tilted my head back and drained it.

Instantly, bone-deep cold exploded in my chest, like ice water dousing a burning heart. But this wasn't immediate relief—it was slow extraction.

I could feel something being drained from me bit by bit.

"Raven."

An impatient voice called my name. I turned to see Asher approaching with a frown, the blonde woman at his side.

Surprised, I touched my heart. Just moments ago, seeing him had caused agony, but now... it didn't hurt as much?

"Why are you hiding here alone?" His tone was full of displeasure. "As Head Warrior, you should attend the Luna's bonding ceremony."

I looked at him, feeling that familiar flutter in my chest fading away.

"I wasn't feeling well earlier." My voice was calmer than expected. "I'm fine now."

"I hope so." He gave me a cold glance. "Mind your duties from now on."

"So this is the legendary Raven?" Lydia linked arms with Asher, smiling sweetly. "I've heard so much about you."

The Love-Erasing Potion was still working. I could feel my jealousy toward her disappearing bit by bit, like something being carved from my heart.

"Congratulations, Alpha." I heard my voice growing steadier. "May you and your Luna be happy."

I'd thought I'd never be able to say those words, but they came out surprisingly easily.

Asher was clearly stunned. Usually when I spoke to him, my eyes held worship and love, but now my gaze was becoming distant.

"You're acting strange tonight." He frowned, studying me as if trying to see through something. "Different from usual."

"Am I?" I tilted my head. "I feel perfectly normal."

Indeed, I did feel normal. That heart-racing sensation when I saw him was gone, along with the urge to get closer to him. Now he felt like a stranger.

"Whatever." Asher clearly lost interest in continuing the conversation. He turned to Lydia. "Let's go. There are other elders to meet."

"Of course." Lydia gave me a meaningful smile. "Raven, tonight's a special night. Get some rest."

I watched her obvious provocation with complete indifference. Before, this would have enraged me, but now I found it irrelevant.

"I will." I turned to leave. "Happy bonding."

Their footsteps faded behind me. I didn't look back.

The Love-Erasing Potion had taken full effect. Six years of obsessive love had been carved from my heart like living flesh, and the blood moon curse's bonds shattered with it. My wolf had fallen into eternal sleep, never to whimper for anyone again.

I wouldn't die now, but I'd never love again.