I came from another world. In my world, Julian Walker died young, succumbing to depression after a violent pack feud.

But the paintings he left behind became world-famous. I was captivated by the melancholy colors in the young artist's work. So, when the Moon Goddess asked if I was willing to go to his world to change his tragic fate and heal him, I agreed without a second thought.

It’s ironic, really. I spent fifteen years by his side as a human, helping him rise to become an Alpha, only to be outdone by Sylvie in fifteen days.

He was even willing to give her the gallery we built together, the very foundation of our pack’s stability.

But maybe… maybe it really was just his childhood trauma that made him so soft on her.

Maybe if I gave her the gallery, everything would go back to the way it was.

I took a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and drove to the gallery.

Before I could even walk in, my second-in-command, Rosa, rushed out to meet me. Her eyes darted around nervously. “Luna, what are you doing here? I thought you said you had plans today?”

I gave her a strange look. “My plans were canceled. I have a few things to take care of here.”

I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Julian with his arm wrapped around Sylvie.

The same woman who was crying on the phone about not being able to go on was now smiling and laughing as Julian gave her a personal tour of the gallery.

Seeing the gentle smile on his face, I went completely numb.

So, he could smile. I always thought his past had made him cold and distant, which is why I was always trying so hard to make him happy.

Turns out, I was just making a fool of myself. He seemed perfectly fine.

“Alpha!” Rosa whispered urgently beside me.

Julian’s smile froze on his face the moment his eyes met mine.

He immediately dropped his hand from Sylvie’s shoulder and stood there silently, his expression turning blank.

I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. Julian frowned and walked toward me, his words dripping with accusation. “Ella, don’t get the wrong idea. We were just…”

I didn’t let him finish. I slapped him across the face.

The sharp crack echoed through the empty gallery, silencing everyone.

Sylvie gasped and rushed over, grabbing Julian’s arm and gently touching his reddened cheek.

She was a professional crier; tears welled up instantly. “Luna, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault, but I swear, nothing is going on between the Alpha and me.”

She bit her lip, glanced at Julian, and continued, “The Alpha… he was just taking pity on me because I’m so helpless.”

I ignored her, looking Julian dead in the eye. “If you’ve marked someone else, just tell me. I won’t hold you back. But don’t you dare disrespect me like this.”

Was this really the boy I fell in love with, the one who was now hiding behind the excuse of childhood trauma to cross every line?

I turned to leave, but before I could take two steps, Julian grabbed me from behind and pulled me into a tight embrace.

I struggled against him, but he held on, his voice a bitter whisper from above me. “Ella, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t say no to her. I can’t just ignore her.”

“You know my mother was attacked on our territory. She developed lunar madness and… she died right in front of me. I couldn’t save her then. I thought, if I could save Sylvie this time, it would be like I was saving my mother.”

My voice was flat. “So, I’m giving you a choice. Break our bond. Then you can be by her side forever. You can be her savior. Isn’t that what you want?”

He held me even tighter, his voice firm. “No. I will never break our bond, Ella. I know that I love you.”

“Just give me some time. I’ll sort everything out.”

He paused, then added, “Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”

I closed my eyes, exhausted, and let the tears flow.

But Julian, what am I supposed to do? I don’t trust you anymore.

Suddenly, a gasp came from behind us. It was Sylvie.

Julian’s arms loosened as he looked over his shoulder. Sylvie had followed us out and had somehow tripped and fallen.

She looked up at Julian, her eyes wide and tearful.

He only hesitated for a second before letting me go and rushing to her side.

I instinctively reached out to grab his shirt, but he was too fast. My fingers only brushed against the empty air.

I watched him help Sylvie to her feet. I watched her lean weakly against his chest. And I watched her shoot me a triumphant, provocative look from the safety of his arms.

I let out a dry, humorless laugh. See? This was him “knowing what he’s doing.” This was him “loving me.”

What a fucking joke.

I turned and walked away. As I passed a trash can, I pulled the gift-wrapped box out of my bag and tossed it inside.

It was my third-anniversary gift for Julian. Now, it just felt pathetic and out of place.