Chapter 71

Claire’s POV

It has been several days since the sentencing.

The pack has returned back to its normal state—or at least, it looks like that on the surface.

The air no longer felt tense like it was before when Daphne took over the pack as Luna and tried to manipulate everyone. The halls were very quieter, lighter even, but beneath it all the peaceful it looked, the more uneasy I felt.

Maybe it was just me.

I sat by the open window of the pack infirmary, sunlight spilling across my hands as I rubbed the faint scars on my wrists. The wounds were healed, but I still felt the ache—it was a dull reminder of the fight, of the problems that almost ruined everything.

Gideon had done what an Alpha was supposed to do. He has punished Daphne and Darius for betrayal. He restored order of the pack with justice.

And yet…

I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t enough.

I felt that not because I wanted Daphne to suffer alot—but because I didn't like the way she looked at me so evilly and full of vengeance when they dragged her away…

There was no remorse on her face at all. Only hatred.

The kind of hatred which doesn't just calm down when you try to cage it. It festers.

Nova entered quietly, carrying a tray of fruit. Her little feet made tapping sounds on the floor as she walked towards me. “Mommy, are you thinking about the punishment which was given to Miss Daphne?” she asked softly, setting the tray beside me and sat next to me.

I smiled faintly as I caressed her head gently and gently cut an apple for her. “You can tell, little princess?”

“Yes Mommy, you always stare at nothing when you’re thinking.” She spoke softly, I can tell she was worried about me as I gave her a piece of apple. “Miss Daphne and her father got what they deserved. Don't worry Mommy everything will be fine.”

Her words were kind and soothing, but I felt guilty that my child doesn't know how scary this situation is. “I know sweety. But still… seeing someone do so many evil things doesn't sit right with me. Even if she did terrible things.”

Nova hesitated, but then ate the piece of apple and spoke while chewing. “Mommy you are very strong and powerful, I just know it. Even though you are strong my mommy has the kindest heart you are still worried about Miss Daphne even after she did so many bad things. Most wouldn’t.”

“I guess that’s my weakness,” I spoke softly as I ate a piece of apple as well. “Maybe it is the reason I keep getting hurt.”

Nova hugged me to comfort me. “Or it is because that's what makes you stronger than she will ever be.”

Her words kept repeating in my mind long after she left.

I took a deep breath as I decided to talk to Gideon about it and went to his office.

Back in Gideon’s office, I had gone to check on Gideon that afternoon, more out of habit than necessity. He has thrown himself into work relentlessly ever since his discharge from the hospital, his desk was filled with new reports, guard schedules, and trade agreements.

There was a faint scent of cedar and ink lingering in the air, grounding me.

“You should rest, Alpha Gideon.” I knocked on the door as I spoke standing by the door. He didn’t look up. “I’ve rested plenty enough, you don't have to worry.”

“Resting for only two hours isn’t enough for a man who tried to protect me and has just fought poison in his veins,” I countered calmly.

That made him glance up—his sharp, golden eyes for some reason softening just a fraction of a moment but then he looked at me amused. “You sound just like the pack doctor, did you learn from him?”

“Maybe he’s rubbing off on me and learned a thing or two,” I teased lightly while trying not to chuckle but there was a small smile on my face, but that smile faded quickly. “How are you really feeling, Gideon?”

He leaned back in his chair, the exhaustion showing in the tension around his jaw. “Better. But the pack is uneasy. Some think I have been too harsh. Some others think that I wasn’t harsh enough to them. It’s a balance that is very hard to keep.”

I hesitated before speaking and took a deep breath. “And what do you think? Do you think you made the right choice?”

He studied my face for a long time and asked thoughtfully. “Do you?”

I looked at him shocked. The question caught me off guard. “I… I think you did what you had to. For the safety of the pack.”

“But?” he prompted quietly knowing I also had an opinion about this decision.

I exhaled slowly. “But I don’t think Daphne will accept it quietly and let it go. She’s not the kind to give up easily. She’ll definitely try to find a way to turn this pain you caused into vengeance.”

Gideon’s eyes hardened with determination . “Then I’ll be ready for whatever she has in store.”

I was able to see that there was something final in his tone, something that made me feel both reassured and worried.

The next morning, I woke up with a heaviness and uneasiness I couldn’t explain. Maybe it was my guts, or maybe it was just worry, but something told me this wasn’t over and Daphne will not sit quiet and repent her crimes.

Leo ran into the room happily as his little hands clutching a drawing he made. “Miss Warrior! Look! I drew us all together!”

The paper was messy, full of stick figures, but I recognized myself, Leo, Nova, and Gideon. We stood together in front of the pack house, smiling.

I looked at the drawing in shock but then looked at Leo gently knowing he wants a complete family and I haven't told him that I am his mother.

For the first time in days, I smiled genuinely. “It’s a beautiful drawing, little Leo.” He grinned proudly “it's for you!” He spoke happily and ran off again.

But as I looked at the drawing, my chest tightened. Because for a moment, I let myself imagine peace—real peace.

A world where there were no betrayals, no power struggles, no fear of what tomorrow might bring.

Then I shook my head. Peace like that was fragile. And deep down, I knew it couldn’t last.

---

Daphne's POV

Meanwhile…

In the lower quarters of the pack house, the once-polished marble floors had been replaced by cold stone. The air had a strong scent of cleaning soap and damp cloth.

I knelt on the floor on my knees while scrubbing the tough tiles with my weak, shaking hands. My hair, once shining and styled to perfection, now hung limp and tangled around my face. My beautiful lips that once ordered servants around with authority were now dry but chapped because I was biting them to hold back tears of the humiliation.

A maid came towards me while laughing under her breath as she saw my condition and spoke mockingly. “Well, well who do we have here?—the mighty Luna-to-be,” she sneered. “Didn’t think she’d end up on her knees this soon.”

Another maid snickered who stood behind her. “Careful, she might still think she’s better than us.”

The words they spoke stung painfully, but I didn’t answer at all. I had learned smartly and quickly that any word of defiance that will leave my mouth will earn me bruises instead of sympathy and kindness.

Still, my pride refused to not speak back and die quietly.

When the others weren’t looking, I would glance at my reflection in the metal pail of water. The face in the reflection staring back at me was very thin and weak—but my eyes still burned with determination and something very fierce.

He can strip me of my title, I thought bitterly, but not of who I am.

My hands clenched around the cloth tightly until her knuckles turned white. I will rise again. I will make sure they all will regret this—especially her.

Raven.

The image of Raven standing firmly between Gideon and me still haunted my every breath. The sight of Gideon protecting her with his life, I was able to tell his eyes were filled with something deeper than just duty—it made my blood boil with anger.

I scrubbed the floor so hard that my fingers started bleeding. Two nights later…

There were quiet whispers filling the kitchen corridors where the Omegas worked. My presence had become a spectacle and a topic of gossip—a living reminder of how far one could fall from glory and power to an unimportant servant.

The maids definitely made sure that I will never forget my servant status and the punishment I was having.

“You better watch your step,you traitor,” one muttered rudely, shoving a bucket of water toward her. “Wouldn’t want you spilling water like you spilled secrets and exposed yourself.”

Laughter followed.

I kept my head down embarrassed, my jaw tight, but the fire inside me burned hotter for revenge.

At night, as everyone slept peacefully, I would sit by the small window of the Omega quarters and stare at the moon thoughtfully. The same moon she used to pray for her happy ending under Luna-in-training now seemed to mock her for not getting the position of Luna.

“You have managed to take everything from me,” she whispered into the darkness of the night, her voice trembling with determination. “But I’ll take it back. Even if it means burning and destroying everything to the ground.”

Her words were an oath she took for herself.

And even though no one heard her oath, the air seemed to grow colder around her as if the darkness of the night itself had accepted her oath.