Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Nora wanted to say it aloud : I dont want to be this Luna anymore . In truth , even without todays humiliation , she had been ready to leave long ago . But what would be the point of saying it now ? Arnold had never cared for her words , never listened to her explanations . To him , her voice had always been white noise , easily dismissed . Her burnt fingers betrayed her resolve , and the tray slipped from her trembling hands . The delicate cups shattered against the floor , the silver liquid pooling like spilled tears across the tiles . Arnolds expression darkened as his gaze bore into her . Are you losing your temper with me ? he demanded , his voice sharp with irritation . Before Nora could respond , Linda , ever the picture of composure , stepped forward with a saccharine smile . Now , now , dear , she cooed , placing a calming hand on Arnolds arm . Im sure she didnt mean it . Dont be angry … Noras lips curled into a pale , brittle smile , one that barely concealed the bitterness simmering beneath . Her voice was steady , each word deliberate and clear . No , I didnt mean to lose my temper , she said , her tone devoid of warmth . I just dont think you two deserve the tea I made . Arnolds glare sharpened , but before he could respond , Nora turned on her heel . Without waiting for the fallout , she walked to the elevator , ignoring the furious murmurs that followed her . Inside the restroom , Nora ran her burned fingers under the cold stream of water . The sting of the injury was nothing compared to the ache constricting her chest . She reached into her bag , pulled out a small tube of ointment , and began tending to her wounds with practiced efficiency . Once , her life had been filled with creative pursuits..studying diplomacy , sketching intricate designs for clothing . 04:37 After left . Alpha father and son went crazynk 7.54 Chapter 9 Shed been far from a domestic expert . Thit marriage had demanded a different version of herself . To gain Arnolds approval , and that of his family , she had transformed from a spirited teenager in dutiful wife , mastering every household chore . into a Her hands bore the scars of that transformation : needle pricks from embroidery , burns from cooking . Yet none of those minor injuries compared to the million tiny heartbreaks she had endured . Staring at the bandage now wrapped around her finger , a small tear escaped her eye. The childish bear print on the adhesive tugged at her memories . * What mother doesnt carry first aid supplies for her child ? * Alex , her mischievous little coyote , was always full of energy and curiosity , forever scraping knees or bumping into trouble . She had spent countless nights bandaging his wounds , soothing his tears . And yet , he would only remember her as heavy handed and unkind . Lindas so much gentler , Alex would whimper , favoring the woman who offered comfort without substance . But Linda never cleaned his wounds properly , leading to infections that left Nora rushing him to the hospital in a panic . Arnold never saw that side of the story . He only saw Alexs tears and blamed her for them . Youre careless , hed snap, berating her for failing as a mother . * But none of that matters now , Nora thought , her heart hardening . Im leaving them . Both of them . With her wounds treated , Nora left the restroom , her steps firm . She reached the elevator and waited , staring at the closed doors . She was jolted aside when a group of staff members suddenly pushed past her . Move out of the way ! one of them barked . Our future Luna is coming through ! Nora blinked , stunned by their abruptness , but she stepped aside as the employees gushed over the supposed Luna . Did you hear ? one of them said in an excited whisper . Its rumored that Alpha is already engaged to her . Shes the only daughter of the Snow Moon Packs Alpha . So elegant , so beautiful..shes perfect for him . I saw her once , another chimed in . She really is gorgeous . Although … doesnt she look a little like- The mans voice trailed off as his gaze fell on Nora , his brow furrowing as he studied her face . Before he could voice his observation , the elevator doors opened with a soft chime . Linda stepped out , her beauty drawing every eye in the room . Surrounded by the adoring staff , she glided past , her expression radiant . Nora moved further aside , unwilling to draw attention . Yet one staff member , still unsatisfied , tugged at her sleeve . Stand back a little more ! Dont get too close to Ms. Linda..shes an important VIP . Linda noticed Nora then . Their eyes met , and for a fleeting moment , Lindas confident mask faltered . She looked away quickly , her expression strained . Nora said nothing . She had no energy left for confrontations . As Linda disappeared down the corridor , one of the staff members sighed dreamily .. Shes like a fairy , isnt she ? Its like the Moon Goddess herself blessed her . Dont you think so ? Nora didnt respond . Her silence only deepened the curiosity of the man who had studied her earlier . You know , he said , rubbing his chin thoughtfully , you look a bit like her . Are you related ? Nora stiffened but kept her expression neutral . If only you knew , she thought bitterly . Linda wasnt just a passing shadow in Noras life . She was her sister by blood , the illegitimate daughter of Noras father , the Alpha of the Snow Moon Pack When Nora was a child , her fathers betrayal had shattered her world . He had abandoned her mother , publicly rejecting her in favor of his mistress , Lindas mother . Noras once happy family had crumbled overnight , and her mother … broken and ostracized . Descended into madness . While Nora and her mother stru8450 to survive , Linda was raised as a princess , showered with affection and privilege to compensate for the stigma of her birth . Fate , it seemed , had always favored Linda . Nora had tried to rise above her jealousy , focusing on improving herself . But the cruel twist of fate that bound her to Arnold her mate who had fallen for Linda at first sight … was too much to bear . 8.0 % Chapter 9 The mans voice interrupted her thoughts . Hey , Nora , I just realized youre actually really pretty too Maybe if you dressed up , youd be just as dazzling as our new Luna . Are you feeling okay ? You look pale . Nora forced a smile , her heart heavy . She didnt need his platitude Ive seen seen this play out before , she thought grimly . My mother walked this path , but I wont follow her fate . Im leaving before its too late . Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!