Chapter 21 The Alpha mansion buzzed with whispers as Giana settled into the Omega quarters . I'd barely been back from the hospital for two days , but the staff's loyalty was clear in every subtle gesture - the way they conveniently " forgot " to deliver Giana's meals on time , or how the housekeeper accidentally " misplaced " her laundry . I hadn't orchestrated any of it , but I couldn't deny the small satisfaction it brought me . I was reviewing Luna duties in the study when Bernard , the butler who had served the Alpha family for decades , knocked on the door frame . His usually impassive face was tight with indignation . " Miss Aurora , " he said , voice rigid with formality , " I've discovered something concerning that requires your attention . " He produced a small velvet box from his pocket , opening it to reveal Giana's delicate but intricately designed ring . " This was hidden in the Omega quarters , in that rogue girl's possessions , " Bernard explained . " It appears to be a ring meant for a Luna . Given its quality and design , I believe she may have stolen your engagement ring . " I stared at the ring , my heart sinking . This was exactly the kind of discovery that could unravel everything . " I intend to inform Alpha Marcus immediately , " Bernard continued . " Such disrespect cannot be tolerated , especially from a rogue . She must be expelled from the pack . " Before I could respond , Raymond burst into the room , panic evident in his eyes . He must have been alerted by one of the maids who still harbored affection for him . " Bernard , there's been a misunderstanding , " he said , his voice strained . Bernard stiffened . " With all due respect , Alpha heir , there is no misunderstanding . This ring- " " Is a private matter , " Raymond interrupted , his tone hardening . " Please leave us . " The butler hesitated , clearly torn between his duty to the Alpha and his loyalty to the heir . Finally , with obvious reluctance , he bowed and left , though not before giving me a meaningful look . As soon as the door closed , Raymond turned to me , desperation in his eyes . " Aurora , please . You have to help me . " " Help you ? " I repeated , incredulous . " You brought Giana into the pack house , gave her a matching ring , and now you want me to clean up your mess ? " " Aurora , " he pleaded , stepping closer . " Remember when we were ten , and you broke Luna's favorite vase ? 1/2 Chapter 21 +15 BONUS I took the blame for you . Remember when your father caught us sneaking out at midnight to watch the meteor shower? I said it was my idea . " I turned away , hating how easily he could pull on the threads of our shared past . " This is different . " " It's not , " he insisted . " We've always protected each other . That's what friends do . " " Friends , " I echoed hollowly . " Is that what we are now ? " " We've always been friends , " he said softly . " No matter what else changes between us . " I closed my eyes , steeling myself against his manipulation . But in the end , I knew I had no choice - not if I wanted to keep my mother's treatments secure . " Fine , " I said finally . " I'll handle it . " Relief washed over his face . " Thank you , Aurora . " Bernard returned with Alpha Marcus and Luna Elena in tow , his expression grim but satisfied . I could see Giana hovering anxiously in the hallway , Raymond trying to shield her from view . " What's this about stolen rings ? " Alpha Marcus demanded . I stepped forward smoothly , my face a careful mask of calm . " A misunderstanding , Alpha . The ring Bernard found is indeed a match to Raymond's , but it's not what he thinks ." I held up my left hand , displaying the ostentatious diamond Raymond had purchased at the jewelry store . " This is my official Luna ring . The other one is simply one of a few friendship rings Raymond had made as gifts . He wanted Giana to feel welcome in the pack . " The lie tasted bitter on my tongue . Alpha Marcus's eyes narrowed suspiciously , but Luna Elena seemed relieved by the explanation . Bernard , however , wasn't satisfied . " Miss Aurora , with respect , these rings are clearly a matched pair , and they resemble traditional mate rings . That rogue girl has been flaunting hers around the Omega quarters , claiming special status . " Giana stepped forward , unable to contain herself any longer . " It's not fair ! " she burst out , tears welling in her eyes . " Everyone here hates me , treats me like dirt . I'm Raymond's- " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!