---- Chapter 8 My succession ceremony was right on schedule. Ethan hadn't originally planned to attend, but he suddenly recalled that he first met me in the Dark Moon Pack. At such a grand occasion, he thought maybe he'd see me again. He could at least try to find out something about me. So, despite his physical discomfort, he forced himself to come to the Dark Moon Pack. Ken accompanied him, chatting enthusiastically along the way. "T heard the new Alpha Female of the Dark Moon Pack is stunning! And she doesn't have a mate. Alphas from all over are lining up to court her. "Oh, and rumor has it she even has a son! But she's supposed to be unmated, right? Isn't that strange?" Ethan cut him off impatiently. ---- "Thave no interest in the Alpha Female of the Dark Moon Pack. Your job is to help me find Madeline. I don't need updates on anyone else." Ken opened his mouth but said nothing. He had been meaning to mention that the new Alpha Female's name was also Madeline, but maybe it was just a coincidence. There was no way Ethan's mate could be the same Madeline, right? Even as he reassured himself, he couldn't have been more wrong. At that moment, I was standing on the ceremonial stage. I was draped in regal attire while accepting the blessings of the elders. I radiated strength and grace, completely unrecognizable from the woman I used to be. Ethan was stunned. He stared at me for a long, long time. ---- He had never seen this side of me. In his memory, I was soft-spoken, gentle, and obedient. I was someone who quietly accepted every decision he made. He believed that because I loved him, he could do anything and I'd forgive him. He could even justify his betrayal as something done for my own good. What he never expected was that the woman he thought would always follow behind him had become the Alpha Female of one of the most powerful packs. Ishone brighter than ever before. All eyes were on me. I was no longer the woman whose world had revolved entirely around him. Ihad once loved him with everything I had, but he betrayed me. After the ceremony, I stepped down from the stage and began conversing with the leaders of other packs. I carried myself with confidence and ease, smiling gracefully as I engaged with each one. Ethan remained off to the side and silently watched