I was about to demand answers from Zayden–how could he be so heartless, putting Dahlia’s reputation ahead of our child–when he turned to me, his eyes filled with tears.
He apologised, saying, “I’m sorry, Sandra.” I promised Dahlia’s brother that I would care for her and his parents.
“Dahlia has always been a gentle and quiet girl. Everyone in the pack would point fingers at her if they found out she was pregnant before she found a mate. What if she can’t bear the shame and takes her own life because of the gossip?!”
That was it! Dahlia was the sister of Zayden’s former comrade. To fulfil his vow, Zayden was willing to subject our pup to scrutiny and rumours in a pack where lineage was highly valued.
“Don’t worry. I’ll come clean about our son’s identity soon.”
“Once Dahlia turns 18 and is assigned a mate, I’ll inform our packmates about our relationship and clarify our son’s birthright.” I looked at this selfish man I referred to as my mate and regretted compromising for the first time.
When I returned to Zayden’s castle, people were carrying an endless stream of pregnancy and newborn supplies. There were ivory wind chimes and a brocade-covered cradle labelled “Dahlia’s Son”.
Dahlia boasted, “I apologise, Sandra; I didn’t realise you were expecting, so I put my name on all of them.”
“I can give you one or two pieces for free, if you want. Zayden had them custom-made from various packs. They’re extremely expensive.”
As tears welled up in my eyes, Zayden scolded her, but Dahlia playedfully stuck her tongue out. “Fine! I apologise. Who knew she couldn’t handle a joke?”
Zayden was about to console me when a middle-aged couple burst in and chastised Dahlia: “The entire pack is talking about your pregnancy, Dahlia! Explain yourself!
“You don’t even have a mate yet! You’ve brought shame upon our family!”
They were Dahlia’s parents. They were quite traditional, which is why Dahlia made it a point to maintain her facade of the good daughter, despite the fact that she was anything but.
Dahlia’s mother began coughing up blood as she struggled to accept her daughter’s premarital pregnancy.
Zayden quickly stepped forward, explaining that Dahlia’s puppy was his. Even though the Moon Goddess had not assigned him a mate, he accepted Dahlia as his mate and made her the Luna of the Iron Moon Pack.
Dahlia’s parents finally left.
After sending them off, Zayden turned to me and said, “You saw it yourself, Sandra. Dahlia’s parents are very traditional; I had no choice but to claim her pup.
“Do you understand, Sandra? You always have.” He pleaded with me.
Before I could accept what was going on, Dahlia’s family had forcibly moved into the palace as if they owned it.
Dahlia, the future Luna, changed the curtains, artwork, and decorations that I had carefully chosen to her preferred styles.
I was ready to intervene, but Zayden stopped me.
“Dahlia’s parents are still present. They can’t know you decorated the palace. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everything is restored after they leave.”
Dahlia then settled into the largest and brightest guest room available.
Zayden, a cowardly and self-centred man, would always side with Dahlia whenever we disagreed.
He spent most of his time with Dahlia, leaving little time for me. Fearing that I would leave, he had a witch cast a spell on me, binding me to the castle until after my child was born.
I reached out to the unseen barrier outside the castle walls and felt trapped; I needed to get out of here.
Growing up without my parents, I understood the weight of being constantly judged, and I refused to subject my child to the same scrutiny.
