POV Syrena
The tears came in waves through the night, soaking through pillows that still carried Devon's scent. I curled in the center of our bed—his bed now—and let the sobs wrack through me until my ribs ached and my throat went raw.
Dawn light crept through the curtains when the door creaked open. Devon's footsteps crossed the room in three quick strides.
"Syrena—"
His hands reached for me.
"Don't touch me!" I shoved him back, tears still streaming. "Don't you dare touch me after last night!"
"I didn't mean for it to happen that way—"
"Which part?" I scrambled to the far side of the bed, putting distance between us. "The part where you looked at them like a starving wolf? Or the part where you let Mira lead you around like a dog on a leash?"
"That's not fair—"
"Fair?" My laugh came out cracked and bitter. "You want to talk about fair? You haven't looked at me with that kind of hunger in months, Devon. Not once. But ten girls in lingerie show up and suddenly your wolf is alive again?"
Devon ran his hands through his hair, pacing to the window. "I was afraid to touch you."
"Afraid?" I stared at his back. "Of what? That I might break?"
"Yes!" He spun to face me. "Every month you got more fragile, more desperate. I thought if I pushed too hard, if I wanted too much, it would make things worse. You were already suffering—"
"So your solution was to abandon me?" I laughed again, harsh and disbelieving. "That's your excuse? Come up with something better, Devon. At least respect me enough to tell the truth."
He sighed, shoulders slumping. "What do you want me to say? That I'm disappointed? That watching other Alphas with their pups while we have nothing has been killing me? Fine. I'm disappointed. Is that what you need to hear?"
"I'm disappointed too." The words came out quieter than intended. "Disappointed that our love wasn't strong enough to survive this test."
"Syrena—"
"I'll be at the selection ceremony." I stood, wrapping a robe around myself. "It's my duty as Luna. But afterward, I need time away from here. From you. From all of this."
"You can't leave. The pack needs—"
"The pack has Mira." I moved to the dresser, pulling out clothes with mechanical precision. "She knows how everything works. She's been studying for this role for years, apparently."
"Where will you go?"
"Nina's offered her guest room." I turned to face him. "I'm not running away, Devon. I just need space to mourn what we've lost."
"We haven't lost everything—"
"Haven't we?" I tilted my head. "You're not even denying you'll choose Mira today."
His silence was answer enough.
"That's what I thought." I headed for the bathroom. "The ceremony's at noon. Try to look less guilty when you make your announcements."
* * *
The great hall buzzed with anticipation when I entered three hours later. Every pack member had gathered, the air thick with excitement and barely concealed satisfaction. I took my place beside Devon's chair—standing, since sitting beside him felt like a lie.
Elder Leon rose, his voice carrying over the crowd. "As prescribed by the Heir Protocol, Alpha Devon may select up to three additional mates to ensure pack succession."
"Three wives plus the Luna," Elder Roslyn added, her eyes finding mine. "A generous provision for pack strength."
Devon stood up, his jaw tight. The ten candidates lined up before him, each in formal dress that emphasized their youth, their beauty, their fertility.
"I choose..." His voice faltered for a heartbeat. "Mira of the Nightshade bloodline."
Mira stepped forward, triumph blazing in her eyes as she bowed. "I accept with honor, Alpha."
"Celia of the Mountain Ridge pack."
The redhead practically bounced forward, her smile bright as summer. "Thank you, Alpha. I won't disappoint you."
"And Jasmine of the Silver Creek wolves."
The elegant brunette glided forward with practiced grace. "I am honored to serve, Alpha."
The crowd erupted in celebration. Three fertile she-wolves, three chances for heirs, three nails in the coffin of my marriage.
"Congratulations, Luna Syrena!" Sarah appeared at my elbow, her smile sharp with false sweetness. "What a wonderful addition to your family!"
"Such strength you're showing," Rebecca added, pressing close on my other side. "Supporting your husband's needs despite your... limitations."
"The pack is grateful for your sacrifice," another voice chimed in.
They circled me like vultures, their congratulations thinly veiled gloating. Three years of their whispers and pity, and now they had their vindication.
"Thank you all for your kind words." I kept my smile fixed, regal, untouchable. "I'm sure you'll extend the same warmth to our new pack sisters."
Nina appeared through the crowd, linking her arm through mine. "Luna Syrena, you're needed in the kitchens. Urgent matter."
She pulled me away before they could respond, guiding me through side corridors until we reached a quiet alcove.
"Breathe," she commanded.
"I'm fine—"
"No, you're not. And you don't have to be." Nina gripped my shoulders. "Tonight, I have a surprise for you. We're getting out of here."
"Nina, I can't just—"
"Yes, you can. We're going somewhere the pack rules don't exist. Somewhere you can scream or cry or break things without anyone watching." Her eyes glinted with fierce protectiveness. "Somewhere you can get properly, thoroughly drunk."
"After today? Nothing could surprise me more than my husband taking three wives."
Nina's smile turned mysterious. "You'd be surprised. Meet me at the back gate at sunset. Wear something that isn't Luna-appropriate."
"Where are we going?"
"Somewhere nobody knows your name or your rank or your problems." She squeezed my hand. "Somewhere you can just be Syrena for one night."
Back in the great hall, the celebration continued. Devon stood surrounded by his future wives, accepting congratulations with a frozen smile. Mira had already positioned herself at his right hand, the place I'd occupied for six years.
Our eyes met across the crowd. For a moment, I saw my Devon—lost, conflicted, drowning in consequences. Then Mira touched his arm, drawing his attention back, and the moment shattered.
Tonight, I would leave. Tomorrow, I would figure out how to survive this new reality.
But first, Nina was right—I needed to get properly, thoroughly, completely drunk.