Vione must have heard wrong. Maybe Usher had misspoken. After all, how could an Alpha threaten his own Luna in front of his mistress?

It was not embarrassing, but it was heartbreaking. Even Mireya's slap could not compare to the reality that had just hit her.

True. In Usher's eyes there was only Mireya. Vione never meant anything. Just as people had said, she was just a worthless werewolf. She was an invaluable Luna.

Vione's vision was blurred by the tears. In the midst of her efforts to regulate her breathing, she saw Usher leave her to embrace Mireya again.

They looked harmonious. Both handsome and beautiful. They were like gods and goddesses who should be together.

"Usher, aren't you doing a little too much? Look at Vione. She seems to be in real pain."

Usher turned and looked at Vione with a snarl. His look was mocking and highly contemptuous.

"I thought it was the other way around. The punishment is not enough for what she did to you."

Vione tried to rise with great difficulty. She bit her lower lip violently as she clenched her fists. The pain in her heart was beyond words, but she tried to bear it with whatever strength she had left.

"You really are outrageous, Usher."

Usher ignored Vione. He dismissed Vione's words and concentrated on Mireya. He embraced Mireya and let her rest her head on his broad chest, caressing her.

Vione could not hold on any longer. Her remaining strength really did not allow her to stand any longer. So, she decided to leave as quickly as possible before Usher and Mireya humiliated her any further.

"You really have no heart, Usher."

Those were the last words Vione whispered before she really left the scene. She walked, strengthening her heart as she realized that her pitiful state was not enough to evoke pity from Usher.

Her body trembled. Vione's legs began to give way. She almost stumbled as she left the palace hall. But she was grateful. At least she left at the right time, just as Usher began to kiss Mireya, causing deafening cheers.

Vione leaned against the wall for a moment. She took in as much air as she could while closing her eyes. She gathered her courage and left before anyone saw her in such a humiliating state.

When she reached her room, Vione's defenses had completely collapsed. Her body went limp and she fell onto the bed. The tears she had been holding back finally poured out.

Vione squeezed the sheets. She held back the urge to scream out all the pain in her heart, because she did not want Usher and Mireya to hear it; they would surely laugh.

But the pain was truly agonizing. Her chest felt tight and Vione thought she would explode.

Vione sobbed. Amidst all the sadness and resentment, one question echoed in her mind. Why did she have to go through all this?

Fate should not be so cruel. Fate should not bring constant sorrow.

Not only was Vione born without a clear origin and claws, she also lost her dignity because of Usher's behavior. She was truly humiliated to the lowest point she had ever imagined.

How could you, Usher? How could you do this to me?

*

"I really didn't expect Vione to be so violent towards you, Mireya. Forgive me."

Mireya smiled. She saw Usher checking her wrist several times to make sure she was really unharmed.

"Why should you apologize? It's not your fault, Usher. It is Vione's fault and maybe mine."

Usher finished examining Mireya's wrist. "Yours?"

"Yes," Mireya nodded. She wore a guilty expression. "I shouldn't have come to The Palace. In the end, my longing only led me to meet Vione."

There was an interesting thing that made Usher smile. He cupped Mireya's neck and kissed her lips.

"If you miss me, you should contact me. Let me come to you."

Mireya's attitude became affectionate. She shook her head and said, "I came here on purpose because I wanted to surprise you."

"Your plan succeeded," Usher replied with narrowed eyes. He pointed at Mireya's slightly flushed wrist. "I was really surprised, and if I had come too late, I don't know what Vione would have done to you."

"Don't be angry, Usher. You know I did it because I missed you. Besides, I didn't expect Vione to act like that."

Usher sighed. He leaned against the sofa, then pulled Mireya's body toward him. He hugged her and his thumb began to caress Mireya.

"I didn't expect Vione to act like this either. She has never been rough with anyone before."

Mireya looked comfortable in Usher's embrace. "You saw it with your own eyes, Usher. She grabbed my hand very hard. She hurt me. I don't know what she would have done if you hadn't gotten there in time."

Usher nodded without words. He acknowledged Mireya's words and was grateful that his business on the plantation had been settled sooner than they should have been. He could not imagine what would have happened if he had come home later.

"I think it has to do with Ayla's prophecy."

Usher blinked. "Ayla's prophecy?"

"Yes, Ayla's prophecy. She can become your Luna because of this prophecy. Of course, that makes her vain. She feels special."

"Special?" Usher snorted, shaking his head. His laughter sounded faint. "She'll never be special. You'll see. Her life is truly pathetic."

A meaningful smile spread across Mireya's beautiful face. Her hand rose and rubbed Usher's chest. "Special or not. Pathetic or not. The truth is, she and I are not so different."

"What do you mean? Why do you compare yourself to Vione?"

"I didn't mean to compare myself to Vione, but I did," Mireya continued, exhaling. Her posture seemed to indicate fatigue, although in reality, unseen by Usher, she was smiling even wider. "Anyway, Vione is your Luna. So, I'm the one who's really pathetic in people's eyes, Usher. I keep on loving you while Vione, who has you."

“Mireya.”

Usher's voice rose. His casual embrace of Mireya vanished. He created enough distance to observe the sadness etched into Mireya's face.

"What did you say?"

Mireya smiled, but this time it was a bitter smile. "I speak the truth, Usher. I am indeed pathetic for loving a man who already has a mate. Especially since that mate was chosen directly by the Moon Goddess and approved by all the packs. Isn't that right?"

"No. Don't ever say you're pathetic, Mireya. You know that I love you, don't you?"

Mireya did not answer. She just remained silent, with a helpless look that continued to stare at Usher.

"Mireya."

Mireya nodded wearily. "I know, Usher. I know you love me."

Mireya's answer did not ease Usher's mind. On the contrary, he became even more agitated. He did not like to see Mireya whining and belittling herself.

"To hell with this prophecy, Mireya. It means nothing compared to my love for you."

"That may be true for you, but what about the others? You don't know, do you? Even Vione humiliated me earlier."

"What do you mean? What did Vione say to you?"

Again, Mireya did not answer. She turned away, avoiding Usher's gaze. "Forget it. You don't need to know. Maybe your love is only for making me your mistress."

Usher was stunned. He absorbed every word Mireya spoke and his face changed. His jaw hardened and veins began to show on his forehead.

"Did Vione tell you that?"

Mireya sighed without answering.

"Mireya, answer my question. Did Vione tell you that?"

Mireya's eyes closed dramatically for a moment, then she nodded. "Yes, she said that to me, Usher."

"Damn it."

"Damn it? No, Usher. You should know everything she said to me. Damn it is not enough to curse her."

"Tell me, Mireya. What did Vione say to you?"

Usher grabbed Mireya's chin. He stared at Mireya as if to signal that it was only right that she be honest with him.

"All right, Usher. I'll tell you everything that happened."

With a sad face and a withered look, it was not difficult for Mireya to distort the facts. She said that Vione had forbidden her to see Usher.

Not only that, but armed with the fact that Usher had arrived at the right time, Mireya added some dramatic elements.

Usher heard it all and held his breath. His blood was boiling. His anger rose in an unmistakable roar of disbelief.

"Among all this, there is one thing that hurts me deeply, Usher."

"Tell me, Mireya."

"She said that I still can't compete with her, regardless of having a family and claws. She will remain your owner and I will only be your mistress."

It seemed to be the only truth Mireya spoke. But she said it in a way that Usher understood it with a completely different meaning.

"How dare Vione say that to you. I won't forgive her."

Mireya rubbed Usher's chest, trying to calm his anger. "Let it go, Usher. Besides, what Vione said is true. I love you. You love me too. Unfortunately, I am nothing more than your mistress."

"Mireya, don't say that."

"What then, Usher? Nothing will change even if I don't say it. The reality won't change. I will still only be your mistress while Vione—" Mireya closed her eyes with a hurt expression. "She is the one who will be your mate."

Hearing a similar sentiment from Mireya made Usher even angrier. He grabbed Mireya's face and tilted it. He made her look straight into his.

"Look at me, Mireya," Usher ordered. Without blinking, he showed unwavering determination. "I love you. Forget Ayla's prophecy or the approval of the packs. In my heart there's only you."

For a moment, Mireya said nothing. She met Usher's gaze with a bitter smile.

"I know, Usher."

Mireya's words did not calm Usher. He growled.

"I would do anything for you, Mireya. I love only you."

Mireya nodded. "I know, Usher."

"Tell me, what do I have to do to make you trust me? I'll do anything to keep you from being sad."

Mireya's hand rose and gripped Usher's wrist. "Anything?"

"Anything," Usher nodded confidently. "Whatever it is. I'll do anything."

Anything. Mireya could feel Usher's determination and confidence. So, she had no hesitation in giving Usher what he wanted, the answer to his question.

"Including breaking your pairing with Vione?"

*