Chapter 3

For the next two days, I wore a perfect mask, playing the role of a trusting, naïve fiancée.

I was warm and attentive with Derek, friendly and gracious with Lina, respectful and obedient to my father. No one suspected a thing.

But beneath the surface, everything was moving according to plan.

Helen had secretly contacted her mother—an old herbalist named Agnes.

She came to the estate disguised as a new cleaning maid and examined my mother when no one was watching.

"It's an extract of Red Moon Flower," Agnes whispered in the hidden room adjoining my mother's chambers. "Extremely rare. Extremely vicious. Long-term exposure causes gradual deterioration, ultimately triggering death during any intense emotional shock. And..." She paused. "It leaves absolutely no trace. The cause of death would appear to be heart failure."

My mother and I exchanged glances, chills running down our spines.

"Can you cure it?" I asked.

Agnes nodded. "It will take time, but yes. I'll prepare an antidote for the Luna to take daily while restoring her strength. But until the poison is completely purged, she'll need to keep appearing weak. We can't let the poisoner grow suspicious."

"Understood." I studied Agnes carefully. "And... could you prepare something else? Something that looks like a beneficial tonic for an Alpha, but in reality..."

Agnes's eyes flickered with understanding. "You want to fight poison with poison?"

"Something like that." A cold smile crossed my face. "Since he's so fond of poisoning others, let him have a taste of his own medicine."

Agnes was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I know just the thing. There's an herb that, when taken over time, gradually damages the nervous system until it causes complete paralysis. The process is slow. But..." She paused. "If taken in large doses over a short period, the effects manifest much faster."

"That's the one," I said.

The next question was how to get my father to take it.

The answer was simple: Lina.

The woman who wanted to replace me.

She craved our father's approval, desperate to prove her worth.

If she "accidentally" learned about some rare herb that could enhance an Alpha's power, she'd fall over herself to acquire it and present it to him as a gift.

"Have Marcus handle it," my mother added, refining the plan. "Have him arrange for someone to casually mention this herb in front of Lina—how precious it is, how potent. Her greed will do the rest."

Then my mother looked at me, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes.

"Ella," she said softly. "I failed to protect you. I let you suffer through all of this..."

"No, Mom. This isn't your fault." I squeezed her hand. "It's theirs. Besides, I had to grow up sometime."

She was quiet for a long moment, then reached out and touched my face.

"My daughter," she said. "I'm proud of you."

...

The plan unfolded smoothly.

The next day, Lina "happened" to hear about this miraculous herb. She quickly obtained a supply through her own channels and presented it to my father at dinner that very evening.

"Alpha," Lina said, carrying an ornate wooden box to the head of the table. "I heard you've been exhausted from pack affairs lately. I went to great lengths to find this for you."

She opened the box. Inside lay dried herb leaves of deep crimson, releasing a strange, distinctive fragrance.

Victor Silverman—my father—set down his knife and leaned forward with interest. "What is this?"

"Wolf's Heart Grass. It only grows deep in the Silver Moon Forest." Lina's voice brimmed with barely concealed pride. "I paid a fortune to get this recipe from an old hunter. They say long-term use strengthens an Alpha's power—makes you even stronger than you were in your prime."

My father's eyes lit up. Power. It was always what this Alpha craved most.

"Good girl." He picked up a leaf and examined it closely, genuine appreciation in his voice. "Look at Lina—so thoughtful."

His gaze drifted pointedly to me.

I set down my fork. The silver clinked softly against the porcelain plate.

"Father," I said, keeping my voice gentle with just the right note of confusion, "when did Lina learn about herbalism? I thought she's been studying household management under the head maid since she came to the estate."

The atmosphere at the table froze.

Lina's expression flickered, but she recovered quickly. "I... I taught myself. When I couldn't sleep at night, I'd read books..."

"Is that so?" I tilted my head, putting on a look of innocent curiosity. "But I remember Wolf's Heart Grass is an extremely rare herb. Even our chief healer says it's difficult to identify and harvest. How could that old hunter be certain it was genuine? And..." I paused, turning to my father. "Shouldn't any herb be examined by a healer before use? What if there are side effects—"

"Enough!"

My father's voice cracked through the dining room like thunder.

My mother's gaze sharpened instantly. I quickly reached under the table to squeeze her hand in reassurance.

Her fingers were ice-cold, but she squeezed back firmly.

"Ella, I would have thought that as my daughter, you'd show more generosity." Father rose to his feet, his towering frame casting a long shadow in the candlelight. "Lina went to great trouble to find this medicine for me. This is her sincerity. And you question her motives?"

I lowered my head, letting my hair fall forward to hide the cold light in my eyes.

"I'm sorry, Father. I was only worried about you."

"Keep your unnecessary concerns to yourself." He sat back down, his tone slightly softer but still brooking no argument. "Jealousy doesn't become you, Ella. Hasn't your mother taught you that a proper Luna should be gracious?"

My nails dug deep into my palm. The pain helped me maintain my smile.

"Yes, Father. I understand."

Lina shot me a triumphant glance, victory practically spilling from her eyes.

She poured my father a glass of red wine, then placed several leaves of Wolf's Heart Grass into another cup and added hot water.

The herbs unfurled slowly, the liquid gradually turning an eerie dark red—like diluted blood.

"Try it now, Alpha." Lina offered him the cup, her eyes gleaming. "See how it feels."

Father took the cup and drained it without hesitation.

The dining room fell silent. Everyone watched him.

A few seconds passed. Father drew a deep breath, then exhaled slowly.

His eyes widened slightly, as if in disbelief.