Alicia's POV

When Kronos heard what I had to say, he didn’t look shocked, but his brows furrowed slightly.

“Is this because of Lilith?”

“It’s because Blake broke his promise to me and betrayed our love,” I stated calmly.

But judging from Kronos’ reaction, I knew getting his approval for a divorce was going to be really difficult.

“Think it over,” he said, exactly as I expected, trying to dissuade me. “Blake is just getting another wife. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. Besides, he and Lilith have just achieved a major victory, and I personally permitted their marriage. If you divorce him over this, it’ll attract widespread criticism.”

I knew full well that what Kronos really cared about was his authority.

He wouldn’t allow anyone to question a marriage he had personally approved because of my request, even though would dare voice their doubts openly.

“You were once the daughter of an Alpha, and now you are an Alpha’s wife. You should understand the importance of the greater good,” Kronos said, turning me down.

I realized there was no way I'd convince him today. Pushing him too hard would only seem disrespectful, and if I angered him, I might never be allowed to end my marriage.

“Alright,” I responded, bowing respectfully before making my exit.

Now, I had to go back home and figure things out there.

*****

When I returned to Shadowfang Pack, Lilith was taking care of Blake’s mother, Emma, who had a heart condition.

She was bent over, spoon-feeding Emma medicine—something I used to do every single day.

Blake sat beside them, and the three of them glowing with identical sweet smiles—a picture-perfect family. And meanwhile, I felt like an outsider.

I couldn’t stand it and deliberately stomped my feet to announce my presence.

They all froze upon seeing me.

“Looks like the Alpha King didn’t approve your divorce request,” Blake said, his tone dripping with smug satisfaction. He continued, “Better give up. If you keep this up, it’ll hurt everyone, including yourself.”

When I stayed silent, he gestured toward his mother and Lilith. “See? My mother likes Lilith. How about you two take care of her together? It's nice for us to live happily as one big family, isn't it?”

“No, not at all!”

To hell with this “one big happy family” nonsense.

I was not going to compromise.

“You’re not my family at all!” I shouted, voice lacing with resentment. “My family would never betray me!”

I could still vividly remember how my parents and the rest of the pack folks had fought to their last breath, sacrificing themselves to ensure my escape on the day the Silverpeak Pack was wiped out.

Blake, Emma, and Lilith had no right to call themselves my family.

At first, after my narrow escape, I’d planned to spend the inheritance my family left behind rebuilding the Silverpeak Pack.

But then Blake, with his endless kindness and care, broke down my defenses. I decided to delay my plans and help him grow Shadowfang Pack instead.

Now, I was going to change that foolish decision. I wouldn’t spend another penny on Shadowfang Pack.

I would get a divorce, return to my old pack's land, and rebuild the Silverpeak Pack.

“You’re impossible,” Blake snapped, visibly exasperated, with no attempt to hide his disappointment. “I don’t understand what I ever saw in you.”

“That’s my line,” I shot back, glaring daggers at him. Now, I finally realized that I’d been deceived.

His motives for marrying me probably had more to do with my substantial inheritance than anything else.

“I won’t give up on the divorce."

With that, I stormed off.

But as I turned, I caught sight of a group of pack members crowded at the doorway.

Before I could ask when they’d gotten there, Lara, an Omega who usually clung to me for help, spoke, “Alicia, you should accept Lilith. She’s a well-respected Beta.”

Then, someone else chimed in, “Lilith is brave and strong. She’s much more suitable to be our Luna than you, who doesn’t even have a wolf.”

And then another.

“She’s the only one who can lead us to a better future.”

The familiar faces and the biting words just had me feeling totally crushed.

Each person in that crowd had benefited from me in some way—whether financially or otherwise.

I had helped them all, yet now they were teaming up to push me to accept the betrayal of my husband and the homewrecker.

It was so ridiculous.

“See?” Blake mocked, a smug grin on his face. “Everyone wants you to accept Lilith. You should take their advice.”

I had plenty of arguments clawing up my throat, but none of them made it out. They all got stuck somewhere deep inside.

I shook my head and pushed through the crowd, leaving them all behind me.

The icy wind hit my face as I ran, and I felt like the blood in my veins had turned cold.

At that moment, shame and fury extinguished any trace of the warmth and loyalty I’d ever felt for this pack.