Chapter2

"I, Ophelia, swear to the Moon Goddess that I will fulfill Luna's duty: to love and support Phillips without wavering in the face of poverty, illness, or greed." I suddenly recalled my past oath and widened my eyes, gripping the chains tightly.

I couldn't do it. It wasn't right.

Taking a deep breath, I reinforced the chains one last time before turning and running towards the prison.

"Ophelia, you foolish woman!" Devil Lycan's voice grew more menacing. "This morning, Carlee almost released me from these chains. She's much smarter than you!"

Oh, my God, it was Carlee!

Without hesitation, I ran out of the prison, darting into the forest and following the path back to the packhouse.

My paws brushed through the grass and streams. The sunlight in the forest warmed my body and restored my sanity. I ran faster and faster, feeling the slight ache of my wounds tearing with each stride, but I paid no attention. I had to hurry to the pack meeting and reveal the truth. We needed to be cautious of Carlee!

As I approached the packhouse, I paused and adjusted my dress before making my way to the meeting room, where the sound of voices arguing reached my ears.

"Today's incident in the prison serves as a warning. Ophelia is unfit for the responsibility of guarding Devil Lycan. She has also caused harm to Carlee. I request that she be punished according to Pack Law," Gamma Richard's voice resounded from the meeting room. We held differing views on pack management, and he always favored Carlee. He was shifting the blame!

Pushing open the door, I stepped inside, raising my voice. "I am not to blame for today's prison incident."

My words drew everyone's attention in the meeting room, including Phillips, who sat at the head of the long table. He wore all-black clothing, with piercing blue eyes and golden hair. His face remained expressionless. But whenever I saw him, I could smell his earthy forest-like scent, which quickened my heartbeat and filled me with warmth, as if winter ice had melted into spring water.

I calmed my racing heart and continued, "As Luna, I am responsible for the safety and well-being of everyone in the pack. Therefore, I must tell you all here and now: Carlee released Devil Lycan from his chains!"

"What are you saying? Carlee is timid and fragile. How could she dare to release Devil Lycan from his chains? You're lying!" Gamma Richard immediately countered upon hearing my words.

"This is what Devil Lycan personally told me!" I retorted.

"I, I didn't mean to!" Carlee's sweet, feeble voice filled the room. Then, I noticed she was also present in the meeting room.

How could she be here? Her status did not permit her attendance at such a formal pack meeting!

Pausing for a moment, I carefully observed her condition. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her face appeared pale. She wore a robe. If I hadn't known the truth, I would have thought she was the one heavily injured, not me.

And that robe she was wearing... It belonged to Phillips.

I washed every piece of Phillips' clothing, meticulously cleaning and ironing them before neatly placing them in the wardrobe. That robe was a gift I had given him on his birthday last year, with "My Lover" embroidered on the hem. Yet now, Carlee draped it around herself.

I stared intently at that robe, forgetting the argument I had prepared and the need to refute Richard's words. That garment felt like a heavy stone pressing against my chest, making breathing hard.

Phillips, my mate, truly loved Carlee, the other woman.

At that moment, the thought flashed through my mind, and I lowered my eyes, pressing my lips together, fearing that evil curses might escape from my mouth. Alyee seemed to sense my distress and whimpered softly.

"Phillips... I heard precious herbs were growing near the prison bushes, and I wanted to find them as a gift for you! I didn't mean to release Devil Lycan. Please don't blame me... I was scared. Please, don't blame me." Carlee cried, wiping away tears with her hands as she sobbed. Her crying and vulnerable expression even evoked pity within me. With her black hair, downcast eyes, and round face that exuded innocence and charm, her slender figure triggered a protective instinct in others. So every time she made a mistake, everyone would forgive her as long as she shed tears.

Unlike her, I always appeared strong and rarely cried or complained.

Who would have thought that I, too, needed love?

"Ophelia, I command you to apologize for your false accusations." Phillips walked over and helped Carlee up, speaking sternly.

"It was her who opened the chains. I'm not lying, and I won't apologize." I lifted my head and replied calmly. "She needs to be investigated."

"Richard, it's not Ophelia's fault. It's all because I am too weak. I am truly useless," Carlee blamed herself, crying and leaning weakly against Phillips.

Hearing her words, Phillips roared angrily at me. I believed he would have attacked me if we weren't in the meeting room. I knew he was on the verge of rage. Defying the Alpha's command was not something a wise werewolf should do. But I resisted. I had to take responsibility for my pack members. I couldn't back down.

"Enough discussion," Phillips spoke slowly. "As the Alpha, I hereby declare Carlee innocent."

Carlee smirked at me from behind Phillips, out of his sight, and then left with Richard. Others didn't object to his decision and slowly followed suit, leaving the conference room. The room became noisy, but I couldn't hear anything amidst the chaos. Phillips used his Alpha power to protect his mistress during the pack meeting, disregarding the safety of the entire pack. It was nothing short of a joke to me! I believed he truly needed a capable Luna, but he disappointed me. He only wanted a sexy and enticing woman.

"Ophelia, what's the matter with you?" Phillips' words abruptly interrupted my thoughts.

I glanced up at him, feeling disappointed as suspicion filled his eyes.

"How come you smell like a Devil Lycan? Have you betrayed me?" he inquired.