Alpha's Secret Bride-Chapter 52: The Alpha’s Forsaken She-Wolf

"Lunara has found favor in the eyes of the Moon Prince and he just gifted her a mini-mansion. We are moving out of this den on Saturday," Luna Theresa smiled, her wolf glowing with satisfaction as she shut the chamber door slowly. The moment the door closed, her excitement burst free, and she began to scream with joy, her voice echoing through the den like a victorious howl. But her excitement faltered when she noticed Brooklyn standing still, her wolf heavy with sadness, tears shimmering in her eyes.

Emma Greens stepped closer and pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as though she could shield her from whatever pain weighing her down.

"I missed you already," she murmured softly.

After a few moments, Brooklyn released her and pulled the box Emma’s mother had given her closer. Her movements were slow, almost hesitant, as though she feared what she might find inside. She carefully began unwrapping the ribbon, her fingers trembling slightly. Inside lay a white envelope, sealed with a golden crest. Though the seal had already been broken, the letter remained untouched within. Emma opened it and gently pulled out the paper. Her wolf stilled as her eyes scanned the contents. Only eight words were written:

"Emma, you will remain in my heart forever."

Oliver’s name was nowhere on the letter, yet Emma knew instantly it was his. His writing was etched into her memory, unmistakable. She lifted her gaze slowly, her wolf spinning with emotion as tears flooded her eyes.

"Who is the sender?" Brooklyn asked, leaning closer to look.

"Oliver," Emma whispered.

Brooklyn read the words aloud, her voice breaking, "Emma, you will remain in my heart forever!" Tears streamed down her face as she wiped them away.

Emma suddenly rose from the bed as though awakened from a deep slumber. Without a word, she bolted out of the chamber, her wolf driven by a desperate instinct. Brooklyn tossed the box aside and chased after her. Their bare feet pounded loudly against the stone stairs as they rushed down, the sound echoing through the den.

Emma ran straight to the main path, her eyes scanning both directions frantically. There was no sign of Oliver. She turned and sprinted toward the backden, lifting her gaze toward the towering trees, searching every branch as if he might be watching from above. But he was nowhere.

"What is it, Emma?" Brooklyn asked, breathless.

"Oliver!" she cried, her voice filled with longing as she continued searching.

Brooklyn bent over, her hands resting on her knees, panting heavily like one who had run across territories. Emma ignored her, her wolf restless, refusing to accept the absence. But when reality finally settled in, she leaned against a tree and slowly slid down to the ground. Her wolf broke, and she wept bitterly. Brooklyn sat beside her, gently wiping away her tears.

"It’s okay. I’m happy he has not forgotten you. I was worried before, but after reading the letter, I know he truly cares for you. It’s only a matter of time," Brooklyn said softly.

"I wish I had seen the one who delivered it," Emma murmured.

"Be grateful you received it. Your mother could have hidden it. Come, let’s return inside," Brooklyn said, helping her to her feet.

They walked back into the den slowly. Lunara spotted them immediately and shot Emma a wicked glare, her wolf burning with anger. Emma ignored her and kept walking, unwilling to engage.

"What did you tell the Moon Princess about mother and father?" Lunara’s voice cut sharply through the air behind her. Emma turned slowly.

"What did she tell you?" Emma replied calmly.

"Answer me! Did you tell her father cannot afford your tuition?"

Emma’s eyes hardened slightly. "Can he?" she asked.

The slap came suddenly. The sound cracked through the air as pain spread across Emma’s cheek. She staggered but regained her balance, anger rising within her wolf. She stepped forward, but before she could act, a powerful force lifted her and threw her aside like weightless cloth.

"Do you know who she is? Answer me!" Daniel roared, stepping closer. He kicked her ankle harshly.

"She is the Crown Moon Prince’s closest moonally!" he yelled.

Luna Theresa and several visiting she-wolves rushed out of the lounge, helping Lunara—who cried as though gravely injured—to stand.

"That’s enough, Daniel!" Luna Theresa shouted. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Go to your chamber and wait for me. I have something for you," Daniel ordered.

Emma ran instantly, not even glancing back at Brooklyn, who waved tearfully.

Hours later, after the visitors had left, Daniel entered Emma’s chamber carrying four white binding ropes. Emma stood on the bed as he locked the door. Panic surged through her wolf as she rushed to the window, attempting to squeeze through the iron bars, but the space was too narrow.

Daniel yanked her back by her gown, and she fell onto the bed. He seized her legs and bound them tightly to the metal frame. No matter how she struggled, she could not break free. He tied her wrists together and secured them to the bed’s base.

The remaining ropes were twisted into a harsh whip. Without mercy, he struck her repeatedly. Each lash tore through her wolf, pain exploding across her skin. Loud banging echoed from outside the door, but Daniel did not stop. Emma screamed until her voice faded into silence. When he was done, he threw the ropes at her.

"Silly wolf!" he spat before leaving.

Luna Theresa and her companion rushed in, quickly untying Emma. Tears filled the visitor’s eyes as she examined Emma’s battered wolf.

"Theresa, send her to your mother. He will kill her one day," Sienna said urgently.

"My mother does not favor her. She prefers Lunara," Luna Theresa replied.

"Perhaps because of what you all say about Emma!" Sienna snapped.

"Emma hates my mother too!"

"Because she treats me harshly," Emma whispered weakly.

"The same way she treats Lunara?" Luna Theresa challenged.

Emma’s voice trembled, "Has she ever made Lunara survive on raw eggs for two days? Or accused her falsely and forced her to purge her stomach? She does these things to me."

"This is no excuse. You simply resent her," Luna Theresa said coldly.

Sienna stepped forward. "Let me take her."

"She is not going anywhere," Luna Theresa replied sharply.

"If this continues, we will report him. His cruelty cannot continue," Sienna warned firmly.

Emma reached for her weakly. "Can I go with you?"

Sienna glanced at Luna Theresa, then nodded. "Yes."

Emma changed slowly, her gown stained with blood. Luna Theresa turned her face away, unable to bear the sight.

"Did she commit a grave crime?" Sienna demanded angrily.

"The High Luna wishes her heir to bond with Lunara. She must be protected," Luna Theresa explained.

"If he kills her, the royal court will punish him severely!" Sienna snapped.

"I will speak to him. If nothing changes, I will send her back to Springfield Territory," Luna Theresa said.

"I do not want to return there," Emma whispered.

"Then behave!" Luna Theresa shouted. "Excel in your studies, avoid distractions, fulfill your duties!"

"Enough," Sienna interrupted. "She stays with me tonight." She guided Emma toward the door.

As they stepped into the corridor, Emma saw her father standing there, reviewing documents. He quickly hid them inside a brown envelope when he noticed them. Emma’s wolf stirred with suspicion, wondering what secrets he concealed.