The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 13: The Loyal Maid

Cindy's POV:

James looked at me, totally surprised by how furious and determined I was. Then a mocking smile appeared on his face. He didn't believe for a second that I'd break our bond. "Cindy, anyone can talk big. Break a destined bond? You think this is a game? You don't even have the courage to handle the pain of your soul being torn apart! Don't come crying back to me when you can't take it."

Beside him, Evelyn snorted, obviously thinking I was just bluffing.

To completely cut ties between mates, the bond they once made had to be broken. But the pain was like tearing the soul apart, and not every werewolf could handle that.

So, some werewolves who get cheated on choose not to break the bond. They just leave their mates and treat it like a peaceful divorce.

Even King Ryken's younger brother—Prince Niall, the one people called the playboy prince—had recently divorced his Princess Consort that same way.

But that kind of divorce isn't a clean break. As long as the bond exists, the stronger person can still control the weaker one, no matter how far apart they are.

James was right about one thing: I didn't have the courage to face that soul-crushing pain. But I wasn't planning on a peaceful divorce, either.

But what if I didn't have to be the one to suffer that pain?

"Y-you... you've gone too far!"

Suddenly, Jewel—who had stood quiet behind me—jumped in front of me and spread her arms to protect me, shouting at James and Evelyn, "Ms. Cindy did nothing wrong! How dare you humiliate her like this? You're just using your power to bully her! The Moon Goddess is watching. She'll never forgive backstabbing traitors like you!"

"How dare you! A mere Omega barking at an Alpha?" James's eyes flashed with anger. He was already furious because I talked back to him, and Jewel defending me only made him lose it.

He suddenly raised his hand and slapped Jewel hard across her delicate face.

Smack!

Jewel cried out as her small frame hit the floor. Her lip started bleeding instantly, and her cheek began to swell up.

"Jewel!" My eyes burned with rage.

"Diana! Get him!"

I completely lost it. Before James could even blink, my Alpha blood and Diana's power fused together. I moved like lightning and slapped him back—hard.

Smack!

James's head snapped to the side, and a perfect red handprint appeared on his face.

His eyes were filled with shock and fury.

He probably never imagined that "sweet, quiet" Cindy would actually slap him.

"Cindy! You dare hit me?!" he roared. His golden wolf eyes appeared. His Alpha pressure hit me like a wave. At his side, Evelyn half-shifted, growling along with him.

I didn't back down. I pushed Diana's power to the limit. The pure, cold aura of the Silverpeak Pack Alpha burst out of me like a sword leaving its sheath, meeting their pressure head-on.

For a second, the whole room shook. The furniture rattled and creaked as our three powers crashed into each other.

"You attacked me for a lowly Omega?" James's eyes turned dangerous. His wolf spirit was insulted and beyond pissed. "Fine. You want to protect her so bad? I'm going to kill this disrespectful slave right in front of you. Let's see you try to stop me!"

His muscles bulked up, his claws slid out, and he lunged toward Jewel with a lethal swipe.

"Don't you dare!" I shouted angrily.

My body moved faster than my brain. As he swung, I slid right into the gap, throwing myself between him and Jewel.

Thud!

My arm slammed into his claws mid-air.

The impact made my hand go numb, but I didn't budge. James clearly didn't expect me to block his furious attack, and he froze for a split second.

Now!

I seized the moment and jammed my knee hard into his stomach.

James groaned and stumbled back two steps. His eyes were wide with shock. "Your strength..."

He'd always thought I was just a pampered rich girl. He forgot that the blood of the Silverpeak Pack, a family of warriors, ran through my veins.

"Evelyn! What are you waiting for?! Do it!" James shouted angrily, embarrassed and furious.

I pushed James back and was about to go after him when a piercing scream rang out behind me.

"Ah! Ms. Cindy!"

My heart dropped. I spun around.

Evelyn had somehow slipped behind us.

Even though she was only a Gamma, she had fought in battles and was ruthless.

She didn't come for me. Instead, she grabbed Jewel by her hair and yanked her off the ground.

Evelyn's sharp wolf claws were pressed tightly against Jewel's fragile throat. Her nails had already pierced the skin. Blood slowly ran down Jewel's neck. It looked terrifying.

"Try moving again, Cindy!" Evelyn said with a cruel, gloating smile. Her claws pressed harder. "Keep it up, and I'll rip her throat out right now!"

"P-please don't hurt Ms. Cindy..." Jewel was shaking from the pain, but she was still crying and begging for my sake.

I froze. The wolf power I'd gathered felt like it turned to ice in me. Diana howled with rage.

Seeing this, James straightened his messy collar and walked forward with a dark expression.

"What's wrong? Not fighting anymore?" he sneered. "Weren't you so tough just now? Go on! Keep going!"

"Coward," I said through clenched teeth. My fists tightened, nails digging into my palms. "You're an Alpha. A general of the kingdom. And you're taking a helpless Omega maid hostage?"

"All's fair in war," James said. He walked over to Evelyn and lightly patted Jewel's frightened face. He stared at me, full of provocation. "Cindy, your problem is that you're too soft-hearted. She's just a slave. Is she really worth risking your life for?"

"Let her go." My voice was hoarse, forcing myself not to tear them apart.

"I can do that," James said, finally showing his true greedy side. "But what about the losses of my Duskfang Pack suffered? My emotional damage? Cindy, I want to see your sincerity."

He raised his hand and showed a number. "I want part of your inheritance. Transferred it to the pack's account. We need to buy new weapons. Once the money arrives, I'll let this slave go."

I looked at the blood dripping down Jewel's neck and the pure terror in her eyes.

Even if I were stronger, even if I could beat James, I couldn't guarantee I could save Jewel from Evelyn's claws.

Jewel was the last piece of my family I had left. She grew up with me.

Money can be earned again, but a life can't.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened them again, they were stone cold.

"Fine," I said, my voice as cold as ice. "I'll pay."

The rage on James's face vanished, replaced by the smug, greedy look of a winner.

"See? Was that so hard?" He shot a triumphant look at Evelyn. "Remember your promise. I want that money in the account by dinner. As for this Omega..."

He waved his hand with disgust. "I'll let her keep her pathetic life this time."

Evelyn let go and shoved Jewel away like she was trash.

Jewel hit the floor, clutching her throat and coughing hard, her blood staining her collar red.

James didn't even look at me again. He left with Evelyn, walking out confidently like he had just won a battle.

The second they were gone, I rushed over to help Jewel up. Seeing her swollen face and the bloody gashes on her neck felt like a knife to my heart.

"Ms. Cindy, I'm sorry... It's all my fault... I made you lose money..." Jewel sobbed. Tears mixed with the blood.

"Silly girl. It's just money," I said as I wiped her tears. My voice was gentle, but firm. "As long as you're alive, that's what matters."

I looked toward the door where they'd left. The last bit of warmth in my heart died out right then, replaced by a burning fire for revenge.