Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna

"A terrified eight-year-old girl," I continued relentlessly, "huddled in the corner, covered in rat bites, screaming for help that didn't come. You promised to protect her then. What happened to that promise, Ethan?"

Olivia's eyes met his, filled with hurt and resentment. The stark contrast between her vivid memories and his apparent indifference was written clearly on her face.

"I... I didn't think... he began, his voice faltering.

"No," I cut him off harshly. "You didn't think. You didn't remember. You were too busy pleasing Victoria to recall your mate's deepest trauma."

(Victoria's POV)

Chate 55. The Matraco

The basement plunged into darkness as the last light was extinguished. My scream tore through the silence,

raw and desperate.

"Please!" I begged, though I knew no one was listening. "I'll do anything! Just get these snakes away

from

mel

Something slithered across my foot, and I kicked wildly, my heart threatening to burst from my chest. The cold, smooth scales against my skin sent waves of paralyzing terror through my body.

Just as blackness began to creep into the edges of my vision-a blessed unconsciousness that would free me from this nightmare-the door opened. Light flooded in, momentarily blinding me.

"No sleeping," a deep voice commanded.

Cold water hit me like a physical blow, shocking me back to full awareness. I gasped, sputtering and choking as the icy liquid soaked through my clothesnoveldrama

The massive form of one of Matriarch Evelyn's bodyguards loomed over me, an empty bucket in his hands. His face remained impassive as he observed my terror.

"The mistress says you are to experience every moment," he informed me coldly. "Just as she did."

Fresh horror washed over me as I realized the full extent of Olivia's revenge. She wouldn't even allow me the

mercy of unconsciousness.

The door closed again, leaving me in darkness with my slithering tormentors. I tried to control my breathing. to find some reserve of strength, but another snake brushed against my arm and panic consumed me once

more

"Ethan!" I screamed, knowing he couldn't hear me. "Save me!"

(Olivia's POV)

The Stone Ancestral Hall was silent as we entered, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of pack discipline. Matriarch Evelyn led the way, her cane tapping rhythmically against the floor.

Ethan followed, his face a mask of controlled emotion. I walked behind them both, supported by Bernard, my body still weak from my ordeal.

"Stand there," Matriarch Evelyn instructed Ethan, pointing to the center of the room.

He complied without argument, his eyes fixed on a point in the distance. The perfect Alpha, accepting the consequences of his actions with dignity.

Matriarch Evelyn turned to me, her eyes softening slightly. "Olivia, as the wronged party, you have the right to discipline even the head of the family when he has failed in his duties"

She gestured to Bernard, who stepped forward with a long, leather whip. The Ancestral Pack Whip-used only in the most serious cases of pack discipline.

"This is unnecessary," Ethan said quietly. "I accept that I was wrong about Olivia's involvement in the attack."

"This isn't just about the attack," Matriarch Evelyn replied firmly. "This is about years of neglect. About forgetting your vows to your mate. About betraying the very foundations of what it means to be an Alpha." She turned back to me, holding out the whip. "The choice is yours, Olivia. Our traditions allow you this right." I stared at the whip, feeling the weight of the moment. Part of me wanted to refuse, to be better than the

Chupte 55 Thu Kada su li

cruelty that had been shown to me.

But then I remembered Lily-my beautiful daughter who had died while Ethan was with Victoria and Emma. I remembered the basement, the rats, the terror. I remembered every slight, every dismissal, every moment

Ethan had chosen Victoria over me

I took the whip

Ethan's eyes widened slightly, perhaps surprised that I would actually go through with it. He removed his

jacket and shirt without being asked, revealing his muscular back

For a moment, I hesitated. Despite everything, this was still the man I had loved for years. The father of my

child

Then I thought of Lily's final moments, calling for a father who never came.

The whip cracked through the air, landing with precision across Ethan's back. He didn't flinch, didn't make a

sound.

I struck again, harder this time. A thin line of blood appeared, marring his perfect skin.

With each lash, I poured out my pain, my anger, my resentment. For Lily. For myself. For every moment he had chosen Victoria over his family.

Ethan's white shirt, discarded on the floor, became stained with droplets of blood-

a stark visual testament to my fury. Yet he remained silent, accepting the punishment with stoic dignity.