I winced inwardly, my composure slipping for just a second.

Beside me, the air pulsed as Evander's disbelief exploded. "You're joking!" he said loudly, drawing the attention of nearby wolves. "She's the rightful Luna! Why does she need anyone else's permission?"

"Evander!" I snapped quietly, my sharp tone stopping him in his tracks. He shot me an apologetic look before taking a step back.

I turned to the teller, my face an unreadable mask. "Very well," I said evenly. "Contact Alpha Aaron. If his signature is required, then have him summoned."

My tone left no room for argument, and both employees bowed slightly before hurrying off to make the call.

As silence filled the air, I closed my eyes and let out a slow breath, steadying myself. My hand held onto the edge of the marble countertop tightly, the familiar anxiety creeping up my spine.

Just ten minutes later.

My breath hitched slightly as Aaron entered, his imposing figure dominating the space effortlessly.

His piercing golden eyes scanned the room briefly, taking in Evander's defiant stance by my side and the slight tension in my frame. His lips curled into something that might've been amusement-or irritation.

"Luna Gianna," he said mockingly, his voice dry and oozing superiority. "Did I hear correctly? My resourceful and independent Luna needs my help? I thought you didn't need anything from me."

His tone coiled around me like a snake, biting and unrelenting. But I refused to give him the satisfaction of meeting his condescension with weakness.

"I wouldn't have needed you here if you hadn't frozen my accounts, Alpha," I replied, my voice sharp enough to cut stone. "This is my rightful due."

For a moment, his wolf stirred behind his eyes, a brief flicker of red that spoke to his annoyance.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice, though it carried the same cutting edge. "Your 'due,' Gianna? Such a fascinating word when you've already decided to cut ties with this pack."

Before I could open my mouth again, Evander interrupted, his voice loud and indignant. "These are her assets-ones she's earned herself through-"

"Evander," I interrupted sharply, my glare silencing him immediately. I couldn't risk him spilling more than he should.

Actually, I earned the assets by myself.

I had a secret identity among a select few as the "Moonlight Savior," a name whispered by high-ranking wolves who had received treatments they couldn't explain.

My healing was more than the typical abilities of wolves like me. It was... extraordinary.

I could stitch wounds that should've been fatal, cure infections that were deemed incurable, even counteract poisons that others wouldn't dare touch.

But my mother warned me to hide my healing ability before her death. I always listened to her and secretly helped others with their treatment anonymously using the name "Moonlight Savior."

The wealth I had accumulated from those anonymous acts could rival the treasures of an Alpha, but I had kept it hidden, even from Aaron.

Evander was the only one who knew this secret.

Aaron raised a brow at the exchange, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his mask. "Assets she's earned? Interesting choice of words."

I ignored his jab, straightening my back and taking a firm step forward. "As Luna of Crimson Moon Pack, I still retain my share of the pack's resources until the mate bond is officially severed. If you'd like to contest that, Alpha, we can take it to the council."

That seemed to catch him off guard, his sharp golden eyes narrowing as though trying to read something deeper in me. "Always the strategist, aren't you?" he muttered.

"Do I have your approval, or shall we take this to the next step?" I pressed, my voice steady even though my pulse thundered beneath the surface.

There was a pause, heavy and tense, before he finally relented. "Fine," he said, his tone clipped. With a wave toward the bank staff waiting by the door, he added, "You'll get what you came for."

The bank employees scampered into action, some bowing to him unnecessarily as they prepared their documents.

Without further argument, Aaron turned his back to me, his presence filling the room even in silence.

Moments after the transaction was complete, the two of us stepped outside, the tension between us unyielding. As I moved to leave, his voice called me back.

"We're going to see Rowena," he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

I halted, my lips parting in surprise. It had been weeks since I'd last seen his mother. Memories of her kindness and care tugged at my chest.

"She's asking for both of us," Aaron continued, tilting his head toward his car. "So get in."

Against the rational voice in my mind telling me to walk the other way, I nodded.

I owed her everything.

(In the car)

The silence was suffocating as we rode toward Rowena's estate. The only sound was the hum of the vehicle and the muffled thumps from the road.

I shifted uneasily in my seat, the rolling of the car making my stomach churn. My fingers pressed lightly to my abdomen as a wave of nausea gripped me.

From the corner of my vision, I saw Aaron glance sideways, his sharp gaze picking up on the subtle change. "What's wrong?" he asked, his tone detached but undeniably probing.

I hesitated, willing the sensation to ease. "It's nothing," I said after a beat. "Just an upset stomach."

He didn't comment, his eyes narrowing slightly before he turned back toward the window. It was barely noticeable, but there was a flicker of concern in his expression.

I said nothing more, though my thoughts spun wildly.

The timing of it all clawed at the edges of my mind. It had been over a month since that night... The night I'd buried in denial and confusion.

Was it possible? My heart fluttered, then tightened as the weight of that thought settled deeper.

But I wouldn't tell him. Not now.

Instead, I pressed my lips together and stared out the window, letting the silence fall between us again.