Chapter 3

I was jolted awake by a bucket of freezing water splashed over my face.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Leo holding an empty bucket, while Jasmine clapped her hands.

"Good job, sweetie!"

The wolfsbane was finally leaving my system, but the cold water made me shiver violently, triggering a splitting headache.

"What do you want?"

"Do you think you're here on vacation? Sleeping so soundly?" Jasmine sneered.

"Get up. You're coming with us."

They dragged me down to the pack's dungeon.

It was freezing, damp, and smelled of rust and dried blood. Chains, whips, and torture devices hung from the walls.

This was where the Crimson Pack dealt with traitors. Ethan was already standing there.

He frowned when he saw me.

"Why did you bring her here?"

"What? Are you feeling sorry for her?" Jasmine pouted.

"Of course not. You're my chosen Luna. I just meant, why did you bring Leo along?"

Ethan patted Jasmine’s head, then knelt down to tie Leo’s shoelaces.

Wet and freezing, I huddled in the corner, shivering from the draft.

"Since I'm your chosen Luna, I want to drive silver nails through her knees. Is that okay?" Jasmine tilted her head, tugging at Ethan’s arm.

My eyes widened in horror.

"What did you say?"

Silver nails through my knees? How could they be so barbaric?

"That might ruin her permanently, Jasmine," Ethan said, looking slightly hesitant as he glanced at me.

"Her life is worthless, but if other packs find out, it might cause unnecessary gossip."

Jealousy flashed in Jasmine’s eyes. She pushed Leo forward.

"Our son wants to do it too. Besides, we won't drive them in too deep. What’s the big deal?"

"You said I was your Luna. Are you going to take an outsider's side over mine?"

Leo shook Ethan’s arm. "Daddy, Daddy, I want to do it!"

"Didn't you say this woman survived a hundred lashes at the silver post before? She’ll be fine with just a couple of nails!"

I looked at the child I had carried for ten months. I couldn't believe how cold-blooded and heartless he was.

"Leo... I should have never given birth to you."

"If I knew you'd turn out just like Ethan, I would have never brought you into this world."

I began to cough violently. My body was burning up. I was running a high fever.

"Enough, Sophie! You were the one who begged to marry me. I never wanted you."

"And you abandoned our son the moment he was born. What right do you have to speak to him like that?"

Ethan’s eyes flared with anger.

"Do you know how much I wanted to kill you when I came home with everything ready, only to find you gone?"

Looking closely, I actually saw a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.

"That's because I never loved you, Ethan."

"I was only with you for the money. I told you that five years ago."

"Fine. Fine!"

Ethan nodded grimly, grabbing my arm and throwing me forward.

I collided with a metal rack, making my head spin.

"Tie her up. Drive the silver nails into her knees. Let's see how she runs away this time."