Caleb just called her manipulative.

Yes, she was a manipulative woman, but this time she manipulated her husband so twistedly that whatever fine thread of trust tethered her with him, snapped. "Happy Dawn?" she asked, trying to show that she was a victim of her schemes.

​​

Dawn shook her head. "No I am not. But I will be by tomorrow. I am calling the council heads to ban you from the Silver Clan."

And this was her final blow.

Pia's eyes bulged. She had planned on getting Dawn banned from the clan instead Dawn had now hit her below the belt. Her mouth fell open and she raised her eyebrows. "No, you can't do that," she said in a shaky voice. Her gaze traveled to Daryn and then back to Dawn and then to the doctor.

The doctor was looking at the trio with confusion. What clan were they talking about? Silver clan as in Silver family? Well, she shrugged and then switched off the ultrasound machine. Her work was done and she went out, leaving the family squabble.

Daryn crossed his hands across his chest and took a wide stance. Pia stared at Dawn. When she saw her unfaltering expressions, she pressed her fist to the mouth. She stumbled back to lean on the examination table. "You won't do that," she said again in a hoarse voice. She had done so much to become the Silver family's daughter-in-law. Initially she had planned on seducing Daryn, but when he didn't respond to her, she went on to trap Caleb. Her dream was to become the Luna of the Silver Clan, the richest, the most powerful clan amongst the Lykae and one of the most influential families in the country. It was a hot seat. However, ever since Dawn had entered in her life, the spot had been slipping away repeatedly. This time she had connived so tactfully, leaving no gaps. She had even begun to ride on the wave of public sympathy. Her lips quivered and she looked down as she rubbed her forehead. Tears welled up in her eyes and she looked at Dawn with a miserable expression. "Look, you can't do that," she said. "The council would never believe a neotide!"

"Really?" said Dawn. "Then why are you crying? There is nothing to be afraid of. Face the council confidently." Dawn used Pia's own weapon against her. She wanted to ban her from the clan. No! Pia would get banned and as the Luna of the clan, she would use her power. Pia's game was over.

Dawn walked out of the room, and Daryn walked out with her. He held her hand and kissed it.

Inside the doctor's room, Pia held her throat lightly and stroked it in order to soothe herself. There was a burning sensation in her chest. Her hand slid to her chest and she rubbed it. Her muscles went weak and skin tingled with discomfort. Her mind replayed as to where her scheme went wrong. How could Dawn decipher her plans so easily?

"Caleb? Caleb, where is Caleb?" she said aloud and ran after him. He was her last chance.

Caleb had gone to the parking lot and leaned against his car. He was flinching when Pia's betrayal came forth. He had a shocked, deeply pained look and he closed his eyes as he lowered his head. His chest was crumbling with pressure he couldn't handle. He poked his tongue in his cheek as he exhaled loudly. He shook his head angrily, not believing that his wife had manipulated him and betrayed his trust to abysmal level. He couldn't breathe and panic began to rise. He let out a forceful breath to control himself.

Dawn and Daryn reached the parking area. One look at him and Daryn wanted to ease his brother's pain. He wondered if Caleb would hold him responsible later for his condition. "I am sorry brother," he said in a low apologizing tone, feeling sorry.

Caleb pursed his lips and stopped his eyes from spilling tears. His throat choked with emotions. He was about to become a father, then miscarried and then he came to know that he was living in one hell of an illusion—an illusion created by his wife.

Pia came running to Caleb by that time. She was in a frenzy. "Caleb!" she rasped. "You know Dawn is planning to get me banned from the clan." She stopped trying to catch up her breath. "You have to stop her."

Caleb gave her an intense, cold stare. "Banned?"

She nodded. "Yes, Caleb yes! She wants your wife to get out of the clan. Baby, you know why I did all this. Only to put you in the prime position."

Caleb cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. "To put me in the prime position?"

"Yes baby!"

Caleb ran his fingers through his hair and grabbed a fistful. "I can't believe this!"

"Baby, I am telling the truth. She just said that to me in the room!" Pia said it loudly.

Caleb shook his head unbelievingly at his wife. His voice became rough when he said, "You never wanted to put me in the Alpha's position Pia, you wanted yourself to be the Luna of the clan and that is why you planned this— this disgusting scheme." He banged the car on the roof and a dent appeared. "Damn it Pia!" He grinded his teeth, "You not only betrayed me, you deceived the Silver Clan." There was a sudden tightness in his chest. He wanted to hit her so badly, her wanted to hurt her so much that he dug his claws in his palms to the extent that they bled in order to stop himself. "How could a woman like you even aspire for the position of Luna? You have debased the very foundations you were supposed to build with me. You are so appalling that I am ashamed that you are my wife, and I am glad that you aren't my mate."

"Brother…" Daryn extended his hand to keep it on Caleb's shoulder. He wanted to comfort him, but Caleb stepped back.

"Don't Daryn." Then he looked at Pia. "I no longer want to remain in this marriage with you Pia."

"W— What?" Pia stuttered. Her face blanched.

"Yes, you heard me correctly. I don't want to stay in this marriage with you. I want to leave you, unmark you…"

Panic rose. "No Caleb, you can't do that," Pia said in a jittery voice. "You can't let this neotide come between us. She is evil. She should be the one out of the clan, not me," she pointed at Dawn. "She is the one who has taken my position." Pia said like a maniac. Her eyes were wide with fear, with unknown, with frenzy. "You must punish her, not me. I am your wife. I am a pureblood. I can't be defeated by a neotide. This title belongs to me, not her."

Caleb was so disgusted in his wife that he stepped in front of her and then slapped her hard across the face. Pia fell on the ground as she pressed her hand on her cheek and looked at him wildly. Caleb opened the car door, ordered Daryn and Dawn to sit in and then drove off.

Pia saw them not believing what happened. Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt some ten meters away. Caleb rolled down the window and said, "The members of the head council will come tomorrow morning. Be there for your punishment!" The car sped off.