01
LYRIC
"You used me!" I sobbed, crying to my mate who just rejected me. "Mating with me was your ladder to power, Roderick! Your Pack climbed the ranks because of me! Now that you've achieved your ambition, you don't need the ugly girl anymore, is that it? But you were willing to mate with me a year ago!"
"Oh, spare me!" Roderick rolled his eyes. "Don't act like you didn't know I'd have left you at some point. Hold on, did you really think I'd have made you the Luna of my Pack? I can barely stand the sight of you, Lyric. How do you expect me to take you to Alpha meetings and present you to others? You are disgusting!"
"But I did not give this scar to myself!" I cried bitterly. "And you promised you'd take me to the best doctors. You didn't do any of that, Roderick! It'd have helped!"
"What? Even your own family doesn't care enough to take you to doctors, and you think I would? Quit, dreaming, Lyric and get out of my Pack!"
Tears blurred my vision. It wasn't the first time I was being called ugly, but it hurt more each time it came from Roderick.
I knew Roderick had no love for me when my family paired me with him a year ago. For a year, we lived like strangers despite being mated. I was still a virgin as he could not even bring himself to touch me.
It wasn't my fault I was ugly. I was burnt with a silver-base branding iron when I was a kid, leaving a huge scar by the side of my face. I still didn't know who was responsible for it, but I've had to grow up with this sting of rejection. Even my own family hated me and were embarrassed by my appearance.
But I thought Roderick would be different. I thought he'd love me. Apparently, in a world where ranks mattered the most to Pack Leaders, deceit was bound to happen.
I glared at him. I'd truly loved this man and wished he'd love me back. But now, I wish he'd suffer for what he did to me.
"You are a monster," I gritted the words. "And I hope you pay for this someday."
He threw back his head and laughed, a hollow sound. "Cursed Lyric, how exactly is that going to happen? I am currently the third most powerful Alpha now. My Pack is up the ranks while your family is beneath me! There is nothing you can do to me anymore. You have always been and will always be worthless!
"Listen, I have rejected you already, and you have accepted. Although, there is one final formality left, but as far as I'm concerned, you're not longer anything to me. So, get your disgusting face out of my pack! This instant, before I have the guards throw you out!" His glare was icy, and before I could respond, he walked out.
.........
After I managed to pull myself together, I left Roderick's Pack and decided to head home—to my father's Pack. I hadn't been home since I moved into Roderick's Pack, and I hoped they'd be willing to take me in.
My family had never really liked me. Everything started falling apart after my mother left—abandoning me when I was four. My father chose a new mate and suddenly didn't have enough time for me. Then, I got my scar and he became even more distant.
The guards let me through the gate, but when I rang the bell of the lounge, my stepsister and her mother opened up. To my surprise, they wouldn't let me in.
"Go back to Roderick and beg him some more, Lyric. There is no room for you here," Nora said after I explained everything to them.
Despite my attempt to get them to to pity me, letting them understand I had nowhere else to go, they ordered the guards to see me out.
They've always taken me to be a disgrace to the family and were happy when I left to Roderick's Pack. Now, they didn't want me back.
.........
By evening, I was seated in a bar, my favorite bar—Faceless Drunk. Over here, they mixed portions strong enough to get a wolf drunk, and you didn't have to worry about being recognized and judged as every customer made use of masks.
It had been my favorite bar for years. If people had to see my face, they'd think I was getting drunk because I was ugly.
"You're too ugly." I'd heard those words too many times, I could recite them in my sleep without missing a beat.
But above all, it was Roderick's betrayal that cut deep. It was even more painful that I could not do anything to him. His Pack was very powerful now, and I was an ugly, rejected girl who didn't even have a family to return to. Nobody could ever want me. What was the point of living?
I emptied the last of my drink and was trying to stand when someone spoke from nowhere: "A refill for the lady, please."
I turned in surprise to find a man taking the seat beside me. The bartender nodded and proceeded to get a refill.
I furrowed my brows in surprise as I looked at the newcomer. I couldn't see his face as he was wearing a mask just like me, but something about the way he appeared told me he was sophisticated.
His suit was a Mason Étoile brand, and his watch was an Aristo Tempus watch. An average Wolf couldn't afford these things.
"You've been coming here to drink alone for some time now," he said, surprising me.
His voice... It was soothing and impossible to ignore.
I lowered my eyes, feeling a little ashamed. How can he even tell? "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Your mask." He tipped his chin toward me. "You've never changed it."
Oh. "That means you also come here a lot."
"I do. It's not quite up to my standard, but it's my favorite place. I like it when I don't get judged by anyone."
The barman returned with my drink. I thanked the newcomer before drinking from my glass.
"From the look of things, you must be troubled. I am, too. So, why don't we make a deal, Miss? Have fun for the night and go our separate ways by morning?"
I looked at him in shock. He was offering a one-night affiar!
"But y—you don't even know me," I muttered shyly.
"I do not need to. It is simply for fun."
There was something about the way he spoke. I could tell he was a man that didn't care about the feelings of others and was only out to get what he wanted.
"Although, I must warn you," he tsked. "It will be a long night. I have... problems finishing on a woman. I never finish. So, like I said, it is simply for the fun of it."
Huh? He could not climax during intimacy? But I heard that was the best part of it. How could he enjoy intimacy if he has never finished on a woman before? The thought of it was sad.
Despite how absurd it sounded, a part of me was tempted. I'd always been curious about intimacy. No one has ever liked me because of my scar, not even my mate—ex-mate.
After much conviction from the newcomer, I gave it a thought.
"Can we keep our masks on?" You'll hate me just like the others if you see how ugly I am.
"Sure." He shrugged. "Your wish is my command, Princess."
Princess? My stomach churned.
Oh, no. He didn't know I looked like a monster. If he knew, he'd run off like the others.
I was tempted to cry. Sometimes, I really did wish I was treated like a 'Princess.'
02
LYRIC
We left the bar together, heading to his hotel as he called it. We drove off in his Arcanis GT. It was one of the most expensive cars in the world.
Whoever this man was, he was filthy rich. Could he possibly be an Alpha?
A part of me had been tempted to ask questions, but none of it mattered. We were simply going to make love and never see each other again.
......
It was the best night of my life. He made love to me in the sweetest way. Although, it was my first time, I wasn't sure intimacy could be any sweeter. I didn't want us to stop.
The stranger had been shocked to know I was a virgin. The entire session, he kept asking if I was fine and needed him to be more gentle. For the first time, someone cared about my feelings.
But something unusual happened during the intercourse.
Everything had been going so fine until he suddenly jerked while inside me and came with a deep groan.
I was shocked, but we were both in the moment and could not ask questions.
He got off me almost immediately, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"That is strange," he muttered to himself.
I was equally confused. I thought he couldn't finish on a woman?
He looked at me, and from how long it was, I could tell he was staring at me like I was a puzzle.
I was still lying on my back, exhausted. Soon, he joined me, lying beside me. He held his head up with his elbow.
"Who are you?" He ran a finger along my jaw. The touch was electric.
I swallowed hard. I am just an ugly girl who has been abandoned by everyone she's ever come across.
To my surprise, he took off his mask.
My mouth fell open in shock at the face before me. Good Moon! If he wasn't the most stunning man I'd ever met!
He was too good-looking. I could never have someone like him. He was too good for me.
I pulled the duvet further to conceal my body.
"You should've told me you were a virgin at the bar," he said.
What did it matter? I didn't care about being a virgin anymore.
Slowly, his hand reached for my face. Realizing what he had in mind, I gasped and recoiled.
"No." I shook my head, gripping the duvet tight.
"Why? You've seen my face."
Still, I shook my head.
"Our deal still stands. There's nothing to be afraid of." He added.
You don't understand! You'll hate me if you see my face.
The night was going too smoothly. I didn't want anything to ruin it.
"I'm ugly." I mumbled, dipping my head.
He seemed surprised.
He reached for my face again and this time, I didn't try to stop him. This was my fate.
He pulled off the mask, put a finger under my chin and tipped my head up to meet his gaze.
Tears glistened in my eyes as I stared into his—his silver charming eyes.
He was staring right at my face; at my scar. He was going to run away now.
I shivered and closed my eyes when he ran a finger along the scar. What was he doing?
"What happened?" His tone was soft, his fingers still caressing my face.
I met his gaze and so far, there was no resentment in his eyes.
"S—Someone attacked me." I swallowed. "I was abducted and blindfolded while they hurt me. I've visited a lot of doctors, but none has been able to help"
Seconds passed. He didn't take his eyes off me.
"You're beautiful," he murmured. I frowned. What was he talking about? "You really think the scar makes you ugly?"
I shook my head, pulling my face away from his grasp. "I am ugly. Everyone tells me."
More to my surprise, he pulled me in beside him, wrapping his arms around my shoulder. "Until tonight, I don't think I've ever met a lady as stunning as you, Princess."
My heart quickened as I listened to his heartbeat with my head on his chest. Uncontrollably, a tear escaped my lid. He was lying. He only wanted me to feel better.
"Do you think we could adjust our deal? I'd love to spend another day with you," he said, shocking me to the core.
What!? This was not possible.
"I—I—"
"Please."
My heart melted instantly. For the first time in my life, I was being begged to stay. Not leave.
I buried my face in his chest as I responded: "I'd love to."
........
But like everyone else, he lied to me.
Like everyone else, I was deceived.
By morning, he was gone.
I woke up and couldn't find him in bed. There was no note, no trace that he had even been with me aside from the ache in-between my legs.
And to make it worse, someone showed up at the door, asking me to leave.
"The man I came with last night, do you think he'd come back?" I asked the man, my heart racing in my chest.
"No. It was his idea to get you to leave. He said he doesn't want to see you anywhere near this property. Please, leave this instant," the man said and left.
And just like that, my heart was shattered all over. But surprisingly, it hurt more than when I had been rejected by Roderick.
03
LYRIC
"I'm sorry, ma'am; but I'm here to pick someone. I can't give you a free ride, if that's what you're asking." I struggled to hold back my laughter as I listened to Rufus, one of my father's oldest guards say, his eyes darting past my shoulder, looking out for the person he had been assigned to pick from the airport.
"I know. You have been sent to pick Lyric Harper, right? It's me, Rufus."
His eyes narrowed with suspicion. "You still haven't told me how you know my name. And...And how can you be Lyric? It's not possible." He shook his head. "Lyric is—"
"Ugly?" I finished for him, a broad smile on my face.
He frowned as he shook his head. Back then, Rufus was the only one that had never been able to call me ugly. He was among the very few that had cared about my feelings, and even now, to a stranger, he still couldn't call me ugly.
I laughed. "Well, would it help if I reminded you that your favorite soup was butternut squash and you and little Lyric used to play chutes and ladders?"
Recognition beamed in his eyes. His jaw dropped in astonishment.
"Seraphis have mercy! Lyric, it's really you!" He opened his arms, and I didn't hesitate to fall in for a warm hug.
Back then, Rufus and I barely had time together, but he always made the few times we met worth it. He was the closest thing I had to a parent.
"How is this possible?" He inquired after asking how I was. "Your face... My goodness! You look gorgeous! You've only been gone for five years and... I—I can't believe this."
"It's a long story, Rufus. But for now, let's just say fates decided to smile on me."
"Oh, Lyric! You do not know how happy I am to see you. I am sure your father must be delighted seeing you're not...un-beautiful anymore." I laughed at his attempt to not use the word 'ugly' on me.
Well, as for my father, I rolled my eyes in my head. I felt a little sad that I was forced to return here after five years because of him. My life was perfect in Draconis.
"Here. I'll take this to the car," Rufus said, taking my luggage.
"You do that and I'll meet you in the car. I need to pick up an extra luggage. Don't worry, I'll be quick."
I turned around and had barely taken three separate Rufus called my attention, "You dropped something."
Looking at the floor, I found the scanned image. My heart jumped into my throat as I quickly crouched to retrieve it.
Rufus watched with me with surprise. Obviously, he had seen the X-ray and would be wondering why the hell something of that nature had been in my back pocket.
Oh, Lyric. You couldn't be a little careful?
"It's—It's not mine," I cleared my throat, hoping my lie was plausible. I mean, who carried X-ray photos of fetuses in their back pocket?
Tucking it back into the pocket, I hurried away.
.....
I had my hands crossed over my chest as I waited at the collecting center. My extra luggage would be brought to me any moment.
As I waited idly, disturbing thoughts ran through my mind. Father wanted me home for two reasons. The first was to completely cut ties with Roderick.
In our world, when two wolves were getting mated, they tied a ribbon as a sign of their union and have it stored in a temple. So, when they wanted to part ways, there were two steps involved. First, they'd have to denounce themselves as mates with the words of their mouths, and secondly, cut the ribbon together.
After Roderick denounced me as his mate, we didn't get the chance to see each other again. Circumstances happened that pulled me away. But now, he was desperate to finish the final steps. Apparently, he'd chosen a new mate but couldn't accept her when he was still partially bound to me.
Well, I'd been looking forward to the day when I get to end things with the asshole. He was my past, and the stupid ribbon was the final thing holding us together.
"Excuse me, Ms. I'd like a moment of your time, please," someone said behind me.
I turned to see a well-built man in a black suit and dark shades over his eyes. I didn't need anyone to tell me he was a guard.
"Can I help you?" I furrowed my brows.
"Kind of. The Alpha over there demands an audience with you."
I looked to where he pointed—a mini bar—but couldn't see the man he was referring to. His face was shielded by a counter.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. These days, it was tiring. It was obvious there would never be a day where I'd step out without garnering attention from the opposite gender.
"I'm in a hurry. Tell him I'm sorry." I responded.
The guard's jaw tightened. "You can't ignore him." I read the unspoken words from his tone: He's a powerful Alpha. You can't simply ignore his request.
But I really wasn't interested in meeting anyone. "I'm sorry. I really am."
I looked away. It was disrespectful to ignore an Alpha's call. In a world where ranks mattered, he could be one of the powerful ones and could punish me severally, but I really wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone.
"It's Alpha Roderick of Nightshade." The guard added as if to entice me. But he had no idea, he had just reopened old wounds.
My eyes moved to him, then quickly flicked to the bar where the man was seated. Roderick? As in my ex-mate Roderick? The one I was here to end things with? No way.
My chest tightened with pain and it was all I could do to keep my emotions intact.
"More reason not to see him," I mumbled, turning away.
"Did you say something?"
"I said I am not seeing him." I gritted the words, my nails digging into my palms.
The guard gave me a disapproving stare before walking away, and I released a shaky breath.
Now, where the hell was my luggage?
I met one of the workers and demanded for an update, and he assured me it'd be here any minute.
Unfortunately, they were not fast enough as shortly, I saw Roderick approaching me.
04
Roderick Fletcher.
The one man I'd hoped would love me but never did.
The mind was a bitch. I thought I was over Roderick's betrayal and wouldn't feel a thing when I met him. But watching him as he approached me, looking like he was the one in charge made my eyes rim with tears.
I sniffled and looked away, forcing the tears back in.
"So, I had to come over to speak to you myself," he leaned against the counter beside me. "How daring."
My throat was tight, unable to find any words. I feared there would be a crack in my voice if I managed to speak.
Three guards hovered beside him, their eyes darting around. Roderick looked sophisticated, like he'd obviously been having a good life.
What was he even doing here? Was he picking someone?
"What's the name?" He tilted his head as he asked.
I said nothing, won't even look at him.
"Hello?"
"I don't feel like disclosing my name to strangers," I finally managed. My voice was tight.
His eyes beamed with amusement. And here was a man who never smiled at me when we were together for one year.
"Let's just say I'm overly excited today," he sighed. "I'm here, waiting for a certain bitch to arrive." When I gave him a puzzled look,he added, "Ex-mate. We are through with the first step and just have the tiny little step to go. I'd finally be free of her."
I scoffed. He was unbelievable.
"I'd have done this sooner, you know? But the horrid girl has been missing for years. Stressed us the hell out to find her." He spoke with raw disdain.
"What makes you call her horrid?" I found myself asking before I could stop.
He chuckled. "Trust me, honey; she's a monster. If you see her, you'd have the same opinion. She's the ugliest thing I've ever seen."
Something hot exploded in my chest. It was all I could do not to let my emotions rush out.
No. This was not the right place.
But Roderick was the true monster. He had no idea he was standing before the very woman he despised. What would proud he do if he gets to know?
It made sense why he was waiting at the airport. He clearly wanted to drag me to the temple to cut the ribbon. Well, I wouldn't let him humiliate me in public. Not again.
Fortunately, my luggage finally arrived.
"Sorry for the delay, ma'am," the young man said as he rolled it to me.
Not looking at Roderick, I made to leave. That must have surprised him. "I'd love to speak to you some other time. Your contact, if you don't mind."
For a moment, I stood with my back to him, contemplating my words. I turned around when I found the most polite one I could give; "Even if I have to give up my number to save myself from you, I wouldn't do it. Alpha."
When my words sank in, surprise danced in her eyes, followed by a hint of hurt.
Something blossomed in my chest. It was pride.
So, I rolled my luggage away, leaving him standing there in shock.
****†****†
Rufus and I arrived home to the party. It was my stepmother's birthday party.
Not that I had any intention of attending—may the moon forbid it—I just arrived at a coincidentally perfect time.
I wasn't dressed for the party. Had my simple jeans and shirt on with my hair in a ponytail. Yet, when I entered into the hall, heads turned in my direction.
I felt awkward for a moment. The whole attention thing was still new to me.
I never knew I could receive so much compliments until I was free of my scar. Now, people could hardly stare at me without telling me how beautiful I was.
My stepsister, Nora, walked up to me with a smile. "Hi! You're a little late for the party. What's your name?"
Typical Nora. From young, she's always wanted to be friends with the hot girls. She despised me so much as I brought a 'stain' to her name. A scarred lady being her sister.
Five years ago, she had slammed the door inh face, not letting me in despite my pleas. Now, she was being all nice.
"I'm not here for the party," I answered her coldly and looked away, scouring around for my father.
I found him in a corner with my stepmother and some guests. He was the reason I was here. I needed to know what was so urgent aside cutting ties with Roderick.
He had his eyes on me, staring suspiciously. I went toward him.
"Hey! Who are you?" Nora came after me, sounding a little hurt.
But I ignored her until I reached father.
My father was a well known Alpha, hence the party filled with dignitaries. I did well to bow my head to them as I stood before father.
"Who are you?" My stepmother asked.
I met her gaze with a smirk. "Am I that different that you can't recognize me?" I looked to father. "What about you, father? Am I too different?"
Audible gasps rippled around me. Nora's hand went over her mouth.
"It's not possible," she muttered, shaking her head.
"Lyric?" Father's eyes were filled with shock and recognition.
"Who's this impersonator?" My stepmother snapped. "Do you think we lack knowledge of what Lyric looks like? You think we'd fall for this scam?"
I focused my gaze on dad. "I'm only here 'cause you said there was something important you needed to talk to me about. If you don't mind, I'd like for us to have that conversation now."
Father took me to his study, leaving numerous shocked persons behind who couldn't utter a word.
I wouldn't deny how good it felt to know I was the reason they were speechless. They couldn't call me ugly. As a matter of fact, I'd never be called ugly by anyone, ever again.
"What happened to you, Lyric? Your scar was impossible to get rid of," Father asked.
"I don't wish to discuss it now." Or the horrible things that happened within five years. I was still trying to run from them. "Just tell me why you needed me here."
"Yes, that." his countenance soured. "You have no idea how happy I was when. I found you after searching for years. You just... vanished." He sighed. "We have a problem, Lyric. Our Pack is in a deep mess with Darkspire. I—I made some mistake and lost a lot of money—a whole lot—making me indebted to Darkspire."
Okay, I did not like where this was headed.
Darkspire was a generational wolf pack, known to produce only the strongest Alphas. The Alphas that always ranked first in the hierarchy system. They were avoided as much as possible as they were known to be vicious. One did not get tangled with them for any reason.
"If word of this gets out, we'd be doomed. We'd go down the ranks, and coming from a pack that was used to being at the top, believe me, it is not a good thing for us. But they're willing to let it go."
I furrowed my brows. It didn't make any sense. I sensed a huge 'But' coming.
"But they need a Luna from this family, for just a year."
05
LYRIC
It had to be a joke. Or at the very least, not what I was thinking.
Father's eyes turned more serious as he moved toward me. "I thought of offering Nora to him, but she's already with someone else, and the Alpha King might become furious if he thinks we're trying to offer him someone else's woman. This is the reason you're the only choice we have, Lyric. And... you have no idea how perfect it is that you have your face back. Initially, I had been worried we'd have issues with the Alpha King accepting you, but now, I am confident he'll be thrilled."
"Hold on," I scoffed, placing a hand on my thigh. "Please don't tell me you made me travel all the way from Draconis just to be told that I am about to be sacrificed to a demon."
No wolf was stranger to the name ' Darkspire'. Even me who knew little of Pack matters still knew how dangerous they were and nobody wanted to have anything to do with them; not in this life, not in another.
"Alpha Jaris is not a demon," Father said with surprise.
"But that is exactly what he is. Years ago, you said the same thing."
Alpha Jaris Dreadmoor was the most vicious man I'd ever heard about. Tales of how he had conquered his enemies—and sometimes, his friends—were no news to the Pack. Being from a family that produced only the strongest Alphas, he was currently the Alpha King of Darkspire, a man everyone feared and didn't wish to end in his bad books. I didn't know what he looked like. I'd never been privileged enough to meet someone like Jaris Dreadmoor. Not that I ever wanted to.
"There are rumors that he killed his own father and brother!" I raised my hand in the air. "How do you want me to be with someone like that?"
"Those are mere speculations, Lyric. Besides, you'll only be with him for a year."
"You don't need a year to kill someone, dad. All it takes is a minute, tops. But for someone like Jaris, I'm sure half a minute would do. Besides, why does it even have to be for a year?"
From what I heard, Darkspire didn't have a Luna yet since Jaris' rise to ascension. But if he wanted to take up a Luna, wouldn't it be long term or something? Why was he only asking for a year?
"Honestly, I don't know, Lyric."
"And you don't care," I cut in, pain edging toward my heart. "All you care about is giving him a Luna so you can get the problem off your back. You don't care about the problem you're putting on mine."
For a fraction of a second, wonder flashed across his face. The Lyric he knew would never argue with him. She'd have humbly agreed to anything he wanted. Well, let's just say I got to know my worth when I realized how beautiful I was. This Lyric was tired of being people's puppets.
Father came close enough to take my hand. This time, he looked so troubled, I feared he might go on his knees.
"Lyric, please." He gave my hand a little squeeze. "This is the last I'll ask of you as your father. Just do this for me, for only a year. And I promise, you'll make me the happiest father."
****†
Hours later, I stood in my room—or what used to be my room—staring at my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a long red dress with my hair falling over my shoulder. I was fully ready to meet Alpha Jaris, even though I'd rather I don't.
Something didn't feel right. Him wanting a Luna for only a year....it was wrong. But father had nearly gone on his knees begging me earlier. I could disappoint him. Besides, before he got mated to his second wife, there were times he'd been good to me.
I tried to resist the temptation as I stared at the drawer before me. But failing woefully, I still opened it and retrieved the scan. My heart fractured completely, old wounds reopening.
It was the one picture in the world that had the power to kill me every single time I looked at it, yet it was like a drug to me. I was addicted and could barely go an hour without touching it. Feeling it.
A tear dropped from my eye as I glided my finger across the images outlining the shapes of the unborn babies in the womb.
Five years, yet still the best thing that's happened to me. And the worse. But I'd rather hold onto the fact that it was the best.
It hurt so bad staring at them, but I couldn't stop.
The sound of someone trying to open my door broke into my thoughts. I jerked back to reality and quickly hid the picture. I'd made sure to lock the door a while ago, not wanting anyone to see me with the photo.
Getting the door, I found Nora, fuming.
"How did you get rid of your scar?" Her voice blared with indignation. "And what exactly is your plan? You want everyone to see the beautiful you, don't you?"
I rolled my eyes, my earlier pain dissolving temporarily. "Please, don't tell me you knocked on my door just to whine about how good I look. What, you really thought I'd look that heinous forever?"
Her glare turned even icier. "Well, just so you know, this won't change a thing between you and Roderick. Soon, he'll be here, both of you would go to the temple and finish your breakup."
It dawned on me instantly. Oh, no.
"Wait," I blinked. "You and Roderick?"
A triumphant smile played on her lips. "Years ago, things didn't work between us. But now, he's ready to choose me."
Well, if Roderick wasn't a bigger bastard.
"Ugh, you disappoint me, Nora. Using my leftovers?" I tsked. "Considering you've always thought yourself the pretty one, I expected better from you."
A tense glare pulled her brows together. She opened her mouth to say something, but I caught her off. "You don't have to worry. I'm done with Roderick and can't wait to fully end things with him." I slammed the door in her face.
......
A while later, father and I arrived Darkspire in one of his luxury cars. The Pack, which was known to be the biggest and wealthiest, was just as beautiful as people said.
I was dazzled by the sight and couldn't believe for a moment that I'd be Luna here.
Alighting our car, father and I were led into one of the buildings by some maids while his guards remained outside.
The Grand Luna—Jaris' mother—was in the large living room to welcome us.
"Bennett! I am so glad you made it," the Luna said, her eyes holding little amusement.
"Greetings, Luna." I dipped my head.
She regarded me with surprise. "Is this your daughter?" She asked dad. "Well, bless Seraphis, she's gorgeous!"
I couldn't help my smile. Luna Isolde, during her time, was a formidable Luna. She had ruled beside her late husband with an iron fist, destroying everyone who dared cross her path. I'd always wished to meet her.
"Please, come sit while we wait for Alpha Jaris. He'll be joining us shortly," she showed us to the couch.
Her version of 'shortly' turned out to be almost an hour later. Father and I were already exhausted and kept staring at the door, wondering how long it'd take the Alpha to arrive. Wasn't he aware he'd be having guests? His... new Luna?
At a point, Isolde looked angry and left. When she returned, she reassured us he'd soon be here. And indeed, he did come.
The air shifted in the room the second the door opened, revealing a man and two others behind him.
The Luna drew in a breath of relief as she rose to her feet. Father and I did same.
It was easy spotting who the Alpha was as the two other men flanked him. But the moment I had a clear view of his face, my world shattered.
No. No.
Horror gripped my chest, squeezing it until I felt pain. This had to be some twisted joke. Because how in Selene's name was I staring at the face of the very man that had ruined me five years ago?
