After witnessing her husband's affair with her sister, Lyria decides to leave the pack, never again will she be loyal to a lover who is not her own.

Chapter 1

In the second year of my union with Damon Ashford, I found out that there was another wolf that got all of his love and vows. Something I have always begged for in every way since the Alpha had joined us when we were still pups.

“You are my fated mate, no other shewolf can be as stunning as you Lyria” He would have said.

But there was another wolf all along. And this other woman was none other than my sister, Lilith.

If it had been another wolf, I would have snapped her into two with this anger. I would have made her regret why she belongs to this pack. But it was Lilith, I dare not touch her.

Although neither of us were born into this pack, the Alpha and Luna took us in when we were pups. Yet, it was always clear who they favored. Lilith. Always Lilith.

The she-wolf with the angelic face and the sly tongue that could convince anyone to dance to her tune. I was the shadow trailing behind her light—a dutiful wolf who could never match her allure.

While I suffered in the pack’s healer’s den, nursing wounds from rogue attacks that nearly cost me my life, Damon abandoned me to be with her.

My heart had already endured countless scars, but this cut the deepest. The mate bond tethered me to him, a bloody reminder of what was never love but was now torment.

The betrayal wasn’t just an affair. It was a full-scale mockery of my already pitiful existence. I learned Damon intended to make Lilith his Luna—discarding me, his fated mate, like I was nothing more than a servant. He was just using me to save face.

But not anymore. No longer will I stay in a pack I am not respected. No longer will I devote loyalty to the love that is not my own.

That night, I made my decision.

If I couldn’t escape the bond, I would escape this life.

The moon shone high as I met with Jareth, the rogue merchant who operated in the shadowlands near the pack's borders. He was rumoured to be untrustworthy and capable of dangerous things. But that's what I intend to do now. Dangerous silent moves that would shake the foundation of this territory.

“ Let me see this one” I demanded with my veil on.

“This is no ordinary retreat,” he said, his voice low and enticing. “This is a ship of the wild rivers, hidden in the uncharted territories. Fully stocked with provisions and enchanted to evade detection. Once you set sail, no wolf—Alpha, Beta, or rogue—will be able to find you.”

I stared at the map he spread before me, tracing the rivers that would carry me far away from this wretched pack.

“Will it take me to a place where I can leave all of this behind?” I asked, my voice sharp and cold.

Jareth’s grin widened. “You’ll vanish completely. No one will know where you’ve gone.”

“Then it’s settled,” I said, cutting him off before he could continue. “I’ll take it.”

“My lady…..the outside world is dangerous” He began again.

“ Anyone that wants to go on a journey of no return should have a companion so they won't die of loneliness before reaching the far away lands. Are you certain you wish to—”

“Yes. Prepare this immediately. Do your job. I will go alone!” I replied, my eyes still on the map.

“But my….” He protested. I turned my back. He proceeded again and said “You will need it…”

“I said no one,” I snapped, silencing him.

His head dropped further. “As you wish.”

He handed me a seal, a token of the agreement. “It’ll be ready in five days. But you’ll need to prepare for the journey. Once you leave, there’s no coming back.”

“I don’t intend to.” My voice held no hesitation as I turned and walked away.

The moment I stepped into the shadows, my mind was set. I would leave it all behind—the lies, the betrayal, the suffocating chains of the pack.

The following evening, Damon approached me during the pack’s evening feast. His voice was soft, calculated, as if he still thought I was the naive wolf who’d once loved him.

I was blinded by love then but now I could see how bad he was at pretending.

“Lyria, don’t forget,” he said, his eyes glinting under the torchlight. “Tonight is the full moon gathering. We must present ourselves before the Alpha.”

His words made my stomach twist in disgust. Who was he deceiving again? This Lyra? This new me? This ungrateful wolf had spent the past moon phases sneaking off to meet Lilith, whispering sweet lies into her ear while I waited like a fool that I was.

I didn’t bother looking at him. “I know,” I replied, my voice flat and emotionless.

“Lyria… are you fine? I want us to go there together “

I rolled my eyes in my head, holy pretender!

“Lyria?” He called again. His voice softer.

I clenched my jaw, suppressing the urge to growl. “No need,” I replied curtly. “I’ll find my way there.”

He frowned but said nothing more, leaving me to prepare for the gathering alone.

The clearing buzzed with the energy of the pack. Wolves in their human forms clustered around the bonfire, laughter and conversation filling the air.

I arrived late as expected, and as always, all eyes were on me. Just that this time, I do not care what they have to say.

“Lyria, do you have no respect for the pack?” Lilith's voice rang out, sweet and venomous. She stepped forward, her lips curling into a mocking smile.

“You’ve kept us all waiting. Is it so difficult to understand the importance of punctuality? Or perhaps you think yourself above the pack’s traditions?”

“See a wolf that was rescued, now thinking she is above authority.”

“That’s why Lilith is the best. She's always there managing the affairs of this pack after the Alpha and Luna”

“A disgrace”

The murmurs around me grew louder. The Alpha and Luna, sitting at the head of the gathering, made no move to stop her. Their disapproving gazes pierced through me, as if I were nothing more than an unwelcome intruder.

Soon I would bless them with my disappearance and they could keep their sly words to themselves.

“Lyria…..this should be the last time everyone has to wait for you” Lilith's voice came again.

I forced myself to remain calm, though my claws itched to rip the smug expression off her face. “I see no reason to rush to a gathering where the rules only seem to apply to me,” I said, my voice steady despite the anger building within me.

There were gasps but it quickly vanished when Lilith's voice came again “Perhaps if you spent less time sulking in the shadows and more time contributing to the pack, you’d be treated with more respect.”

My gaze flicked to Damon, who stood silently by her side. He didn’t defend me, didn’t even look in my direction. Well, I didn't need his support. Not that he ever did.

I clenched my fists. “Respect is earned, not given to those who betray their packmates.”

The air grew thick with tension. The Alpha finally rose, his booming voice silencing the murmurs.

“That’s enough.” His eyes bore into mine, cold and unforgiving. “Lyria, you will remember your place. You are not the daughter of this pack, merely a wolf we took pity on. Show gratitude or leave.”

His words hit me like a physical blow yet it felt soft, I was already mentally disconnected from them.

“You have your favourite, Father. “ The words rolled out of my lips before I could stop it. But I wasn’t wrong, the Alpha and Luna have their favourite and it would never be me in this or next world.

“Take a position next to your mate immediately!” The Alpha commanded.

“ Yes father ” I gritted my teeth.

Chapter 2

Sitting next to Damon who pulled me closer to him made me want to vanish right away.

I could still recall the day we were brought into the Red Fang Pack as pups. The Alpha and Luna had lost their only daughter to a rogue attack years ago. When they found Lilith and me wandering the wilderness, they decided to take us in.

I thought I found home but I was wrong. Wrong from all angles. But was it my fault I have a different face and aura compared to Lilith?

Lilith, with her golden hair and angelic smile, bore a striking resemblance to their late pup. To the pack, Lilith was introduced as their true-born daughter, while I was merely "the stray they took pity on.” And the council bought into it, Lilith grew into it and I was forced to play my role dutifully as the stray that was given shelter.

Over time, I grew numb to the whispers, the stares, and the cold indifference. My life was a pale, flickering shadow compared to Lilith's blazing light. But even at that, the man I was loyal to still chased my sister relentlessly like I do not exist. How horrible could they be?

“Lyria!” Lilith's voice came pulling me put of thoughts. I rolled my eyes in my head for the hundredth time, dreading the venom she was going to spit from that mouth yet again.

"Lyria, Father and Mother have treated you with love. Can’t you show a shred of respect to the family that raised you and let your mind be present?” her tone dripping with fake concern.

I kept my face blank, meeting her sharp gaze with icy detachment. "I am here. And for earlier, sorry for being late" I said curtly, not giving her the drama she craved.

Her lips curled in a victorious sneer. "You’ve always been like this—distant, ungrateful. It’s no wonder the pack hardly acknowledges you."

Before I could respond, Damon, my supposed fated mate, interjected. "Lilith don’t get upset. Lyria didn’t mean any harm. Let’s not ruin this feast over a misunderstanding."

The first words out of his mouth weren’t to defend me, but to comfort her. Of course, I was not surprised, at least not anymore.

Right beside me he flashed a smile to her, something she returned immediately. The sight was nauseating, but it wasn’t even the least surprising. I had seen the messages—thousands of them—hidden in a secret compartment of his inner chamber. Each one was a love letter to “Dear Lilith, My Moonlight”

Every moment he shared with her was documented with care. Not a single word was about me. It was as if our entire courtship had been a farce, a performance to please the Alpha and Luna.

Winning the Alpha and Luna’s heart was easy, he was one of their best warriors, he had superseded every alliance made, gained new allies and brought terror on any pack that dared trespass. With his presence, almost every war was won and we expanded on our territory. To crown it all, he always knew what the Alpha’s thinking without him saying a word and with eye signals, he obeyed without complaining even if it would cost him more harm than good.

He was just the perfect mate to teach someone like me the ways of the pack like Lilith. And like that, we were to bond under a oath in few moon phases time.

I stood, tired of Lilith and Damon exchanging secret glances at each other.

As if on cue, the Luna’s cold voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Lyria, sit down. You’re fortunate to have someone like Damon willing to take you as his mate.”

I wanted to burst into laughter. Fortunate? I glanced at Damon, his face glowing with pride under their praise. His eyes were not as appealing as when I was blinded by his love.

As if exchanging glances was not enough, Lilith came over to our space and sat next to him, slightly pushing me over the edge.

Under the table, his hand brushed against Lilith. My wolf, Ember, growled low in my mind. I bit down the urge to snarl, swallowing the lump rising in my throat.

“Soon, I will disappear so you can continue your love story” I muttered, closing my eyes.

Lilith's laughter rang out like a melody as she whispered something to Damon. Their closeness felt like a dagger twisting in my chest. But then, it was only a matter of few nights.

“ Damon, you are such a sweet wolf” Lilith giggled. Everyone carried on with their affairs like nothing was wrong.

I clenched my fists under the table, nails digging into my palms, and forced myself to eat in silence.

Silence.

But I refused to break. This new Lyria doesn't break.

Instead, I focused on the promise I’d made to myself. Soon, I would leave. Leave the Red Fang Pack, leave this suffocating home, and leave behind everyone who had made me feel like I was nothing.

I planned to disappear before the next full moon. The Black Sea bordered our territory, and I knew of a lone island far beyond its waves where no wolf would dare search and Jareth would make sure my trail are erased.

“Are you alright, Lyria?" Damon’s voice broke through my thoughts. His hand brushed my arm, but I jerked away before he could touch me.

"I’m fine," I said sharply, rising from the table. "I’ve lost my appetite.”

Before anyone could stop me, I walked out into the cool night air, letting the silence settle over my thoughts.

The next morning, I awoke to find Damon standing in my chamber, his expression bright and eager. At once I felt like digging my claws down his throat.

"Lyria, get up," he said, grinning. "Today’s the day we meet the seamstress to prepare for the mating ceremony!"

“You sat with her during the embroidery right?”

I sat up abruptly, Ember growling in frustration. It was only a week until the ceremony.

Damon’s grin widened. "Finally, I can make you my mate and bring you home. I’ve waited so long for this.”

Home. The word felt foreign on his lips. Everything from him was just a calculated plan that I caught on a little bit late.

“Lyria! you have been acting strange, are you OK?” Damon asked.

I forced a small smile, nodding as he pulled me from the bed. But my mind was already elsewhere.

Even the mating ceremony seemed orchestrated to put Lilith in the center of everything as always.

For years, she had overshadowed me—framing me for stolen supplies, whispering venomous lies to the pack elders. She thrived on making me look unworthy. And before questions asked, I was already found guilty.

Every time, Lilith would start her statement with “ I found Lyria at the border, this time what she did was different and worse than the last time… ”

And nobody would wait to listen to the next sentence, boom, I was already punished.

But this time, I had a plan.

My gaze hardened as I looked at Damon. He had no idea what was coming.

“Lyria, why are you staring at me?” He asked, confusion plastered on his face.

“Oh…., just stressed and looking at you gave me more hope Damon.”

“In few nights, you will be mine completely”

“That mating night, I will give you a special present, Damon” I smiled.

“Really? What would that be?”

“Wait till then…” I smirked.

I would give them a surprise on the day of the mating ceremony. One they would never forget.

One that would change everything.

Chapter 3

Damon had his arms wrapped around me like I was some sort of trophy on our way to the seamstress. And just when he wanted to kiss me, I pushed him away in disgust but quickly masked it by saying “Catch me if you can”

Before we knew it, our wolves took over, running fiercely, he was giggling but I was scheming. Just as his wolf caught up with mine, I turned swiftly giving him a subltle tear on the same hand Lilith had held.

“Here we are…” I said, not leaving room for explanation over the scratch.

When we arrived at the wedding dress store, I froze at the sight before me. There she was—Lilith. Standing in front of the mirror, swirling in my dress.

Every thread, every stitch, I had sewn with my own hands. No, the seamstress let me sew it, she guided me but she let my imagination run wild. Damon was aware when I was doing embroidery on it.

The intricate patterns mirrored the phases of the moon, and the lace on the sleeves was meant to represent the strength and fragility of our kind. It wasn’t hers to wear, yet there she was, twirling with a radiant smile plastered across her face, as if the entire world adored her.

And perhaps, it did.

“Lilith!” I yelled. My wolf, trying to jump out.

“You’re late again, Lyria” Lilith said, her voice carrying that saccharine sweetness she used so well. “We’ve all been waiting.”

“You are waiting for who? Me? Who are you fooling?” I demanded, moving closer to her.

“I think you might need my help as your sister?” She ignored me.

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. “I wasn’t aware we had a schedule,” I said coolly, my eyes narrowing as I took in her reflection.

“Oh, don’t be upset,” she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “I was only trying it on. It’s such a beautiful dress—I couldn’t resist. Damon told me you embroidered it by yourself and wow”

“Besides, don’t you think it looks better on me?” her voice came again, this time lower than intended with a smirk.

My wolf stirred inside me, clawing at the surface, urging me to respond. But I kept my tone steady. “Take it off, Lilith.”

Ember wanted Lilith's blood, my wolf wanted to tear off that innocent look and rip out her sinful heart.

She turned to face me fully, her expression feigning innocence. “You really don’t have to be so possessive, Lilith. After all, aren’t we sisters?”

“Sisters in name only,” I bit out before I could stop myself.

“Oh…you said so yourself. Why blame me for your misfortune though?” Lilith asked, adding to my anger.

“ I will wipe away that smile from your face if you get me angry” I scowled.

“ Now if you don't want me to give you a scar you will forever bear, take off my dress. I have little patience in me Lilith. Very little” I added.

Her face fell for a fraction of a second, but she quickly masked it with a pout. “Well, if you insist sister…” She glanced over at Damon, who had been standing to the side, watching us with amusement dancing in his eyes.

Or rather, watching Lilith with admiration.

“Lyria be gentle on her…I get that you are stressed but Lilith is fragile” Damon held my gaze but shift it instantly towards Lilith.

“What do you think, Damon? Doesn’t it suit me?” Lilith looked at herself again in the mirror, pushing me to the edge.

Damon. The man who had once vowed to protect me, to stand by me through thick and thin even though it were lies. Now, he stood there like a statue, his eyes flickering between us before a smirk curved his lips.

“You look… breathtaking Lilith,” he said, his voice low and smooth.

“You have always been the most beautiful of all wolves” he added.

“You have no shame. Not a little. Both of you” I shook my head, stepping closer to Lilith, ready to make her regret putting on my dress.

Lilith giggled, spinning once more before finally stepping out of the dress. “I suppose I’ll leave it to the bride then,” she said with a sly smile. “But you must admit, it did look stunning on me.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. Without another word, I grabbed the dress and turned to leave.

“Lyria,” Damon called out, his voice laced with concern. I stopped but didn’t turn around.

“What?” I asked, my voice cold.

“If you have nothing reasonable to say…my wolf needs to run” I added immediately.

“Don’t take this the wrong way. Lilith didn’t mean anything by it. You know how playful she is.”

I laughed bitterly. “Oh, I know exactly what she meant.”

He didn’t reply, and I didn’t wait for one.

Before stepping out, I turned one last time to see them smiling wholeheartedly about how Lilith would make the perfect mate.

“Your sister is just stressed Lilith…don't take it to heart” Damon consoled Lilith.

That was what i needed to confirm.

I walked out of the hall, the gown trailing behind me like a ghost of what could have been.

Back at my quarters, I sat by the fire, staring at the dress. The flames cast shadows across the room, their dance matching the turmoil in my chest.

The bond between mates was sacred—etched into the very fabric of our existence. And yet, here I was, about to bind myself to someone who had already betrayed me in more ways than one.

Damon captivated me at first with his eyes that lied they meant well for me. He pretended like I mattered, even when he would leave me at the cliff to go meet Lilith who cried wanting to save an earthworm. And when I would break my arms, he would pretend like he came to check on me whereas, his eyes never left Lilith.

If I hadn’t find out he was inlove with my sister, I would still keep blaming myself for things I knew nothing about. Lie to myself yet again, that he loved me and it was just duty calls every night he left me to sit by the river and never showed up.

“Did you see Lilith at the seamstress’?” I heard whispers.

“You didn't? Oh, you missed a beautiful sight that you could have behold”

“No I didn't…tell me, what did you see?” Another voice came, though hushed.

“Lilith…she is a gem really”

“I know…I hate this suspense…tell me what actually happened” The voice sound impatient.

“Alright” Another voice giggled.

“She looked so perfect, like the dress was made for her! You would almost think that the union was between her and Damon” The voice came again.

“She’s so beautiful…her beauty is a gift from the moon goddess as it screams perfection. Especially those innocent eyes”

“And when you are done gossiping, you should leave my doorstep.” I cleared my throat. The voices immediately went mute, then their steps hurried till they were heard no more.

I reached for the gown. I could feel my hands trembling as I held the delicate fabric of the gown in my arms. The dress wasn’t just a piece of clothing—it was a symbol of everything I had poured into this sham of a union.

“Damon, you are not worth it. Not worth the time I dedicated into this masterpiece. Not worth the hours and sleepless night every design took.” I gritted my teeth.

“You are just a waste of my time and effort. And believe me, your days are numbered“

Thud.

Into the fire the gown went.

Chapter 4

Because of the last rite before I became fully his, the Alpha and Luna had ordered me to spend nights in his chambers. As if we were not mated already. It was Lilith's idea, so as to not look guilty for putting on my gown and to prove she wanted the best for me as her sister.

I didn't argue. I was done doing all of that. I have connected with Jareth and everything will be ready a day to the mating ceremony.

“These place should be tidied”

I heard Damon return to the den, the faint scuff of his boots against the stone floor echoing through the space. I didn’t bother looking up. Instead, I stayed on my side of the bed, my back to him, pretending to sleep. His scent—once intoxicating—now made me want to rip him off.

The bond between us was still there, the lies I once believed still posed as the truth, a connection forged by the Alpha and Luna. The connection was still there, though faint, a part of me that I would burn completely believed he didn't know what he was doing.

But his betrayal had killed the part of me that once cared.

“My moon lily…” He said walking in. I knew that word wasn't meant for me, because even the syllable sounded like Lilith's name. I closed my eyes but Lilith's innocent face made me open my eyes back.

“Lyria…you must have been tired”

He sighed, heavy and deliberate, as though trying to draw a reaction from me. When none came, he muttered something under his breath and moved toward the hearth. I heard him toss his cloak over the chair and sit down, but I still didn’t turn.

“Still awake?” His voice was calm, almost too casual.

“What do you think?” I said, not bothering to hide the bitterness in my tone.

“ Lyria, you walked out on Lilith the other day….she apologised for wearing your dress. And you are still bitter?” The words rolled from his mouth uncontrollably.

I scoffed, tired of being bonded to this sham called union. If it was the previous Lyria, I would have begged him to choose me, that I could do what Lilith was doing.

“ The real mating is soon…I went to the Alpha and Luna, a lot of preparations are being made. Can't wait to have you as mine”

These last statements made me realize Damon took me as a dumb pup that doesn't have her senses heightened.

“Can you look into my eyes…Lyria…these behaviours from you are really alarming”

I didn’t have to look at him. I already knew where he’d been.

Lilith’s scent clung to him like a second skin—sweet and cloying, a severe mockery of everything I used to cherish about my sister. I had caught them once, deep in the woods where they thought no one would see. Since then, I hadn’t confronted him. What was the point? I’d felt the truth through the bond every time he disappeared.

He didn’t love me. He never had. And now, I don't want his love even if offered on a gold plate.

The Alpha and Luna might have chosen us as mates, but Damon had chosen Lilith.

“You can’t ignore me forever, Lyria.” His tone carried the faintest growl, a warning from the wolf within.

I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. “I’m not ignoring you, Damon. I just don’t care enough to respond.”

That got his attention. He stood, his heavy steps echoing as he crossed the room. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Him feigning ignorance triggered another memory I buried. He came behind me, trying to help me apply oil to my bruised area. Anything to make him look like he didn’t deserve cold treatment from me.

I pushed back.

“How did you get these?” He was referring to my bruises.

“It's been there for months now, and you are just noticing” I smiled, shaking my head. If it had not been that I found out his other wolf was my sister, I would be holding on and be thinking I was the problem.

“Lilith is fragile, and the Alpha doesn't want anything to happen to her” He said, dropping the oil.

“Me too…I love her” I nodded.

The memory hit me hard.

It was last month, during the full moon. I’d wandered into the clearing late, avoiding the pack as much as I could. That’s when I saw them—Damon and Lilith.

Her wolf brushed against his, her tail curling flirtatiously around his. She let out a low, playful growl that I’d never heard her use around anyone else.

“Damon,” Lilith said, her voice light and teasing, “you spoil me too much.”

He smirked, his wolf practically preening under her attention. “Someone has to. You deserve it, don’t you?”

My heart clenched painfully, but I didn’t move. I stayed hidden behind the trees, my claws digging into the bark.

Lilith turned her head slightly, her golden eyes locking onto mine. She saw me. And instead of guilt or shame, there was triumph in her gaze. She leaned closer to him, her muzzle brushing his neck.

I stumbled back, unable to watch anymore.

Later that night, Damon had come to my chambers. I was still sitting in silence, the image of them together burned into my mind.

“Lyria,” he said softly, stepping into the room

I didn’t respond.

He cleared his throat and held out something in his hands—a small bouquet of moon lilies. Shewolves loved them. A peace offering. A lie wrapped in delicate petals.

“I thought you might like these,” he said, his tone almost nervous.

I stared at the flowers and then at him. “Where’d you get them?”

His jaw tightened. “Does it matter? They’re for you.”

“Oh, it matters.” I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Because if you’re giving them to me, I’m guessing Lilith didn’t want them.”

“You are my mate….Lilith is your sister and I take her as my own too.” He lied, not batting an eye.

“Take those to her. I’m sure she’ll appreciate them more.” I smiled with a heavy heart.

Damon’s grip on the bouquet tightened, his frustration evident. “You’re being unreasonable.”

“That’s why the pack and other territories prefer Lilith. She is just too soft and wants the best for everyone unlike you.” He added.

I stared into the fire, the crackling flames unable to drown out the memory of that day. The Alpha had stood tall before the pack, his voice echoing as he declared, “Lyria and Damon, fated by the Moon Goddess herself.”

I had looked at Damon, my heart racing with joy. “Did you know?” I whispered, breathless.

He smirked, his wolf proud. “It was always going to be you.”

The pack howled in celebration, their voices rising to the heavens. I had thought it was the beginning of something beautiful.

Now, I realized it was the worst mistake of my life.

Damon looked at me, unable to tell what I was thinking. Nobody could in the pack because while growing up, Lilith was everyone's favourite and I was the stray who they gave food and shelter to so as to not die.

Many times, Lilith would be praised for learning how to fight as a shewolf and when we were put against each other to fight, she would lose but I get punished because I struck her too hard.

Then, I cried to the extent that I couldn't cry anymore and just accepted my fate and distanced myself from her and everyone until Damon came and pretended I was the most beautiful wolf.

“Lyria?” He called out. I looked at him, realizing he was still in the den with me.

His face darkened. “You’re still my mate.”

I took a step closer, letting him feel the heat of my anger. “Do you think that means anything to me anymore? The Alpha might’ve tied us together, Damon, but you’ve done everything in your power to destroy that bond. I won’t be your second choice.”

“You’re not my second choice,” he said, his voice low.

“No?” I arched a brow. “Then why do you reek of her? Why do I feel your bond with her growing stronger while ours fades? Don’t stand there and lie to me, Damon. I’m done being the fool.”

“Then you are a big fool, if you think I am having something to do with Lilith. You are just bitter, Lyria. Probably jealous of your sister” He lied again. To my face.

“ I am sorry…” I nodded my head. Left him in the den, and went to the inner chamber. I was done begging to be seen by him. I don't even want to be bonded to him forever. I knew the truth already, even though he made it messy and blamed me. The truth still remained which is, as long as I am in this territory and pack, I will never leave Lilith's shadows.

Chapter 5

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Damon appeared at the cabin door, his presence as commanding as ever. But they don't move me any more. His brown eyes locked onto mine, his expression blank unlike when looking at Lilith. I sat at the table, sharpening the edge of my ceremonial dagger, the metallic scrape filling the silence between us.

"We leave today," Damon said, stepping inside. His tone was brisk, as if he expected no argument. "We’ll meet with Alpha and Luna first. After that, we’ll travel to my parents’ territory to finalize the arrangements.”

I didn’t look up. Instead, I dragged the blade along the stone one more time, loving the way the sound grated against his words.

“Lyria,” he pressed, his voice growing sharper.

I finally raised my eyes to meet his, a slow, cold smile spreading across my lips. “Of course, Damon. I’ll be there.”

He frowned, his gaze narrowing. “Be ready in an hour. We can’t afford to keep the Alpha waiting.”

I set the dagger down deliberately, leaning back in my chair. “You go ahead,” I said sweetly. “I’ll follow shortly.”

His jaw tightened. “We leave together.”

I tilted my head, letting the silence stretch. “I said I’ll come soon.” My smile didn’t waver, though the edge in my voice was unmistakable.

Damon stared at me for a long moment, his frustration could not be mistaken. Finally, he turned toward the door, muttering under his breath, “Don’t be late.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I murmured, watching him leave.

"Damon," I whispered to the blade, "this time, I’ll let you have it all. The pack, the power—everything. I’m done fighting for scraps of your attention.”

The memory of that night with Jareth resurfaced as I prepared myself. It was only a week ago, but the details were as vivid as if they had happened moments ago. His sly grin, the map spread across the stump, the whispered promises of escape—everything about that encounter had solidified my mind. I was leaving.

I’d leave with the first wave of wolves heading to the journey of no return, a distant land I had dreamed of exploring for as long as I could remember. Once I crossed the river, I would finally be free of this suffocating life.

Jareth had said “ Once you set sail, no wolf—Alpha, Beta, or rogue—will be able to find you.”

The packhouse was bustling with activity by the time I arrived. Wolves in their pelts moved about, preparing for the upcoming hunt, the Moon Festival and our last mating ceremony. Damon was waiting near the grand oak tree where the Alpha and Luna often held court, his posture rigid as he spoke with a few warriors.

I approached slowly, my footsteps deliberately soft. He didn’t notice me until I was nearly beside him.

“You’re late,” he hissed, his tone low but seething.

I shrugged, brushing past him. “I am sorry, Damon… I just wanted this ceremony to happen and be yours completely”

“Been bonded for years, in a few days, the moon goddess would bear witness too” I added in a soft voice, the one he was used to.

“Lyria,” his voice was softer than usual, almost coaxing. I felt as though I was Lilith. I turned to see him stepping closer to me, his broad frame filling the tiny space between us. His piercing brown eyes locked onto mine, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw something in them—regret, maybe.

But then his lips curled into that familiar smirk. He reached out, taking my hand in his warm grip.

“You’ve been busy,” he said, glancing at the other wolves immersed in activities.

“I’ve been preparing,” I replied flatly.

Damon laughed, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “You don’t have to work so hard. Once you’re mine, I’ll take care of everything for you. You won’t have to lift a paw.”

My chest tightened, and I forced a smile. “Yours?” The words tasted bitter on my tongue.

He leaned closer, brushing his lips against my ear. “You’ll be the perfect mate. Just wait.”

I nodded, stepping back and clearing my throat.

“Come, let's go meet the Alpha and Luna..” He held me softly by the hands, leading the way while I trailed behind.

Damon and I areived at Elder’s den—a large clearing beneath the towering oaks where elders often held their meetings. I dreaded it the moment I arrived.

The pack's best pelts lined the seating area, and garlands of wildflowers adorned every corner. Lilith sat at the center, draped in a blood-red ceremonial robe. Her dark hair shine under the sun as if the goddess herself had blessed her.

Before Damon could speak, the Alpha stepped forward, his massive frame casting a big shadow over us. The Luna stood beside him, her presence no less commanding despite her smaller stature.

“Damon. Lyria,” the Alpha greeted, his voice a deep rumble. “I trust you’re prepared for the journey?”

“Yes, Alpha” Damon responded, bowing slightly.

The Alpha’s eyes lingered on me for a moment longer before he nodded. “Good. Then let’s not waste time. Damon, ensure everything is in order when you reach your parents’ territory. This alliance depends on it.”

Damon nodded eagerly. “It will be done, Alpha.”

Damon was not aware that I had already packed the little I owned in this pack. A small satchel sat by the door, its contents carefully chosen: a precious locket, a worn journal, and the ceremonial dagger I had been gifted as a pup.

We arrived at Damon’s parents’ territory. The gates opened, and Damon didn’t even glance at me. I followed behind, silent as we walked up to the large house.

On the porch, laughter filled the air. I froze. Lilith was there, sitting with his parents, draped in a fine fur cloak. I wasn’t surprised she had her clothes changed too.

“Damon!” His mother stood, rushing toward him with open arms. She hugged him tightly, ignoring me completely.

“You’re here, finally!” His father joined her, clapping Damon on the back.

Lilith smiled, standing gracefully. “Damon….. I even got here before you and my sister,” she said, her voice sweet and warm.

“Why is she here?” I asked sharply, glaring at Lilith.

Lilith smirked. “Oh, Lyria, didn’t you know? Damon’s parents invited me. They’ve always treated me like family. And besides, you are my sister- I can't just leave you to come to another territory alone”

“Unlike some wolves,” Damon’s mother added coldly, not even looking at me.

I turned to Damon, my voice low. “How did this happen?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he stepped toward Lilith, offering her a polite nod.

“This fur is beautiful” He complimented her.

“You’ve grown more radiant, Lilith,” his mother said, taking her hand. “If only Damon had been blessed with you as his mate.”

I stiffened, my nails digging into my palms.

“Exactly,” his father agreed, his tone sharp as he cast a glance my way. “If Damon had mated with Lilith, our pack would be stronger than ever. Instead, he settles for…” His voice trailed off with disdain as he waved a hand in my direction. “A stray.”

The word hit me like a slap, but I kept my head high.

Damon’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his eyes fixed on the ground.

The insult was too heavy for me but I forced myself to stay calm, though my blood boiled. Lilith’s smug smile only deepened, and I realized this wasn’t just a visit. Lilith had turned this around too in her favor.

Of course. Everything was always about Lilith. She was everything I wasn’t—charming, radiant, and most importantly, a pureblood wolf. Unlike me, the orphaned stray they had taken in because of their goodwill.

Lilith laughed lightly, resting a perfectly manicured hand on Damon’s arm. “Don’t be upset, sister. I’ll make sure they remember your kindness.”

Damon stood beside her, silent but smiling like a stupid pup.

The meeting dragged on, the conversation revolving around Lilith’s contributions to the pack, her beauty, and her inevitable union with Damon. I sat silently, my hands clenched into fists beneath the table.

“Lyria, if only you were as lively and charming as Lilith,” Damon’s mother said again, her tone dripping with false concern. “Then maybe you wouldn’t seem so out of place here.”

I forced a tight smile, my heart pounding with the urge to retaliate. But Lilith, ever the gracious one, leaned forward with a practiced look of sympathy. I wondered if she spent her childhood pretending in front of the river.

The meeting finally ended as the sky darkened. A sudden downpour began, very intense like it wanted to wash away my past.

“Lilith, you’ll catch a cold,” Damon said immediately, shrugging off his fur-lined cloak to wrap it around her. She smiled up at him, and I saw the adoration in his eyes.

The sight made something inside me snap.

I turned on my heel and walked away, the rain plastering my hair to my face. Damon didn’t call after me. Of course, he didn’t.

Chapter 6

The rain pounded mercilessly, soaking the ground as I crouched beneath a thick oak tree, watching the scene unfold before me.

There he was, my supposed mate that our bond would be finalized in the next full moon, standing in the rain with Lilith cradled in his arms like some fragile treasure. His long hair stuck to his forehead as he held the umbrella over her, completely ignoring the fact that his shoulders were drenched. She nestled into his chest, her face pale but serene, as if she knew he’d always be there for her.

“Do you see this?” Lyca growled weakly. “Do you feel this?”

“I feel nothing,” I whispered loudly, my voice carrying some unusual echo.

Damon spoke softly to her, his words barely audible over the rain but I could still hear them loud and clear. “You’ll catch a fever if you stay out here any longer.” He adjusted the cloak around her shoulders with a tenderness that never belonged to me.

Even when he pretended to love me, it was never this way.

Not anymore would I be bothered, I reminded myself, clenching my fists. The bond between us had long since broken. That night I found out his other woman was my own sister. So it shattered beyond repair by every moment he chose her over me.

I stayed hidden as he carried her toward his parents packhouse - his father was their pack betas, his steps were steady, his focus entirely on her. My mate ironically. My supposed other half in words alone. My laugh came out bitter and sharp, lost in the storm.

He didn’t even look around to see if I was there. Not once.

When they went inside, I forced myself to move. My legs felt heavy, like the mud was pulling me down, but I walked anyway. I didn’t want to follow, but I had nowhere else to go.

Inside the packhouse, it was warm, but it felt wrong. I heard their voices and followed the sound.

“You shouldn’t stay out in the rain like that,” Damon said, his voice soft. “You’ll get sick.”

“I knew you’d come for me,” Lilith said, her voice small but sweet. “You always do.”

My nails dug into my palms. I couldn’t listen anymore. I pushed open the door.

Damon looked at me, surprised. “Lyria! Why didn’t you come inside earlier?”

I stepped into the room, water dripping from my clothes. “I didn’t want to bother you.” My voice was cold, flat.

“You’re soaked,” he said, stepping closer. “Let me help—”

“Don’t,” I said, cutting him off. I moved past him like he wasn’t even there.

“Wait,” he called, grabbing my arm. “Lilith can’t handle the rain. You know that.”

I turned to look at him, my lips trembling as I spoke. “And I can?”

He blinked, unsure what to say. “I didn’t mean it like that. I was just—”

“Taking care of her because that's the Alpha’s order,” I said, finishing his sentence. “You always take care of her.”

Lilith stood up, her voice quiet. “Maybe I should—”

Even at this moment, she decided to act innocent. My wolf knew it was a matter of seconds before I snapped her into half.

“Stay,” I snapped, my eyes on her. “You belong here, don’t you?”

Damon sighed, his shoulders slumping. “Lyria, you’re overreacting.”

“I’m your mate!” I yelled, my voice shaking the room. “Or did you forget?”

He didn’t answer.

I laughed, not that I wasn't happy to leave this territory and my territory. “You don’t have to say it. I already know.”

I managed a small nod. "It’s fine."

He smiled, relieved, as if my forgiveness came so easily. But inside, my wolf stirred uneasily, growling low in my mind. Damon thought everything was fine. I was playing his mind games too.

The ride back to our territory was suffocating. Damon tried to start a conversation, but I kept my responses short.

By the time we arrived, I had already made up my mind. Since I will be leaving to the land of no return, it is time I go back to the Alpha’s quarters to get some of the things I would need.

The Alpha’s headquarters was quiet when I returned, half soaked. The Luna stood at the doorway, her gaze piercing through me.

"What’s this?" she sneered. "You are not a pup that they have to always looked after. You are grown, yet you don't act like it.”

“And why are you here? The ceremony is soon, you should be with your mate, not the Alpha’s headquarters “

“Mother” I called, the word even strange to me.

The luna had raised me for twenty years, but the truth had always been there, lurking beneath the surface. I wasn’t her daughter, Lilith was the chosen one.I wasn’t even a real member of the pack in front of the council. I was Lyria, the stray they took pity on.

From the moment they chose Lilith as the real heir, they had treated me like an outsider, a burden they couldn’t wait to be rid of.

“I came to see your face, Mother” I smiled, my wolf taking over. I ran into the chamber, running towards a ruined they made my room. Picked two things, ran back outside. The Luna didn't move an inch and also didn't spare me a glance.

"Goodbye, Mother," I said softly.

She didn’t respond. She didn’t even care to look at me.

I left the Alpha’s headquarters behind, carrying nothing but the two things I took and the memories I couldn’t erase.

By the time I returned to Damon’s cabin, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in shadows. Damon greeted me with a bright smile, holding up a custom made ceremonial dress. Like it wasn’t nights ago, Lilith was wearing the one I spent months designing.

"I picked this out for you," he said, his voice warm. "The ceremony is in a few days, and you have always dreamed of a perfect one”

I stared at the dress, my heart sinking. It was beautiful, but it wasn’t mine. It wasn’t the one I had designed, dreaming of a future that now felt like a lie.

"You deserve the best. We’ll be official soon. This will be the perfect dress."

I stared at the gown in his hands on a second thought. The soft white fabric, the lace that seemed so delicate. But all I felt was disgust. He had no idea how repulsive this all was. The dress, the ceremony, the lie that we would live happily ever after.

I hated it.

But I smile anyways.

I hated the dress. I hated the way Damon looked at me with that empty smile. It wasn’t even his fault. He was pretending. Pretending that we were a family, that he was still the man I had once loved.

But the truth was, I wasn’t his. He had already given his heart away. And Lilith was the reason. She always had been.

I didn’t even want to question him. I didn’t have the strength to. The ship had sailed, and no amount of pretending would change the fact that I would soon vanish. As Jareth had said, my ship would soon land, and I would finally be free.

Damon pushed the dress into my hands, not minding my wolf growling. This one suits you and is more beautiful than the one you made. You just want to give yourself loads of work ," he said eagerly. "Come on, try it on."

I didn’t argue. I went to change into the dress, feeling the fabric against my skin, feeling it cling to me like an uncomfortable reminder of the path I was being forced to walk. But I couldn’t stop now. There was no turning back.

When I came out, Damon was already on his feet, looking at me with that same fake smile on his face. But before he could speak, the sound of someone else’s voice reached my ears.

He immediately left my side and went further away to the place I wouldn't hear him but because of our bond, I could hear him loud and clear.

“Do I have to come now?" he asked, glancing at me from the corner of his eye. "I’m with your sister, I don't want her to feel bad that she was soaked in the rain”

The words hit me like a slap. Sister. Lilith, the devil, again.

"I’ll be there soon," he murmured, his voice soft and tender in a way he rarely used with me.

“Yes, I would meet you at the river with similar dress and pendants. The southside border?”

“Just hold on…I love red on you too. Your sense of style is while you seem like the moon goddess Lilith”

“Say my name one more time, it makes my wolf jump in joy” He laughed.

“OK my moon lily….I will be there soon “

The voice went dead. I blinked, maintaining a neutral face like I didn’t hear him. Damon came back inside, his eyes blank as he removed his cufflinks.

He took one last look at me before heading towards the door saying, “I will fetch you some herbs…you look sick”

I nodded briefly, hiding my disgust “Thank you…”

He left at once.

As I stood in front of the window, looking out at the bloody sky, I saw pups running around and their laughter was contagious. I smiled without knowing.

I was stupid to have thought Damon and I would have pups that took his eyes. But remembering that I would vanish soon made me smile again.

The moonlight shone brightly through the window, and in that moment, I knew I was free.

Chapter 7

I couldn’t even close my eyes as the sounds of pups laughing and chasing each other echoed outside. Their joy felt foreign in this place. I sighed knowing I would miss their laughter once I left.

Though Damon was good with pups, he would never make a good parent to the ones that would have come through me.

Moments later, a knock sounded at the door. Before I could answer, it opened, and two omega wolves entered, their arms full of dresses—silks and satins, whites and silvers meant for a luna’s mating ceremony.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Was it not a dress I had just finished wearing as per Damon’s request? He really thought I was still gullible.

“Your mate, warrior Damon sent these,” one of them said, her eyes looking like it was her last days on earth. “He wanted you to choose the one you liked best.”

I eyed the pile coldly, my stomach twisting at Damon’s fake gestures to manipulate me. “Pick whichever one you like,” I said flatly, my tone firm. “The rest… burn them to ashes. And pour the remains at the south riverside.”

The omega wolves exchanged uncertain glances. “Uh?”

“Do it,” I snapped. “Not a single thread should remain.”

“And if you don't do it correctly, you will face Lyca!”

They nodded quickly, their movements fast as they gathered the dresses and left.

I stayed still, staring at the empty doorway, the bitterness in my chest growing heavier. Damon thought he could hide his lies with pretty fabrics and empty words, but I wasn’t blind that he would always run to Lilith ant given chance.

It was too late. Too late to have me wrapped around his fingers.

A soft knock came again, but this time, it was the next in line beta’s mate, Marion. She slipped inside, her expression troubled. “Lyria,” she whispered, “you didn’t hear this from me, but the pack hunters said they saw Damon near the western cliffs today… with Lilith.”

She was the only person that didn't fully support Lilith, not that she doesn't answer to her too.

Her words weren’t news to me, but hearing them aloud felt like a fresh wound. “And?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.

“They said she was… laughing, clinging to him. He gave her a gift—a crescent moon pendant. They said it looked like something meant for a luna.”

“ That’s an abomination….it is just 2 days to the last ceremony to make the goddess bless the union, Lyria”

“Hmm” I murmured, faking surprise.

“Sorry you found out this way.”

I nodded slowly. “Thank you, Marion.”

“Are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.

“I’m fine,” I lied. “You can go now.”

Once she left, I exhaled, my hands curling into fists. Damon wasn’t even trying to hide his betrayal anymore.

My lips curled into a sly smile. So, this is what he was busy with. “situation in the pack”

A sudden, sharp pull at the edge of my mind made me freeze. It was Jareth, the dangerous rogue who has been working tirelessly on making me vanish without a trace. His voice echoed in my head through our connection.

“Madam, the ship will arrive in two days. Be ready. Say your goodbyes now because nobody will see you again and like I said, even the legendary Rogues and Alphas will not be able to sniff you out”

Two days.

I stood and walked to the small chest beside the bed. Inside was an ancient moonstone necklace, passed down from one luna to another—a symbol of unity and leadership. It was supposed to be mine, but I wouldn’t let Damon have that satisfaction.

The stone shimmered faintly in the dim light as I held it up. “This,” I whispered, “will be their parting gift.”

When Damon returned that night, his arms were filled with a neatly wrapped bundle of fresh venison, its scent wafting through the room. He held it up with a victorious smile. The one that took my breath away then.

“Lyria, I hunted this for you. I know how much you love it fresh,” he smiled warmly, stepping closer.

I froze for a moment, eyeing the meat. Fresh, yes, but not for me. Lilith’s faint scent clung to it—strong enough to confirm what I already knew.

“Thank you,” I murmured, taking the bundle. My face remained calm, even as my heart roared with anger. He must think I was blind, or worse, still stupid.

Damon’s smile widened. “I thought you’d like it. I made sure it was perfect for my Luna.”

I gave him a faint smile, setting the venison on the table. “You’re so thoughtful.”

He moved closer, pulling me into his arms. His touch made my skin crawl, but I let him. Two more days. Just two more.

“Tomorrow, we’ll finalize everything for the mating ceremony,” he said, his lips brushing against my temple. “You’ll be the most beautiful Luna this pack has ever seen.”

I chuckled softly, playing my part. “You always know how to make me feel special. I am sorry I judged you”

“I have always loved you, Lyria….we had our differences but you are my mate. My forever moonstone”

Damon pulled back, looking into my eyes. “Because you are special, Lyria. You’ve always been.”

I nodded, pretending to be moved. “You’ve always taken care of me.”

“I’ll always take care of you,” he promised, his voice dripping with sincerity. “No one can come between us.”

The words rang hollow that even a pup would know it was a lie. I knew they weren’t meant for me. He didn’t even hide Lilith’s scent on the venison.

“Of course,” I said softly. “You’ve proven that time and again.”

He smiled, satisfied with my response. “I’ll see you in the morning. Get some rest.”

As he turned to leave, I called out, “Damon?”

“Yes, my love?”

“I hope you’re ready for the ceremony. It’s going to be unforgettable,” I said, my voice steady but with an edge he didn’t catch.

His grin widened. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

When he left, I glanced at the venison. My claws itched to shred it, but I held back. Let them think they’ve won. In two days, they’d see who truly had the upper hand.

He rushed back in like he forgot another lie - it was the door creaking open with a rush. He was slightly out of breath, his eyes darting around until they landed on me.

“Lyria,” he started, his voice rushed but attempting to sound soft, “I completely forgot to mention something important.”

I looked up from where I sat by the window, a faint smile on my lips. “What is it?”

He stepped closer, running a hand through his dark hair. “Before the ceremony, we need to go to the healer’s den tomorrow. You know... for the traditional preparations.”

“Preparations?” I asked, tilting my head slightly.

“Yes.” He gave a quick nod. “It’s just something wolves do before being officially mated. You’ll love it—part of our heritage.”

“And the Alpha said it was compulsory and remember, I am a warrior. And you are his daughter. So we have to fulfil all traditional rites”

I held back a bitter laugh, keeping my expression calm. This wasn’t about me; it was about appearances. Damon was always meticulous about maintaining the image of a devoted mate.

I gave him a soft smile, meeting his gaze. “Of course. That sounds wonderful. You would be there right?”

“Yes, why would I leave you by yourself?” He asked, maintaining his calm tone.

“OK….”

His shoulders relaxed as if my compliance was a relief to him. “Good. I’ll come get you early tomorrow. You’ll be ready, right?”

“Of course,” I said again, balancing myself and my tone.

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You’re perfect, Lyria. Truly. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

Same lines, same lies.

“Lyria”

I wanted to flinch, but I didn’t. Instead, I leaned into his hand slightly, playing my role. “You’re too kind, Damon.”

“My father was the kindest to bless me with someone like you” I lied.

“The Alpha doesn't make mistakes. He is wise and full of knowledge” He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Rest well tonight. Tomorrow is the start of forever.”

As he left, I stayed still, my hands clenched tightly in my lap. Forever? I’d be gone in two days. And Damon and Lilith would be left to reap what they’d sown. Then, they would come outside and do their love openly.

As the door closed behind Damon, I waited a moment, listening to his footsteps fade into the distance. When the silence settled, I stood and walked to the mirror on the far wall.

The reflection staring back at me wasn’t the docile, obedient Lyria Damon thought he knew. My lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile, one that didn’t reach my eyes.

“You’re too kind, Damon,” I muttered under my breath, mocking my own words from earlier.

My wolf stirred inside me, her presence rippling through my chest like a storm waiting to be unleashed. He thinks he’s in control, she growled, her voice strong and steady. Two days, and we’ll show them.

My eyes glimmered as her energy began to rise. The calm, broken Lyria I was, was gone. In her place stood the wolf I’d been suppressing for far too long.

Chapter 8

The next morning came very fast.

“Darling, I heard the healers are doing blood offerings today,” Damon said, his arms wrapping tightly around me as we stood in the long line outside the healer’s den. “You’ve always hated rituals with blood, but don’t worry. I’ll stay right here with you.”

His tone was soft, laced with false concern, as though he cared. I kept my eyes down, clutching the parchment that bore the sacred sigil of the pack. This ritual wasn’t just tradition—it was the final step before a mating ceremony.

The line moved forward slowly, wolves murmuring quietly to one another, the scent of herbs and burning sage thick in the air. When it was finally my turn, the healer’s apprentice led me to a stone altar. Damon’s hand brushed against mine, his grip firm and reassuring—for show, of course.

As the healer cut a shallow line across my palm, I barely flinched. The crimson drops fell onto the stone basin, mixing with the sacred moonlight water. Damon, standing behind me, frowned deeply, his concern etched on his face.

“Does it hurt?” he asked, his voice tender but hollow. “Don’t worry. I’m here with you.”

In the past, his words would’ve warmed me, made me feel safe. But now, they meant nothing.

I gave him a small, practiced smile. The sting of the blade was nothing compared to the hurt Damon and Lilith had inflicted on me.

Just as the ritual was completed, a familiar sound broke the air—the low chime of Damon’s personal communicator crystal. I recognized it immediately. It was Lilith’s exclusive tone, a melody she had chosen herself, no doubt to remind me of her place in Damon’s life.

Damon stiffened beside me, stepping away to answer. He turned his back, but his panicked tone carried easily in the quiet of the healer’s den.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice urgent. “Wait for me. I’ll come right now.”

He returned to my side, schooling his expression into one of feigned calm. “Something’s happened at the council,” he said. “I have to go right away, but I’ll come back to find you soon.”

I didn’t ask questions. There was no need. I knew exactly where he was going. The lies had become predictable, rehearsed.

The healer’s den was full of life, the air thick with emotions I couldn’t touch. Wolves sat together, pairs of mates whispering softly to one another. Some females winced as the healer’s apprentice prepared the ritual blade for their offerings. Their mates held them close, murmuring words of comfort, brushing their hair, their voices warm and reassuring.

“It’ll be over soon,” one male wolf said, cradling his mate’s hand.

“Just a little sting, love. You’re braver than you think,” another promised, kissing his she-wolf’s forehead.

I watched silently from the corner, pretending to wait for Damon. My hands rested on my lap, fingers loosely gripping the parchment with his signature scrawled at the bottom.

The she-wolves whimpered as the blade met their skin, some burying their faces in their mates’ chests. One turned to her mate and pouted. “You owe me for this,” she teased.

The male laughed softly. “Anything you want, my love.”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

I glanced away, my throat tightening, but I kept my face blank. My wolf stirred slightly in the back of my mind, restless.

“Why are we here, Lyria?” she whispered, her voice low and steady.

“Waiting for Damon,” I answered silently.

“Liar.”

I stiffened but didn’t respond. Instead, I kept my eyes fixed on the pairs around me. They were all so... happy. Even in this ritual of pain, they leaned on each other, shared quiet smiles, and carried each other’s burdens.

I sat alone, no one beside me to hold my hand, no warm voice telling me it would be okay. And I was okay with it. Atleast I wasn't holding on to lies of forevermore. The healer’s apprentice glanced my way once, then quickly looked away, as if sensing I didn’t want to be approached.

My wolf growled softly. “He’s not coming back.”

“He said he would,” I replied. The words felt hollow even to me. My wolf thought I was brainwashed yet again.

“Lyca, no violence today.” I warned, still enjoying this view.

She huffed. “You know better than this. Look at them, Lyria. Look at what real mates do.”

I didn’t answer. The truth was too bitter to admit. It was too bitter to admit that even if I vanished, no wolf would love me. No wolf would choose a stray.

My gaze returned to the couples around me. A young she-wolf cried softly as the ritual was performed, her mate pressing soft kisses to her temple.

“You did so well,” he said, his voice thick with pride. “You’re amazing.”

Her tears turned to laughter, and he wrapped her in his arms as if she was the most precious thing in the world.

I lowered my head, staring at the stone floor under my feet. Damon wasn’t here. He was never here when it mattered.

The healer offered me a pity look. “Are you alright, Lyria?”

I forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

But I wasn’t. My wolf stirred inside me, restless and angry. I walked out of the healer’s den, my steps silent, my heart numb.

As I walked into my room, the silence greeted me like an old friend. I sat by the window, my gaze wandering over the forest line, my heart steady as stone. The communicator crystal on my desk buzzed, and curiosity got the better of me. I swiped it open.

A new image flashed—Damon. His arm rested casually over the chair beside him, but it wasn’t empty. Lilith sat there, radiant as ever, laughing alongside my parents. They were at the council hall, the symbols of the pack evident behind them, a perfect picture of unity that I didn't belong to.

I rolled my eyes. Typical.

Damon was exactly where I knew he’d be—right in the middle of their plans. His fake smiles, Lilith’s over-the-top charm, my parents eating it all up. It was all so predictable, it was almost boring.

Shaking my head, I grabbed a scrap of paper and scribbled a line from an old wolf legend: “They chose freedom under the Moon Mother’s light.”

The words made my chest ache. But leaving no trace was important. I tore the paper into tiny bits and tossed it into the fire.

“Soon, Lyria ... .in a few hours, you would disappear. This is what you have been planning. Pretending to care so as to not leave a trail” My wolf jumped inside of me and I smiled. We have really been reduced to nothing.

The communicator buzzed again, snapping me out of my thoughts. Jareth’s voice came through, calm but firm. “The ship will dock tonight. Are you ready, my lady? This is your last chance to vanish.”

I didn’t hesitate. “The plans must follow through, Jareth. No matter what.”

There was silence on his end before he finally said, “You’re sure? There’s no going back after this.”

“I know.” My voice didn’t shake. I knew what I was getting into “The sooner I’m out of here, the better. Everything’s set on your end?”

“Yes. The crew’s ready, and the passage is secure. But you’ll need to leave unnoticed. If Damon or the council suspects anything—”

“When do you start worrying about Damon or the Alpha? You are dangerous and invisible, that's why you are perfect for this”

“ The Alpha can be really something else. Too power driven. Else there will be rogue attack on his territory” Jareth's voice held no emotion.

“They won’t,” I interrupted, my tone sharp. “I’ve played my part perfectly. No one suspects a thing.”

“Besides you made the claims yourself the last time we met”

“Good.” Jareth paused. “My lady… once you’re gone, it won’t just be the pack you leave behind. You’ll leave your name, your past, everything.”

I leaned back, staring at the moonlight spilling through the window. “That’s the point, Jareth. That’s the whole point.”

There was a brief pause before he said, “We’ll be waiting. Be ready.”

As soon as the call ended, I moved quickly, packing my belongings into a single travel bag. I sent most of my things ahead, leaving only Damon’s possessions behind. Let him and Lilith enjoy what was left.

Messages poured in from pack members, their words were full of fake congratulations.

“Congratulations, Lyria! Wishing you a happy mating ceremony!”

“You and Damon are perfect together!”

“May your union bring strength to the pack!”

“Your dreams are coming through Lyria.”

I read each one with a cold smile. They all believed the lie, just like I had. But not for much longer.

How fast do wolves switch? Weren’t they the ones saying I could never be Damon’s mate.

My wolf stirred, her presence stronger now. Just two more days, she whispered. Then we’ll be free.

“Yes Lyca, you would be able to run freely without being judged”

I walked to the mirror, staring at the reflection of the she-wolf I had become. A slow, dangerous smile spread across my lips. Damon and Lilith thought they’d won. They had no idea what was coming.

Chapter 9

I sat on the edge of the bed, ignoring the scrolls that kept coming. Each one congratulated me. “May your union with Damon be blessed.” “Wishing you a joyful mating ceremony, Lyria.” Forced words, nothing more. I didn’t care.

The communicator went off too.

I had never wanted this. Damon, the ceremony, none of it. At least not anymore.

Another knock at the door broke my thoughts.

"Lyria," came a small voice. It was one of the younger Omegas from the pack. She had the nerve to be nervous, despite being the one to deliver this message. "The ceremony will take place in the Silver Moon Temple, my lady. You should go ahead before the others arrive. Everything’s almost ready."

I gave a quick nod without looking up. "Thank you. I’ll be there soon.”

She bowed, and I could hear her leave. I stood up, walking over to the window and looking out at the forest. The Silver Moon Temple was just beyond the trees, where Damon and I were supposed to unite. I had been there as a child, playing with Lilith. But now? It didn’t feel the same. I wasn’t the same.

Lilith became the light and I was reduced to a shadow that followed her behind.

She was everywhere, taking blessings from the elders on my behalf alongside Damon. But none of that mattered. What they do no longer matter to me.

I left the room and walked through the packhouse, avoiding everyone’s eyes. The scents of fresh flowers and pine filled the air as I made my way to the temple. The path was lined with large stone columns, but there was no warmth in it. No happiness.

“This is one of the biggest ceremony happening in this territory”

“And it's the Alpha adopted daughter and the territories best warriors”

The sounds of the workers setting up the decorations didn’t even register. The paintings of Damon and me smiling down at the altar? I didn’t care. They felt like they belonged to someone else.

“May the moon goddess bless our wolves. May their bond last”

I arrived early. The others were still on their way, but I wanted to be alone. I wanted to escape the reality of it all for just a moment. The clearing was filled with white roses, candles, and golden ribbons. Everything was perfect, just like it was supposed to be. But none of it mattered.

The sound of approaching footsteps made me turn around. My mother, the Luna, walked toward me, her eyes giving way to her anger.

“Lyria,” she said sharply, her voice echoing with authority “What are you doing here? The ceremony isn’t supposed to start yet.”

“I’m just waiting,” I replied, my voice flat. I didn’t want to argue with her. It wasn’t worth it.

I was never in a position to voice my point no matter what.

She looked around at the ruined decorations, the ones I’d destroyed in a fit of frustration. The ribbons I had ripped, the flowers I’d thrown on the ground. I couldn’t stand the sight of it all, the life they wanted me to live.

“Take these down,” I roared to the young wolf attending to the decorations earlier. My voice was steady, cold.

She blinked, confused, but nodded. “Of course, my Lady”

“Why did you listen to her? And what are you watching that Lyria tore this off?” The Luna asked, not sparing me a glance.

“Luna. We couldn't stop her” One of them bowed, her voice shaking.

“Her wolf took over,” Another wolf added. The Luna dismissed them, not waiting for more explanation before pulling me closer.

“Mother…”

She scoffed. “You’re about to be mated to the future Alpha of this pack. You need to start acting like it. A Luna must be calm, composed, and mature - I have taught you countless time. Not a rebellious pup throwing tantrums.”

I clenched my fists but said nothing.

She slapped me hard across the face. “How dare you ruin the decorations! How dare you ruin the day that was meant to bring honor to this family”

My wolf gave a low growl. I sighed, my vision blurry.

I didn’t flinch. Her slap burned, but I wouldn’t show it.

“The ceremony should have been for Lilith and Damon, not for you,” she sneered. “You’ve been nothing but a disappointment. Lilith was always the perfect one. Look at her, always doing everything right!”

I shook my head, not caring. The pain in my chest had become numb.

She took out a velvet pouch from her belt and opened it, revealing a set of pearls. “Here, Lyria. This was meant to be yours. I saved it for your special day.”

I stared at the pearls. I had begged for them once when I was a little girl, dreaming of wearing them at my mating ceremony since I couldn't get them then. Even when I followed all instructions and got punished instead.

But now, they meant nothing.

This necklace. I remembered it all too well. Mother had gifted it to Lilith on her fifth birthday. I’d admired it so much, and Mother had promised to give it to me when I turned ten. But that promise never came. Lilith wore it proudly, and I was left with nothing.

Now, after all these years, she thought giving it to me would make up for everything?

These were for you, Lyria. The gift you begged for as a child. You said you’d wear them on your mating day.” Her voice was full of disappointment, but also something else—resentment. “But look at you now. You don’t deserve them.”

“I don’t want them,” I said, my voice soft but firm.

Her eyes widened, and she shoved the pearls into my hands. “Don’t be ridiculous. Take them, Lyria. They’re yours. They should’ve been yours from the start. But, no, you can’t even appreciate what’s given to you. You’ve always been so ungrateful.”

I looked at the pearls for a long moment. They felt cold in my hands, like everything else.

I didn’t care about the pearls anymore.

“Take them, Lyria,” she urged, holding them out. “You’ve always wanted them.”

I looked at them, then at her. “I don’t want them,” I said, my voice firm.

“What? But you begged for them!” Her voice was filled with disbelief. The old lyria never talked back at her.

I turned away from her without saying anything else. I walked toward the altar’s fire, the one that burned brightly in front of the decorations. My steps were slow, calculated.

“Lyria,” my mother called, but I didn’t stop.

“Luna, the Alpha sent for you immediately” A messenger wolf pulled her along. I didn’t turn to see her leaving.

I stood by the fire, holding the pearls tightly in my hand. I looked at them for a long moment.

And then, without a word, I threw them into the flames.

The pearls twisted and melted in the fire, the light flickering across their once-beautiful surface. The heat of the flames felt good against my skin, almost like it was burning away everything I no longer wanted.

I turned around, my back to the fire, and walked back toward those that were re-decorating the designs I destroyed. The head of the wolves that handled the wolves saw the whole pearls go into fire.

She stared at me in shock, her lips parted. “What have you done?” she whispered, her voice cracking.

“I don’t need them,” I said quietly. “I don’t need any of this.”

“Is that why you destroyed that Pearl? Those pearls are from the moon goddess and it would strengthen this bond. No warrior mate do without it. Its an abomination “

“Its too late now for the lectures. Do you work and leave to attend your pups. Tell them I am rewriting history”

Her face twisted in anger. “You’ve ruined everything, Lyria! You’ve ruined the ceremony, the pack’s reputation, everything!

“Keep shut. When you want to do your own ceremony, don't burn yours”

Her face reddened, and her hands clenched at her sides. “You’ll regret this one day,” she said, her voice bitter.

I didn’t answer. I didn’t care.

I turned and walked away, the sound of her voice fading behind me. There was nothing left for me here. I wasn’t going to follow the path they set out for me. This was my life, and I would choose my own way.

I didn’t need her leftovers.

As I walked back to Damon’s cabin and settked down, the communicator bljnked. A message from Lilith.

“Wishing you a happy mating ceremony, Lyria. May you always be happy and I am sorry for everything “

I stared at the words, wondering how Lilith learned to be good at pretende. Lilith, the perfect daughter, the perfect sister, the one who had stolen everything from me—including Damon.

Especially Danon.

I called in an Omega from the outside to go deliver message to Lilith.

“Thank you for your blessing, Lilith. By the way, I got you a gift. You’ll receive it tomorrow.”

I said the words, one after the other.

“Is that what I should say to her?” She asked.

The corners of my lips curled into a bitter smile. “Yes” Before dismissing her.

The gift I had for her would arrive right when the ceremony began. Perfect timing.

That night, Damon's cabin was quiet. Damon and I weren’t allowed to see each other before the ceremony, which made it easier for me to slip away.

I packed my things, shoving clothes and essentials into a bag. My fingers brushed against the model ship I had saved for months to buy. I smiled faintly. The real one would be waiting for me at the harbor.

Before leaving, I scheduled a message to be sent to the entire pack.

“Sorry, Damon and I have canceled our mating ceremony. Please attend Damon and Lilith’s ceremony instead.”

I attached a series of evidence I had taken of Damon and Lilith together. They were careless, meeting in secret so often that catching them was easy. The world would see the truth tomorrow.

I stepped outside, the cold night air biting my skin. The forest was dark, but the scent of the sea guided me. Half an hour later, I stood on the dock, staring at the massive ship before me.

“Jareth said I should bid you farewell” The wolf at the entrance smiled.

I glanced over my shoulder, the wind carrying the faint howl of wolves in the distance.

“Take me somewhere far away,” I said.

“ Where not even you can find me”

Chapter 10

I stood by the shore, watching the big, dark ship float on the water. It looked like magic, so shiny and cool under the moon. I smiled because I knew it was special.

I couldn't help but admire it. The ship was a marvel — not just for its design, but for its purpose.

"Isn't it great?" I said to the wolf standing behind me. He was big and strong, his blue eyes glowing in the night.

The wolf gave a small, proud grin. "It’s not just great, my lady. It's clever. Jareth’s ship. It hides from every wolf."

"Hides? From every wolf? I thought Jareth was only words. It better be true" I asked, looking closer at the ship. “How?”

“You doubted Jareth?” He asked.

“You know, Jareth wasn’t lying,” I said softly, watching the ship sail farther away. “This is brilliant.”

The wolf snorted, his voice deep and resonant, not like any ordinary wolf. There was something ancient about the way he spoke. “You think so? It took an Alpha’s ingenuity to make it work. Not all wolves would have thought of a ship as a refuge.”

“An untraceable refuge,” I added, turning to him with a wry smile. “That’s the part that impressed me. Jareth really went all out.”

The wolf’s blue eyes glowed with something akin to pride. “Of course. He always thinks ahead. This ship is not just any ship, my lady. It’s a ship of the wild rivers, hidden in the uncharted territories where no pack dares venture. Fully stocked with provisions, enchanted to evade detection. Once you set sail, no wolf—Alpha, Beta, or rogue—will be able to find you.”

“Jareth’s exact words” I nodded.

I tilted my head, fascinated by his words. “How does it work? I mean, how does it evade detection? Surely there’s no magic strong enough to hide it from every wolf.”

“Oh, there’s magic, alright. But not the kind you’re thinking of,” the wolf said with a knowing gleam in his eye.

“It’s a blend of old-world magic and the newest, most... unconventional enchantments. Jareth isn’t just hiding it from the wolves; he’s hiding it from the very land itself. The ship’s hull is coated with a mixture of Riverstone and Ghostwood. Makes it undetectable by any wolf, no matter how strong their senses are. And that’s not all. It’s enchanted with a bit of shadow magic, too. The ship, as long as it stays in motion, will appear to be... well, nothing. Like it’s not even there.”

I gasped. "Wow! It can’t even be smelled by wolves?”

"Nope, in simpler words…" the wolf said, his tail swishing. “ Jareth added something extra—shadow magic. So, the ship is like... it’s there, but it’s not. The wolves can’t see it. It’s like a secret, hidden from the world.”

I stared at the ship, completely blown away. “So, it’s like it’s gone?”

"Yes, but it’s still there," the wolf said. “It’s just... hiding. It’s like it’s in a different world. As long as the ship keeps moving, no wolf can find it.”

I looked at the wolf, still in shock. “I didn’t know magic could do all that.”

The wolf nodded. “Magic can do a lot of things if you know how. Jareth’s smart. He thought of everything. But remember, it’s only safe for now. No magic lasts forever.”

I felt a little nervous. "You think wolves will find it later?”

“By that time, you would have reached the land of no return, dear one”

Then the wolf concentrated on the ship while my mind wandered.

I stood by the water, the moon shining down on me. I took everything I had from him, the things that were supposed to connect us. His ring, the necklace, everything that tied me to him. I threw it all into the sea, one piece after another. The water swallowed them up, and I smiled.

Why hadn’t I run away sooner? I kept asking myself. I should’ve left when I first saw the lies, when I first knew I wasn’t his only one.

The ship was far now, and I could almost hear them calling for me. Damon would start looking for me soon. He would panic, and Lilith, too, she’d start running around trying to find me wanting to blame me yet again They didn’t know where I was, and they wouldn’t know for a while.

I laughed softly to myself.

"Let them look. Let them run," I whispered, feeling free. "I’m done with all this."

A breeze blew by, and I turned away from the sea. The world felt lighter, like I could finally breathe again.

I knew they’d find out soon. They’d start shouting my name, running this way and that, not knowing where I’d gone. But I wasn’t coming back. I didn’t belong in their world anymore.

I smiled, the kind of smile that said it all.

The howl of the wind outside echoed through the room in the ship, pulling me from my restless sleep. It wasn’t the sound of the wind, though—it was the call. The call of the pack. Alpha’s pack. The voice of his mother rang loud in my ears, even in my sleep.

“Damon! Where is she? The ceremony is about to start. I can’t reach Lyria!” Her words were laced with panic, calling out to him like a wolf howling for its mate.

“This pup is really ungrateful. Very. Despite the love, she failed to see it.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, burying my face in the soft pillow that came with sailing this ship, trying to block out the sound. But the voices wouldn’t stop. I could hear their concern, their confusion, all wrapped up in the tension of the moment.

I heard Damon’s voice next, soft and calm as he tried to reassure her. “It’s fine, Mom. Don’t worry. I’ll get her. She’s just—” He paused, a moment of doubt creeping into his tone. “I’ll call her again.”

But as he spoke, another voice entered my mind—Lilith. Her presence felt close, almost tangible, like a shadow in this big room.

“Damon,” she murmured, her voice sweet but laced with something else. “Will you still love me after you mate with my sister?”

“Lyria doesn't deserve you. You are just doing her a favour”

Her words hit me hard, and I couldn’t help but hear the quiet plea in her voice, the desperation she must have felt. I knew she was trying to be seductive, trying to keep Damon’s attention, but it only made my heart twist in disgust.

“She couldn’t even wait fir the surprise” My wolf growled.

Damon’s voice was low and affectionate as he responded. “Of course, Lilith. Everything I’m doing is for you.” His words should have comforted me, but they felt empty. Cold.

I could hear their movements, the rustle of sheets as they shifted in bed, the sound of Damon pulling her closer. I wanted to scream. I wanted to lash out at him. But I couldn’t. I was too far away.

Even if I wasn't far away, it still wouldn't have changed a thing. They did It multiple times under my nose.

I stayed still, my mind whirling with the weight of it all. I didn’t belong in that life anymore. Not with Damon, not with his pack. I was just a tool to them, something to be used and thrash.

And in that moment, I knew. I was done.

The tension was heavy around me as I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands gripping the sheets. I could still hear their voices, their words, ringing in my mind. But something else was gnawing at me—something darker, something primal.

The wolf inside me stirred, not accepting the thoughts of Damon and Lilith filling my mind. My skin prickled, and my heart beat faster as I heard Damon’s call once more.

“Lyria, where are you? Please, answer me…”

He longed for my response, but this time, I would never satisfy his wish!