One

She was the Luna everyone overlooked—until she vanished.

Elira spent years chasing love that was never hers. Thorne, her fated mate, ditched her on their wedding day to marry her sister, Monica. Just when she thought it was over, Thorne's older brother Lucas stepped up and married her in front of everyone. And for five whole years? He treated her like she mattered. She finally started healing—until he died.

Only... he didn’t.

Lucas faked his death and pretended to be his brother—all for Monica. And when Elira found out? Heart shattered, baby gone, and still forced to bleed for the sister who stole everything from her. That was it. She walked away. No more lies. No more pain.

Five years later, she’s not the same broken Luna. She’s powerful. Untouchable. Thriving in silence.

And when Lucas finally finds her, begging for a second chance, she gives him nothing but the cold shoulder.

She was the Luna who begged for love once.

Now? She’s the Luna who walked away.

And she’s never looking back.

--

Elira's POV

I tried everything—everything—to make my mate, Thorne Blackthorn, love me. But in the end, he loved my sister, Monica.

On our wedding day, he never showed. I stood there alone, humiliated, while the Blackthorn Pack and even my own, the Nightshade Pack, laughed at me. Of course they did. Everyone knew Thorne loved Monica. No one believed he’d actually go through with marrying me.

But what shattered me—what tore my soul apart—was that he married her instead. He didn’t just choose her. He marked her. My wolf howled in agony, the bond snapping like glass, cutting through us both.

Everyone adored Monica. My mate included. I was always second place—even to my own family. I was the eldest, sure, but I had a weak wolf, and to them, that made me less. My parents never missed a chance to remind me. Meanwhile, Monica? She had it all—their love, their praise, a powerful wolf, the affection of both packs... and my mate.

My hands trembled, heart in shards, tears threatening to spill as I stood there, drowning in humiliation. Elder Thomas Blackthorn, Thorne’s father, was furious—at them, not me. He silenced the crowd, comforted me, promised he’d deal with his son. He urged me to leave, to escape this mess and let him handle it.

But just as I turned to go, Thorne’s older brother—Alpha Lucas Blackthorn—stepped toward me.

He was dressed in a beige suit, tall, good-looking, those ocean-blue eyes piercing right through me. He looked like a prince from a dream. I froze as he reached out his hand, my breath catching.

“I won’t let you be shamed like this, Elira,” he said. “Marry me.”

Murmurs echoed all around us. My eyes widened, stunned.

“I’ve loved you in secret, Eli,” he confessed. “And I swear—I’ll take care of you and love you for the rest of my life.”

That day, I became his Luna.

And for five years, Lucas kept his word. He cherished me. Protected me. He healed me. I thought I’d never love again after Thorne, but slowly… I fell hard. Lucas became my everything.

Until the day I lost him.

He was killed in a rogue ambush on his way to the allies’ pack to settle a conflict. The news wrecked me. I didn’t even know how to breathe anymore. On the day of his funeral, I wasn’t feeling well. I went to the pack doctor—and learned I was two months pregnant.

With his pup.

Still in disbelief, I returned to the cemetery. That’s when I saw him—Thorne. Or rather, his back. He leaned against a car, smoking and talking to his cousin, unaware of my presence.

Then I heard it.

“This is crazy, Lucas. What if someone finds out you’re the one alive? That it was Thorne who died in the attack? What if Luna Monica or Luna Elira realize you’re pretending to be Thorne?”

I froze.

That voice—Lucas.

He was alive.

And pretending to be his dead brother.

I couldn’t breathe. My knees nearly gave out. Tears blurred my vision. He lied to me. Betrayed me. Used me. All for .

Because they both loved her.

I was nothing but a pawn in their twisted game.

I couldn’t bear it. I decided to terminate the pregnancy. It broke me, but I couldn’t bring his children into a world where they’d only remind me of the betrayal.

After the procedure, I was weak, barely able to stand. That’s when he found me—Lucas, alive, still playing Thorne. He grabbed me, dragging me to the medical wing. Monica had lost too much blood due to miscarriage. She needed a transfusion.

And even though I was in pain, broken and bleeding, they force me to take my blood. Just to save her.

That was the last time.

The last time I’d ever let them use me, lie to me, treat me like I was nothing.

I was done.

I went straight to Elder Thomas. He was in the library, reading a scroll. He looked up, surprised to see me, then rushed to embrace me.

“Elder Thomas,” I whispered, voice shaking, “I’m leaving the pack. I don’t want to be Luna anymore.”

Two

Elira's POV

Elder Thomas made me sit down, and a servant came in with a cup of tea. He took the seat across from me and spoke gently, “I know it’s not easy losing a husband, Luna Elira. I understand what you're going through. I saw how much you two loved each other, and it hurt me too—maybe not like it hurt you, but still.”

My wolf stirred, desperate to spill the truth—that Lucas was alive, hiding behind Thorne’s identity. But for what? Why fake his death? He never loved me. Not once in five years. Everything he did… it was just duty. A sacrifice to keep the pack’s pride intact. Nothing more.

I was such a fool. I believed the lies. I thought his affection was real. Thought his heart was mine. Turns out, it always belonged to Monica.

Tears welled in my eyes, my breathing shaky.

“I’ll give you an estate to live in,” Elder Thomas offered kindly.

But I didn’t want it. I didn’t want anything. I just needed to leave and live a life far away from them.

“Thank you, Elder Thomas, but I don’t need it,” I whispered, voice cracking. “I just came to tell you I’m leaving. You’re the only one who’s ever made me feel seen—like I was worthy of love.”

Tears slipped down my cheeks.

“You’re like a daughter to me, Luna Elira,” he said with emotion in his voice. “But please, don’t leave with nothing. You were my son’s wife, the Luna of our pack.”

He stood and opened a drawer behind his desk, pulling out a small passbook. He handed it to me. “Take this. It’s enough money to live on for now. And please, reconsider the estate.”

“Thank you so much, Elder Thomas,” I said through tears. “You’re like a father to me.”

He held my hand tightly. “I know things weren’t easy. Your own mate humiliated you on your wedding day. If Lucas hadn’t stepped in back then, I don’t know what would’ve happened. But now that he’s gone… I just want you to find happiness again. Remarry. Start a family.”

I smiled faintly. “I don’t think I could marry anyone else, Elder Thomas. I’ll live the rest of my life as a widow.”

He gently tapped my hand. “If that’s your choice, I’ll respect it. Just remember, you’ll always be welcome here. Always.”

I didn’t know where to go yet, but staying here—even in that estate—wasn’t an option. Not when I’d see Lucas with my sister.

Then my eyes landed on a real estate magazine. Without thinking much, I went straight to a broker.

“Luna, here are some available lands,” the broker said, handing me a brochure. “Pick whichever you like.”

I scanned through the options and found it—a piece of land far from the werewolf city. East, remote, quiet. A place no one could find me. A place where I could finally be free from Lucas… from everyone who never cared.

I paid half up front and agreed to pay the rest once the land was officially transferred to my name. Then I returned to the pack house, feeling the pity in everyone’s eyes.

My wolf was still weak from what had happened… and from the blood loss after saving Monica.

I couldn’t help but remember the day I was sixteen, attacked by a rogue, bleeding out—until Thorne saved me. That’s when I knew he was my mate. But the moment he laid eyes on Monica, I vanished from his world. No matter how hard I tried to bond with him, to be enough, he never saw me.

Not once.

I wiped my tears as I looked around the room that held five years of memories with Lucas. Memories I once treasured. The photos, the little gifts, the scrapbook full of love notes, the painting I made for him… everything.

But now, all I felt was anger and disgust.

I stared at our bed.

Did he ever think it was me in his arms—or was it always Monica?

Pathetic. Pathetic love. Pathetic me.

I grabbed everything—every piece of our so-called love—and shoved it in a box. I carried it outside to the garbage, ready to burn it all.

But then a familiar hand stopped me.

“What are you doing?” said a voice behind me. “Is that the stuff from my brother? The gifts? His memories?”

It was Lucas.

Pretending to be Thorne.

I would’ve believed it was really Thorne if I hadn’t heard that conversation. He looked just like him—the hair, the eyes, even the way he dressed. Everything was identical.

I yanked my hand away, but he gripped it tightly. I stared at him calmly, coldly. “He’s gone. Why would I keep this? I’m leaving.”

His eyes widened. “You’re what?”

“Let me go,” I said firmly.

His expression twisted. “Did my father tell you to leave?”

I tried pulling my hand again, but he held tighter, jaw clenched. “Answer me—did my father ask you to go?”

“You’re hurting me, Thorne!” I snapped.

He immediately let go, staring at the red mark on my wrist.

“You’re not leaving, Luna Elira,” he growled. “You’re still the Luna, even if Lucas is dead. I have no plans to take the Alpha position.”

I clutched my wrist, shocked. He should be glad I was leaving. He could finally be with Monica without hiding. What did he care?

“So… you don’t want me to leave?” I asked, looking straight into his eyes.

He didn’t answer. Just stared at me with an emotion I couldn’t read.

I looked away, my tears falling again.

“Luna Elira—” he started, but his voice was cut off by someone behind us.

Monica.

Three

Elira's POV

“Honey, why are you taking so long? You said you wouldn’t be gone that long,” Monica said, flashing me one of her fake smiles.

“Sis, how are you?” she asked, pulling me into a brief hug. “I know it’s not easy to lose Alpha Lucas.”

Then she pulled back and looped her arm around him.

She gave me that fake, syrupy look of concern. I smiled back, cold as ice. “I’m fine. Why should I grieve? People leave. Nothing to cry about,” I said flatly, catching the way Lucas’s jaw clenched. His eyes burned holes into me, like he didn’t expect that answer.

Monica’s gaze dropped to the boxes. “You’re burning them?” lo

“Yeah. Why should I keep anything?” I shrugged.

“Aww, that’s sad,” she pouted, then turned to Lucas. “Honey, we need to go. I have a follow-up at the hospital.”

Lucas didn’t move. He stared at the box. “Don’t burn that. I’ll keep it—for my brother,” he said.

I was about to argue, but he didn’t give me the chance. He ordered one of the guards to take it away. My jaw clenched. What the heck was he doing? Why not just let me go? Why keep torturing me like this?

“Let’s go,” he said, and the two of them walked off like the perfect little couple.

And that’s when it hit me—no matter what I did, I’d never be Monica. Never be the one they chose. I’d never be enough.

A single tear slid down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly.

I kept my head down, ignoring the stares from the pack as I waited for the documents for the island to be finalized. I just needed to leave. Elder Thomas promised to keep quiet about it, that he’d manage things until Thorne decided to take the Alpha title.

Later that day, I returned to the packhouse after handling finances and a council meeting. Monica approached me, beaming, and grabbed my hand.

“Sis! It’s been forever since we went out together. Thorne’s racing tomorrow. Come with me. Don’t just stay holed up here, mourning Lucas,” she said sweetly.

Lucas… racing? That was new. He never did stuff like that. That was Thorne’s thing—speed, risk, freedom. Not Lucas. But something inside me wanted to see what he was up to.

I didn’t want to go, but Monica pushed so hard that I finally gave in.

The next morning, we were at the race track. Monica ditched me to find Lucas, and I wandered around until I spotted his cousin Drake talking to him.

“Seriously? You’ll get yourself killed!” Drake snapped, shaking his head. “I don’t get why you’re doing all this just to stay close to Monica.”

Lucas’s voice was calm, too calm. “It’s the only way. I don’t even know how to drive this car. Tampering with the brakes is all I could do.”

My blood froze.

“You’re insane,” Drake muttered. “Look, I get it. You love Monica. But she’s your brother’s wife. And Elira—your own wife—was wrecked when you died. You really felt nothing seeing her break down like that? She loved you, man. She loved you so much.”

Lucas didn’t say a word.

Drake ran a hand through his hair. “Let her go, bro. Let Monica go. Stop this mess.”

I stood there, hidden, silent, breath caught in my throat.

Then I heard Lucas speak.

“I’ll go back to Elira. But after two years with Monica... I’ll fix things.”

Go back?

I scoffed quietly and turned away.

Back to who?

The girl you left broken?

The one who died inside the moment she realized you faked your own death?

There’s no Elira waiting for you.

You can rot in your perfect fantasy with Monica.

You think I was the reason for your misery for five years?

You’re worse than Thorne.

I found a seat as the race began. The crowd roared, wild cheers erupting when Thorne’s name was announced.

Monica returned, sitting beside me. “Don’t look so gloomy, sis. You should get out more.”

I didn’t answer.

“You know, fate’s just cruel like that. Your husband died, mine survived the rogue attack. You’re just unlucky, but hey—some people are born like that. I guess I’m just lucky,” she said with a smug little smile.

I clenched my jaw, hiding the storm brewing inside me. I was about to snap when a loud crash made everyone go still.

“Honey!” Monica screamed in panic.

Four

Elira's POV

Lucas’s car crashed into the guardrail. He swerved too hard, and people started panicking. Monica ran toward the wreck just as the ambulance arrived. They pulled his unconscious, bleeding body out of the car before it burst into flames.

She climbed in with him, crying hysterically.

I stayed where I was, calm. Watching.

How far could someone go for love?

I used to be like that. Pathetic. Chasing someone just to be loved back. Doing everything just to feel seen. But no matter what I did, I was never enough.

Lucas almost died for Monica. That’s love, huh?

It made me feel even more pathetic—because I knew no one would ever do that for me. No matter how much I gave.

Five days passed. I buried myself in the pack's duty, not even bothering to check on Lucas. I didn’t care how he was doing or if he even alive.

Then my phone rang. It was the hospital.

“Miss Blackthorn, maybe you forgot about the item in the freezer. Today’s the last day we’re holding it. Just let us know if you’re picking it up or not.”

I had forgotten. “I’ll be there today.”

I hung up, sitting on a bench and staring out into the distance. That ache in my chest wouldn’t go away. My wolf felt it too.

I touched my stomach.

“This is the right thing,” I whispered.

When I got to the hospital, I walked fast. I was about to turn toward the morgue when I passed by a room and froze.

It was Lucas’s room.

The door was slightly open. I heard Monica crying.

“Alpha Thorne won’t be able to race again,” the doctor said. “He tore his anterior cruciate ligament.”

Monica sobbed. “I’m sorry, honey… You love racing so much…”

The doctor left, and then I saw it. The smile on Lucas’s face. That look in his eyes—the kind of look he never gave me. The softness, the warmth… all for her.

He never looked at me like that. Not even once.

“It’s okay, honey. Don’t blame yourself. Stop crying… It hurts me seeing you like this,” he said, full of affection.

Monica blushed. “That’s why I love you so much.”

“And I love you,” Lucas said. “I’d rather lose racing than lose you.”

I felt like throwing up. My heart shattered all over again. My wolf howled inside me.

My hands shook as I turned around, forcing myself to walk toward the morgue.

Then I heard her voice.

“Elira!”

I turned. Monica was walking toward me, all smiles.

“Sis, you’re here! Why didn’t you drop by to visit Thorne?”

“I didn’t know you were here,” I lied.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here anyway. Just wanted to tell you—our sixth wedding anniversary’s in two weeks. I really hope you’ll come. I don’t want you to feel lonely.”

Her voice was sweet, but her smile felt like poison.

The same day I planned to leave the pack for good.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t forget your anniversary,” I said flatly.

She tilted her head, pretending to be concerned. “You sure? Maybe you’ve forgotten after losing your husband.”

My wolf growled inside me.

“I’ll be expecting you,” she added.

“I have important things to do,” I said, brushing past her. Truth was—I couldn’t stand being around her anymore. Or any of them.

After settling the hospital matter, I went back to the pack. My phone pinged while I was getting back to my duties.

It was a message from my father.

[How long are you going to ignore us? You’re being stubborn and ungrateful! Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want! You never think of your parents—that’s why Lucas died! Monica is better than you. Be on my birthday, I'll expecting you.]

I replied: [Okay.]

It’s been five years since I last went to the Nightshade pack. They didn’t even attend my wedding. But when it was Monica’s wedding? They were all there, all smiles. She got their blessings. I got silence.

Even here in the pack, I never felt like I belonged. My parents always doted on my younger sister. I spent years trying to earn just a sliver of their attention. But I could never compete. Monica always outshined me.

Bitterness clung to the back of my throat.

Even Thorne… he was my destined mate, but all his affection? It was for her.

I used to think Lucas loved me. That maybe, just maybe, he chose me. But no—he loved Monica too.

I laughed bitterly, a hollow sound in the silence.

Everyone I ever loved… loved her more.

And now?

This will be the last time I ever see my parents again.

Five

Elira’s POV

The birthday banquet was held on a lavish cruise ship. I arrived with Lucas and Monica, boarding the deck under the blinding lights and fake smiles.

My parents met us, beaming—but their eyes were only on Monica and Lucas. I was just... there. Invisible. But I’ve gotten used to that, so I stayed quiet.

“Our sweet little girl, look at you, you’re getting thinner,” my mother said as she kissed Monica’s cheek, her expression filled with worry. “I know it’s hard to lose your baby, sweetheart. But don’t worry, I’ll keep praying to the Moon Goddess that you’ll get pregnant again, strong and healthy.”

My father, former Alpha Harold, wrapped Monica in a tight embrace—like he hadn’t seen her in years. That hug… gods, how I wished he’d hold me like that, even just once.

“You need to eat more, sweetheart. A lot more,” Father said, then turned to Lucas, who was doting on Monica like she was the air he breathed. “And you—give us a grandchild soon, and take care of our girl. We love her so much.”

“I know, Alpha Harold. For your daughter, I’d do anything. I love her more than anything in this world.”

Those were the same words Lucas once told me. “I’d do anything for your happiness,” he said. But he never said he loved me—not like that.

My eyes stung. My wolf whimpered inside me.

No one wanted us. Not even my own blood. No one except Elder Thomas.

I stepped forward, handing my father a gift—a rare luxury watch, the exact brand he loved. It hadn’t even hit the market yet. I worked hard just to get it… hoping that after I left, he’d at least remember me when he saw it.

“Father. Happy birthday,” I said softly. “Here’s my gift.”

They all looked at me like I had just appeared out of nowhere. My father nodded, not even glancing at the paper bag. He waved over a servant to take it and toss it with the rest of the gifts like it was nothing special.

Monica beamed as she handed him hers. “Happy birthday, Daddy! I hope you like it!”

My father lit up as he opened her gift like a child unwrapping a treasure. It was just a cheap bottle of berry wine. Ordinary. But his smile made it look like gold.

“I love this, sweetheart! You know how much I adore berry wine!”

If you're the favorite daughter, everything you touch turns to gold—even the cheapest things. If you’re not? You’re just... there.

They left me behind like they always did. Not even a glance back.

I walked to an empty table tucked in the corner—far away from everyone’s curious and pitiful eyes. As I sat, my father took the stage.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m so happy you’re all here,” he began, grinning wide. “I want my sweet daughter to come join me on stage.”

Applause echoed. Monica stood, glowing in her deep red tulip dress, stealing the spotlight as if she was born for it.

“My sweetheart,” Father said, voice full of pride, “thank you for coming into our lives. You’re our light, our happiness.”

The words stabbed into me like blades.

“Daddy,” Monica sniffled, tears in her eyes. “You know how much I love you.”

The crowd cooed. My father melted.

“I want everyone to know… Monica Starwind will be the heiress of our pack. Everything I have—every title, every land—will belong to her.”

The room went quiet.

Whispers broke out. Murmurs of confusion.

Traditionally, the heiress is the eldest daughter. But there I was—getting nothing. Not even a single coin.

My hands trembled. My chest tightened. It felt like my simple dress was choking me.

I stood up. No one noticed. No one ever noticed.

I walked out of the banquet hall, out to the deck, desperate to breathe.

The sea wind hit my face. I gripped the railing, lips trembling. Anger boiled in me. I wanted to scream. I wanted to shout that I was their daughter too. But what for? I’d only look pathetic.

Life has never been fair to me. Not once.

I sighed and looked up at the moon, trying to calm the wolf inside me. She was furious too.

She understood. She always did.

But that small peace shattered when I felt Monica’s presence behind me.

“What are you doing out here alone, Sis?” she asked, voice sickeningly sweet. “You should be inside, enjoying the party. Don’t be out here sulking like a loser.”

I stayed quiet. But my wolf growled.

Monica moved closer, smirking. “Look at you. All pitiful and pathetic.” Her voice was full of mockery

“You’re weak. Still begging for our parents’ love—but they love me. Not you. Never you. Can’t you see that?”

She laughed cruelly.

“My husband? He never wanted you. Thorne? Loves me. Only Lucas lobe you but well he's dead, you are alone and nothing, Elira. No one wants you. No one loves you. What’s the point of being alive?”

I was the eldest. But she never treated me like one. She took everything from me—my family, my pack, even the men I loved. Thorne. Lucas.

Why? Why go this far? Why say these things?

“What do you want from me, Monica?” I said coldly. “They already love you. I don’t care.”

She sneered. “You’re my sister, but I can’t stand you. I wish you didn’t exist. Why can’t you just die already?”

Then, out of nowhere, she shoved me.

She was strong.

I stumbled back, shocked, struggling to grab hold of something—anything.

In the panic, my hand caught hers.

She didn’t expect that.

And in one terrifying second... we both went over the edge.