His Abandoned Luna: Read Chapters 1-5

|| Lilac's POV ||

"Please," I whispered, my voice shaking as I turned to Kael. "Let them go."

The words felt foreign, bitter, like ashes on my tongue. I had never begged before, never thought I would have to. But for them-for my parents-I would swallow my pride.

I had begged before Kael. I had pleaded with Kael to remember the vows we made, the promises he had whispered in the dark when the world felt safe.

"You will always come first," he had told me, his voice a balm to my fears.

That was before Coco. Before she swept into the palace like a storm, leaving ruin in her way. He swore nothing would change, that I would still be his queen, his love. It was all a lie. A beautiful, cruel lie.

Kael's golden eyes flickered with something unreadable, gone before I could grasp it. His silence cut deeper than a blade. My hands clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms, but the pain was nothing compared to the ache inside me.

The air reeked of blood and betrayal, thick and suffocating. The grand hall, once a place of celebration, felt like a tomb. The towering marble pillars, carved with our pack's history, seemed to lean inward as if they, too, couldn't bear to witness this. He killed all my trusted warriors, making sure my family was left vulnerable. Flickering torchlight cast jagged shadows across the polished floor ghosts mocking me, whispering of my downfall.

My heart pounded, every beat a painful reminder of how far I had fallen. My knees buckled, and I sank to the cold stone. The impact barely registered. My dress once a symbol of my status as Luna Queen felt heavy, suffocating, meaningless now.

I lifted my gaze, and there he was. Kael. The Alpha King. My husband of five years. The man I had given everything to. His broad shoulders were squared, his jaw set, his golden eyes colder than I had ever seen. This was not the man who once held me close, who swore to protect me. No, this was a stranger wearing his face.

And in his arms, cradled like something precious, was Coco. Wrapped in silk, her raven hair spilling over her shoulders, she was breathtaking. To me, she was nothing but a viper wrapped in silk and secrets. Her lips curled into a smirk triumphant, cruel. She had unraveled my life with nothing more than a glance, watching as everything I built crumbled at her feet.

Behind them, warriors stood motionless, swords drawn, aimed at my parents. My mother and father once proud, unyielding warriors were on their knees, heads howed, Silver chains bound their wrists and ankles, the enchanted metal searing their skin. The sight of them like this-broken, humiliated was a dagger to my heart.

"He is your Beta, Kael. He is the proud of our country," I said.

My father, the man who had once stood tall even in the face of war, sagged under the weight of his shame. My mother's fierce eyes were hollow now, empty of hope. The woman who taught me to fight for what I loved was now nothing more than a prisoner in the kingdom she once bled for.

I swallowed hard, forcing down the sob clawing its way up. I couldn't break. Not yet.

"Kael," I choked out, my voice cracking. "If you ever loved me, even a little.... let them go."

Coco's laughter rang through the silence-sharp, mocking.

"Oh, darling," she purred, tilting her head. "Love has nothing to do with this."

She stepped forward, slow and deliberate, a predator circling its prey. In her hand, a dagger gleamed under the dim light. She pointed it at me, her smile dripping with false sweetness.

"I'll let them go," she mused, "if you die instead."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Before I could react, her smirk

widened.

"Too late," she whispered. "I changed my mind."

She hurled the dagger.

Time slowed. The blade spun through the air in a deadly arc.

My father's eyes met mine steady, strong, the way they had always been. But now, they were filled with sorrow. With an apology he would never get to say.

The dagger struck. A sickening thud.

A strangled gasp escaped his lips. His body jerked violently as the silver burned through him. His fingers trembled, reaching-reaching for me-but his strength faltered. He crumpled to the ground. Convulsing. Dying.

"Nol"

The scream tore from my throat, raw and broken.

I lunged for him desperate, frantic

But before I could reach him, before I could touch him one last time, Coco threw another dagger.

This one struck my mother's chest.

A sharp gasp. Her body jolted. Her trembling hands clutched at the hilt, as if she could undo it, as if she could will the blade away. Crimson bloomed across her gown, violent against the pale silk.

Her gaze found mine.

Her fierce, loving eyes the ones that had watched over me my whole life-now filled with something else. Regret. Not for herself. For me. For the pain she couldn't stop.

Her lips parted. No words came. Just a shuddering breath.

She collapsed beside my father.

A hollow, keening sound rose from my chest, a grief so raw it split me apart. My parents my home, my anchor were gone. just like that. Their lives. reduced to bloodstains on cold, unfeeling stone.

The world blurred. My vision darkened as rage and sorrow swallowed me whole. My wolf surged forward, her growl shaking the hall. My claws elongated, my fangs bared. I was ready to tear Coco apart

But Kael stepped in front of her, his massive frame shielding her from my wrath. His golden eyes bore into mine, cold and unyielding, and in that moment, I saw the truth.

I was nothing to him. My love was less than nothing.

The bond we had shared, the love I had believed in, had been an illusion, shattered by the arrival of his true mate,

|| Lilac's POV ||

“You witch!” I snarled, my voice a mixture of pain and fury. My wolf howled within me, her grief echoing my own.

But Kael’s expression remained impassive, his loyalty firmly with Coco. The woman who had destroyed my life, who had taken everything from me, stood behind him, her smirk a cruel reminder of my powerlessness.

Tears streamed down my face as I looked at the bodies of my parents, their lives extinguished so callously, so cruelly. The girl who had once believed in fairy tales, in happily ever afters, was gone.

"Tell me, Kael, was she worth slaughtering the entire Royal Beta lineage?" I yelled.

Kael stood tall, his regal posture unyielding, his golden eyes cold and distant. How did it come to this? How had the man I had helped build an empire become the architect of my ruin?

"Answer me, Alpha King. Or do you still not see blood on your hands? Blood of your own Beta..." my voice choaked.

I stared at him, my heart a battlefield of grief and rage. It was me who had stood by his side, it was my family who had fought for him, bled for him, and secured his place on the throne. My parents, proud and unwavering, had led armies against the dark witches on the border, their sacrifices ensuring the peace of our lands. And what had it earned them? Silver chains and a traitor’s death. What had it earned me? Betrayal. Humiliation. A love turned to ash.

"They fought for you, day and night. My father almost lof his wolf protecting pur kingdom...." I screamed. But he remained silent as if my words couldn't even get through him.

"They were traitors," Kael said finally.

"Traitors? Just because Coco said so? What proof do you have?" I growled.

"Oh dear. Looks like our Luna has lost her mind," Coco taunted instead and he let her.

My mind drifted to the day Coco had arrived at the palace. She had been a fragile thing then, her eyes wide with fear, her hands trembling as she knelt before me. “Please,” she had begged, her voice trembling, “let me stay. I have nowhere else to go.” I had been foolish, so foolish. I had seen her as a lost soul in need of shelter, not the viper she truly was. Kael had taken her in, not as a servant, but as his concubine.

And now, here I was, kneeling before her. The irony was not lost on me. The woman I had once pitied now stood above me, her delicate features twisted into a mask of triumph.

"So you still remember that I am the Luna and your queen," I growled.

"Are you?" Coco’s lips curled into a smirk.

"Was I ever anything to you?" The question screamed inside me, tearing at my insides like claws. "Was any of it real?"

Kael’s gaze flickered, just for a moment, a shadow of something unreadable passing through his golden eyes. Regret? Guilt? I did not know, and I no longer cared.

A bitter laugh bubbled up in my throat, raw and laced with sorrow.

"Tell me, Kael," I whispered, my voice a ghost of what it once was.

"Was it worth it? Was she worth the blood? Look around you... look at the blood in your hands." My eyes flickered to Coco, whose smirk only deepened, satisfaction glimmering in her dark eyes.

Kael’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. The silence was louder than any answer he could have given me.

Coco stepped closer, her silk dress swishing against the marble floor.

"You should have left when you had the chance," she mused, her voice like honey laced with venom. "But I suppose you were always too stubborn for your own good. Now look at you. Broken. Defeated. Alone."

Alone. The word echoed in my mind, a cruel mockery of everything I had once had. But she was wrong. I was not broken. Not yet. My heart still beat, my lungs still drew breath, and as long as I lived, so did my vengeance. I would not fall. Not here. Not like this.

Lifting my chin, I met Coco’s gaze head-on, letting the fury in my eyes burn as brightly as the fire in my soul.

"Enjoy your victory while you can," I murmured, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. "Because one day, Coco, you will kneel before me. And when that day comes, I will make sure you remember every drop of blood you spilled."

Her smirk faltered for the briefest of moments, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face before she masked it with a scoff. "Empty threats from a fallen queen. How pitiful.”

I couldn’t hold back any longer. A deep, angry growl tore from my throat as I lunged at Coco, my wolf taking over. My claws slashed through the air, my fangs bared, and for just a second, I saw fear flash in her eyes.

Kael was too stunned to react fast enough. I shoved him hard, my paw slamming into his chest, sending him crashing onto his back. Then Coco was under me—small, fragile, trapped beneath my weight. I glared down at her, my growl echoing through the hall.

This was all her fault. She had created this nightmare. She had twisted Kael’s mind, shattered my family, taken everything from me.

Then Kael’s hand locked around my hind leg and yanked. I crashed into the wall, bones cracking as the force knocked me back into human form. I gasped, ribs screaming, my vision swimming as I tried to push myself up.

Across the room, Kael stood over Coco like some kind of knight in shining armor, his eyes blazing with fury.

At me.

I spat blood onto the marble floor and laughed—a raw, broken sound.

"Of course," I choked out. "You’d always choose her."

“I denounce you as my Luna,” he declared, his words striking me with the force of a physical blow.

“And I reject you as my mate. I am severing our bond.” He turned away from me, his attention focused on Coco as he lifted her from the ground, cradling her protectively in his arms. The tenderness in his touch was a dagger to my heart, a reminder of what I had lost.

“What should we do with her, Alpha?” one of the warriors asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

Kael didn’t even look at me as he replied, his tone as cold as the winter wind. “You can have your way with her. And once you’re done, get rid of her.”

His words shattered what little remained of my soul. I had given him everything—and this was my reward. Betrayal. Abandonment. Death. The warriors moved toward me, their eyes gleaming with malice, but I was already crawling away, my body trembling with exhaustion and despair.

My hand brushed against something cold and metallic. A dagger, forgotten on the floor. I clutched it tightly, the weight of it grounding me in the moment. My vision blurred with tears as I pressed the blade to my stomach.

“Moon Goddess,” I whispered, my voice breaking.

“Forgive me. I was not the Luna you expected of me. Forgive me, Mom, Dad. I have failed you too.”

A single tear rolled down my cheek as I closed my eyes, the dagger poised to end my suffering. If I were to get another chance, I vowed silently, I would never walk this path again. I would never trust so easily, love so blindly. I would rise from the ashes of my shattered life, stronger, fiercer, unbroken.

But as the blade pressed into my skin, a spark of defiance ignited within me. No. I would not give them the satisfaction of my death. Not like this. Not while they still breathed. With a trembling hand, I lowered the dagger, my resolve hardening.

Goddess, was this your justice? I was the Luna Queen and that was the death I deserved! I fell slowly in a cold dark place.

|| Lilac's POV ||

The grand hall was a whirl of color and noise—laughter, music, and applause bouncing off the marble floors. Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over everything, making the velvet banners with our pack’s crest shimmer. Unity. Strength. Words that meant nothing to me now.

My head spun. One second, I’d been on the throne room floor, a dagger at my stomach, my heart in pieces. The next, I was here—back in this cursed celebration, the night that had started my ruin.

Then arms wrapped around me. Warm. Familiar. Lavender and honey.

My breath caught.

Mom.

Her embrace was soft, her voice thick with love. "Congratulations, sweetpea."

That word—sweetpea—hit me like a knife to the chest. I pulled back just enough to see her face, my fingers trembling as they brushed her cheek. Real. Alive. Laugh lines framed her eyes, her smile bright, her golden-flecked irises like sunlight through leaves.

But—how? I’d watched her die. Seen Coco’s blade take her from me.

Yet here she stood. Unharmed. Or maybe we both were dead! This was the afterlife.

The applause around me swelled, a roaring wave of approval. I turned, pulse racing, and saw him—my father. Tall, proud, his silver-streaked hair catching the light. He gave me a nod, the kind that used to make me feel safe.

Both of them. Alive. This couldn’t be truth.

My lungs burned. Was this madness? A trick of my dying mind?

I looked down at myself—the shimmering gown, the same one I’d worn that night. The night Luna Queen Cassandra had named me Kael’s mate.

A memory? The most terrifying one probably! I piched myself and a gasp left asI felt the pain.

No.

This wasn’t just any memory. This was... REAL! I came back in time somehow.

Back then, I’d been naive. I’d loved Kael for as long as I could remember—before I even had my wolf, before I knew what love really was. I’d believed being his mate was an honor. That we’d rule together, that he’d cherish me.

I’d been a fool.

Kael’s charm had hidden the truth—the coldness in him, the cruelty. And I’d fallen for it, right up until the moment he betrayed me.

But now?

The realization crashed over me—this was real. A second chance.

My hands clenched. I wouldn’t make the same mistakes. I wouldn’t trust him. I wouldn’t let Coco destroy everything I loved.

"Lilac, my dear, please step up."

Luna Queen Cassandra’s voice cut through the noise. She stood on the stage, regal as ever.

And beside her— Kael Reventhorn.

Golden-eyed, perfect, the future Alpha King. The crowd adored him. But I saw the truth now—the emptiness behind his smile.

The queen extended her hand. "Today, you take your place as the future Luna of Reventhorns."

Cheers erupted.

I met Kael’s gaze. Once, that look would have made my heart race. Now?

Nothing.

Only ice. Only resolve.

“Forgive me, my queen,” my mother’s voice broke through the silence, soft and apologetic. I turned to see her bowing slightly, her hands clasped in front of her.

“She is a bit overwhelmed, it seems.” Her smile was strained, her eyes darting to me with a mixture of pride and concern. I wanted to tell her the truth, to explain that this was not overwhelming but a deep, seething resistance bubbling beneath the surface. But I couldn’t. Not here. Not now.

“It is normal indeed,” Luna Cassandra replied, her voice smooth and reassuring.

“Lilac is only eighteen, and we are bestowing a great responsibility upon her shoulders.” Her words were kind, but they did little to ease the turmoil within me.

In my past life, this woman had been a pillar of strength, a figure I had admired and respected. But I knew the truth now. She had done everything for her son, Kael, even when it meant siding with him as he brought Coco into our lives. She had called it normal, a necessary part of life for an Alpha. “My son is an Alpha and he needs his mate to keep his sanity intact,” she had said, her voice gentle but firm. “And since she is his soulmate, their child will have a stronger bond.” Her words had cut me deeper than any blade, a betrayal I had never fully recovered from.

“Go ahead, dear,” my mother whispered, her hand squeezing my arm gently.

“But… we are not soul mates,” I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, a fragile thread of defiance that seemed to silence the entire room. I could feel the tension rise, the unease of the crowd palpable. In my past life, I had accepted this arrangement without question, too naive to see the cracks in the foundation. But now, I couldn’t let it go unchallenged.

Luna Cassandra’s smile didn’t waver, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes, surprise, perhaps, or even a hint of irritation.

“I know,” she said, her tone still warm but with an edge of finality.

“But Kael has reached twenty-three, and you are eighteen. Neither of you has found your mates yet. Above all, finding mates is rare, so we must rely on chosen ones.” Her words were logical, practical, but they did nothing to ease the storm raging within me.

“What if one of us finds our mate?” I asked, my voice trembling but firm. The crowd fell silent, the weight of my question settling over them like a heavy fog.

Before Luna Cassandra could respond, Kael stepped forward, his presence commanding and undeniable. His golden eyes locked onto mine, filled with a warmth that felt so genuine it made my stomach churn.

“I will still love you and cherish you,” he said, his voice strong and unwavering. It echoed through the hall, a vow meant to reassure not just me but the entire crowd. “Only you will be my Luna. I vow to the Moon Goddess that you will be the only one for me.”

His words were beautiful, poetic even, but they rang hollow in my ears. I knew this was a performance, a carefully crafted show meant to win the favor of the nobles and secure his place as the future Alpha King.

“I will always cherish you,” he said, his voice soft but carrying the weight of a promise. “From today onwards, you will be my precious Princess.”

The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers and whistles filling the air. But to me, it felt like a funeral march, the sound of my freedom being buried beneath the weight of duty and expectation.

|| Lilac’s POV ||

"May I?" Kael asked, extending his hand. I forced a smile.

The crowd cheered as Kael led me to the dance floor. His grip on my hand was tight, like he already owned me. The music was soft, but I felt nothing but anger.

I hated this. I hated his fake smile, his hand on my waist, his pretend love. Every step felt like I was betraying myself.

How did I end up here again? I had a second chance to change things, but here I was, dancing with the man who ruined me. Memories of my past life came rushing back— Kael’s betrayal, his cold words as he left me to die.

“You dance well,” Kael whispered, his breath hot on my ear. I shivered, disgusted.

“Practice makes everything perfect," I said, keeping my voice steady. In my past life, I’d learned to pretend to enjoy your company.

The music dragged on, each note a reminder of what I’d lost. When it ended, I walked away, leaving the cheers behind.

In my past life, I’d been naive. That version of me died betrayed and broken. This time, I'ld be stronger. But how could I, a beta with no power, stand against the future Alpha King?

I wandered into the garden, away from all the eyes. My mind racing. It was peaceful here than in the hall. Exhausted, I stumbled, but someone caught me. The scent of pine filled the air. I looked up, my breath catching in my throat as my eyes met his. A pair of piercing grey, like storm clouds gathering on the horizon, filled with a quiet intensity that made my heart skip a beat. His face was sharp, his features carved with a rugged handsomeness that was both intimidating and captivating. This was Alaric. The forgotten piece of this kingdom.

I had heard the rumors, of course. Everyone had. They whispered through the halls like a ghostly echo, growing darker with each retelling.

Alaric’s mother had been the first mate of Alpha King Darius. She had been beloved by the pack, a Luna that inspired devotion and awe. But her life had been cut short in a tragedy no one dared to speak of openly. Some said illness had claimed her, others believed treachery had been involved, though no one ever pointed fingers. Not publicly, at least.

Her death had left a void in the castle, one that Darius had filled almost too quickly. Cassandra, the woman who would become the new Luna, had stepped into the role without hesitation, her delicate hands gripping the crown that once belonged to another. And just like that, Alaric had been cast aside, his presence fading into the shadows while Kael flourished under Cassandra’s reign.

They never called him a prince. He was the firstborn son of the Alpha King, yet his name was never spoken with reverence or admiration. Instead, it was whispered in hushed, fearful tones, a cautionary tale for those who dared to question the natural order.

"His soul is cursed," they said.

"His mate will die before she ever gets the chance to love him."

He was nothing like Kael, no golden child, no rising Alpha. Where Kael was fire, burning bright and dazzling in his brilliance, Alaric was ice. A cold, creeping force, slipping through the cracks of the castle’s walls, lurking in places no one dared to look.

"Stay away from the king’s firstborn," the castle maids had warned in whispers, their hands clutching their aprons as if warding off some unseen force.

"His touch brings only death."

And yet, as I stood there, his hands still gripping my arms, I felt no fear. Only a strange, electric warmth that spread through me, igniting something deep within my chest. His touch was firm but gentle, his presence both calming and exhilarating. I couldn’t look away from his eyes, those stormy grey eyes that seemed to see straight through me, past the façade I had built, past the pain and the anger, to the core of who I was.

A spark ran through my skin where he touched me, a sensation so intense it left me breathless. I had never felt anything like it before, not with Kael, not with anyone. It was as if the world had shifted, as if the very air around us had changed. What was this feeling? This strange, overwhelming connection that seemed to pull me toward him, as if some unseen force had tied us together?

For a moment, neither of us moved. The garden was silent, the world around us fading away until it was just the two of us, standing there in the moonlight. My heart raced, my mind struggling to make sense of what I was feeling. But one thing was clear: this was different. This was real.

And it terrified me.

The garden was peaceful. Or it would have been—if not for the voice cutting through the night.

“I wonder what my sister-in-law is doing out here all alone.”

I stopped. My pulse kicked up, but I turned slowly. Alaric leaned against a tree, half in the shadows, smirking like he owned the place. His grip was still there on my arms as he pulled me a bit closer. Moonlight caught in his gray eyes, sharp and unreadable.

I pulled my hands free from his grip, hating the way my skin still tingled. “I’m not your sister-in-law.”

He chuckled. “No?”

He stepped closer. I didn’t move. He was way too taller than me, too close, too damn smug.

“I could’ve sworn I saw you in my brother’s arms tonight, dancing in joy,” His tone was light, but there was something else under it.

“I didn’t have a choice,” I said. “Queen Cassandra decided that for me.”

He tilted his head. “So you’re just a victim? No fight left in you? Poor, helpless Lilac.”

Anger flared hot. “I’m not helpless.”

His smirk widened. “Of course not.” His voice dropped lower, almost amused.

I stepped back, my shoulders hitting the rough bark of a tree. He moved in, filling the space between us, bringing the scent of pine and leather with him.

“Regretting your decision already?” His breath was warm against my cheek.

I forced a steady voice. “I don’t regret anything.”

His eyes flickered. “Liar.”

He reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. My breath hitched. Too close. My eyes fell on his full lips and suddenly all I wanted to do was kissing him, running my hands in his soft dark hair.

"What are you thinking so deeply about, sister-in-law?" He said and I saw a dangerous smike over his lips.

Focus Lilac! He was one of the Reventhorns. STAY AWAY FROM THEM AND YOU MIGHT LIVE LONGER! I yelled in my head.

"None of your business," I replied.

I ducked under his arm and put distance between us, my steps quick. I could feel his gaze on my back, but I didn’t turn around.

The path stretched ahead, bathed in silver light. I needed to think. To get out of this mess. There had to be a way.

But first, I had to deal with this engagement.

And I had a feeling that wasn’t going to be easy.

|| Lilac’s POV ||

The morning sun lit up my room as I woke up, the shadows of a restless night still lingering. My first thought was to reach out to Runa, my wolf. But there was no response. My heart raced as I tried again, but still nothing. She was barely there. Something was wrong. Why had I been given this second chance? It didn’t make sense.

The smell of pancakes pulled me back to the present. Downstairs, I could hear the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of plates. It felt like home, like the life I’d fought so hard to protect.

I dressed carefully—a blouse, a pencil skirt, and heels. As I walked downstairs, the smell of pancakes and coffee grew stronger. My family was in the kitchen. Mom was at the stove, flipping pancakes. Dad sat at the table with his coffee, and Ezra, my younger brother, was reading a book. He looked so much like Dad, with the same dark hair and sharp features. Everything felt normal, and I wanted to keep it that way.

“Good morning, sweetpea,” Dad said, smiling at me.

“Morning,” I replied, sitting down.

Mom set a plate of pancakes in front of me.

“You look different,” she said, studying me.

I glanced down. I *was* different. The naive girl who believed in fairy tales was gone. Now, I carried the weight of a second chance.

“I have some plans,” I said vaguely, picking up my fork.

Mom didn’t press, but her gaze lingered. Breakfast was peaceful, filled with casual chatter and the sound of forks on plates. But I couldn’t stay. I had work to do.

As I cleared the table, Ezra leaned against the doorframe. “Where are you off to so early?” he asked, still in his pajamas.

“Just some errands,” I said, waving a hand vaguely over my shoulder.

Ezra’s eyes narrowed. “Errands,” he repeated, his voice dripping with skepticism. “That’s a suspiciously vague answer.”

I sighed, adjusting the strap of my bag. “Because it’s not that interesting.”

“That’s debatable,” he countered, pushing off the doorframe and stepping closer. “You’re dressed like you’re about to go negotiate a business deal or break someone’s heart. Or both.”

I rolled my eyes. “Wow. What a range.”

He smirked. “I call it like I see it.” Then, his expression turned teasing. “Wait, are you going on a date! Is this with Kael? ”

I scoffed. “Absolutely not.”

He gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Oh my God. Are you already cheating on him?”

I shoved him lightly, but he barely budged. “It is not a date outfit, Ezra.”

“Then why are you blushing?” he shot back, grinning like he’d won something.

“I’m not, ” I cut myself off, realizing the more I denied it, the worse it would look. I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. “You are so annoying.”

He grinned wider. “It’s my job as your older brother.”

“You’re younger by a whole year.” I groaned. But inside my heart, it felt right. I missed his teasing.

“And yet, infinitely wiser,” he grinned.

I shook my head, but despite my best efforts, a small smile tugged at my lips. This was Ezra, relentless, obnoxious, and somehow, always able to make me laugh even when I didn’t want to.

The drive to the plaza was quiet, the hum of the engine the only sound accompanying my thoughts. Today was the day. Kael would be holding a conference here, a gathering of alphas and nobles to discuss pack alliances and future plans. It was the perfect opportunity, a chance to set my plan in motion.

I parked the car and stepped out, the cool morning air brushing against my skin as I made my way to the podium. The plaza was already bustling with activity, the press setting up their cameras and reporters milling about. My eyes scanned the crowd, and it didn’t take long to spot her.

“Lilac!” Elara’s voice rang out, bright and excited, as she hurried toward me. My best friend since childhood, she was a whirlwind of energy, her curly hair bouncing with every step. She pulled me into a tight hug, her enthusiasm infectious. She was from a Gamna family and was interested in news reporting and not to mention spying on all hot boys since our middle school.

“Hi, Elara,” I said, laughing softly as I returned her embrace. “I thought I would find you here.”

“Of course, I’m here!” she exclaimed, pulling back to show me her press badge with a grin. “I heard you were chosen as the future Alpha King’s mate! Can you believe it? My best friend, the future Luna! This is huge, Lilac! Your dream come true moment!!!!”

I forced a smile, my stomach twisting at her excitement. “Yeah, it’s… something,” I said, my voice carefully neutral.

Elara tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied me. “You don’t sound thrilled. Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?”

I hesitated, my mind racing. How could I explain to her that the life she thought I wanted was the very thing I was trying to escape? “It’s complicated,” I said finally, shaking my head. “But listen, I need your help.”

Her eyes lit up, curiosity replacing her earlier concern. “Of course! What do you need?”

I glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot before leaning in closer. “I need you to get me access to the press room. There’s something I have to do, and I can’t do it alone.”

Elara’s grin widened, her excitement undimmed. “Consider it done. But you owe me the full story later, okay?”

“Deal,” I said, relief flooding through me as she linked her arm with mine and led me toward the press room.

As we walked, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope. This was it. The first step in changing my fate. And with Elara by my side, I knew I could do it. Whatever it took, I would protect my family. I would rewrite my story.

And maybe, just maybe, I would find a way to be free.