Alpha's Shadow

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I will die on my beloved sister’s birthday. She took my family, my mate, and everything I ever had. So when our pack needed someone to be offered to the Abyss, I volunteered. “Will you regret it?” I asked my mate. He frowned impatiently. “What are you talking about? Are you making a big deal out of nothing again?” I looked at him and quietly shook my head.“Nothing.” After all, I only had thirty days left to live. --- Lenora “This can't be right! Miss, are you really sure you want to register as the human sacrifice?” The Gamma in charge of the registry stared at me as if I had spoken nonsense. His hand hovered over the form, trembling slightly. “You are the member of the Alpha family. How could they possibly bear to watch you jump off the cliff?” “Yes,” I said calmly with a small smile. “I’m willing to die.” The Gamma’s face was completely drained of color. He looked at me again, carefully this time, as if hoping he had somehow mistaken my identity. But there was no mistake. I stood there, calm as a dove, like this was the easiest thing I have ever done, waiting for him to file my application. According to the legends, once in every hundred years, a chaotic dark energy stirred from the northern cliff. Every living being it came in contact with, be it human or animal was instantly drained of its life force. For several centuries, human sacrifices have been made to stabilise the chaos and bring peace. There were volunteers from each pack across the entire Northern mountains. This time, the chaos had grown even more restless and stronger from being restrained for so long and unfortunately, I was the only volunteer across the region because no one wanted to give up their precious life for "others". “The preparations and thirty days of cleansing will proceed immediately. You have one month,” the gamma said hoarsely. “Once the ritual is complete, you will die. There is no backing out from this if I file this.” My chest squeezed painfully. My stomach twisted in fear, the thought of dying... I clenched my fists tightly, fighting the fear creeping through my veins. I made it this far already. I couldn't just change my mind. “I understand.” He swallowed, still unwilling to accept my reckless decision. “Your brothers adore you, Miss Lenora. The Alpha and Luna raised you as their own for many years. You even have a sorting fiance who can't live without you. Surely...” “That was in the past,” I interrupted quietly, my own words cutting through my heart like a blade. A familiar sting blurred through my vision but I blinked it away. It was simply pointless. His mouth closed at my words. Confusion etched across his face, but I didn't bother to explain any further. He couldn't possibly understand how he11ish these past few years have been for me. No one did. The dotting fiance he talked about... Right from the moment it was discovered that I was wolfless, no one mentioned the engagement again. My fiancé, who couldn't stay a day without seeing me before, suddenly stopped visiting. No calls, no texts, nothing. My family didn't bother asking no matter how much I complained about it. It was as if the promise had simply never existed. I was the adopted daughter of the Starline Pack Alpha. I learned fast. I trained hard. The Alpha and Luna were so impressed they said I would one day stand beside my brothers as their equal. And I was truly happy, just being by their side. But as I grew older, my strength faded year by year. At sixteen, which was ideal for a girl as exceptionally talented as I was to get her wolf, my wolf never awakened. By the time I turned eighteen, the whispers had already spread through the pack. I was tagged wolfless. Useless. Shameful. Before the Gamma could speak again, a powerful voice echoed through the room, and the pack. “Dear members, of Starline Pack,” my father’s voice announced, steady and proud. “While we are still waiting for a volunteer to step forward for the sacrificial ritual…” there was a pause, then his tone softened. “you are all invited to celebrate my lovely daughter and your beloved princess, Eleanor's birthday. A grand banquet will be held in her honor in three days. All are welcome.” My heart shattered all over again and a painful smile formed on my lips. Eleanor's birthday, huh? My brothers took over from him almost immediately, instructing servants and pack members to prepare gifts, decorations, and rare delicacies for the celebration. Their words were so warm and loving. Even my mother was happy to broadcast her all over, talking about all her achievements in the past year. No one remembered that my birthday would be in a few days too. The broadcast ended. The office felt painfully silent. The Gamma finally exhaled. He stopped trying to persuade me. Instead, he pulled out a sealed document and slid it across the desk. “This is the certificate of sacrifice,” he said slowly. “From today onward, you are under ritual protection. No one may harm you before the ceremony.” I accepted it with both hands. He stood up and bowed to me, deeply. “Thank you, Miss Lenora. With your selfless sacrifice, the dark energy will be sealed for good. The pack will be safe again.” I nodded, despite the emptiness I felt inside and left the office. The streets were lively. People were smiling, talking about the Alpha’s announcement, about the coming birthday banquet. But when they saw me, their expressions changed and the topics immediately shifted. “That’s her, right?” “The wolfless one.” “What a disgrace to the Alpha family. I don't even know what she does around here.” They didn't even try to whisper anymore. They said it to my face, knowing I could do nothing. By pack law, wolfless wolves were meant to be expelled at the age of twenty. They became rogues. Alone and unwanted. Over the years, I have seen what happened to female rogues. I wasn't just going to wait for it to happen to me too. I would rather die with meaning. On my own terms. By the time I returned home, the mansion was quiet. No servant in sight. I turned a corner of the corridors and nearly collided with Eleanor. She stopped, her blue eyes narrowing instantly on me, taking in everything with disdain before landing on the box in my hand. “What’s that?” She asked. “None of your business,” I replied and made to walk past her, but she blocked me. She reached for the box, but I pulled back. Her eyes darkened with irritation and she angrily shoved me. "I said give it to me, you pig!" She seethed. I staggered from the push, losing my balance. I hit the floor with a thud and the box hit the floor, spilling its contents. "What is wrong with you?" I fired. She was about to snap back when she stopped suddenly. A cruel smile played on her lips and she let out a scream instead, catching me off guard. “Help! She pushed me! She wants to kill me.” She cried, falling to the ground. Footsteps rushed toward us and in no time, my brothers appeared with panicked expressions. They walked past me like I was nothing and rushed over to her. Eleanor was already crying, pointing at me accusingly. “I was just trying to hug her but she pushed me and then tried to frame me by falling on purpose so you will all pity her.” Davis, the eldest of my brothers, glared at me. “You! How could you bully her again? What did she ever do to you?” As expected they didn't even bother to ask me what happened, they just jumped right to her defense. "Eleanor is your sister for goddess sake! Why would you treat her like this?" Vincent barked. “How could we have such a vicious sister like you?” ###CHAPTER 2 Pain seared through my body from where I had fallen. My palm stung. My knee burned against the cold floor. “I didn’t push her,” I said, forcing myself to speak. “She tried to take my things and when I refused, she pushed me! And then she fell and started screaming...” Eleanor sobbed even harder, hiding her face against Vincent's chest. “It's all my fault. I didn’t mean to make her angry. I just wanted to see what she was holding, I'm so sorry. Please don't blame her..." That was all it took for my words to dissolve completely in their ears. They turned angrily to me. “You're seriously lying to us again, Lenora?" Vincent said incredulously. “She always does this,” Davis added. “She pretends to be innocent after hurting people. What is wrong with you? Where did we go wrong in raising you? She's your sister for goodness sake!” I looked at their faces. There was no doubt in them. No hesitation. Whatever Eleanor did or said, they believed her without questions. In their eyes, I would always be the evil bully. Whatever I said didn't matter, it only made things worse. I stopped trying to explain, deciding to just pick my things and leave them to attend to their precious love-starved sister. At that same moment, footsteps echoed again. My father and mother arrived together. Behind them was someone I hadn’t expected to see so soon. Eric? For a brief second, my heart forgot how to beat. I blinked rapidly to make sure it was actually him. My Eric. What was he doing here? Was he... here to see me? His eyes locked with mine and he walked over to me immediately. My chest bloomed with joy as he offered me his hand. How long has it been since I felt this way? “You should be more careful.” He said with a gentle smile that instantly melted my heart. I nodded, unable to utter a word. Then he walked over to my father's side. My parents barely spared me a glance. Their attention was on Eleanor, who was still crying softly. “Darling, what happened?” My mother asked gently, lowering herself to Eleanor. "Why are you crying?" “Lenora bullied her again,” Davis responded almost immediately. I rolled my eyes in disbelief. I was sick of watching the same act over and over again. My father frowned, disappointment clear on his face as he turned to me. “I thought we made things clear long ago. Eleanor is the real princess of Starline Pack, what gives you the right to lay a finger on her?” I stood there, silent as they all turned their attention to her, trying to console her in the best way possible. I was simply ignored like I wasn’t even part of the room. My mother’s expression changed suddenly, turning bright. “Oh, right. We almost forgot. We were just about to share some good news.” She took Eleanor's hand affectionately. “Something wonderful.” I felt a strange unease settle in my chest. “At the upcoming birthday banquet,” she announced proudly, “Eleanor and Eric will officially announce your engagement!” Engagement? I stared at them, unable to understand what I was hearing. How could... How could Eric possibly be engaged to Eleanor? What... What about me? I looked at him, hoping he would debunk it immediately. Say he was in love with me and wouldn't marry anyone else, anything. He didn't. Instead, he offered his hand, just like he had done for me earlier and Eleanor gleefully took it. My chest tightened painfully. "Eric..." I muttered. How... How could this be? Is that why he hasn't come to see me all this time? He didn't want me anymore? As if that was not enough, Eleanor threw her hands over his shoulders, standing on her tiptoes. He held her waist to steady her and right before me, she kissed him. He didn’t step back.He didn’t refuse the kiss. My head spun. Then claps and happy cheers followed. From my brothers. My parents. So they all knew. Everyone knew. Only I didn’t. "I got you something," Eric said softly. His eyes were so full of love as he presented a box to her. "What is it?" Eleanor asked eagerly as she opened it. My breath caught instantly. It was the necklace. The one I have wanted it since forever. "Oh Goddess," Eleanor gasped with shining eyes. "This is so beautiful. I love ittttt!!!" "I'm glad you like it," Eric smiled and it felt like cold water was dumped on me. How could this happen? First my parents, then my brothers, and now my fiance? My brothers surrounded her, congratulating her, teasing her, promising gifts. "Eric..." I finally gathered the courage to call his name. Everyone turned to me. "Can... Can we talk?" My voice shook even as I said the words. He stared at me for a few seconds before nodding. We stepped aside. “What is this?” I demanded quietly. “You're getting engaged to my sister? When were you going to tell me?” He looked rather uncomfortable. “This isn’t the time for this, Lenora.” “Then when is the time?” I asked in disbelief. “After the announcement?” He sighed. “Look, Eleanor is your sister. What difference does it make?" Seriously? That was all he had to say? "And you should apologize to Eleanor first before questioning me. You hurt her today.” I laughed softly. “That’s what you're more concerned about? We were together for years, we loved each other and then one day, you just ghosted me and now this?” “You're taking this the wrong way, Nora,” he sighed. “My family has always planned for me to marry the Alpha’s daughter. You know that.” “No.” My voice broke with all the hurt I felt inside. “I didn’t.” “Look, It’s not that I don’t love you,” he said, taking my hand. “I’ll make it up to you, okay? Six months from now, I'll give you the one thing you've always wanted. At the feast, right in front of everyone.” Six months. I have just one month! I chuckled at the irony. This man before me seemed like an absolute stranger. "There's no need," I smiled. "Let's just end it here. Nothing you do will ever make up for this betrayal." He frowned. “Why are you being like this? Are you jealous?” “Jealous?” I repeated. “Eleanor is kind and pure,” he said firmly. “You should reflect on yourself. You were never like this. Have you really become as vicious as they say?” That was the moment something in me snapped. I smiled. “You know I always thought you had poor taste in women since you chose to be with me. Turns out your taste is even poorer than I imagined” I said lightly. “And your hypocrisy is even more impressive.” His face darkened. “Enough! I won't stand here and listen to any more of your nonsense!” I turned to leave. I could feel their eyes boring holes into my skin. My words must have carried, because the air was thick with disdain. “Ungrateful wrench!" My mother muttered. “Even in front of us, she's still trying to ruin her sister's engagement,” Vincent spat. “Such a wolfless disgrace doesn't even deserve to be in the same room as Eleanor.” Their disgust pressed down on me from all sides. As I walked away, a cruel, triumphant voice gloated in my head through the mindlink "I guess I won, sister." My grip on the box tightened. Without a wolf, I couldn’t respond to her. I couldn’t even block her out either. The pain in my chest spread until it was choking. For a second, it felt like my lungs were closing up on me. Just then, a guard rushed in, breathless and panting. “Alpha!” he shouted. “Someone has volunteered to be the sacrifice!” ###CHAPTER 3 The soft knock on my door woke me up from sleep. I got off the bed drowsily, dragging my feet to the door. The maid stood before me, staring sternly at me like I kept her waiting. I couldn't even get mad. It was what my family had reduced me to. Even the maids didn't respect me. She wouldn't dare glare at Eleanor this way. "The Princes demand your presence downstairs," she informed me. "Okay, I'll..." "Now!" She curtly interrupted. Releasing a sigh, I shut the door and followed her downstairs. The smell of food hit my nose and my stomach grumbled. After what happened yesterday, I had to go to bed hungry because my family stopped me from dining with them long ago and the maids didn't bother to serve me even the leftovers. "You look amazing, Eleanor. Flawless as always," Davis commented and she giggled loudly. Her gaze darted to me and I rolled my eyes inwardly, already smelling her little act from a distance. "Are you sure Lenora wouldn't be mad?" She feigned meekness. "This was her favourite dress. Maybe I should take it off..." "Of course not!" Vincent jumped in blindly. "You're her sister! What's hers is yours!" Their heads whipped around as I reached the foot of the stairs. Two pairs of eyes snapped to me almost immediately. Eleanor shrank behind them like she was afraid I would hurt her. "You sent for me, your highness," I bowed. The greeting caught off guard. "Your highness?" Vincent spoke first, surprise etching across his features. He took a step forward, "What's with the formal tone?" Davis stopped him. "Don't fall for it, Vince. She's just trying to get attention as usual." His eyes hardened as he looked at me. "Can you go one day without acting up?" Acting up? "You sent for me," I repeated. "Yes," Davis cleared his throat, taking Eleanor's hand. "You know Eleanor's birthday banquet is in two days. We're taking her to see the custom made dress we ordered for her." "What does that have to do with me?" I blurted with cold indifference that surprised even me. "Why would you say that?" Eleanor's voice cracked as her fake tears began forming once again. "I just wanted you to get a dress as well. You're my sister after all. You don't have to be so cold towards me." She burst into tears and as expected, my silly brothers were instantly sold. "What is wrong with you? " Davis barked. "Eleanor is just being nice, yet you keep on hurting her! Are you even human?" The words landed like a slap. I stared at Davis, then Vincent, then at Eleanor—who was crying a little too perfectly against Vincent’s chest. If tears were currency, she’d be a queen by now. I laughed. The room went silent. "And what's so funny?" Vincent spat. "I just realized that you three are a bunch of clowns who can't even tell right from wrong," I shrugged, and they flared up instantly. "Lenora!" Eleanor fired, stepping forward. "You can say all you want to me but I won't let you insult our brothers! They have been nothing but good to you!" "Have they?" I arched a brow and they blinked, taken aback by my words. "I just came down, didn't even say a word or do anything and I was already being painted a villain." "That's enough, Lenora. No need to make a scene. Let's go," Vincent finally spoke. Of course! What did I even expect? I said nothing and followed them to the car. Davis got in first and Eleanor jumped in right after him. She pulled Vincent in before he could make way for me to enter. Without a word, I headed for the front seat but then Eleanor spoke. "Five people in a car? That would be too suffocating." She gasped, tucking Davis's hand. "Big brother, I'm claustrophobic, remember. I really can't handle tight spaces." "But Eleanor..." Davis tried to argue when she interrupted him. "The store isn't even far from home. I'm sure Eleanor can make it there." Her eyes drifted condescending to me. "Besides, a little jogging will do her body good." My fists clenched by my sides but I forced myself to stay calm. "Eleanor," Davis started, but I cut him short. "It's fine. I'll ask Mark to drop me," I said. "Oh no!" Eleanor gasped suddenly. "I already gave Mark and the other drivers some time off today. I'm sorry, sister." "It's no big deal. She can always walk," Vincent patted her hair gently, then turned to me. "Be at the store in fifteen minutes. Pull any stunts and you'll regret it." I gulped hard. "Okay." The car zoomed off almost immediately. The sun was unforgiving, beating down on my head like it had a personal vendetta against me. Halfway down the road, my legs began to tremble. My body no longer listened. My vision darkened at the edges, the world spinning violently. So this was it. I wondered—briefly—if any of them would care if I collapsed here. If my brothers would blame me even then. 'She’s just being dramatic again.' That would be their verdict. I squeezed my eyes shut. I won't even be able to do the sacrifice. Right as I thought it was all over, headlights flashed in my direction. The car screeched to a stop. "What are you doing here!" Vincent stormed out of the car in anger. Davis quickly carried me off the floor. "Hey, hey, are you okay?" He asked worriedly and in that moment, I saw a glimpse of the brother that loved me years ago. I burst into tears. "What took you so long?" I cried, hitting his chest with all the anger, pain and hurt buried inside me. "How could you leave me out here alone? How could you abandon me, how..." I sobbed. Vincent patted my head gently. "We'll take you to the healer, don't worry. You're safe now..." He whispered. Just then the door opened and Eleanor stepped out. "Really, Lenora?" She crossed her arms. "So you really went through with that crazy plan?" I felt Davis stiffen against me. Oh goddess, not now please! "What plan?" Vincent asked. "I... I probably shouldn't say it. I don't want Lenora to hate me more than she already does..." She muttered. "Can you give me a break and stop lying for once!" I screamed at her. "Can't you see I'm wounded?" "I can't let you keep deceiving your brothers like this! It's unfair," she said, then stepped forward. "Big brother, earlier today, I heard Lenora planning to fake fainting on the street. She said if you see her weak, you will definitely feel guilty and devote your time to taking care of her." My eyes widened in shock and disbelief. How do you even come up with that? "No! She's lying, I swear she..." I didn't even finish the words when Davis suddenly let go of me. I hit the road with a thud, my head slamming hard against the concrete. ###CHAPTER 4 My head banged as I felt something cold and warm trickled down the side of my head. “Sh1t!” I cursed under my breath as I tried to sit up. My head splintered, forcing me to lay down again. “Davis…” I cried, trying to force the hurt in my heart down. How could he have let go like that? “Davis…” I called again. I tried to lift my head but pain exploded at the back of my skull and forced me back down. My vision swam violently. “How dare you?” His voice trembled, not with concern, but fury. “You arranged this? You hired rogues to touch you just to manipulate us?” “No,” I croaked. My throat burned. “I would never…” “Stop pretending!” Vincent snapped. “Do you think we are fools?” I pushed myself up weakly on trembling elbows. The world tilted again, but I forced myself to focus on their faces. There was disgust laced beneath every shadow of their lashes. As well as disappointment and anger. But neither of them has a single trace of doubt toward Eleanor. I grunted and forced my head in her direction. She stood a few steps behind them, her expression carefully arranged into wounded righteousness. Her eyes met mine briefly and for a fleeting second, the softness vanished. What replaced it was satisfaction so cold it made my stomach churn. “I only told you, brothers, because I care.” She whispered, locking her malicious gaze on me. “If she keeps doing things like this, what if she really gets hurt next time?” I stared at her, my body shaking not from weakness anymore but from how manipulative she could be. How could no one see the facade she has on? Why was no one seeing her fur the true self she was? “What should I do…” I rasped, pausing to catch my breath. “To show you that sge is lying?” I asked, my gaze locked on Vincent. He opened his mouth to say something but Davis beat him to it. “Search her,” Davis suddenly ordered. “What?” I whispered. “If you planned this, there must be something on you. A telltale to your guilt. Money to pay those thugs. Or a note. Anything.” Vincent stepped toward me without hesitation. I scrambled backward, panic flooding my veins. “Don’t touch me.” But he already was. His hands were rough as he checked inside the folds of my ruined clothing like I was a criminal caught in the act. I felt smaller than I ever had in my entire life. Humiliation burned hotter than the wound on my head. “There is nothing,” Vincent muttered after a moment, irritation lacing his tone. “Of course there wouldn’t be,” Eleanor said softly. “She is not stupid. She would not carry evidence.” I started laughing. It hurt my head to laugh but I could not stop. I watched as they all stared at me like I had lost my mind. “Enough!” Davis barked. “Did you know why I was unconscious on the road?” I said quietly. They stiffened slightly. “I fainted because I had not eaten since yesterday morning. Because your precious princess made sure none of the maids are allowed to serve me. Not even leftovers.” Silence. I shivered slightly. “But of course,” I continued, my voice trembling despite my effort to steady it, “that is also part of my grand plan, right? Starve myself. Collapse. All to gain your attention.” Eleanor’s fingers tightened around her skirt.“You are twisting the story. You have always been dramatic.” Davis’s jaw clenched. For a brief moment, I saw hesitation flicker across his face. Then it vanished. “You have caused enough trouble tonight,” he said firmly. “We are taking you home. After that, you will stay in your room until the banquet. No more stunts.” Stunts. They still did not believe me.They never would. For them, their little princess was the hero and I was the villain. Vincent grabbed my arm again, less gently this time, and pulled me toward the car. Pain shot through my injured limb but I did not react. I did not make a sound. I closed my eyes. My head banged and blood still trickled from my head, but I held the pain in. For several minutes, no one spoke. Then, through the mindlink that I could not block, Eleankr's voice slithered into my head again. “You should have just died quietly on that road.” She mocked sweetly. “Why are you always so stubborn?” My fingers curled into fists on my lap. “You cannot even respond.” She continued. “No wolf. No power. No mate. No family. Tell me, Lenora, what exactly do you have left?” I slowly turned my head to look at her. In the dim light of the passing street lamps, her face looked so angelic - one that made me jealous all these years. And suddenly, for the first time in years, I felt no jealousy. I couldn't wait for the one month so I could get out of her hair and out of the lives of the family who now treat me like an outcast.. One month before I walk off that cliff and end this miserable existence. I wondered if when the truth finally came out, when they realized who had signed that certificate, when they understood that the girl they abandoned had chosen to die for them anyway, I wondered if even a fraction of guilt would pierce their hearts. Or if they would simply call that a stunt too. ###CHAPTER 5 The morning was quiet,. I moved through the corridors on bare feet, careful not to disturb the servants who passed by with polite nods that barely acknowledged my existence. I grabbed the gown for the ceremony, folded meticulously on a chaise, smelling faintly of lavender and cedarwood from the pack’s perfumed clothes, and hurried to my room. It was beautiful, but was ironic to me, seeing as they saw me as a tool now, a sacrifice, yet they had lavished time and effort into a dress that I would wear as if my life had meaning in their eyes. I closed the door softly behind me, dropped the dress meticulously on my bed. I drew the ritual oils from their small container. The scent of herbs and minerals, carefully prepared to cleanse the body and soul, wafted over me, strong and almost intoxicating. My fingers brushed the surface of the oil before rubbing it onto my arms, shoulders, and neck. The warmth spread, tingling, and the faint energy that lingered in me flickered briefly. I had just moved to my legs when the door creaked open. I knew without looking that it was Davis. My stomach lurched violently, and I froze completely, hoping he would turn away before seeing the faint shimmer of the oils on my skin. “Lenora?” His voice was cautious, almost soft, “What are you doing? What is this—” Panic clawed at my chest. I had no time to cover myself, to explain, to hide the ritual preparation for the sacrifice. I could feel my pulse in my throat, in my temples. If he saw, if he understood what I was doing… would he stop me? Would he beg me to stay? A small part of me wanted to tell him the truth, to see his reaction. To know if he would feel remorseful fir treating me wrongly. To know if he would try to stop me. “It's—” I began, but was rudely interrupted. “Davis!” Eleanor’s high, shrill voice cut through the tension like a blade. She appeared at the doorway, flustered, hands clasped. “Oh, there you are! I was looking for you. I had no idea you’d be in here.” She stepped gracefully between us, blocking his view. “Lenora was just, um… helping me with something very important. Isn’t that right?” She tilted her eyes to stare at me, daring me to counter her words. I wanted to shout, to tell him the truth, but I knew he would never forgive me for this. So I nodded silently, letting Eleanor’s interference mask the truth. Davis blinked, confusion flashing across his features, but before he could question further, she had taken my hand, pulling me gently toward the door. “Let’s go,” she said sweetly. “I almost forgot,” she turned to face Davis. “I wanted to ask Lenora if she’d like to join my birthday celebration. It would be so lonely without her.” Davis frowned at the exchange, a sliver of doubt passing through him, but he did not act. Eleanor’s quick thinking had kept the truth from him, as it always did. She was perfect at this, with her smiles, her sweet words, the way she twisted situations to her advantage, making everyone believe she was the innocent one. And I was always the villain, the wolfless, the unwanted, the one they could ignore. The day dragged, the preparation for the ceremony itself feeling like a slow torture. I was tended by the pack’s elder healer, who spoke little, watching me with eyes that seemed to measure my resolve. I endured in silence. Not a single word left my lips, not a single complaint. I reminded myself that this was the last month of my suffering, that every insult, every humiliation, every misstep by my family had led me here. If I endured this, if I remained composed, perhaps death would come quietly, and at least it would be mine. “Today's cleansing is done.” The man finally let out, his eyes filled with pity. I nodded at him and walked away briskly. I was barely at the top of the stairs when Eleanor appeared again. She looked radiant, adorned in colors that seemed to highlight her beauty, her position, her favored status. “Lenora, you must come to the banquet tonight,” she said softly. “It’s my birthday, and it would break my heart if you were absent. We could… mend fences, couldn’t we? You and I?” My stomach twisted in disgust, but I nodded politely. “Of course,” I said. “I would not miss it.” As I walked away, something nagged at the back of my mind but I couldn't pinpoint it exactly. The banquet arrived sooner than I anticipated. The hall was decorated with lanterns and ribbons, the aroma of roasted meat and baked pastries filling the air. Servants scurried past, preparing trays of food I would not touch, and my family’s attention was elsewhere, absorbed in Eleanor’s charm, her laughter, her commanding presence. I entered quietly, keeping my head down. Most of the pack turned their eyes away. Eleanor, of course, could not let me fade quietly. She approached with a smile. “Lenora,” she cooed. “Come meet Eric. I hear he has been looking for you. Isn’t that right?” I felt my chest tighten as all eyes turned toward me, eager to see the drama unfold. Eric, as expected, looked uncomfortable. “Yes,” Eleanor continued, stepping closer. Her voice was sweet, persuasive, and seemingly innocent. “Lenora and Eric have been… so close. Wouldn’t you say, Eric? You’ve spent so much time together, haven’t you?” Of course, we did. He was my ex-fiance. If you didn't steal him, he would still be mine. “Still spending time together even after he announced he was mine.” She added coolly. I opened my mouth to speak, to deny, to protest, but Eleanor anticipated my movement with the precision of a seasoned predator. “Oh, don’t be shy, Lenora. We’re all family here, aren’t we? There’s no need to hide anything.” Gasps rippled through the hall. And my brothers’ faces darkened. “I’m sure Lenora didn’t mean anything,” Eleanor said softly, her hand lightly brushing Eric’s arm as if to reinforce her lie. “She’s just… playful. And you know how people exaggerate these things. But, of course, appearances can be… misleading.” I was accused, painted as a flirt, a schemer, a threat to my own sister’s engagement. All around me, the pack murmured, and even those who had once liked me or been neutral in their opinions recoiled, uncertain whom to believe. Eric’s jaw tightened, his hands clenching at his sides. His gaze met mine, and for a moment, I saw the man I had loved, the one who might have stood by me, falter entirely under the weight of Eleanor’s manipulation. “You see?” Eleanor whispered, stepping closer, her voice barely audible over the murmurs. “I told you. Lenora has always been… difficult to trust. Perhaps it is time we all remember her place.” The party went on, and I could hear everyone whispering about me behind my back. But I didn't care anymore. I already accepted my fate. ###CHAPTER 6 “My lady, are you ready?” The Gamma for the sacrifice asked. Could I really still turn back now? I nodded shakily, and exhaled slowly, my body drained of energy already. “Come,” he stated, beckoning me, and then he took me beyond the boundaries. Soon I was dressed in the black ceremonial gown they had prepared for me. I walked barefoot towards the northern cliff in absolute silence. The further we walked, the colder the air became. The ritual space was already prepared when we arrived. I glanced around. I saw the stones raised and tall, which formed a perfect circle around a raised platform, each one etched with markings in white chalk. Six priestesses stood within the circle, dressed entirely in white, their dresses similar to mine in cut and silhouette, but they were veiled, while I wasn’t. They surrounded me without a word and led me to the edge of the cliff. I turned toward the cliff. The wind was stronger here, tugging at my gown, slipping beneath the veil to brush against my face. The drop stretched endlessly before me, swallowing everything below in darkness. I could not see the bottom, and it only made me more afraid. My heart began to beat louder in my chest, thrumming in rapid staccato. I took a step forward. Then another. The edge came sooner than I expected, and when I reached it, I stopped. For the first time since leaving my room, I let myself feel everything I had been holding back. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them, warm against my skin as they disappeared beneath the veil. My chest tightened painfully, and for a moment, I could not breathe properly. My lips trembled slightly, and I let out a shaky breath. Then I stepped forward, and promptly fell into the mire. My tears slipped free again, carried away by the wind as I fell deeper into the darkness. There was no fear in that moment, only a strange, hollow calm that settled inside me, wrapping around my heart. Then I hit the ground. The pain was instant. I was dying. My mouth opened in a silent scream, but no sound followed. The pain was everywhere, consuming, flooding every part of me until I could no longer tell where it began or ended. So this was death. It felt morbidly funny, and I laughed, or tried to, only for my tongue to taste copper, metallic blood. The blood spilled out my lips in several spurts, and I heaved, powerless. The last thing I felt was that burning sensation swallowing everything else. My vision completely went black and I felt my consciousness slip entirely into darkness. Goodbye. Alpha. Luna. My brothers. Eleanor. And Eric. I sacrificed myself for you and all pack members. ###CHAPTER 7 Davies Eleanor’s party celebration went on until late into the night. I smiled as I handed the empty champagne glass tk the server, who bowed and left. Already guests had mostly filed out. Eleanor still stood under the spotlights, the glow of the chandeliers around illuminating her figure. Her face, which bore more resemblance to our mother's, was shining with a soft smile as she leaned against Eric. “Thank you for coming,” she told one of the elders who was about to leave. It was a long time coming, I thought, exhaling as I turned to greet another exciting guest. Eleanor hadn't had a gathering of this magnitude before now, not since we welcomed her back to our family. This was what we needed to do for her. I found myself observing Eric, wondering how they fit so well together. After all, he had been engaged to Lenora once. I couldn’t help my mind drifting to my other sister. Though she was adopted I saw her as my sister, and though she sometimes acted out, I couldn’t help but worry for her. Upon thinking that, I realized that she wasn’t in the hall. My brows furrowed. Where was she? Where had she gone? I frowned slightly, looking again with more attention, noting the absence of her familiar figure along the edges of the room where she usually stayed during gatherings like this, never fully participating but never completely absent either. “What’s up?” Vincent jostled my side with his elbow, chuckling as he finally bade his friends goodbye. “Where’s Lenora?” I asked, and he suddenly scowled, his mood souring. “What, are you worried she’ll cause trouble?” He crossed his arms, leaning back. “If you ask me, Lenora’s been acting like she owns the place. Better that she doesn’t stay.” “She probably left early,” I remarked, more to myself than anyone else, though my voice carried enough for our father to hear. He barely glanced at me, his expression unchanged as he said, in that tone of his that denoted authority, “If she did, then she is sulking again. That girl refuses to understand her place.” Vincent nodded emphatically. “Exactly, father. She should have learned by now,” he continued, his tone calm but firm. “Eleanor is your true daughter. There is a difference in status, whether she likes it or not” Regarding my brother and our Alpha father, I gave a small nod, though something in my chest shifted faintly, looking away. For a brief moment, I thought of Lenora as she used to be, not the version of her that existed now but the one from years ago. She had filled the halls with laughter, running through the mansion with reckless energy while trying to keep up with us. She had always been determined, always insisting that she could match anything we did, and more often than not she proved it with a stubbornness that was impossible to ignore. “Watch me,” she used to say, her eyes bright with excitement. And she always did. I exhaled quietly, the memory fading as quickly as it had come, replaced by the reality of who she had become over the years. Things had changed after Eleanor returned, and although that was inevitable, Lenora had not adapted in the way I expected her to. It had been a slow process. At first she seemed to accept it, but over time her demeanor shifted, her warmth fading into something colder. And each time, she directed that attitude towards Eleanor without reason. When it was revealed that she was wolfless, that change only deepened, and I had long since stopped trying to understand it, convincing myself that she simply did not handle things well. “Davies.” Vincent’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling my attention back to the present as I turned to face him. “You’ve been quiet,” he observed, studying me closely. “Are you alright?” I held his gaze for a moment before nodding. “I’m fine.” He did not look entirely convinced, but he accepted the answer with a slight shrug. “Then stop standing here like a statue. Father wants you to handle the talks with Elder Gavin.” I groaned lightly, my mind returning fully to the hall. Elder Gavin talked too much, always trying to pull Father into conversations. And now that I had grown enough to handle my own, Father used me as a shield. I inhaled slowly, before striding towards Elder Gavin who was already trying and failing to engage. By the time we returned to the mansion, it was late at night and I was absolutely exhausted. The entire house was silent with only the night shift guards and a few maids on duty. They bleed to me as I walk. “My Lord,” a maid greeted. “Have you seen Lenora?” I inquired, loosening my tie. The maid paused and then shook her head. “No, my lord. Lady Lenora didn't come down for dinner.” I frowned slightly. So she was likely hungry. Was this another play at getting our attention? I strode with determination, prepared to confront my wayward little sister once more, when I heard a voice behind me. “Davies.” I turned to find Eleanor standing a short distance away, her expression gentle, though there was a faint hesitation in her eyes as she stepped closer, still dressed in her gown from the party. “I wouldn’t disturb Lenora tonight, brother,” she spoke softly. “We don’t want to upset her.” My brows furrowed as a wave of frustration hit. Eleanor was trying to be kind but I had no desire for it. “Upset her? Is she so fragile?” I inquired with a scoff. Eleanor’s expression faltered, and she looked down, her shoulders trembling slightly as though weighed down by something she struggled to hold back. “I didn’t want things to happen like this,” she murmured, her voice softer now. I frowned. “What do you mean?” She hesitated before continuing, her words coming slower this time. “Eric breaking off his engagement with her… to be with me. I never wanted to hurt her. She likely has been acting out because of that, and we both know how she can be, so… please, for tonight, don't disturb her. I don't want things to get worse.” Tears gathered in her eyes, and she lifted her hand slightly as if to wipe them away, though her fingers trembled before they could reach her face. “I feel like I’ve taken everything from her,” she whispered. Something in my chest tightened at the sight, and without thinking, I stepped forward and pulled her into my arms. “You haven’t,” I murmured, resting a hand against her head as I patted it gently. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” “But she hates me. Davies, I don't know how to fix things,” Eleanor’s voice broke slightly as she leaned into me. “She’s just not handling things well,” I replied, though the words felt heavier than I expected. “You can’t blame yourself for that.” I closed my eyes for a brief moment, her words settling deeper than I anticipated, and when I opened them again, my gaze drifted past her shoulder toward the door I had been about to knock on. Lenora’s door remained closed. I wondered idly if she had heard us, or if she was pretending to be asleep. Likely the latter. I exhaled softly and shook my head, pushing the thought aside as I guided Eleanor away from it. “She’ll calm down,” I assured her. “We’ll deal with it later.” She nodded against me, and I led her down the corridor without looking back again, convincing myself that I would check on Lenora later when things had settled. But the following morning, that peace I had longed for was shattered again. “My jewelry!” My mother, the Luna of the pack, raised her voice. “My gold jewelry is gone!” In a rush I left my study and stepped into the main area just as Vincent arrived, both of us meeting our parents as the tension thickened almost instantly. The clicking of heels soon followed and I turned, seeing a pale looking Eleanor that held a book in her hand. She quivered upon stopping, and I had to use a hand to steady her. ‘Don’t run,” I chided her quietly. “Mother, what happened?” Vincent demanded bringing the matter back into focus. Several maids already knelt before us, tears in their eyes as they shivered under the weight of our gazes. “The jewelry I wore for yesterday’s celebration has disappeared. I left it on my dresser, and now it’s gone,” Mother’s gaze settled on the maid in front of her, who was her personal maid, Daria. “This has never happened before.” Daria bowed, knocking her head against the marble tiled floor. “My Luna,” she spoke in a low, pleading tone. “I saw the jewelry last night on the dresser. I didn't touch it, I swear on my life.” “Then tell me where it could have gone,” Mother growled. “You were the last one to see it yesterday. It is an heirloom set. Do you think it so easy to steal from us?” The more she spoke, the more that Father’s gaze hardened. “Guards,” he called sharply. “Seal the estate. No one leaves.” “Yes, Alpha.” “Every maid who serves Luna will be questioned,” he continued, his voice cold with authority. “Search every room if necessary.” Suddenly, Eleanor spoke, her voice low and confused. “b-But Mother,” She began. “Didnt you speak with Lenora last night? i … I think I saw her go into your room? I thought–” She cut herself off, her eyes darting to the ground, her shoulders hunched as everyone stopped, turning to look at her. I could see the fear in her eyes, and a faint unease stirred in my chest. “That doesn’t mean anything,” I replied quickly, though the certainty in my voice felt thinner than I intended. Eleanor looked up again, her expression uncertain. “I hope it doesn’t,” she murmured, then hesitated before continuing. “But she’s been so upset lately…” My jaw tightened. “Eleanor.” “I did not want to say anything,” she pressed softly, her voice trembling. “But what if she took it?” Silence followed her words. Vincent’s expression darkened slightly. “She has been acting strange.” Father’s gaze sharpened. “She has.” “No,” I spoke immediately, more firmly this time, though the doubt had already begun to take shape in the back of my mind. Eleanor lowered her gaze again. “I hope I am wrong.” “Where is Lenora?” Father then demanded and the maids all shrank back. Slowly one of them spoke. “I checked her room, and she isn't there, Alpha,” the maid that spoke bowed her head low, afraid to look up. “Plese spare us, we had no idea.” The implication was more and more clear. Lenora had stolen from us, and worse, she had taken an heirloom piece. The consequences of doing that were heavier, tantamount to treason. “Davies,” Father’s tone became more commanding. I straightened. “Yes, Father.” “You will oversee the search,” he ordered. “Send guards to the borders. No one leaves the territory.” “…Understood.” I stepped forward, about to order the guards when the front doors opened, and someone walked in, bowing. “Alpha, Luna,” I recognized him to be a Gamma of the pack. I frowned slightly. Has Lenora’s treachery already been discovered? “Gamma Franklin, what brings you here?” Father asked, waving a hand at me to get things moving. The maids were dismissed, but the mansion still stayed sealed. I hesitated, pursing my lips as I listened to Father’s conversation with the Gamma, and it seemed everyone else wanted to as well. After all, Gamma Franklin was one of those in charge of relaying messages on behalf of our pack’s priestesses and Elders. The Gamma hesitated briefly, his gaze shifting before settling again. “I am simply here to inform you that the ritual is complete. The sacrifice has been made,” he paused. “And, it is my duty to give this to you.” Then he unfurled a package and held out a bundle of folded clothes with both hands, atop which lay a token. My hand twitched. That token… wasn't it meant for the families of those that underwent the sacrifice?