They say fate is carved into our bones before we even take our first breath. If that’s true, then I was destined to suffer from the very beginning.

My father had once been a powerful Alpha, respected and feared. But when betrayal struck, he lost everything. Some claimed he had conspired with rogues, others whispered of a crime so grave it warranted exile. Whatever the truth was, he vanished, and my mother—loyal to the end—followed him into the unknown.

I was left behind, an unborn child carrying the weight of his sins.

From the moment I could walk, the pack saw me as a burden. I wasn’t just an orphan—I was a disgrace. And when I failed to shift at sixteen, the whispers turned to open mockery.

"An Alpha’s daughter who can’t even shift? She’s nothing but a weak Omega."

I learned to live in the shadows, to lower my head, to expect nothing.

Then, on my eighteenth birthday, the impossible happened. I shifted.

The power that surged through me was undeniable. I wasn’t weak. I wasn’t an Omega. But after years of being told I was worthless, I hesitated. What would they do if they knew the truth? If they had already cast me aside as an Omega, how would they react to a secret I had kept from them?

So, I hid it. No one knew. No one, except Owen.

Alpha Owen. My mate.

He promised me everything—acceptance, love, a place by his side. Tonight was supposed to be the night he kept that promise. Tonight, after his father’s retirement ceremony, he would claim his title as Alpha. And once the celebrations settled, he would announce me as his mate.

At least, that was what I believed.

I made my way to his quarters, my heart pounding with anticipation. The halls were still filled with the echoes of celebration, but I barely heard them.

I reached his door. Took a breath. Pushed it open.

And the world as I knew it ended.

Mara lay on the floor, motionless, her lifeless eyes staring at nothing. The scent of blood hung thick in the air. Owen stood above her, his hands trembling, a bloodied knife clutched between his fingers.

I couldn’t breathe.

“What… what happened?” My voice barely came out.

Owen’s eyes darted to me, wild and desperate. “Ariana. It’s not—it’s not what it looks like.”

A pause. A shaky inhale. And then, “She came onto me. I told her no. She wouldn’t stop. There was a struggle, and—I didn’t mean to.”

I swallowed, my throat dry. “Owen…”

“If they find out,” he cut me off, stepping closer, “they’ll exile me. I’ll lose everything.” His voice was strained, urgent. “Ariana, you know how the pack is. You know how much this means to me.”

I just stared at him.

Then, his next words nearly made my knees buckle.

“You have to take the blame.”

My breath hitched. “What?”

“If you say it was you, they won’t question it,” he pressed on. “You’re already an outcast. They expect the worst from you.” His fingers curled around my wrist, his grip tight. “But if you do this for me, I swear, I’ll make it right. When I become Alpha in five days, I’ll fix everything. I’ll come for you.”

A lump formed in my throat. “You’re asking me to confess to murder.”

“I’m asking you to trust me.”

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe that, after everything, fate hadn’t been so cruel as to lead me to this moment just to shatter me.

I took a shaky breath. “If I do this… you promise you’ll come for me?”

His hands tightened around mine. “I promise.”

The door burst open.

Caleb, Owen’s Beta, stepped in with several warriors. His eyes took in the scene—Mara’s lifeless body, the knife in Owen’s hands, the horror on my face.

His voice was cold when he spoke. “What the hell happened here?”

I didn’t hesitate.

“It was me,” I said, my voice steady. “I killed her.”

A beat of silence. Then Caleb’s jaw clenched. “Take her to the cells.”

Rough hands grabbed me. I didn’t resist.

I barely registered Cynthia’s voice, distant but desperate. “Ariana! Tell them the truth! Tell them it wasn’t you!”

But I said nothing.

Even as the iron bars of my cell clanged shut, even as the weight of my choice settled on my chest, I clung to Owen’s words.

"Five days."

"I’ll come for you."

"I promise."

But deep down, in the place I had buried all my fears, I already knew.

Promises meant nothing to the Moon Goddess.

And tonight, she had been crueler than ever.

"Ariana, daughter of the banished Alpha James," Alpha Marcus's voice rang through the hall, filled with cold authority. "You stand accused of taking the life of Mara, a cherished member of our pack. Do you admit to this crime?"

Kneeling before the council, my wrists bound behind me, I could feel the weight of countless stares pressing down on me. Hatred filled their eyes, their judgment already cast before I had even spoken a single word.

I had the chance to tell the truth—to fight for my innocence. But as my gaze met Owen’s across the crowded room, the silent plea in his eyes reminded me of the promise he made. My heart pounded as I forced the words out.

"Yes, I confess."

Gasps rippled through the room, followed by hushed murmurs. It was as if the entire pack had been waiting for this moment, eager for the confirmation of what they had already believed—that I was nothing more than the disgrace they had always seen me as.

Alpha Marcus lifted a hand, immediately silencing the pack. "Ariana, you have admitted to a serious offense. Before we determine your fate, do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Frantically searching for the right words, I took a shaky breath. "We argued," I said, my voice carefully controlled. "She mocked my bloodline. Called me a cursed omega. She insulted my family… and I lost control." It was the only explanation they would find believable—the uncontrollable outburst of a powerless girl with nothing to lose.

The Alpha studied me, his sharp eyes narrowing. Slowly, he began to circle me. "You expect us to believe that an omega—one abandoned by the Moon Goddess herself—managed to overpower and kill a warrior’s daughter?" He stopped in front of me, his stare burning into mine. "Do you take us for fools, Ariana?"

My throat tightened. He was right—my lie was full of holes. But I had already spoken, and there was no turning back now.

"Yes," I repeated, my voice steady despite the sweat trickling down my back. "I did it."

Alpha Marcus shook his head and gestured to one of the warriors standing nearby. "Bring the body."

The warrior disappeared through a side door, returning moments later with two others carrying a stretcher. They placed it before the pack, and with a solemn nod from the Alpha, the sheet was pulled back.

The sight of Mara’s lifeless body twisted my stomach, not because of the brutality of it, but because I knew who had really wielded the knife that ended her life. My gaze dropped, fixing at a distant point on the wall behind the elders.

Alpha Marcus's voice was heavy with finality. "This is the result of your actions, Ariana."

Before he could continue, a voice suddenly cut through the tension.

"YOU!"

Lucas, Mara’s brother, shoved his way through the crowd. Before anyone could stop him, he lunged at me, his hands locking around my throat.

"You worthless omega! You took my sister from me!" he snarled, his fingers tightening until I struggled for breath. "You cursed, good-for-nothing creature!"

Spots danced before my vision, the lack of air making my head spin. Just as darkness started creeping in, strong hands pulled Lucas off me. He fought against the warriors holding him back, his furious eyes never leaving mine.

"Your family is cursed," he spat, his voice shaking with rage. "You bring nothing but ruin to this pack!"

"Enough!" Alpha Marcus's voice rang with authority. He raised his hands, and silence fell once more.

"This crime cannot go unanswered," the Alpha declared, his voice a decree of fate. "Ariana will be held until the coronation. Then, under the full moon, she will meet her judgment." His gaze swept over the crowd. "Her execution will cleanse our land and serve as a lesson for all."

A roar of approval erupted from the gathered wolves. They surged forward, pelting me with stones and clumps of dirt. My guards shielded me as best they could, but pain still stung as a rock struck my cheek, leaving a sharp sting behind.

Dragged away, I was thrown into the cold, damp prison cell that had become my home. Even as the heavy door slammed shut, the jeers of the pack still echoed in my ears.

But through the suffocating despair, a single thought kept me going.

Owen had promised to free me when he became Alpha.

Five days. Five days until this nightmare would end.

Yet, time inside the cell blurred into an endless cycle of hunger, exhaustion, and fear. The food was barely edible, and the knowledge that the pack wanted my blood kept me constantly on edge. I curled up in the cold corner, haunted by the memories of that night over and over again.

Then, on what I guessed was the fifth day, familiar footsteps approached my cell.

"Ariana?" Cynthia’s whisper was soft but urgent.

I scrambled toward the bars. "Is anyone watching?"

"No, I was careful." She slipped bread and dried meat through the gaps. "I'm sorry it took so long. I got caught twice trying to bring you food."

I devoured the meal, my throat tight with emotion. "Thank you," I whispered between bites.

She sighed, settling on the other side of the bars. "Owen's ceremony is tomorrow. He'll be Alpha."

My heart leapt. "Tomorrow? Then that means I’ll be free soon?"

"That’s what he promised, right?" Cynthia’s tone was hesitant. "Ariana… are you sure about this? Something feels… off."

"He loves me," I insisted. "I’m his mate. Once he’s Alpha, they’ll have to accept me."

She was silent for a moment. "I hope you’re right." Then she forced a small smile. "Tomorrow, I’ll bring you something special. We should celebrate your last night in here."

"You're the best," I murmured, squeezing her hand through the bars.

After she left, sleep refused to come. My mind raced with dreams of freedom, of finally standing beside Owen, of the pack seeing me as their Luna.

The next day crept by, every footstep outside my cell making my heart pound with anticipation. And then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, multiple sets of footsteps approached.

Owen appeared before my cell, dressed in his Alpha robes, exuding power. My heart swelled with pride.

"You did it?" I asked, barely containing my excitement. "You're Alpha now?"

"Yes," he said smoothly, a smile playing on his lips. "And it's all thanks to you, my love."

Relief flooded through me. "So… you’ll let me out now?"

"Tomorrow," he replied. "But first, I have something to show you."

Confusion flickered inside me. "What is it?"

Before he could answer, more footsteps echoed down the corridor. Cynthia stepped into view, and for a brief moment, my heart lifted—until I saw the way Owen looked at her. The way his hand settled possessively on her waist.

No.

The world tilted beneath me.

Before I could find my voice, Owen turned to Cynthia, pulling her closer. Then, right in front of me, he kissed her. Deeply.

The breath left my lungs.

It wasn’t a mistake. It wasn’t a ploy.

He kissed her with passion, with intent. And as their lips met, my world shattered into pieces.

I stood motionless, unable to look away as their lips met. They were lost in their own world, oblivious to my presence—until Owen finally pulled back and his gaze flickered past Cynthia to land on me. The torchlight in the corridor cast eerie shadows on his face, sharpening the cruel glint in his eyes.

"Why?" My fingers tightened around the icy iron bars, my whole body trembling. My voice barely made it past my lips. "I gave you everything, Owen—my love, my trust, my loyalty. You were the only one I ever confided in about my wolf."

"Exactly," he interrupted smoothly, stepping closer to my cell. "I was the only one who knew how much of a threat you really are."

Cynthia’s expression shifted, the slight widening of her eyes revealing that even she hadn’t known this part of his scheme.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded, my pulse roaring in my ears.

A cold laugh escaped Owen’s lips. "Did you really think I loved you?" He scoffed. "You're James Darkwood’s daughter—born from the bloodline of the most dominant Alpha this region has ever seen. Your lineage alone could challenge the power of the Moon Goddess herself." His smirk deepened. "I had to keep you close. I needed to understand what I was dealing with."

"But I never—" I tried to argue, but he cut me off with a mocking shake of his head.

"Never what? Never planned to overthrow me?" His palm slammed against the bars, making the metal shudder violently. I flinched at the sound, my breath hitching. Somewhere in the depths of the prison, a distant scream echoed.

"That day at the training grounds," he continued, voice low and venomous, "you played the weakling, but I saw the truth. Your wolf was anything but fragile—it carried the same power that made your father unstoppable."

The puzzle pieces started falling into place. My stomach twisted. "So every moment between us…"

"Was nothing more than a way to keep you under control," he confirmed without hesitation. "I had to ensure you stayed where I wanted you—despised, powerless, and completely alone." His lips curled in satisfaction. "And then Mara became a problem."

A shudder ran through me. "Mara?"

"She caught you shifting in the forest." Owen leaned in, his breath laced with the scent of wine from the earlier festivities. "She came to me, eager to defend you, desperate to clear your name. Poor thing never realized the danger you posed."

My arms wrapped around myself as his words sank in.

"You killed her," I murmured, the accusation tasting like poison on my tongue. "And you made sure I took the blame."

His smile was slow and sinister. "Two birds, one stone," he said, spreading his hands as if this had all been a grand performance. "With Mara gone, the pack’s hatred for you only grew. And now…" He gestured toward the Alpha insignia on his chest. "I have everything I ever wanted."

Cynthia let out a soft, smug laugh as she traced her fingers over his chest. "And I get to be Luna—the title you naively thought would be yours."

A surge of fury burned through my veins, making my vision blur. My grip on the bars tightened. "You’re a coward!" I spat. "You betrayed me. You let an innocent woman die just to fuel your own ambitions!"

Before I could react, his hand shot between the bars, fingers locking around my throat like a vice. The world tilted as I gasped for air, his grip crushing my windpipe with terrifying ease.

"Watch your tone," he warned, his voice soft but laced with menace. He yanked me forward, bringing my face inches from his. "I am your Alpha now. Your life belongs to me."

I clawed at his wrist, nails sinking into his skin, but he didn’t even flinch. Darkness crept into my vision as my body fought for oxygen.

"You promised…" I wheezed, my strength failing. "You said… once you became Alpha… you’d let me go."

Abruptly, he released me, and I crumpled to the cold stone floor, coughing violently.

"Oh, I will," he murmured, pacing in slow, deliberate steps. "But your release won’t be freedom. It’ll be something far worse."

A chill ran through me. "What does that mean?" I forced out, dread curling around my heart.

"You’ll see tomorrow," he said casually, his lips curving into a smirk. "Consider it my final gift to you, my dear mate." He spat the last word as if it disgusted him.

Cynthia lingered at the cell door, tilting her head as she regarded me with amusement. "The saddest part?" she said mockingly. "You willingly took the fall. The perfect little martyr, right to the bitter end."

Their footsteps faded down the corridor, leaving me alone in the suffocating silence. My body curled against the cold, unforgiving ground, my chest heaving with silent sobs.

And that was when the truth finally settled in.

I hadn’t been cursed by the Moon Goddess.

I had been cursed by my own blind heart.

—------------

"Ariana James, you stand before this pack to face your judgment," the elder announced, his voice echoing through the clearing. "Tonight, the Moon Goddess herself will bear witness to your punishment."

The gathered wolves roared with outrage, their anger pressing down on me like a crushing weight.

I barely heard them. My gaze locked onto Owen, silently begging him to keep his word. But when our eyes met, all I saw was icy detachment—like I had never meant anything to him at all.

Then he raised a hand, silencing the crowd. "Stop the execution," he commanded.

Murmurs of confusion rippled through the pack.

"Owen," one of the council members hesitated, "the decision has been made. Execution is—"

"I have a better punishment in mind," he interrupted smoothly, his lips curling in satisfaction.

A chill crept down my spine.

"What exactly do you propose?" an elder asked cautiously. The other council members exchanged uncertain glances, sensing the shift in the air.

Owen turned to me, his expression unreadable, yet the malice in his gaze was unmistakable.

"Death is too easy for her," he said, his voice calm and measured. "She deserves something far worse."

The crowd stirred uneasily.

"Speak plainly, Alpha Owen," an elder pressed.

Owen exhaled, like he was savoring the moment, then delivered his verdict.

"Sell her," he said.

A stunned silence fell over the clearing before horrified whispers broke out.

"Slavery?" one elder scoffed. "That’s hardly justice!"

"If anything, it’s too lenient," another growled.

"You misunderstand," Owen said smoothly, his smirk deepening. "She won’t just be sold. She will be given to the Night Walker Pack."

Gasps echoed through the clearing.

A suffocating dread gripped my chest.

The Night Walker Pack.

A fate worse than death.