I am Nyx, the Alpha King's daughter. The power in my veins is more than just an inheritance—it has been molded by generations before me. As a descendant of the strongest pack on the continent, everyone expected me to choose an Alpha who matched my status, a leader whose name carried undeniable authority.

But fate had other plans.

Darius, son of Alpha Zane, came from a small, border pack—insignificant to most, barely recognized in our world. Yet, long before we were born, his father saved my father’s life. A promise was made, a debt owed, and our union was sealed. We weren’t fated mates, but I loved him anyway.

When he first confessed his love to me, whispers followed us. Wolves mocked him, saying a bastard like him dared to chase after a royal, expecting humiliation. Instead, I accepted him, knowing that he carried the honor of his father's sacrifice. From that day forward, I was his.

For seven years, I gave Darius everything—my love, my loyalty, my heart. He once treated me like his entire world, running to me whenever I was hurt. But slowly, that devotion faded. The first sign was subtle: his warmth cooled. Then, it became indifferent. The moment I became a target for assassination, my rank as the Alpha King’s daughter no longer made me precious to him—it became an inconvenience.

When I was attacked and left bloodied, he didn’t come. When I lay in the hospital, clinging to life, he never showed his face. I told myself it was because he was busy, but deep down, I knew. Something had changed.

And then came her.

The first time I met Thalia was when I moved into the Ashenfang Pack after Darius ascended to Alpha. As his future Luna, I belonged by his side. But Thalia didn’t care. She flung herself into his arms the moment I stepped into the room, eyes filled with disdain.

"This is your girlfriend?" she sneered, looking me over with amusement. "She’s… pretty average."

My fingers curled into fists, but before I could speak, she gasped dramatically, covering her mouth.

"Oh no, Alpha Darius, I didn’t mean to be rude! Your girlfriend won’t be mad, will she?"

Darius’s mother was present, so I held my tongue, waiting for him to defend me like he always had. But his gaze was cold when it met mine.

"Thalia’s young and speaks without thinking. Don’t take it to heart."

I stared at him, stunned. He had never dismissed me like that before.

Thalia giggled, still clinging to him. "Nyx, your glare is scaring me."

I expected Darius to reprimand her, to tell her to respect me. Instead, he looked at me with a warning.

"In front of my mother, you’d better behave. Don’t cause a scene over something trivial."

Trivial.

My wolf stirred beneath my skin, but I swallowed my anger. That moment changed everything.

The distance between us grew. The man I once loved—the one who swore to stand beside me—began treating me as though I were a mere obligation. When summer came, I left for my studies on ancient werewolf history, as my father had requested. Before I departed, I gave Darius the key to my villa, trusting him to visit whenever he pleased.

I should have never left.

Because when I returned unannounced, I found something I could never forgive.

There were women’s shoes at the door. A designer bag—my bag, a birthday gift from my father—hung carelessly by the entrance. It hadn’t been there before I left.

And then I heard the laughter.

In the kitchen, Darius stood with a cake in his hand, a smear of cream on Thalia’s face. She was wearing my clothes.

They hadn’t even noticed me.

When Darius finally turned and saw me, his expression darkened, as if I were the intruder.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was sharp, cold.

My heart pounded. "Am I interrupting something, Alpha?"

Thalia pouted, eyes wide with mock innocence. "Nyx, don’t make it sound like I’m some homewrecker."

"Shut up," I growled, my wolf baring her teeth beneath my skin.

Thalia flinched, gripping Darius’s arm. "I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you. Darius and I have been like this since we were pups. It’s just fun… I’ll be more careful next time, I promise."

Darius sighed, exasperated. "It’s just play. You’re overreacting."

Overreacting.

My blood burned. "This is our packhouse. My house. Do you not think I deserve an explanation as to why she’s wearing my clothes? Why my things are all over the place?"

Darius crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "She’s my sister in all but blood. She’s staying here until she finds her own villa. Your clothes? They’re last season’s, Nyx. You weren’t here to use them, and Thalia needed something to wear. It’s not a big deal."

I felt my wolf howl, demanding to be set free. "Since when did you decide my things were yours to give away?"

Thalia reached for my hand. "Nyx, don’t be angry. If you need someone to blame, blame me, not Darius. I’ll take responsibility."

I yanked my hand back, unwilling to let her touch me. She gasped, stumbling backward—right into a glass table.

The sound of shattering glass filled the air as she collapsed. Blood pooled from a deep cut on her hand.

She screamed.

"My hand! Alpha Darius, my hand!"

Darius rushed to her side, completely ignoring me.

And in that moment, I realized: he had already chosen.

---

That night, I made a decision.

I pretended everything was fine. I endured Darius’s neglect, his coldness, the way he defended her. I smiled at the banquet he held for my birthday, even as I felt our bond shatter.

Then, as I slipped away from the party, I found him.

In the bathroom.

With her.

"Are you really going to marry her?" Thalia’s voice was laced with amusement as her hands slid down his chest.

Darius’s cold laugh cut through me. "Nyx? She’s nothing but a distraction. You're the one I truly want."

Something inside me snapped.

But I didn’t break.

I walked away—heart torn, but head held high.

And when another Alpha, one who saw my worth, entered my life, Darius lost control.

He went mad.

Begging. Raging. Desperate to reclaim what he had so carelessly thrown away.

But it was too late.

Darius had made his choice.

And now, I was making mine.

Nyx’s POV

Alpha Darius had been furious with me ever since that incident. As I watched him—my fiancé, the future Alpha of the Ashenfang Pack—my hope withered more each day.

Thalia was always there. Always smiling, always laughing, always… too close. Closer than anyone had the right to be to my supposed Alpha. I knew what the whispers were—that I was meant for someone more powerful, more distinguished. But Darius was mine, and I was his. Or at least, he was supposed to be.

As I gazed out the window of my room, the weight of my impending wedding pressed down on me. In just a week, I was set to become Luna of this pack. Yet, instead of excitement, an unrelenting dread clawed at me.

Why wasn’t he here with me?

Every night, he vanished, spending hours with Thalia. The pack had already accepted her presence as if she rightfully belonged by his side. As if it wasn’t supposed to be me. When had it come to this?

A soft knock at my door broke through my thoughts. I knew before I even opened it—it wasn’t Darius. It was Ryker, his Beta, sent to deliver another excuse.

“Nyx,” Ryker greeted as he stepped inside, pity clouding his eyes. I despised that look.

“Alpha Darius… he’s busy tonight. He won’t be able to join you for dinner.”

Again. Busy with Thalia, no doubt.

“Busy with what, Ryker?” My tone was sharp, and I made no effort to conceal my irritation. “Pack matters or her?”

Ryker hesitated, shifting uncomfortably under my gaze. “He… it’s—”

“It’s always her,” I bit out, pushing past him as I stormed down the hallway toward Darius’s study.

Ryker followed, his voice edged with warning. “Nyx, don’t do this. He’s—”

“He’s what? My Alpha? My future husband? Or is he just Thalia’s toy now?”

I shoved the study door open, and there they were. Darius sat behind his desk, while Thalia leaned over him, far too close, her hand resting possessively on his arm—like she had every right to touch him.

“Nyx.” Darius’s voice was sharp, icy. He looked at me like I was the one intruding, like I was the one who didn’t belong.

My wolf stirred beneath my skin, her hackles rising. This level of disrespect was unbearable.

“Alpha, we need to talk. Alone.”

Thalia straightened, flashing me that same saccharine smile that always grated on my nerves.

“Oh, don’t worry, Nyx,” she purred, her voice thick with false innocence. “The Alpha and I were just discussing pack matters.”

“Pack matters,” I repeated, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “In my packhouse? Wearing my clothes? Using my things?” I turned to Darius, but he didn’t even flinch.

He stood, his imposing presence towering over me, but I refused to cower.

“Thalia stays,” he stated, his voice final.

My heart clenched, but I lifted my chin, refusing to betray my pain.

“I’m your fiancée. Your future Luna. She has no right to be here during our conversations.”

Darius’s gaze hardened. “And I’m the Alpha, Nyx. I decide who has the right to be here.”

My wolf paced restlessly within me, seething. “You’re the Alpha, and I’m supposed to be your Luna. But lately, it feels like Thalia’s been the one taking that role instead of me.”

Thalia moved even closer, resting her hand on his arm again.

“Nyx, you’re misunderstanding,” she cooed, feigning innocence. “I would never try to replace you. I’m just here to support Alpha Darius. We’ve known each other since childhood. It’s completely innocent.”

Innocent. The word was acid on my tongue.

“Don’t act like this is normal. You’re always around him, always taking what’s mine.”

Darius’s growl filled the room, cutting me off. “Enough, Nyx. Thalia is family. You’re making a spectacle over nothing.”

Nothing? My fists clenched at my sides.

“You think this is nothing? Watching my so-called Alpha spend all his time with another woman, letting her wear my clothes, use my things, and disrespect me is nothing?”

Thalia let out a delicate, pitiful whimper, her eyes wide with mock sadness.

“I’m sorry, Nyx. I didn’t mean to upset you,” she murmured. “If you want, I can leave… I just didn’t want to be alone.”

Darius pulled her close, shielding her as if I were the threat.

“You’ve done enough,” he snapped at me. “Thalia’s not going anywhere. If you can’t accept that, maybe you’re not fit to be Luna.”

His words struck deeper than any physical wound.

How had it come to this? How had I, daughter of the Alpha King, once revered and respected, been cast aside for some she-wolf playing the victim?

I stepped back, my wolf howling in agony inside me, but I swallowed the pain. I would not cry. Not in front of him. Not in front of her.

“Fine,” I whispered, my voice trembling with restrained fury. “But remember this, Darius—Luna or not, I am still the daughter of the Alpha King. And I will not be disrespected.”

For a brief moment, Thalia’s mask slipped, her tearful expression vanishing, replaced by a victorious smirk. She knew she had won—for now.

I turned sharply on my heel and strode out, finding Ryker waiting outside. His gaze flickered with concern, but I shook my head.

“Don’t,” I warned, voice firm. “Not tonight.”

Nyx's POV

I lingered outside Alpha Darius’s office, my heart hammering so hard it drowned out the rational part of my mind. I had lost track of how many times I had attempted to speak with him, only for him to shut me out, his cold indifference to a wall I could never seem to break through.

Summoning what little courage I had left, I inhaled deeply, pushed the door open, and stepped inside. He was seated at his desk, paperwork scattered in a haphazard mess. His dark gaze lifted to me for a fleeting second before dropping back to whatever pack business demanded his attention.

"Alpha," I spoke gently, shutting the door behind me. "We need to talk."

"Not now, Nyx." His voice was clipped, dismissive—the same tone I had been met with for weeks now.

A surge of frustration welled up inside me, but I refused to let it overpower me. "I’m not leaving until you listen."

My wolf stirred restlessly, bristling at the way he barely acknowledged my presence. I wasn’t just another pack member—I was his intended Luna. I had every right to demand his attention.

Finally, he leaned back in his chair, exhaling sharply as his gaze met mine with obvious impatience. "What is it?"

I hesitated, trying to find the right words. Where did I even begin? "We’re drifting apart, Darius," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "I can feel it. Things between us haven’t been the same."

He dragged a hand down his face, exasperation clear in his posture. "Is this about Thalia again? Nyx, she’s always been in my life. You knew that."

"Not like this." I stepped forward, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "You spend more time with her than you do with me. Whenever I see you, she’s right there, always in between us."

His jaw tensed, his expression hardening. "Thalia and I are friends. You need to accept that. You’re overreacting."

Overreacting? My wolf let out a low growl inside me, but I forced my voice to remain steady. "Overreacting? Darius, she’s wearing my clothes, inserting herself into moments that belong to us. You haven’t been by my side in weeks!"

He stood abruptly, his imposing frame towering over me, his Alpha presence suffocating. "She’s family, Nyx. You’re going to have to deal with it. This conversation is over."

His words struck me like a physical blow. Deal with it? My throat tightened as I struggled to hold back the storm of emotions threatening to overtake me. I had come here hoping to fix what was broken, but it was as if I was talking to a stranger.

"Darius, I’m trying…" My voice wavered. "I’m trying to understand, but this isn’t how mates should treat each other. We’re supposed to trust one another. Instead, it feels like you’ve already replaced me with her."

"Don’t be ridiculous, Nyx." He waved a dismissive hand. "Thalia isn’t replacing anyone. She’s just… helping."

Helping? I wanted to scream. "Helping with what? By pushing me aside? By taking my place before I’ve even had the chance to be your Luna? How can you do this to me, royal?"

His expression darkened. "Enough, Nyx. You’re being insecure, and that’s beneath you."

"Insecure?" A bitter laugh escaped me. "Maybe if you treated me like I mattered, I wouldn’t feel this way!"

The silence that followed was suffocating. Darius’s gaze was cold, unreadable, as if I was the one at fault—as if I was unreasonable for feeling this way. But how could I not, when Thalia was everywhere? When she lingered in every room, in every conversation, in every stolen glance between us?

"Go to bed, Nyx," he said at last, his tone laced with finality. "I’m done talking about this."

Maybe I should have walked away the moment I saw them embrace on the day he proposed to me.

---

That night, I sat in the darkness of my room, staring blankly ahead, my thoughts tangled in an endless loop of doubt and pain. Elara’s voice echoed in my mind—her warning still fresh, still sharp. She had been the only friend I’d made in the Ashenfang Pack.

"Nyx, she’s not as innocent as she seems," Elara had told me just days before. "Thalia knows exactly what she’s doing. She wants the Alpha, and she’ll use every trick in the book to get him."

A knock at my door jolted me from my thoughts. For a moment, a flicker of hope flared in my chest—maybe it was Darius, finally coming to his senses, finally seeing what I had been trying to tell him all along.

But when I opened the door, it was Elara. She slipped inside without a word, her expression grave.

"How did it go?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.

"Exactly how you’d expect," I muttered, sinking onto the edge of the bed. "He doesn’t see it, Elara. He doesn’t care. He thinks I’m just being paranoid."

Elara exhaled, sitting beside me. "Darius is blind, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless, Nyx. You don’t have to just sit back and let this happen."

I turned to her, helplessness washing over me. "What else can I do? I’ve tried everything."

"You’re his future Luna," she reminded me. "You’re stronger than this. Don’t let Thalia push you out of what’s rightfully yours. And if you don’t love Alpha Darius anymore, leave him before it’s too late."

She was right. I wasn’t powerless.