The sun was setting over the dense woods surrounding the Silver Shadow Pack’s territory when Kael and the hunting party returned. I stood near the gates, watching as he strode in, towering and commanding as always. My Alpha. My mate. But tonight, it wasn’t his presence that stole everyone’s attention.

It was the woman beside him.

My breath hitched as our eyes met. The resemblance was undeniable—same sharp cheekbones, same piercing gaze. But her hair was different. Mine is midnight-black, while hers was stark, almost ethereal white. It was like staring into a distorted mirror, a cruel twist of fate I hadn’t seen coming.

Kael’s voice cut through the murmurs of the gathered pack. “This is Eira,” he said evenly, his tone carrying its usual authority. “She’s my second mate. And Sable’s twin sister.”

His words landed like a punch to my gut. My twin? My sister? A second mate?

The crowd gasped, and I froze, my mind scrambling to process what I’d just heard.

Eira stepped forward before I could say anything. Her movements were graceful, her confidence undeniable. “It’s an honor to meet all of you,” she said warmly, her voice melodic and calm. “I’ve spent years away, but I’m glad to finally find my family.”

I forced a smile and moved to embrace her, even though my heart felt heavy in my chest. “Welcome,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. The hug felt wrong—empty. I told myself there was no reason to feel threatened. Kael love me. I'm his Luna. Eira was family—nothing more, nothing less.

That evening, we held a feast to celebrate Eira’s arrival. As the pack gathered, I decided it was the perfect moment to make my announcement. Standing beside Kael, I placed a trembling hand on my belly.

“I’m pregnant,” I said, my voice tinged with nerves and joy.

The pack erupted into cheers, their congratulations filling the air. For a fleeting moment, I basked in their warmth and admiration.

Then Eira stood from her seat, her smile dazzling as she raised her glass. “I have news as well,” she said, her voice effortlessly commanding attention. “I am the Lunar Healer.”

Silence fell, the kind that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

“The Lunar Healer?” One of the elders whispered, awe thick in their voice.

“Yes,” Eira said, nodding. “I can heal any injury, any illness. I can even bring the dead back to life.”

Chaos erupted. Wolves rushed to her, their excitement spilling over as they bombarded her with questions and praise. In the blink of an eye, the celebratory atmosphere shifted to revolve entirely around Eira.

I stood on the sidelines, my earlier happiness fading into a hollow ache. I tried to brush off the bitterness, but it clung to me like a shadow I couldn’t shake. Why couldn’t this moment—just this one—belong to me?

Kael noticed. He came to me, his strong arms wrapped around my waist. “I’m so happy about the baby, Sable,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my temple.

His words were a soothing balm to my wounded heart. “That’s all I need,” I whispered, leaning into his embrace. “As long as you’re with me.”

But even as I spoke, doubt gnawed at the edges of my mind. I couldn’t ignore the way the pack adored her, the way they looked at her like she was something divine.

“Sable.” Eira’s voice broke through my thoughts, her gaze soft as she approached me. “I’ll always be here to help. Don’t ever hesitate to ask.”

Her words were kind, but they cut deep—like a dagger wrapped in silk, a reminder of all that she was and all that I wasn’t.

Kael love me. I told myself that over and over. He’d always have my back.

I’d regret thinking that.

I leaned over the sink, retching until my stomach was empty, my body trembling from the effort. I felt so weak, my pale reflection barely recognizable. I gripped the counter for support and called out hoarsely, “Where’s Kael?”

Mia, my maid, hesitated before answering. “He’s with your sister, Eira. They said they’ll be back soon.”

The door opened moments later, and Kael walked in with Eira right behind him. He rushed to my side, worry etched on his face. “Sable, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Eira stepped forward, her voice calm and certain. “It’s her pregnancy,” she said, her tone almost clinical. “It’s taking a toll on her body.” Without asking, she placed her hands on my shoulders. A warm glow radiated from her palms, and I felt the color returning to my cheeks, the nausea receding as strength seeped back into my limbs.

“Feel better?” She asked with a kind smile.

I nodded, but something about her touch unsettled me. A strange unease lingered, but I pushed it aside.

The days blurred together after that. I only grew weaker, even though Eira kept healing me. Walking became harder, my once-bright energy dimmed, and I could barely summon a smile. The pack avoided me, their gazes filled with pity or discomfort.

Eira, meanwhile, flourished. She and Kael were inseparable. I often saw them sparring in the training grounds—her movements graceful, his laughter ringing out as they trained. I stayed on the sidelines, too weak to join, jealousy simmering beneath my awe.

One afternoon, a maid I didn’t recognize approached me, her tone neutral. “Luna, Eira asked to meet you in the moonlit hall.”

Curiosity and dread warred within me as I made my way there. The hall was empty except for Eira, standing in the center. Her usual warmth was gone. In its place there was something cold and sharp. Her white hair shimmered like frost, and her eyes locked onto mine with icy disdain.

“You,” she spat, her voice dripping with venom. “You had everything I ever wanted. A loving family, a devoted pack, and Kael.” Her lips curled into a sneer. “While you basked in love, I rotted in isolation. Do you know how much I hate you, Sable?”

My heart raced. “Eira, what are you saying?”

“I’m taking it all back,” she hissed, her voice low and filled with malice. “Everything you have, I’ll take it all from you—starting now.”

Before I could react, Eira slapped herself hard across the face. The sound echoed in the empty hall, and a red welt bloomed on her cheek. Then she grabbed a silver blade from a nearby table, pressing it against her arm with a deliberate slowness that made my stomach churn. Her screams shattered the air as blood dripped onto the floor.

“Stop!” I cried, rushing forward. I grabbed the blade from her hands, my mind reeling with confusion. “What are you doing?”

The hall doors burst open, and Kael stormed in with several pack members. The maid who had summoned me pointed an accusing finger. “She’s gone mad! She attacked the Lunar Healer!”

Kael’s eyes darted to the blade in my trembling hand, then to Eira, who was sobbing and clutching her arm. His expression hardened.

“No!” I said, my voice was breaking. “She’s lying! She—”

“Tend to her wounds,” Kael ordered, his tone cold and distant. He didn’t look at me as he followed the others out, leaving me alone in the empty hall.

After that, everything fell apart. Kael drifted further from me, spending more time with Eira. The pack no longer saw me as their Luna. I was isolated, helpless, and fading.

And no one seemed to care.

Eira entered my room, flanked by several pack members and Kael. Their eyes were full of unease, darting to me as though I might lash out at any moment. I sat on the edge of my bed, barely managing to stay upright. A bitter laugh slipped from my lips, cracking the heavy silence. It quickly turned into a sob that shook my shoulders.

“You haven’t even let me explain myself,” I said, my voice trembling. “You’ve already decided I’m guilty.”

Kael’s jaw tightened, his expression a mix of frustration and regret. “There are witnesses, Sable. There’s proof. And there’s motive.”

“Witness?” My voice rose, sharp with disbelief. “The maid who sent me to the hall? What did she say?”

“She said you asked where Eira was and stormed off to confront her,” Kael replied, his tone cold and measured. “She saw you attack Eira.”

I shook my head, letting out a grim, hollow laugh. “Attack her? In this state?” I gestured weakly to my frail body. “Eira is stronger than me now. Everyone knows that.”

Kael ignored my protest, his voice relentless. “There’s more. A shipment of silver weapons was smuggled into the pack, and the documents list your name. It was illegal, and the timing…” His words hung in the air, heavy with accusation.

One of the pack members stepped forward, their tone accusing. “You’ve been jealous of Eira. Everyone can see it. All the attention she’s getting, her abilities, her bond with Kael…”

I turned to Eira, who stood silent, her face pale and innocent. Her wide eyes shimmered with unshed tears, as if this situation hurt her more than it did me. The sight of her like that twisted something deep in my chest, a sharp ache that left me breathless.

I forced my gaze back to the gathered wolves, my voice low but firm. “Get out. All of you.”

Kael opened his mouth, ready to argue, but one look at my face stopped him. One by one, they filed out, leaving me alone in the suffocating silence.

After that day, I withdrew from everyone. I didn’t trust anyone except Mia, my childhood maid. She was the only one who stayed by my side. I spent most of my time watching from my window as life in the pack revolved around Eira. The wolves adored her; they laughed and celebrated in her presence. Even Kael seemed captivated, his fleeting glances in my direction colder and more distant with each passing day.

One evening, Kael confronted me, his voice sharp with frustration. “If you don’t apologize to Eira, I won’t speak to you again.”

I said nothing. My silence echoed louder than any argument I could have made. That night, I sat by the window, staring at the moon with my hand resting on my growing belly. My thoughts churned, heavy and dark. How had everything fallen apart so quickly?

Eira had become the pack’s shining light, untouchable and adored. Her white hair shimmered like frost, earning her the nickname “snow queen.” I, on the other hand, had become a shadow of the Luna I once was. My sunny disposition had withered into something dark and brooding, my black hair deepening like the shadows that clung to me. The wolves whispered behind my back now, calling me the “shadow queen.”

I watched silently as the pack moved on without me, the bonds I once held so dear slipping further from my grasp. And as the days bled into nights, I clung to one unshakable truth: I was utterly, heartbreakingly alone.