LUNA CLARA

That night, sleep eluded me as my thoughts spiraled back to Odette—knowing she was close by, lurking just around the corner. The fear that she could repeat what she had done before—or worse, surpass it—gnawed at me.

A shiver ran down my spine as memories of her past cruelty resurfaced vividly.

— — —

Even as children, our parents noticed something unsettling about Odette. She carried an innate streak of jealousy and vengeance.

If I had something she desired, she would demand it for herself, throwing tantrums or resorting to threats if denied.

At first, our parents dismissed it as childish behavior. But as the years passed, her actions turned darker…

I still remember the time she poisoned my food with magic after I was recognized as the best student at our magic university.

On Valentine's Day, when I received more flowers and admiration than she did, Odette crept into my room while I was asleep and cut my hair short.

There were countless times she ruined my clothes, stole my jewelry, or even hurt me physically. I let it all slide, convincing myself it was just who she was. Over time, I became numb to her cruelty.

But everything changed when our parents died. They left me a larger share of the inheritance, trusting me more than her. When Odette learned about this—and that I was Alpha Landon's mate, destined to become the Luna of our pack—her jealousy transformed into something darker.

She tried to end my life more times than I can count. And once… she almost succeeded.

That night remains etched into my memory. She dragged me into the dark woods, her face a mask of evilness. From her pocket, she pulled out a sword, its steel glinting under the moonlight.

I felt its cold edge bite into my skin, again and again, as I screamed for help. But my cries dissolved into the night, swallowed by the silence, and by her merciless laughter.

As she raised the sword for what was meant to be the final blow—aimed straight at my chest—Landon appeared, just in time to save me.

That night, he didn't hesitate. He ordered Odette's immediate exile.

— — —

The next day, Alpha Landon barged into the room. "Get ready. Dress decently, fix yourself—whatever it takes. You need to meet and officially welcome someone back," he said in a briskly tone.

I shot him a sharp glare as I slowly rose, refusing to break eye contact. "Odette Sawyer, isn't it? My sister." My voice was steady. "Landon, you know what she's done to me. Why would you—"

He cut me off before I could finish. "Where did you hear this?" His eyes narrowed.

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I shook my head. "That doesn't matter! I'm asking you why you'd let someone like her return!" My voice cracked under the weight of disbelief and betrayal.

Landon's hand struck my cheek with a sharp slap, the sting spreading instantly as my skin flushed red. Just as quickly, he slipped back into his composed demeanor, as though his outburst had never happened.

Taking a deliberate step closer, his cold gaze bore into mine. "You have no right to question my decisions, Clara. And I certainly don't owe you any explanations. If anything, you owe me—your life. Or have you forgotten how I saved you from Odette?" His tone was filled with menace.

"If I'd known you'd become like this, I would've wished you'd never saved me—"

"Silence!" He roared.

Tears streamed silently down my face, but I bit back any retort. I didn't want to fan the flames of this chaos further.

In an unsettling twist, Landon's hand shifted to a gentle caress on my cheek. "Go fix yourself, my Luna," he murmured. "You'll be seeing your sister again soon. When that happens, I want you to act normal—no, more than normal. You'll show her respect, make her feel that, as Alpha and Luna, we're gracious enough to welcome her back. To forgive her for her past mistakes." His lips curled into a wicked smile.

I still couldn't make sense of this charade, but defiance wasn't an option. I had no choice but to obey.

So, after many years, the moment I never thought would come arrived.

I stood face to face with Odette once more.

I hadn't expected to see her again, yet here we were…

Odette approached me with an unexpected gentleness, her bright smile lighting up her face as she stepped forward and wrapped me in a tight hug. The gesture caught me off guard, but the sharp glare from Landon reminded me to play along. Hesitantly, I returned the hug.

"Years have passed, my sister," she murmured, her voice soft and warm. "I hope time has healed your heart. I hope you've forgiven me. I've regretted my actions for so long. All I'm asking for is a second chance."

Her words hung in the air, but something about them felt insincere. Slowly, I disentangled myself from the embrace, forcing a polite smile to mask my unease. "Of course… You're still my sister, after all."

Landon's approving smile flickered into view. "It's good to see you two reconciling. I'll leave you alone now so you can catch up in private."

The moment Landon left the room, Odette's demeanor shifted abruptly. The gentle facade vanished, replaced by aggression. Her gaze sharpened into a burning glare as her hand shot out, gripping my arm with force. Her nails dug into my skin sharply.

"You're a fool if you think I'm truly being kind to you," she sneered.

I met her glare with as much strength as I could muster. "Don't worry," I replied coldly. "I've already sensed that. Besides, I never expected someone as evil as you to change."

Her dark chuckle filled the air. "Oh, how clever!" She pressed her nails deeper into my skin, making me flinch. "Then I hope you've also sensed that my desire to get rid of you has never faded. And this time, my dearest sister, I'm more determined to pull it off!"

LUNA CLARA

While scrubbing away at the endless pile of laundry—yet another maid task Alpha Landon had commanded me to do—my mind wandered, replaying how quickly everything had spiraled out of control. Even now, none of it made sense.

What was Landon's true purpose in letting Odette return?

What did he stand to gain?

The unanswered questions gnawed at me until my knees suddenly buckled. My wolf howled within, her cry filled with agony that felt… brokenhearted. Betrayed.

Overwhelmed, I lowered myself onto the floor, trying to steady my mind and soothe my wolf's anguish. But the moment of peace was fleeting. The wooden door creaked open, and Landon's presence filled the room like a storm. His fiery gaze landed on me, and I knew I was in trouble.

I scrambled to my feet, but it was too late. He reached me in two strides, grabbing a fistful of my hair before his hand clamped around my neck. "Who told you to rest?" he roared.

"I was only sitting for five seconds, Landon. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—" My words tumbled out in desperation, but his grip only tightened.

As usual, he silenced me with violence. This time, he shoved my face into a deep tub of water. The cold, suffocating darkness enveloped me, and I could feel it—he wanted me to drown.

When he finally yanked my head out, I gasped desperately for air, but he gave me no reprieve. With a cruel determination, he plunged my face back into the water, holding me there until panic surged through my chest.

Nearly a minute passed before he pulled me out again, only to throw me onto the ground. Soaked, and gasping for breath, I lay there, too weak to move.

"Get up!" He barked before kicking my leg hard. "Finish the laundry. You've got plenty of chores left to do."

Tears streamed silently down my face, but my heart felt numb.

After completing the laundry, my hair still a tangled mess and my clothes damp, I had the misfortune of crossing paths with Odette.

She was a stark contrast to my disheveled state—dressed to perfection in a vibrant red dress that hugged her figure elegantly. Her hair was styled neatly in a high bun, and a matching red hat perched atop her head. She wore makeup that enhanced her facial features, and her red high heels clicked sharply against the floor as she moved.

Odette smirked as she stepped closer. Without hesitation, she planted her heel firmly on my foot. "Did you take a swim in a pond? You look utterly disheveled, my dearest sister," she mocked.

I glared at her, my patience hanging by a thread. "Step back, and don't call me your sister."

Her brows arched, and her smirk widened. "Whatever you say, Clara," she sneered, pressing her heel down harder on my foot, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

This time, I refused to flinch. "Luna. Luna Clara. Let me remind you, I am this pack's Luna, and you are merely a member. Showing respect won't cost you anything."

Odette let out a mocking laugh, as if I'd just told her the most absurd joke. "Respect? Do you think anyone would respect that appearance?" She gestured toward me with a sneer. "Look at you. Between the two of us, I look far more like the Luna. And you? An Omega—no, worse, a rogue!" She leaned in. "Oh, how the tables have turned."

Something in me snapped.

Without a second thought, I grabbed a nearby bucket of water and flung it at her, drenching her pristine red dress and perfectly styled hair. Water dripped from her shocked face as I refused to back down.

"There you go, Odette. Now we're both drenched. Fair and square." My voice was calm. "But let me make one thing clear—no matter how much you polish your appearance, it won't change your position in this pack. You're still an ex-rogue. An attempted murderer. Never the Luna. And never higher than me."

LUNA CLARA

As Odette raised her hand to slap me, I caught her wrist mid-air. My grip was firm, but what truly made me pause was the bracelet on her arm.

It was unmistakable—that bracelet was mine. A custom piece Landon had given me during our first mating anniversary. Seeing it now on Odette's wrist sent a sharp pang through my chest.

Odette's lips curled into a smug smile as she noticed where my gaze had fallen. "Oh, this?" she said, twisting her wrist to flaunt it. "Alpha Landon gave it to me as a welcome gift. Jealous?"

Her words stung, but I refused to let her see it. Instead, I forced a smirk. "I could never be jealous of you, Odette." My voice was calm as I released her wrist and turned away. Without another glance, I walked off, leaving her standing there.

That night, Landon didn't come home as usual, but sleep eluded me regardless. My mind was restless, turning over the events of the past few days. Seeking clarity, or perhaps just peace, I decided to step outside. A walk under the cool night air might help ease the storm in my mind.

As I wandered through the quiet alleyways of our pack's town square, something caught my eye—Landon's car, parked conspicuously near the Moon Hostel. My breath hitched and my heart sank.

What could Landon possibly be doing here? The question gnawed at me, and before I could second-guess myself, I followed my instincts and stepped inside the Moon Hostel.

"Good evening," I said hastily to the clerk at the front desk. "Has Alpha Landon checked in here?"

The clerk shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. "Luna Clara, I apologize, but I cannot disclose that information to you."

I forced a smile, though the tension in my chest made it feel brittle. "You know what? Never mind. I'll check in myself. Please give me a room." I slid my card across the counter, my tone leaving no room for argument.

"But Luna—"

"I said I need a room," I interrupted, my glare cutting through her hesitation.

Reluctantly, she took my card, processed the payment, and handed me a key. "Room 101," she murmured, barely meeting my eyes.

I smiled faintly, then quickly walked away. I didn't actually need the room. My only goal was to get inside and figure out what Landon was up to. His car outside had already confirmed his presence, and now, so did the faint trace of his scent lingering in the air.

Clutching the key, I moved deeper into the hostel, my heart pounding as I prepared myself for whatever truth I was about to uncover.

When I reached the second floor, I spotted him immediately. My breath hitched as my worst fears came to life. There he was, Landon, holding hands with someone. They stood in the dimly lit hallway, completely at ease, as if the world around them didn't exist.

Then, as if to twist the knife in my chest, he leaned in and began making out with her, his hands roaming to her waist. I felt a lump in my throat. The sight of his betrayal is too much to bear.

Desperate to remain unseen, I ducked behind a large decorative pot. Tears streamed silently down my face as I bit down on my lip, trying to stifle the sobs threatening to escape.

"I've waited two whole years just to hold you in my arms," Landon's deep, tempting voice carried over to where I hid. "Now, finally, I can do it freely, whenever I want. I just can't get enough of you."

He pulled her into another kiss before guiding her into one of the rooms, the door shutting firmly behind them.

My heart shattered.

Suddenly, everything clicked—the coldness, the distant behavior, the cruel words he'd started throwing at me two years ago.

He'd been having an affair.

And the worst part of it all? The woman in his arms was my own sister.

Him welcoming her back wasn't because her sins were lifted—it was because he needed her for his personal benefit.

Pleasure, perhaps.