SENNA’S POV

The silence in my room was suffocating, pressing in on me from all sides.

Just as I was planning everything in my head, a soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. My heart clenched involuntarily, assuming it was Rennon coming to soothe his guilt with more empty words. I felt a surge of irritation at the mere thought of him. I wasn’t in the mood to play the dutiful Luna anymore, especially not with that lying snake standing beside him. But I knew I had to maintain my facade, at least for now.

Taking a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders and walked to the door, schooling my features into something resembling calm. I reached for the handle, already preparing my polite, detached response to whatever excuse Rennon had conjured up this time. But as I swung the door open, my breath caught in my throat.

“Emery?” The name left my lips in a whisper, as if speaking it too loudly might shatter the fragile moment.

Before I could stop myself, I threw my arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. The tears I had been holding back for what felt like an eternity finally broke free, and I clung to her as if she might vanish into thin air.

“Sister?” Emery’s voice was laced with confusion, but she didn’t pull away. She wrapped her arms around me, her warmth a comfort I hadn’t realized I was craving. “What’s wrong? I heard… I heard Alpha Rennon brought someone home, but I didn’t expect you to be this upset.”

Her words were like a knife twisting in my heart, but not for the reason she thought. She was here, alive and breathing, and that was all that mattered to me at that moment. The memory of her cold, lifeless body flashed through my mind, and I tightened my grip on her, as if holding her tighter could prevent that future from ever happening again.

“I… I’m just so glad you’re here,” I managed to choke out between sobs, the relief washing over me in waves. She was here, alive, and I had been given a second chance to save her. I didn’t know why or how, but the Moon Goddess had granted me this opportunity, and I would not waste it.

“Sister,” Emery’s voice was soft and soothing as she stroked my hair gently. “It’s okay. I’m here for you. Do you want me to talk to Alpha Rennon? How dare he bring someone home!”

If only she knew how much those words meant to me. I pulled back slightly, wiping my tears and trying to regain some semblance of composure. I couldn’t let her see the full extent of my despair, not when I had so much to tell her. She needed to understand what was coming, and I had to be strong for both of us.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.

Emery looked at me skeptically, her brow furrowing. “You don’t have to pretend with me. You can talk to me about anything, you know that.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath. “I know, Emery. And there’s something I need to tell you. Something important.”

Her expression shifted to one of concern, and she led me to the bed, sitting down beside me. “What is it? What’s going on?”

I looked into her eyes, the words tumbling from my mouth before I could stop them. “Emery, I’ve been given another chance. I don’t know how to explain it, but… I’ve been reborn. I remember everything that’s going to happen, and I’m going to stop it.”

Her eyes widened in shock, but she didn’t pull away or question my sanity. Instead, she reached out and took my hand, her grip firm and reassuring. “Tell me everything.”

And I did. I told her about the betrayal that was yet to come, about Rennon’s choice to abandon me for Paige, and about the horrors that awaited us if we didn’t act. I left out the part about her death—she didn’t need to know that. But I made it clear that we were in danger, and that Paige was not the innocent girl she pretended to be.

When I finished, Emery was silent for a long moment, processing everything I had said. I could see the conflict in her eyes—the struggle to reconcile the sister she knew with the one sitting before her, telling her of a future that hadn’t yet happened.

Finally, she squeezed my hand and nodded. “I believe you. I don’t know how or why, but I believe you.”

Her unwavering faith in me brought fresh tears to my eyes, but this time, I didn’t let them fall. I had cried enough.

“Thank you, Emery,” I whispered, pulling her into another hug. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”

After a while, Emery pulled back, giving me a small smile. “We’re in this together. But for now, you need to rest. You’ve been through a lot.”

I nodded, knowing she was right. But as she left the room, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders.

The hot spring in the forest had always been my sanctuary, a place where I could escape the world and find peace. It was secluded, known only to a few, and I hadn’t visited it in years.

I slipped out of my room, making my way through the darkened corridors of the Ironheart estate. The night air was cool against my skin as I stepped outside, the scent of pine and earth filling my senses. I moved quickly through the forest, my feet carrying me on a path I knew by heart.

When I finally reached the hot spring, the sight of the steam rising from the water brought a small smile to my lips. It was just as I remembered—quiet, serene, untouched by the chaos of the world. This was exactly what I needed.

I undressed slowly, feeling the weight of the past few days lift from my shoulders as I let my clothes fall to the ground. The water was warm as I slipped in, enveloping me in its soothing embrace.

But the peace didn’t last long. A rustling noise broke through the quiet, pulling me from my reverie. My eyes snapped open, my senses suddenly on high alert. I scanned the surrounding trees, searching for the source of the noise, but saw nothing.

“Who’s there?” I called out, my voice firm despite the fear creeping up my spine. There was no response, only the sound of the forest around me.

I cursed under my breath, realizing how vulnerable I was. Ever since I had returned to the past, I hadn’t been able to connect with my wolf, Naiah. It was as if she had vanished, leaving me without my powers, without the heightened senses that had once been second nature to me.

Whoever—or whatever—was out there, I couldn’t let them see me like this, defenseless and exposed.

But as I stayed there, my gaze darting around the trees, I realized something else. I hadn’t just lost Naiah. I had lost a part of myself. My senses were dulled, my connection to the world around me weakened. And without my wolf, I was powerless.

I hurriedly dressed, the damp fabric clinging to my skin as I hastily pulled my clothes over my still-wet body. The eerie feeling from earlier lingered, prickling at the back of my mind. Every muscle in my body remained tense as I carefully scanned the area one last time, ensuring there were no lurking shadows.

The minute I was back within the safe confines of the pack, I knew I needed a plan. The reality of my situation hit me harder than ever. This time, I couldn’t rely solely on my strength or intuition. I had to outmaneuver Paige, protect my sister Emery, and ultimately, secure my future. The stakes were higher than they had ever been, and the only way to tip the scales in my favor was to find powerful allies.

One name immediately came to mind: Alpha King Shiloh Callahan. He was the most formidable ruler in the realm, commanding respect and fear in equal measure. His influence was unmatched, and if I could earn his support, my path to reclaiming my pack and breaking free from Rennon would be significantly smoother.

I remembered a key moment from the past—an event that I had nearly forgotten. During a banquet, I saved the life of Beta Valentin’s mate. Beta Valentin served Alpha King Shiloh. If I played my cards right, I could leverage that moment to my advantage.

Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone and dialed Beta Valentin’s number. The call was brief, with me explaining my situation and request for a direct conversation with the Alpha King. Beta Valentin, ever loyal, promised to arrange the call. I hung up, feeling a sliver of hope. However, that hope was short-lived.

When the call finally connected, the Alpha King’s voice was cold, each word dripping with condescension. “Luna of Ironheart Pack,” he began, his tone formal and distant, “I hear you wish to discuss a matter of importance.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” I responded, keeping my voice steady despite the unease curling in my gut. “I need your support. I’m seeking a divorce from Alpha Rennon and need to reclaim my birthright—my pack.”

A low, humorless chuckle rumbled through the phone. “This is your business, Luna. It has nothing to do with me.”