Damon had his arms wrapped around me like I was some sort of trophy on our way to the seamstress. And just when he wanted to kiss me, I pushed him away in disgust but quickly masked it by saying “Catch me if you can”

Before we knew it, our wolves took over, running fiercely, he was giggling but I was scheming. Just as his wolf caught up with mine, I turned swiftly giving him a subltle tear on the same hand Lilith had held.

“Here we are…” I said, not leaving room for explanation over the scratch.

When we arrived at the wedding dress store, I froze at the sight before me. There she was—Lilith. Standing in front of the mirror, swirling in my dress.

Every thread, every stitch, I had sewn with my own hands. No, the seamstress let me sew it, she guided me but she let my imagination run wild. Damon was aware when I was doing embroidery on it.

The intricate patterns mirrored the phases of the moon, and the lace on the sleeves was meant to represent the strength and fragility of our kind. It wasn’t hers to wear, yet there she was, twirling with a radiant smile plastered across her face, as if the entire world adored her.

And perhaps, it did.

“Lilith!” I yelled. My wolf, trying to jump out.

“You’re late again, Lyria” Lilith said, her voice carrying that saccharine sweetness she used so well. “We’ve all been waiting.”

“You are waiting for who? Me? Who are you fooling?” I demanded, moving closer to her.

“I think you might need my help as your sister?” She ignored me.

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. “I wasn’t aware we had a schedule,” I said coolly, my eyes narrowing as I took in her reflection.

“Oh, don’t be upset,” she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “I was only trying it on. It’s such a beautiful dress—I couldn’t resist. Damon told me you embroidered it by yourself and wow”

“Besides, don’t you think it looks better on me?” her voice came again, this time lower than intended with a smirk.

My wolf stirred inside me, clawing at the surface, urging me to respond. But I kept my tone steady. “Take it off, Lilith.”

Ember wanted Lilith's blood, my wolf wanted to tear off that innocent look and rip out her sinful heart.

She turned to face me fully, her expression feigning innocence. “You really don’t have to be so possessive, Lilith. After all, aren’t we sisters?”

“Sisters in name only,” I bit out before I could stop myself.

“Oh…you said so yourself. Why blame me for your misfortune though?” Lilith asked, adding to my anger.

“ I will wipe away that smile from your face if you get me angry” I scowled.

“ Now if you don't want me to give you a scar you will forever bear, take off my dress. I have little patience in me Lilith. Very little” I added.

Her face fell for a fraction of a second, but she quickly masked it with a pout. “Well, if you insist sister…” She glanced over at Damon, who had been standing to the side, watching us with amusement dancing in his eyes.

Or rather, watching Lilith with admiration.

“Lyria be gentle on her…I get that you are stressed but Lilith is fragile” Damon held my gaze but shift it instantly towards Lilith.

“What do you think, Damon? Doesn’t it suit me?” Lilith looked at herself again in the mirror, pushing me to the edge.

Damon. The man who had once vowed to protect me, to stand by me through thick and thin even though it were lies. Now, he stood there like a statue, his eyes flickering between us before a smirk curved his lips.

“You look… breathtaking Lilith,” he said, his voice low and smooth.

“You have always been the most beautiful of all wolves” he added.

“You have no shame. Not a little. Both of you” I shook my head, stepping closer to Lilith, ready to make her regret putting on my dress.

Lilith giggled, spinning once more before finally stepping out of the dress. “I suppose I’ll leave it to the bride then,” she said with a sly smile. “But you must admit, it did look stunning on me.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. Without another word, I grabbed the dress and turned to leave.

“Lyria,” Damon called out, his voice laced with concern. I stopped but didn’t turn around.

“What?” I asked, my voice cold.

“If you have nothing reasonable to say…my wolf needs to run” I added immediately.

“Don’t take this the wrong way. Lilith didn’t mean anything by it. You know how playful she is.”

I laughed bitterly. “Oh, I know exactly what she meant.”

He didn’t reply, and I didn’t wait for one.

Before stepping out, I turned one last time to see them smiling wholeheartedly about how Lilith would make the perfect mate.

“Your sister is just stressed Lilith…don't take it to heart” Damon consoled Lilith.

That was what i needed to confirm.

I walked out of the hall, the gown trailing behind me like a ghost of what could have been.

Back at my quarters, I sat by the fire, staring at the dress. The flames cast shadows across the room, their dance matching the turmoil in my chest.

The bond between mates was sacred—etched into the very fabric of our existence. And yet, here I was, about to bind myself to someone who had already betrayed me in more ways than one.

Damon captivated me at first with his eyes that lied they meant well for me. He pretended like I mattered, even when he would leave me at the cliff to go meet Lilith who cried wanting to save an earthworm. And when I would break my arms, he would pretend like he came to check on me whereas, his eyes never left Lilith.

If I hadn’t find out he was inlove with my sister, I would still keep blaming myself for things I knew nothing about. Lie to myself yet again, that he loved me and it was just duty calls every night he left me to sit by the river and never showed up.

“Did you see Lilith at the seamstress’?” I heard whispers.

“You didn't? Oh, you missed a beautiful sight that you could have behold”

“No I didn't…tell me, what did you see?” Another voice came, though hushed.

“Lilith…she is a gem really”

“I know…I hate this suspense…tell me what actually happened” The voice sound impatient.

“Alright” Another voice giggled.

“She looked so perfect, like the dress was made for her! You would almost think that the union was between her and Damon” The voice came again.

“She’s so beautiful…her beauty is a gift from the moon goddess as it screams perfection. Especially those innocent eyes”

“And when you are done gossiping, you should leave my doorstep.” I cleared my throat. The voices immediately went mute, then their steps hurried till they were heard no more.

I reached for the gown. I could feel my hands trembling as I held the delicate fabric of the gown in my arms. The dress wasn’t just a piece of clothing—it was a symbol of everything I had poured into this sham of a union.

“Damon, you are not worth it. Not worth the time I dedicated into this masterpiece. Not worth the hours and sleepless night every design took.” I gritted my teeth.

“You are just a waste of my time and effort. And believe me, your days are numbered“

Thud.

Into the fire the gown went.

Because of the last rite before I became fully his, the Alpha and Luna had ordered me to spend nights in his chambers. As if we were not mated already. It was Lilith's idea, so as to not look guilty for putting on my gown and to prove she wanted the best for me as her sister.

I didn't argue. I was done doing all of that. I have connected with Jareth and everything will be ready a day to the mating ceremony.

“These place should be tidied”

I heard Damon return to the den, the faint scuff of his boots against the stone floor echoing through the space. I didn’t bother looking up. Instead, I stayed on my side of the bed, my back to him, pretending to sleep. His scent—once intoxicating—now made me want to rip him off.

The bond between us was still there, the lies I once believed still posed as the truth, a connection forged by the Alpha and Luna. The connection was still there, though faint, a part of me that I would burn completely believed he didn't know what he was doing.

But his betrayal had killed the part of me that once cared.

“My moon lily…” He said walking in. I knew that word wasn't meant for me, because even the syllable sounded like Lilith's name. I closed my eyes but Lilith's innocent face made me open my eyes back.

“Lyria…you must have been tired”

He sighed, heavy and deliberate, as though trying to draw a reaction from me. When none came, he muttered something under his breath and moved toward the hearth. I heard him toss his cloak over the chair and sit down, but I still didn’t turn.

“Still awake?” His voice was calm, almost too casual.

“What do you think?” I said, not bothering to hide the bitterness in my tone.

“ Lyria, you walked out on Lilith the other day….she apologised for wearing your dress. And you are still bitter?” The words rolled from his mouth uncontrollably.

I scoffed, tired of being bonded to this sham called union. If it was the previous Lyria, I would have begged him to choose me, that I could do what Lilith was doing.

“ The real mating is soon…I went to the Alpha and Luna, a lot of preparations are being made. Can't wait to have you as mine”

These last statements made me realize Damon took me as a dumb pup that doesn't have her senses heightened.

“Can you look into my eyes…Lyria…these behaviours from you are really alarming”

I didn’t have to look at him. I already knew where he’d been.

Lilith’s scent clung to him like a second skin—sweet and cloying, a severe mockery of everything I used to cherish about my sister. I had caught them once, deep in the woods where they thought no one would see. Since then, I hadn’t confronted him. What was the point? I’d felt the truth through the bond every time he disappeared.

He didn’t love me. He never had. And now, I don't want his love even if offered on a gold plate.

The Alpha and Luna might have chosen us as mates, but Damon had chosen Lilith.

“You can’t ignore me forever, Lyria.” His tone carried the faintest growl, a warning from the wolf within.

I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. “I’m not ignoring you, Damon. I just don’t care enough to respond.”

That got his attention. He stood, his heavy steps echoing as he crossed the room. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Him feigning ignorance triggered another memory I buried. He came behind me, trying to help me apply oil to my bruised area. Anything to make him look like he didn’t deserve cold treatment from me.

I pushed back.

“How did you get these?” He was referring to my bruises.

“It's been there for months now, and you are just noticing” I smiled, shaking my head. If it had not been that I found out his other wolf was my sister, I would be holding on and be thinking I was the problem.

“Lilith is fragile, and the Alpha doesn't want anything to happen to her” He said, dropping the oil.

“Me too…I love her” I nodded.

The memory hit me hard.

It was last month, during the full moon. I’d wandered into the clearing late, avoiding the pack as much as I could. That’s when I saw them—Damon and Lilith.

Her wolf brushed against his, her tail curling flirtatiously around his. She let out a low, playful growl that I’d never heard her use around anyone else.

“Damon,” Lilith said, her voice light and teasing, “you spoil me too much.”

He smirked, his wolf practically preening under her attention. “Someone has to. You deserve it, don’t you?”

My heart clenched painfully, but I didn’t move. I stayed hidden behind the trees, my claws digging into the bark.

Lilith turned her head slightly, her golden eyes locking onto mine. She saw me. And instead of guilt or shame, there was triumph in her gaze. She leaned closer to him, her muzzle brushing his neck.

I stumbled back, unable to watch anymore.

Later that night, Damon had come to my chambers. I was still sitting in silence, the image of them together burned into my mind.

“Lyria,” he said softly, stepping into the room

I didn’t respond.

He cleared his throat and held out something in his hands—a small bouquet of moon lilies. Shewolves loved them. A peace offering. A lie wrapped in delicate petals.

“I thought you might like these,” he said, his tone almost nervous.

I stared at the flowers and then at him. “Where’d you get them?”

His jaw tightened. “Does it matter? They’re for you.”

“Oh, it matters.” I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Because if you’re giving them to me, I’m guessing Lilith didn’t want them.”

“You are my mate….Lilith is your sister and I take her as my own too.” He lied, not batting an eye.

“Take those to her. I’m sure she’ll appreciate them more.” I smiled with a heavy heart.

Damon’s grip on the bouquet tightened, his frustration evident. “You’re being unreasonable.”

“That’s why the pack and other territories prefer Lilith. She is just too soft and wants the best for everyone unlike you.” He added.

I stared into the fire, the crackling flames unable to drown out the memory of that day. The Alpha had stood tall before the pack, his voice echoing as he declared, “Lyria and Damon, fated by the Moon Goddess herself.”

I had looked at Damon, my heart racing with joy. “Did you know?” I whispered, breathless.

He smirked, his wolf proud. “It was always going to be you.”

The pack howled in celebration, their voices rising to the heavens. I had thought it was the beginning of something beautiful.

Now, I realized it was the worst mistake of my life.

Damon looked at me, unable to tell what I was thinking. Nobody could in the pack because while growing up, Lilith was everyone's favourite and I was the stray who they gave food and shelter to so as to not die.

Many times, Lilith would be praised for learning how to fight as a shewolf and when we were put against each other to fight, she would lose but I get punished because I struck her too hard.

Then, I cried to the extent that I couldn't cry anymore and just accepted my fate and distanced myself from her and everyone until Damon came and pretended I was the most beautiful wolf.

“Lyria?” He called out. I looked at him, realizing he was still in the den with me.

His face darkened. “You’re still my mate.”

I took a step closer, letting him feel the heat of my anger. “Do you think that means anything to me anymore? The Alpha might’ve tied us together, Damon, but you’ve done everything in your power to destroy that bond. I won’t be your second choice.”

“You’re not my second choice,” he said, his voice low.

“No?” I arched a brow. “Then why do you reek of her? Why do I feel your bond with her growing stronger while ours fades? Don’t stand there and lie to me, Damon. I’m done being the fool.”

“Then you are a big fool, if you think I am having something to do with Lilith. You are just bitter, Lyria. Probably jealous of your sister” He lied again. To my face.

“ I am sorry…” I nodded my head. Left him in the den, and went to the inner chamber. I was done begging to be seen by him. I don't even want to be bonded to him forever. I knew the truth already, even though he made it messy and blamed me. The truth still remained which is, as long as I am in this territory and pack, I will never leave Lilith's shadows.

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Damon appeared at the cabin door, his presence as commanding as ever. But they don't move me any more. His brown eyes locked onto mine, his expression blank unlike when looking at Lilith. I sat at the table, sharpening the edge of my ceremonial dagger, the metallic scrape filling the silence between us.

"We leave today," Damon said, stepping inside. His tone was brisk, as if he expected no argument. "We’ll meet with Alpha and Luna first. After that, we’ll travel to my parents’ territory to finalize the arrangements.”

I didn’t look up. Instead, I dragged the blade along the stone one more time, loving the way the sound grated against his words.

“Lyria,” he pressed, his voice growing sharper.

I finally raised my eyes to meet his, a slow, cold smile spreading across my lips. “Of course, Damon. I’ll be there.”

He frowned, his gaze narrowing. “Be ready in an hour. We can’t afford to keep the Alpha waiting.”

I set the dagger down deliberately, leaning back in my chair. “You go ahead,” I said sweetly. “I’ll follow shortly.”

His jaw tightened. “We leave together.”

I tilted my head, letting the silence stretch. “I said I’ll come soon.” My smile didn’t waver, though the edge in my voice was unmistakable.

Damon stared at me for a long moment, his frustration could not be mistaken. Finally, he turned toward the door, muttering under his breath, “Don’t be late.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I murmured, watching him leave.

"Damon," I whispered to the blade, "this time, I’ll let you have it all. The pack, the power—everything. I’m done fighting for scraps of your attention.”

The memory of that night with Jareth resurfaced as I prepared myself. It was only a week ago, but the details were as vivid as if they had happened moments ago. His sly grin, the map spread across the stump, the whispered promises of escape—everything about that encounter had solidified my mind. I was leaving.

I’d leave with the first wave of wolves heading to the journey of no return, a distant land I had dreamed of exploring for as long as I could remember. Once I crossed the river, I would finally be free of this suffocating life.

Jareth had said “ Once you set sail, no wolf—Alpha, Beta, or rogue—will be able to find you.”

The packhouse was bustling with activity by the time I arrived. Wolves in their pelts moved about, preparing for the upcoming hunt, the Moon Festival and our last mating ceremony. Damon was waiting near the grand oak tree where the Alpha and Luna often held court, his posture rigid as he spoke with a few warriors.

I approached slowly, my footsteps deliberately soft. He didn’t notice me until I was nearly beside him.

“You’re late,” he hissed, his tone low but seething.

I shrugged, brushing past him. “I am sorry, Damon… I just wanted this ceremony to happen and be yours completely”

“Been bonded for years, in a few days, the moon goddess would bear witness too” I added in a soft voice, the one he was used to.

“Lyria,” his voice was softer than usual, almost coaxing. I felt as though I was Lilith. I turned to see him stepping closer to me, his broad frame filling the tiny space between us. His piercing brown eyes locked onto mine, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw something in them—regret, maybe.

But then his lips curled into that familiar smirk. He reached out, taking my hand in his warm grip.

“You’ve been busy,” he said, glancing at the other wolves immersed in activities.

“I’ve been preparing,” I replied flatly.

Damon laughed, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “You don’t have to work so hard. Once you’re mine, I’ll take care of everything for you. You won’t have to lift a paw.”

My chest tightened, and I forced a smile. “Yours?” The words tasted bitter on my tongue.

He leaned closer, brushing his lips against my ear. “You’ll be the perfect mate. Just wait.”

I nodded, stepping back and clearing my throat.

“Come, let's go meet the Alpha and Luna..” He held me softly by the hands, leading the way while I trailed behind.

Damon and I areived at Elder’s den—a large clearing beneath the towering oaks where elders often held their meetings. I dreaded it the moment I arrived.

The pack's best pelts lined the seating area, and garlands of wildflowers adorned every corner. Lilith sat at the center, draped in a blood-red ceremonial robe. Her dark hair shine under the sun as if the goddess herself had blessed her.

Before Damon could speak, the Alpha stepped forward, his massive frame casting a big shadow over us. The Luna stood beside him, her presence no less commanding despite her smaller stature.

“Damon. Lyria,” the Alpha greeted, his voice a deep rumble. “I trust you’re prepared for the journey?”

“Yes, Alpha” Damon responded, bowing slightly.

The Alpha’s eyes lingered on me for a moment longer before he nodded. “Good. Then let’s not waste time. Damon, ensure everything is in order when you reach your parents’ territory. This alliance depends on it.”

Damon nodded eagerly. “It will be done, Alpha.”

Damon was not aware that I had already packed the little I owned in this pack. A small satchel sat by the door, its contents carefully chosen: a precious locket, a worn journal, and the ceremonial dagger I had been gifted as a pup.

We arrived at Damon’s parents’ territory. The gates opened, and Damon didn’t even glance at me. I followed behind, silent as we walked up to the large house.

On the porch, laughter filled the air. I froze. Lilith was there, sitting with his parents, draped in a fine fur cloak. I wasn’t surprised she had her clothes changed too.

“Damon!” His mother stood, rushing toward him with open arms. She hugged him tightly, ignoring me completely.

“You’re here, finally!” His father joined her, clapping Damon on the back.

Lilith smiled, standing gracefully. “Damon….. I even got here before you and my sister,” she said, her voice sweet and warm.

“Why is she here?” I asked sharply, glaring at Lilith.

Lilith smirked. “Oh, Lyria, didn’t you know? Damon’s parents invited me. They’ve always treated me like family. And besides, you are my sister- I can't just leave you to come to another territory alone”

“Unlike some wolves,” Damon’s mother added coldly, not even looking at me.

I turned to Damon, my voice low. “How did this happen?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he stepped toward Lilith, offering her a polite nod.

“This fur is beautiful” He complimented her.

“You’ve grown more radiant, Lilith,” his mother said, taking her hand. “If only Damon had been blessed with you as his mate.”

I stiffened, my nails digging into my palms.

“Exactly,” his father agreed, his tone sharp as he cast a glance my way. “If Damon had mated with Lilith, our pack would be stronger than ever. Instead, he settles for…” His voice trailed off with disdain as he waved a hand in my direction. “A stray.”

The word hit me like a slap, but I kept my head high.

Damon’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his eyes fixed on the ground.

The insult was too heavy for me but I forced myself to stay calm, though my blood boiled. Lilith’s smug smile only deepened, and I realized this wasn’t just a visit. Lilith had turned this around too in her favor.

Of course. Everything was always about Lilith. She was everything I wasn’t—charming, radiant, and most importantly, a pureblood wolf. Unlike me, the orphaned stray they had taken in because of their goodwill.

Lilith laughed lightly, resting a perfectly manicured hand on Damon’s arm. “Don’t be upset, sister. I’ll make sure they remember your kindness.”

Damon stood beside her, silent but smiling like a stupid pup.

The meeting dragged on, the conversation revolving around Lilith’s contributions to the pack, her beauty, and her inevitable union with Damon. I sat silently, my hands clenched into fists beneath the table.

“Lyria, if only you were as lively and charming as Lilith,” Damon’s mother said again, her tone dripping with false concern. “Then maybe you wouldn’t seem so out of place here.”

I forced a tight smile, my heart pounding with the urge to retaliate. But Lilith, ever the gracious one, leaned forward with a practiced look of sympathy. I wondered if she spent her childhood pretending in front of the river.

The meeting finally ended as the sky darkened. A sudden downpour began, very intense like it wanted to wash away my past.

“Lilith, you’ll catch a cold,” Damon said immediately, shrugging off his fur-lined cloak to wrap it around her. She smiled up at him, and I saw the adoration in his eyes.

The sight made something inside me snap.

I turned on my heel and walked away, the rain plastering my hair to my face. Damon didn’t call after me. Of course, he didn’t.