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.

The rain pounded mercilessly, soaking the ground as I crouched beneath a thick oak tree, watching the scene unfold before me. My wolf, Lyca, was restless, pacing within me, but even she couldn’t muster the strength to move. The downpour had left us trapped, forced to witness Damon’s betrayal yet again.

There he was, my supposed mate that our bond would be finalized in the next full moon, standing in the rain with Lilith cradled in his arms like some fragile treasure. His long hair stuck to his forehead as he held the umbrella over her, completely ignoring the fact that his shoulders were drenched. She nestled into his chest, her face pale but serene, as if she knew he’d always be there for her.

“Do you see this?” Lyca growled weakly. “Do you feel this?”

“I feel nothing,” I whispered loudly, my voice carrying some unusual echo.

Damon spoke softly to her, his words barely audible over the rain but I could still hear them loud and clear. “You’ll catch a fever if you stay out here any longer.” He adjusted the cloak around her shoulders with a tenderness that never belonged to me.

Even when he pretended to love me, it was never this way.

Not anymore would I be bothered, I reminded myself, clenching my fists. The bond between us had long since broken. That night I found out his other woman was my own sister. So it shattered beyond repair by every moment he chose her over me.

I stayed hidden as he carried her toward his parents packhouse - his father was their pack betas, his steps were steady, his focus entirely on her. My mate ironically. My supposed other half in words alone. My laugh came out bitter and sharp, lost in the storm.

He didn’t even look around to see if I was there. Not once.

When they went inside, I forced myself to move. My legs felt heavy, like the mud was pulling me down, but I walked anyway. I didn’t want to follow, but I had nowhere else to go.

Inside the packhouse, it was warm, but it felt wrong. I heard their voices and followed the sound.

“You shouldn’t stay out in the rain like that,” Damon said, his voice soft. “You’ll get sick.”

“I knew you’d come for me,” Lilith said, her voice small but sweet. “You always do.”

My nails dug into my palms. I couldn’t listen anymore. I pushed open the door.

Damon looked at me, surprised. “Lyria! Why didn’t you come inside earlier?”

I stepped into the room, water dripping from my clothes. “I didn’t want to bother you.” My voice was cold, flat.

“You’re soaked,” he said, stepping closer. “Let me help—”

“Don’t,” I said, cutting him off. I moved past him like he wasn’t even there.

“Wait,” he called, grabbing my arm. “Lilith can’t handle the rain. You know that.”

I turned to look at him, my lips trembling as I spoke. “And I can?”

He blinked, unsure what to say. “I didn’t mean it like that. I was just—”

“Taking care of her because that's the Alpha’s order,” I said, finishing his sentence. “You always take care of her.”

Lilith stood up, her voice quiet. “Maybe I should—”

Even at this moment, she decided to act innocent. My wolf knew it was a matter of seconds before I snapped her into half.

“Stay,” I snapped, my eyes on her. “You belong here, don’t you?”

Damon sighed, his shoulders slumping. “Lyria, you’re overreacting.”

“I’m your mate!” I yelled, my voice shaking the room. “Or did you forget?”

He didn’t answer.

I laughed, not that I wasn't happy to leave this territory and my territory. “You don’t have to say it. I already know.”

I managed a small nod. "It’s fine."

He smiled, relieved, as if my forgiveness came so easily. But inside, my wolf stirred uneasily, growling low in my mind. Damon thought everything was fine. I was playing his mind games too.

The ride back to our territory was suffocating. Damon tried to start a conversation, but I kept my responses short.

By the time we arrived, I had already made up my mind. Since I will be leaving to the land of no return, it is time I go back to the Alpha’s quarters to get some of the things I would need.

The Alpha’s headquarters was quiet when I returned, half soaked. The Luna stood at the doorway, her gaze piercing through me.

"What’s this?" she sneered. "You are not a pup that they have to always looked after. You are grown, yet you don't act like it.”

“And why are you here? The ceremony is soon, you should be with your mate, not the Alpha’s headquarters “

“Mother” I called, the word even strange to me.

The luna had raised me for twenty years, but the truth had always been there, lurking beneath the surface. I wasn’t her daughter, Lilith was the chosen one.I wasn’t even a real member of the pack in front of the council. I was Lyria, the stray they took pity on.

From the moment they chose Lilith as the real heir, they had treated me like an outsider, a burden they couldn’t wait to be rid of.

“I came to see your face, Mother” I smiled, my wolf taking over. I ran into the chamber, running towards a ruined they made my room. Picked two things, ran back outside. The Luna didn't move an inch and also didn't spare me a glance.

"Goodbye, Mother," I said softly.

She didn’t respond. She didn’t even care to look at me.

I left the Alpha’s headquarters behind, carrying nothing but the two things I took and the memories I couldn’t erase.

By the time I returned to Damon’s cabin, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in shadows. Damon greeted me with a bright smile, holding up a custom made ceremonial dress. Like it wasn’t nights ago, Lilith was wearing the one I spent months designing.

"I picked this out for you," he said, his voice warm. "The ceremony is in a few days, and you have always dreamed of a perfect one”

I stared at the dress, my heart sinking. It was beautiful, but it wasn’t mine. It wasn’t the one I had designed, dreaming of a future that now felt like a lie.

"You deserve the best. We’ll be official soon. This will be the perfect dress."

I stared at the gown in his hands on a second thought. The soft white fabric, the lace that seemed so delicate. But all I felt was disgust. He had no idea how repulsive this all was. The dress, the ceremony, the lie that we would live happily ever after.

I hated it.

But I smile anyways.

I hated the dress. I hated the way Damon looked at me with that empty smile. It wasn’t even his fault. He was pretending. Pretending that we were a family, that he was still the man I had once loved.

But the truth was, I wasn’t his. He had already given his heart away. And Lilith was the reason. She always had been.

I didn’t even want to question him. I didn’t have the strength to. The ship had sailed, and no amount of pretending would change the fact that I would soon vanish. As Jareth had said, my ship would soon land, and I would finally be free.

Damon pushed the dress into my hands, not minding my wolf growling. This one suits you and is more beautiful than the one you made. You just want to give yourself loads of work ," he said eagerly. "Come on, try it on."

I didn’t argue. I went to change into the dress, feeling the fabric against my skin, feeling it cling to me like an uncomfortable reminder of the path I was being forced to walk. But I couldn’t stop now. There was no turning back.

When I came out, Damon was already on his feet, looking at me with that same fake smile on his face. But before he could speak, the sound of someone else’s voice reached my ears.

He immediately left my side and went further away to the place I wouldn't hear him but because of our bond, I could hear him loud and clear.

“Do I have to come now?" he asked, glancing at me from the corner of his eye. "I’m with your sister, I don't want her to feel bad that she was soaked in the rain”

The words hit me like a slap. Sister. Lilith, the devil, again.

"I’ll be there soon," he murmured, his voice soft and tender in a way he rarely used with me.

“Yes, I would meet you at the river with similar dress and pendants. The southside border?”

“Just hold on…I love red on you too. Your sense of style is while you seem like the moon goddess Lilith”

“Say my name one more time, it makes my wolf jump in joy” He laughed.

“OK my moon lily….I will be there soon “

The voice went dead. I blinked, maintaining a neutral face like I didn’t hear him. Damon came back inside, his eyes blank as he removed his cufflinks.

He took one last look at me before heading towards the door saying, “I will fetch you some herbs…you look sick”

I nodded briefly, hiding my disgust “Thank you…”

He left at once.

As I stood in front of the window, looking out at the bloody sky, I saw pups running around and their laughter was contagious. I smiled without knowing.

I was stupid to have thought Damon and I would have pups that took his eyes. But remembering that I would vanish soon made me smile again.

The moonlight shone brightly through the window, and in that moment, I knew I was free.

I couldn’t even close my eyes as the sounds of pups laughing and chasing each other echoed outside. Their joy felt foreign in this place. I sighed knowing I would miss their laughter once I left.

Though Damon was good with pups, he would never make a good parent to the ones that would have come through me.

Moments later, a knock sounded at the door. Before I could answer, it opened, and two omega wolves entered, their arms full of dresses—silks and satins, whites and silvers meant for a luna’s mating ceremony.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Was it not a dress I had just finished wearing as per Damon’s request? He really thought I was still gullible.

“Your mate, warrior Damon sent these,” one of them said, her eyes looking like it was her last days on earth. “He wanted you to choose the one you liked best.”

I eyed the pile coldly, my stomach twisting at Damon’s fake gestures to manipulate me. “Pick whichever one you like,” I said flatly, my tone firm. “The rest… burn them to ashes. And pour the remains at the south riverside.”

The omega wolves exchanged uncertain glances. “Uh?”

“Do it,” I snapped. “Not a single thread should remain.”

“And if you don't do it correctly, you will face Lyca!”

They nodded quickly, their movements fast as they gathered the dresses and left.

I stayed still, staring at the empty doorway, the bitterness in my chest growing heavier. Damon thought he could hide his lies with pretty fabrics and empty words, but I wasn’t blind that he would always run to Lilith ant given chance.

It was too late. Too late to have me wrapped around his fingers.

A soft knock came again, but this time, it was the next in line beta’s mate, Marion. She slipped inside, her expression troubled. “Lyria,” she whispered, “you didn’t hear this from me, but the pack hunters said they saw Damon near the western cliffs today… with Lilith.”

She was the only person that didn't fully support Lilith, not that she doesn't answer to her too.

Her words weren’t news to me, but hearing them aloud felt like a fresh wound. “And?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.

“They said she was… laughing, clinging to him. He gave her a gift—a crescent moon pendant. They said it looked like something meant for a luna.”

“ That’s an abomination….it is just 2 days to the last ceremony to make the goddess bless the union, Lyria”

“Hmm” I murmured, faking surprise.

“Sorry you found out this way.”

I nodded slowly. “Thank you, Marion.”

“Are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.

“I’m fine,” I lied. “You can go now.”

Once she left, I exhaled, my hands curling into fists. Damon wasn’t even trying to hide his betrayal anymore.

My lips curled into a sly smile. So, this is what he was busy with. “situation in the pack”

A sudden, sharp pull at the edge of my mind made me freeze. It was Jareth, the dangerous rogue who has been working tirelessly on making me vanish without a trace. His voice echoed in my head through our connection.

“Madam, the ship will arrive in two days. Be ready. Say your goodbyes now because nobody will see you again and like I said, even the legendary Rogues and Alphas will not be able to sniff you out”

Two days.

I stood and walked to the small chest beside the bed. Inside was an ancient moonstone necklace, passed down from one luna to another—a symbol of unity and leadership. It was supposed to be mine, but I wouldn’t let Damon have that satisfaction.

The stone shimmered faintly in the dim light as I held it up. “This,” I whispered, “will be their parting gift.”

When Damon returned that night, his arms were filled with a neatly wrapped bundle of fresh venison, its scent wafting through the room. He held it up with a victorious smile. The one that took my breath away then.

“Lyria, I hunted this for you. I know how much you love it fresh,” he smiled warmly, stepping closer.

I froze for a moment, eyeing the meat. Fresh, yes, but not for me. Lilith’s faint scent clung to it—strong enough to confirm what I already knew.

“Thank you,” I murmured, taking the bundle. My face remained calm, even as my heart roared with anger. He must think I was blind, or worse, still stupid.

Damon’s smile widened. “I thought you’d like it. I made sure it was perfect for my Luna.”

I gave him a faint smile, setting the venison on the table. “You’re so thoughtful.”

He moved closer, pulling me into his arms. His touch made my skin crawl, but I let him. Two more days. Just two more.

“Tomorrow, we’ll finalize everything for the mating ceremony,” he said, his lips brushing against my temple. “You’ll be the most beautiful Luna this pack has ever seen.”

I chuckled softly, playing my part. “You always know how to make me feel special. I am sorry I judged you”

“I have always loved you, Lyria….we had our differences but you are my mate. My forever moonstone”

Damon pulled back, looking into my eyes. “Because you are special, Lyria. You’ve always been.”

I nodded, pretending to be moved. “You’ve always taken care of me.”

“I’ll always take care of you,” he promised, his voice dripping with sincerity. “No one can come between us.”

The words rang hollow that even a pup would know it was a lie. I knew they weren’t meant for me. He didn’t even hide Lilith’s scent on the venison.

“Of course,” I said softly. “You’ve proven that time and again.”

He smiled, satisfied with my response. “I’ll see you in the morning. Get some rest.”

As he turned to leave, I called out, “Damon?”

“Yes, my love?”

“I hope you’re ready for the ceremony. It’s going to be unforgettable,” I said, my voice steady but with an edge he didn’t catch.

His grin widened. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

When he left, I glanced at the venison. My claws itched to shred it, but I held back. Let them think they’ve won. In two days, they’d see who truly had the upper hand.

He rushed back in like he forgot another lie - it was the door creaking open with a rush. He was slightly out of breath, his eyes darting around until they landed on me.

“Lyria,” he started, his voice rushed but attempting to sound soft, “I completely forgot to mention something important.”

I looked up from where I sat by the window, a faint smile on my lips. “What is it?”

He stepped closer, running a hand through his dark hair. “Before the ceremony, we need to go to the healer’s den tomorrow. You know... for the traditional preparations.”

“Preparations?” I asked, tilting my head slightly.

“Yes.” He gave a quick nod. “It’s just something wolves do before being officially mated. You’ll love it—part of our heritage.”

“And the Alpha said it was compulsory and remember, I am a warrior. And you are his daughter. So we have to fulfil all traditional rites”

I held back a bitter laugh, keeping my expression calm. This wasn’t about me; it was about appearances. Damon was always meticulous about maintaining the image of a devoted mate.

I gave him a soft smile, meeting his gaze. “Of course. That sounds wonderful. You would be there right?”

“Yes, why would I leave you by yourself?” He asked, maintaining his calm tone.

“OK….”

His shoulders relaxed as if my compliance was a relief to him. “Good. I’ll come get you early tomorrow. You’ll be ready, right?”

“Of course,” I said again, balancing myself and my tone.

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You’re perfect, Lyria. Truly. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

Same lines, same lies.

“Lyria”

I wanted to flinch, but I didn’t. Instead, I leaned into his hand slightly, playing my role. “You’re too kind, Damon.”

“My father was the kindest to bless me with someone like you” I lied.

“The Alpha doesn't make mistakes. He is wise and full of knowledge” He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Rest well tonight. Tomorrow is the start of forever.”

As he left, I stayed still, my hands clenched tightly in my lap. Forever? I’d be gone in two days. And Damon and Lilith would be left to reap what they’d sown. Then, they would come outside and do their love openly.

As the door closed behind Damon, I waited a moment, listening to his footsteps fade into the distance. When the silence settled, I stood and walked to the mirror on the far wall.

The reflection staring back at me wasn’t the docile, obedient Lyria Damon thought he knew. My lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile, one that didn’t reach my eyes.

“You’re too kind, Damon,” I muttered under my breath, mocking my own words from earlier.

My wolf stirred inside me, her presence rippling through my chest like a storm waiting to be unleashed. He thinks he’s in control, she growled, her voice strong and steady. Two days, and we’ll show them.

My eyes glimmered as her energy began to rise. The calm, broken Lyria I was, was gone. In her place stood the wolf I’d been suppressing for far too long.