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.

The next morning came very fast.

“Darling, I heard the healers are doing blood offerings today,” Damon said, his arms wrapping tightly around me as we stood in the long line outside the healer’s den. “You’ve always hated rituals with blood, but don’t worry. I’ll stay right here with you.”

His tone was soft, laced with false concern, as though he cared. I kept my eyes down, clutching the parchment that bore the sacred sigil of the pack. This ritual wasn’t just tradition—it was the final step before a mating ceremony.

The line moved forward slowly, wolves murmuring quietly to one another, the scent of herbs and burning sage thick in the air. When it was finally my turn, the healer’s apprentice led me to a stone altar. Damon’s hand brushed against mine, his grip firm and reassuring—for show, of course.

As the healer cut a shallow line across my palm, I barely flinched. The crimson drops fell onto the stone basin, mixing with the sacred moonlight water. Damon, standing behind me, frowned deeply, his concern etched on his face.

“Does it hurt?” he asked, his voice tender but hollow. “Don’t worry. I’m here with you.”

In the past, his words would’ve warmed me, made me feel safe. But now, they meant nothing.

I gave him a small, practiced smile. The sting of the blade was nothing compared to the hurt Damon and Lilith had inflicted on me.

Just as the ritual was completed, a familiar sound broke the air—the low chime of Damon’s personal communicator crystal. I recognized it immediately. It was Lilith’s exclusive tone, a melody she had chosen herself, no doubt to remind me of her place in Damon’s life.

Damon stiffened beside me, stepping away to answer. He turned his back, but his panicked tone carried easily in the quiet of the healer’s den.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice urgent. “Wait for me. I’ll come right now.”

He returned to my side, schooling his expression into one of feigned calm. “Something’s happened at the council,” he said. “I have to go right away, but I’ll come back to find you soon.”

I didn’t ask questions. There was no need. I knew exactly where he was going. The lies had become predictable, rehearsed.

The healer’s den was full of life, the air thick with emotions I couldn’t touch. Wolves sat together, pairs of mates whispering softly to one another. Some females winced as the healer’s apprentice prepared the ritual blade for their offerings. Their mates held them close, murmuring words of comfort, brushing their hair, their voices warm and reassuring.

“It’ll be over soon,” one male wolf said, cradling his mate’s hand.

“Just a little sting, love. You’re braver than you think,” another promised, kissing his she-wolf’s forehead.

I watched silently from the corner, pretending to wait for Damon. My hands rested on my lap, fingers loosely gripping the parchment with his signature scrawled at the bottom.

The she-wolves whimpered as the blade met their skin, some burying their faces in their mates’ chests. One turned to her mate and pouted. “You owe me for this,” she teased.

The male laughed softly. “Anything you want, my love.”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

I glanced away, my throat tightening, but I kept my face blank. My wolf stirred slightly in the back of my mind, restless.

“Why are we here, Lyria?” she whispered, her voice low and steady.

“Waiting for Damon,” I answered silently.

“Liar.”

I stiffened but didn’t respond. Instead, I kept my eyes fixed on the pairs around me. They were all so... happy. Even in this ritual of pain, they leaned on each other, shared quiet smiles, and carried each other’s burdens.

I sat alone, no one beside me to hold my hand, no warm voice telling me it would be okay. And I was okay with it. Atleast I wasn't holding on to lies of forevermore. The healer’s apprentice glanced my way once, then quickly looked away, as if sensing I didn’t want to be approached.

My wolf growled softly. “He’s not coming back.”

“He said he would,” I replied. The words felt hollow even to me. My wolf thought I was brainwashed yet again.

“Lyca, no violence today.” I warned, still enjoying this view.

She huffed. “You know better than this. Look at them, Lyria. Look at what real mates do.”

I didn’t answer. The truth was too bitter to admit. It was too bitter to admit that even if I vanished, no wolf would love me. No wolf would choose a stray.

My gaze returned to the couples around me. A young she-wolf cried softly as the ritual was performed, her mate pressing soft kisses to her temple.

“You did so well,” he said, his voice thick with pride. “You’re amazing.”

Her tears turned to laughter, and he wrapped her in his arms as if she was the most precious thing in the world.

I lowered my head, staring at the stone floor under my feet. Damon wasn’t here. He was never here when it mattered.

The healer offered me a pity look. “Are you alright, Lyria?”

I forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

But I wasn’t. My wolf stirred inside me, restless and angry. I walked out of the healer’s den, my steps silent, my heart numb.

As I walked into my room, the silence greeted me like an old friend. I sat by the window, my gaze wandering over the forest line, my heart steady as stone. The communicator crystal on my desk buzzed, and curiosity got the better of me. I swiped it open.

A new image flashed—Damon. His arm rested casually over the chair beside him, but it wasn’t empty. Lilith sat there, radiant as ever, laughing alongside my parents. They were at the council hall, the symbols of the pack evident behind them, a perfect picture of unity that I didn't belong to.

I rolled my eyes. Typical.

Damon was exactly where I knew he’d be—right in the middle of their plans. His fake smiles, Lilith’s over-the-top charm, my parents eating it all up. It was all so predictable, it was almost boring.

Shaking my head, I grabbed a scrap of paper and scribbled a line from an old wolf legend: “They chose freedom under the Moon Mother’s light.”

The words made my chest ache. But leaving no trace was important. I tore the paper into tiny bits and tossed it into the fire.

“Soon, Lyria ... .in a few hours, you would disappear. This is what you have been planning. Pretending to care so as to not leave a trail” My wolf jumped inside of me and I smiled. We have really been reduced to nothing.

The communicator buzzed again, snapping me out of my thoughts. Jareth’s voice came through, calm but firm. “The ship will dock tonight. Are you ready, my lady? This is your last chance to vanish.”

I didn’t hesitate. “The plans must follow through, Jareth. No matter what.”

There was silence on his end before he finally said, “You’re sure? There’s no going back after this.”

“I know.” My voice didn’t shake. I knew what I was getting into “The sooner I’m out of here, the better. Everything’s set on your end?”

“Yes. The crew’s ready, and the passage is secure. But you’ll need to leave unnoticed. If Damon or the council suspects anything—”

“When do you start worrying about Damon or the Alpha? You are dangerous and invisible, that's why you are perfect for this”

“ The Alpha can be really something else. Too power driven. Else there will be rogue attack on his territory” Jareth's voice held no emotion.

“They won’t,” I interrupted, my tone sharp. “I’ve played my part perfectly. No one suspects a thing.”

“Besides you made the claims yourself the last time we met”

“Good.” Jareth paused. “My lady… once you’re gone, it won’t just be the pack you leave behind. You’ll leave your name, your past, everything.”

I leaned back, staring at the moonlight spilling through the window. “That’s the point, Jareth. That’s the whole point.”

There was a brief pause before he said, “We’ll be waiting. Be ready.”

As soon as the call ended, I moved quickly, packing my belongings into a single travel bag. I sent most of my things ahead, leaving only Damon’s possessions behind. Let him and Lilith enjoy what was left.

Messages poured in from pack members, their words were full of fake congratulations.

“Congratulations, Lyria! Wishing you a happy mating ceremony!”

“You and Damon are perfect together!”

“May your union bring strength to the pack!”

“Your dreams are coming through Lyria.”

I read each one with a cold smile. They all believed the lie, just like I had. But not for much longer.

How fast do wolves switch? Weren’t they the ones saying I could never be Damon’s mate.

My wolf stirred, her presence stronger now. Just two more days, she whispered. Then we’ll be free.

“Yes Lyca, you would be able to run freely without being judged”

I walked to the mirror, staring at the reflection of the she-wolf I had become. A slow, dangerous smile spread across my lips. Damon and Lilith thought they’d won. They had no idea what was coming.