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.

I sat on the edge of the bed, ignoring the scrolls that kept coming. Each one congratulated me. “May your union with Damon be blessed.” “Wishing you a joyful mating ceremony, Lyria.” Forced words, nothing more. I didn’t care.

The communicator went off too.

I had never wanted this. Damon, the ceremony, none of it. At least not anymore.

Another knock at the door broke my thoughts.

"Lyria," came a small voice. It was one of the younger Omegas from the pack. She had the nerve to be nervous, despite being the one to deliver this message. "The ceremony will take place in the Silver Moon Temple, my lady. You should go ahead before the others arrive. Everything’s almost ready."

I gave a quick nod without looking up. "Thank you. I’ll be there soon.”

She bowed, and I could hear her leave. I stood up, walking over to the window and looking out at the forest. The Silver Moon Temple was just beyond the trees, where Damon and I were supposed to unite. I had been there as a child, playing with Lilith. But now? It didn’t feel the same. I wasn’t the same.

Lilith became the light and I was reduced to a shadow that followed her behind.

She was everywhere, taking blessings from the elders on my behalf alongside Damon. But none of that mattered. What they do no longer matter to me.

I left the room and walked through the packhouse, avoiding everyone’s eyes. The scents of fresh flowers and pine filled the air as I made my way to the temple. The path was lined with large stone columns, but there was no warmth in it. No happiness.

“This is one of the biggest ceremony happening in this territory”

“And it's the Alpha adopted daughter and the territories best warriors”

The sounds of the workers setting up the decorations didn’t even register. The paintings of Damon and me smiling down at the altar? I didn’t care. They felt like they belonged to someone else.

“May the moon goddess bless our wolves. May their bond last”

I arrived early. The others were still on their way, but I wanted to be alone. I wanted to escape the reality of it all for just a moment. The clearing was filled with white roses, candles, and golden ribbons. Everything was perfect, just like it was supposed to be. But none of it mattered.

The sound of approaching footsteps made me turn around. My mother, the Luna, walked toward me, her eyes giving way to her anger.

“Lyria,” she said sharply, her voice echoing with authority “What are you doing here? The ceremony isn’t supposed to start yet.”

“I’m just waiting,” I replied, my voice flat. I didn’t want to argue with her. It wasn’t worth it.

I was never in a position to voice my point no matter what.

She looked around at the ruined decorations, the ones I’d destroyed in a fit of frustration. The ribbons I had ripped, the flowers I’d thrown on the ground. I couldn’t stand the sight of it all, the life they wanted me to live.

“Take these down,” I roared to the young wolf attending to the decorations earlier. My voice was steady, cold.

She blinked, confused, but nodded. “Of course, my Lady”

“Why did you listen to her? And what are you watching that Lyria tore this off?” The Luna asked, not sparing me a glance.

“Luna. We couldn't stop her” One of them bowed, her voice shaking.

“Her wolf took over,” Another wolf added. The Luna dismissed them, not waiting for more explanation before pulling me closer.

“Mother…”

She scoffed. “You’re about to be mated to the future Alpha of this pack. You need to start acting like it. A Luna must be calm, composed, and mature - I have taught you countless time. Not a rebellious pup throwing tantrums.”

I clenched my fists but said nothing.

She slapped me hard across the face. “How dare you ruin the decorations! How dare you ruin the day that was meant to bring honor to this family”

My wolf gave a low growl. I sighed, my vision blurry.

I didn’t flinch. Her slap burned, but I wouldn’t show it.

“The ceremony should have been for Lilith and Damon, not for you,” she sneered. “You’ve been nothing but a disappointment. Lilith was always the perfect one. Look at her, always doing everything right!”

I shook my head, not caring. The pain in my chest had become numb.

She took out a velvet pouch from her belt and opened it, revealing a set of pearls. “Here, Lyria. This was meant to be yours. I saved it for your special day.”

I stared at the pearls. I had begged for them once when I was a little girl, dreaming of wearing them at my mating ceremony since I couldn't get them then. Even when I followed all instructions and got punished instead.

But now, they meant nothing.

This necklace. I remembered it all too well. Mother had gifted it to Lilith on her fifth birthday. I’d admired it so much, and Mother had promised to give it to me when I turned ten. But that promise never came. Lilith wore it proudly, and I was left with nothing.

Now, after all these years, she thought giving it to me would make up for everything?

These were for you, Lyria. The gift you begged for as a child. You said you’d wear them on your mating day.” Her voice was full of disappointment, but also something else—resentment. “But look at you now. You don’t deserve them.”

“I don’t want them,” I said, my voice soft but firm.

Her eyes widened, and she shoved the pearls into my hands. “Don’t be ridiculous. Take them, Lyria. They’re yours. They should’ve been yours from the start. But, no, you can’t even appreciate what’s given to you. You’ve always been so ungrateful.”

I looked at the pearls for a long moment. They felt cold in my hands, like everything else.

I didn’t care about the pearls anymore.

“Take them, Lyria,” she urged, holding them out. “You’ve always wanted them.”

I looked at them, then at her. “I don’t want them,” I said, my voice firm.

“What? But you begged for them!” Her voice was filled with disbelief. The old lyria never talked back at her.

I turned away from her without saying anything else. I walked toward the altar’s fire, the one that burned brightly in front of the decorations. My steps were slow, calculated.

“Lyria,” my mother called, but I didn’t stop.

“Luna, the Alpha sent for you immediately” A messenger wolf pulled her along. I didn’t turn to see her leaving.

I stood by the fire, holding the pearls tightly in my hand. I looked at them for a long moment.

And then, without a word, I threw them into the flames.

The pearls twisted and melted in the fire, the light flickering across their once-beautiful surface. The heat of the flames felt good against my skin, almost like it was burning away everything I no longer wanted.

I turned around, my back to the fire, and walked back toward those that were re-decorating the designs I destroyed. The head of the wolves that handled the wolves saw the whole pearls go into fire.

She stared at me in shock, her lips parted. “What have you done?” she whispered, her voice cracking.

“I don’t need them,” I said quietly. “I don’t need any of this.”

“Is that why you destroyed that Pearl? Those pearls are from the moon goddess and it would strengthen this bond. No warrior mate do without it. Its an abomination “

“Its too late now for the lectures. Do you work and leave to attend your pups. Tell them I am rewriting history”

Her face twisted in anger. “You’ve ruined everything, Lyria! You’ve ruined the ceremony, the pack’s reputation, everything!

“Keep shut. When you want to do your own ceremony, don't burn yours”

Her face reddened, and her hands clenched at her sides. “You’ll regret this one day,” she said, her voice bitter.

I didn’t answer. I didn’t care.

I turned and walked away, the sound of her voice fading behind me. There was nothing left for me here. I wasn’t going to follow the path they set out for me. This was my life, and I would choose my own way.

I didn’t need her leftovers.

As I walked back to Damon’s cabin and settked down, the communicator bljnked. A message from Lilith.

“Wishing you a happy mating ceremony, Lyria. May you always be happy and I am sorry for everything “

I stared at the words, wondering how Lilith learned to be good at pretende. Lilith, the perfect daughter, the perfect sister, the one who had stolen everything from me—including Damon.

Especially Danon.

I called in an Omega from the outside to go deliver message to Lilith.

“Thank you for your blessing, Lilith. By the way, I got you a gift. You’ll receive it tomorrow.”

I said the words, one after the other.

“Is that what I should say to her?” She asked.

The corners of my lips curled into a bitter smile. “Yes” Before dismissing her.

The gift I had for her would arrive right when the ceremony began. Perfect timing.

That night, Damon's cabin was quiet. Damon and I weren’t allowed to see each other before the ceremony, which made it easier for me to slip away.

I packed my things, shoving clothes and essentials into a bag. My fingers brushed against the model ship I had saved for months to buy. I smiled faintly. The real one would be waiting for me at the harbor.

Before leaving, I scheduled a message to be sent to the entire pack.

“Sorry, Damon and I have canceled our mating ceremony. Please attend Damon and Lilith’s ceremony instead.”

I attached a series of evidence I had taken of Damon and Lilith together. They were careless, meeting in secret so often that catching them was easy. The world would see the truth tomorrow.

I stepped outside, the cold night air biting my skin. The forest was dark, but the scent of the sea guided me. Half an hour later, I stood on the dock, staring at the massive ship before me.

“Jareth said I should bid you farewell” The wolf at the entrance smiled.

I glanced over my shoulder, the wind carrying the faint howl of wolves in the distance.

“Take me somewhere far away,” I said.

“ Where not even you can find me”