The sun was setting, casting shades of orange and pink across the sky, as I wrapped up my final tutorial session at the Ravenwood Pack's public library with the young Omegas—the ones unable to enroll in traditional magic universities.

As I tidied up the books we had used, an elder-librarian approached me with a warm smile. "Luna Alara, we are so grateful for everything you do for these young ones. You're the only Luna I know who has the willingness to volunteer as an Honorary Tutor."

She glanced over at the children who were gathered at the library's farthest table, absorbed in doing something. Turning back to me, she added softly, "Many of them have been left to fend for themselves, neglected by their own parents. They are hopeless, but thanks to you, they've found hope through knowledge. You have no idea what this means to them."

I returned her smile and gave her shoulder a gentle pat. "As your Luna, it's my duty to serve every member of our pack, including these kids. The construction of the fifth public university will be completed next year, so more young Omegas will have the opportunity to attend a quality magic institution. For now, since I'll need to step back from these honorary tutoring sessions for a while, I'd like you and the other elders to take over. Can I count on you?"

She nodded. "Rest easy, Luna Alara. We'll take care of everything. Focus on giving yourself the rest you need—it'll help your pup too. I'm wishing you nothing but a smooth and safe delivery."

She kept her warm smile as she gently caressed my rounded belly. That's right—just a month until I bring our first pup into the world.

As I prepared to leave the library, Joseph, one of the kids from my tutorial sessions, came running up to me. His face lit up with a huge grin, his hands hidden behind his back. "We prepared something for you, Luna Alara."

My eyes sparkled. "Really? What could it be?"

The other children began lining up behind him as Joseph handed me a handwritten letter and a single red rose.

One by one, each child followed, offering the same gifts. By the end, I held an armful of roses, feeling deeply cherished and loved.

Samantha then stepped forward. "We'll miss you, Luna Alara, our forever best teacher!"

"This won't be the last time for us, my dearest children. I promise I'll be back with a bunch of magic lessons for you!" I said, blinking back my tears.

We shared warm goodbyes until Alpha Elija—my mate—appeared at the library entrance to pick me up. Seeing him, everyone respectfully bowed their heads.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm here to fetch the Luna," Elija said with a smile, his gaze soft as it settled on me. Stepping forward, he gathered the flowers from my arms and offered me his other hand to hold. "Shall we, my love?"

I took his hand and turned back for one last farewell before we stepped out of the library.

"You called me 'my love' in front of our pack members again," I said, laughing softly as we walked toward his car.

He chuckled, glancing at me with a playful gleam in his eyes. "At this point, they're used to it. Besides, they've all figured out that their Alpha is completely head over heels for his Luna."

I smiled, marveling at how, after six years of marriage, Elija remained as devoted and in love as if we'd just met. With his dazzling looks, incomparable intelligence, and natural leadership, I often felt like the luckiest she-wolf in the world.

Once we settled inside the car, Elija took my hand, caressing it gently before pressing a soft kiss to the back of it—a gesture he'd done countless times, yet one I'd never grow tired of. Smiling, I playfully ruffled his hair. "I love you, Elija."

"I love you," He replied, his gaze warm.

We were both still smiling when my attention drifted to a nearby park. Two children were laughing together as they chased butterflies in the breeze. The way they moved, their laughter and carefree joy, showed an undeniable bond between them.

"Hey, is there something wrong?" Elija asked, instantly noticing the shift in my expression.

I glanced at him, then back at the two children in the park.

"My half-sister and I used to be like that." I started. "Despite everything that's happened between us, despite all the pain she caused, a part of me still cares for her and… misses her."

"My love, you have such a kind heart," He murmured, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

I took a deep breath, my thoughts still lingering on my half-sister.

A month later.

Elija and I had been awake all night.

I was in the final stages of pregnancy labor and the contractions in my stomach were unlike anything I had felt before. The pain was overwhelming, yet in its midst, I had never felt more alive—knowing that soon, I'd hold our pup in my arms.

"Breathe, Alara," Elija murmurs, his hand brushing back a few hair strands plastered to my forehead. His eyes, usually so calm and steady, are weary tonight. "You're strong. The healers are on their way here. Just hold on a little longer, alright?"

I nodded, breathing and pacing back and forth.

A few minutes later, the healers arrived, moving swiftly to lay me gently on the bed. One of them applied the magical Liquid of Pine to my stomach, and immediately, the pain began to subside.

"Luna Alara, please close your eyes. This painless procedure will take just a few minutes, and then you can have your pup." One of the healers said reassuringly.

Elija held my hand tightly as my eyes drifted shut.

Moments passed…

Upon slowly opening my eyes, tears quickly spilled over as I heard faint cries from across the room. It was the first time I had heard those cries, yet I knew exactly where they came from.

Elija approached me, cradling our newborn pup in his arms. The healers, having a pleasant smile on their faces, followed him behind. He then gently placed the pup beside me.

My tears flowed freely. Holding my child and seeing him for the first time felt surreal.

"Congratulations, Luna Alara and Alpha Elija. Your pup is healthy," One of the healers announced warmly.

Elija's eyes sparkled as he looked at me. "My love, what would you like to name our pup?"

I looked down at the tiny, perfect face beside me and whispered, "Timothy… Timothy Wildhart."

A year had passed, and under the Moon Goddess' constant guidance, our pack and family flourished in happiness and peace.

Motherhood with Timothy has been an adventure—challenging yet deeply fulfilling. I've never felt more complete, especially having Elija by my side.

Each month, we've cherished every moment as our pup grows; the first time he sat up, his first laugh, and his first steps.

We were also there when Timothy's first word, "Mom," filled the room—the sweetest sound I had ever heard. Elija, of course, beams with pride, seeing how Timothy starts to resemble him more with each passing day.

Life has been incredibly kind to us lately, and if it were up to me, I would want nothing to change…

A week had passed since we celebrated Timothy's first birthday, and already, I was planning to return to my weekend tutorial sessions with the Omega kids, even with the new magic university now open.

While Timothy plays quietly in his crib, I picked up another book of magic, trying to find new magic lessons for the kids. I chose the thickest book on the shelf and started flipping through its pages, until a particular topic caught my attention…

The dark witches.

I read a few more lines about these creatures, feeling equally amazed and terrified. Sure, there's a lot about their heritage that an average wolf has yet to discover.

Still lost in the pages, my thoughts drifted to my half-sister who carries the blood of a powerful dark witch. She got it from her mother.

Just then, one of our trusted maids came to take Timothy for his feeding, leaving me alone with my thoughts…

Helen Brook—my half-sister and I, grew up side by side.

Despite sharing the same luxuries, she often couldn't escape the judgmental eyes of our pack as her lineage of dark witches was a thing everyone knew.

It followed and haunt her like a ghost.

I saw how much Helen suffered from bullying, how other students avoided her throughout high school.

As her sister, I felt it was my responsibility to protect and defend her. I told everyone that despite her witch blood, Helen is a kind-hearted wolf who, like anyone else, just wants friends.

But my efforts didn't change much.

At first, Helen wasn't deeply affected by her bullies. She used to say that as long as she had me, everything would be okay. So, I made sure to stay by her side, never wanting her to feel alone.

But things started to change between us when we reached our senior year…

Helen started developing feelings for Harry, one of the most popular wolves in our university. She asked me to help her catch his attention, hoping he'd invite her to the university prom. Though I was hesitant, I did everything I could to make him notice her. But our plans didn't quite work out.

"So, Harry, this is my sister, Helen," I started, trying to ease into it. "You should get to know her. She's beautiful, inside and out. She's—"

Before I could finish, Harry stepped forward and wrapped me in a firm embrace—yes, right in front of Helen.

"Alara, stop trying to make me like your sister," He said, his voice low but steady. "She might be pretty, she might be kind, but you knew from the beginning that it's you I care about. Why not give me a chance to show you how real my feelings are? Besides, how could I like someone with a… dark witch blood?" His voice became weaker.

That day, I saw the tears welling in Helen's eyes before she turned and ran away. Since then, I've distanced myself from Harry, hoping it might mend things between Helen and me. But no matter how hard I try, the rift between us only deepens.

Jealousy and resentment have crept into the spaces where our friendship and bond once prospered.

"Helen… Please, talk to me. I'm not used to us being this way. Can't you see that I'm completely ignoring Harry now? Hurting you was never my intention!" I pleaded, my voice cracking.

Helen met my eyes, her gaze filled with pain. Then, she slapped me across the face.

"Don't you understand, Alara? This isn't just about Harry," She spat. "How does it feel, growing up surrounded by love and admiration? I wouldn't know, because my whole life, you were the only one who cared for me. All I ever got from everyone else was neglect and judgment. I'm tired of being feared while I watch everyone shower you with affection."

Tears spilled from my eyes as I whispered, "But you told me that as long as we had each other… everything would be alright…"

Helen wiped her tears roughly. "That was when we were kids, Alara! Back then, I thought having you was enough. But now, as teenagers, I realize there's more to life than just our friendship. Damn it, I'm jealous! I'm jealous of the friends you have, of how the boys at school fall over themselves just to be near you. I'm jealous that you're the favorite, that you get to live freely, without hesitation or fear of judgment!"

"I'm sorry, Helen—"

Her face twisted with pain and anger. "I hate you, Alara! I hate you as much as I hate this cursed dark witch blood!" She yelled before slapping me again.

That moment was just the beginning of her hatred and jealousy. Despite all my efforts to rekindle our friendship, our bond, our sisterhood, Helen's resentment only deepened with time, until nothing remained between us but negativity.

Lost in thought, I was pulled back by a knock on the bedroom door.

"Come in, it's open!" I called, quickly adjusting my hair and sitting up straight.

The door opened, and a maid stepped in, bowing respectfully. "Luna Alara, the pack's messenger is here. He's waiting for you in the receiving area."

Curious about the news he might bring, I made my way to meet him. As I entered the room, the messenger greeted me with a polite bow.

"Luna Alara," He greeted, and I motioned for him to sit.

"Messenger Pascual, what brings you here?" I asked softly.

"I'm here to bring news and a message from your sister, Helen," He began.

I shifted in my seat, my attention fully captured. "What is it about her?"

He cleared his throat. "Luna Alara, your sister completed her five-year sentence in Lair Lock Prison just recently. When I saw her yesterday, she mentioned she'd tried to mind-link you, but it didn't go through, so she asked me to deliver her message instead."

"What… what message?" My voice wavered as a surge of nerves prickled through me.

Messenger Pascual met my gaze. "She wants to know if you'd consider meeting her for dinner, to talk and try to make amends."

I hadn't realized how much time had passed, nor had it dawned on me that Helen's release from prison was imminent. Hearing the news, and her invitation, stirred hesitation, fear, and, strangely, a glimmer of joy and excitement.

Unsure of how to react, I shared the news with Elija. As I expected, his immediate reaction was to forbid me from meeting her.

"My love, I know you still care for her, but given everything she's put you through, I can't risk your safety by letting you see her. It's too dangerous, I'm sorry." His voice was thick with concern.

"I'm scared too," I admitted, "but isn't there some way for me to meet her? Elija, I need to talk to my sister…"

In the end, Elija agreed to let me meet Helen, but with five pack warriors as escorts, and only for an hour. He made it clear he didn't want me with her at night.

When the day of the dinner arrived, I entered Penophy Restaurant with the warriors in tow. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on her.

My heart skipped a beat.

This was the first time I'd seen Helen in five years as her imprisonment had barred her from any visitors.

I turned to the warriors, asking them to take a table behind Helen's and order whatever food they liked. Then, slowly, I made my way over to her. A few moments passed before our eyes met, and my breath caught as I fought to hold back the tears threatening to spill.

Helen had always been beautiful, but now she looked so different—pale, thin, and weary. It was clear prison had been harsh, lonely, and unkind to her.

Yet, as I gazed deeper into her eyes, the anger and resentment were gone. She looked like the same sister I had once bravely protected from anyone who tried to hurt her.

"Hi…" She murmured, her voice soft. Despite the sadness in her gaze and the awkwardness between us, she managed a small, hesitant smile.

I returned her smile and gently reached for her hands. "Hi."

She took a deep breath, her fingers closing around mine. "I don't think just holding hands is enough. Alara, can I… can I hug you?"

I nodded, then pulled her into a tight embrace. In that moment, all other emotions faded, leaving only the warmth of Helen's presence and the love that had survived the years apart.

After a while, we settled into our seats, ordered our meal, and began talking—about life, the changes we'd been through, and everything else that had mattered in between.

"I've only been out of prison for a few weeks, but I've already noticed how much the Ravenwood Pack has grown. It's thriving in every way possible," She said, looking at me with admiration. "Alpha Elija's leadership must be incredible, but he couldn't have done it without a supportive, loving, and intelligent Luna by his side—and that's you."

"You think so?" I asked.

"Absolutely, Luna Alara! Honestly, after seeing how the pack has flourished under your leadership, I can't help but laugh at myself from five years ago for ever competing with you to be Elija's fated mate and Luna. You truly deserve this role more than anyone else—even me," Helen admitted.

Her words dragged me back to the shadows of our troubled past…

We were both eighteen that time—the age when every she-wolf meets their fated mate. By then, our relationship was already strained. Helen resented me, and I had grown accustomed to it.

Just when I thought our bond couldn't be damaged further, fate twisted harder…

We were both Elija's fated mates.

Such occurrences were remarkably rare and cruel, forcing the wolf to choose between two fated she-wolves—leaving the unchosen one mateless.

Back then, Elija was just the future Alpha of the pack, so whoever he chose between Helen and me would also be the future Luna…

The day before we were to meet him at the Ravenwood Kingdom, Helen confronted me.

"You once said you cared about me, didn't you? Then prove it now," She said, her eyes glinting with desperation and bitterness. "Don't show up at the meeting with Elija tomorrow. Tell him you don't want him to be your mate. Make that sacrifice for me, Alara."

"No—"

"I've lived my entire life in loneliness, Alara. Being mated to Elija, being this pack's Luna, is my only chance to change that. And it still all depends on you," She pressed.

"The choice is Elija's, not mine. And I'm sorry, Helen, but I won't give up my fated mate just to spare you from loneliness—especially when all you've ever shown me is resentment." I looked her in the eye. "Whoever he chooses tomorrow, I'll accept it, and I hope you can do the same." With that, I turned and walked past her.