Chapter 2

After a week in the pack infirmary, I finally recovered. Sebastian never came to see me. It was as though he'd vanished off the face of the earth.

I'd told Gareth, my brother, to pick me up in a few days, so I had to go home to pack my bags. A few wolves scampered past me, and I tuned in to their conversation.

"I heard Nina's back from treatment. Alpha's setting up a welcome party for her at home."

"We've got to head over quickly."

My heart squeezed painfully. I could see it in my head. Sebastian would use his "results" from torturing me to garner Nina's favor.

I wanted nothing more than to leave. To avoid them, I sneaked in through the back door.

Just as I stepped across the threshold, I heard someone say, "Zoreen?"

It was Nina. I'd tried to escape her, but I guess our meeting was inevitable.

Turning around, I was met with the sight of Nina and Sebastian standing at the top of the stairs.

In contrast with how I was riddled with scars, Nina seemed like she was glowing, looking the part of a real Luna.

Sebastian's brows were furrowed. Evidently, I was not welcome. However, he put on a warm front and said, "You were so badly injured that our mind link broke. I was going to ask you to come home for the party."

Nodding calmly, I replied, "No worries. You guys go ahead with the celebration. I just got back to get some of my things."

I made no fuss about it and seemed completely unbothered. This surprised him. His frown deepened.

"Zoreen," said Nina. She stepped forward and took my hand before continuing warmly, "Although you caused me to lose my voice five years ago, I've forgiven you. Come and have fun at the party."

However, her voice was intentionally hoarse to make herself seem more pitiful, reminding everyone that she'd lost her voice.

As expected, Sebastian's expression changed immediately. He grabbed my wrist and yanked me into the room. "Stop being dumb! Nina wants you at the party. Do as she says!"

Just as I stumbled in, Murphy and Nina's friends swarmed over.

They hollered, "Zoreen, come play some games with us!"

Nina narrowed her eyes like a sly little fox. She said to Sebastian, "I had some cake and now my throat feels a little tight. Darling, could you go upstairs and get me some medication?"

Naturally, Sebastian agreed immediately.

Nina's warm expression instantly disappeared when Sebastian left. Smirking mockingly, she quipped, "I heard you sacrificed your wolf. Are you able to go about life normally now? Are you even a real wolf?"

Pointing at the corner, where a silver platform was temporarily situated, she said, "Sebastian wouldn't want a useless Luna. That platform would prove you're still somewhat of a real wolf, Zoreen."

I interrupted, "I don't need to prove anything to anyone." I turned to leave.

However, Nina and another strong wolf pushed me onto the silver platform. A ring of fire ignited around the stage. The platform seared my feet, causing me agonising pain.

Just as I was about to step away, I tripped and fell on the platform. The silver ate into my wounds as my flesh sizzled.

Lying flat on the floor, I moaned in pain while laughter erupted around me. Nina was cackling so hard she could hardly stand up straight. Her eyes sparkled with glee.

The bottoms of my feet were charred. I couldn't stand up at all. Holding in my pain and anger, I climbed off the platform and left.

"Zoreen's mad! Quick, someone send her off to get some 'rest'!"

They lifted me up and threw me into a dark basement, slamming the door as they left. I was enveloped in complete darkness. In the emptiness, I could hear mice skittering across the ground.

Terror washed over me. I trembled, cold sweat trickling down my back.

In the past, my wolf would have kept me company and infused me with courage. After its death, I was left alone.

Rather than the pain silver caused, it was my fear of the dark and tight spaces that truly scared me.

Memories of those rogues accosted me. I only realized afterward it was a trap set by Sebastian. He locked me in a pitch black basement for three days. From that day onward, the darkness was my most feared monster.

"Let me out!" I banged desperately at the door. My nails nearly broke from the effort.

No one replied. Every breath seemed to fill my lungs with concrete. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, the door was flung open. Sebastian rushed in and carried me out.

He roared at the crowd, "Shit! What have you done to her?"

Sebastian held me against him tightly while caressing my face. He comforted me softly, saying, "Darling, it's alright. I'm here."

"I'm fine." I pushed his hand away and stood up.

Ignoring his outstretched hand and incredulous stare, I straightened up and left without a backward glance.