(James Morgan's POV)"I have always acted in the best interests of the pack," I began defensively, but Mother silenced me with a raised hand."Best interests?" she hissed, her eyes flashing with rage. "Was it in the pack's best interest to allow your wife and son to drain Eliza of her blood under the pretense of a cure?"My face burned with indignation. How dare she speak to me this way in front of my family!"What nonsense is this?" I demanded, looking between Mother and Victoria.Mother turned to Victoria, who had gone deathly pale. "Tell him, Victoria. Tell your husband about this fabricated eye ailment that required your daughter's blood."Victoria's lips trembled as she shot a desperate glance at William. My son stood rigid beside her, his face darkening."It wasn't like that," Victoria whispered, her voice barely audible."Then what was it like?" Mother's voice cracked like a whip. "Explain to us all how a mother could repeatedly allow her daughter to be cut and bled, kno
(Elder Morgan's POV)I stared at Victoria, watching her squirm under my gaze. The woman who had tormented my granddaughter now couldn't even meet my eyes."Is it true?" I demanded, my voice cutting through the tense silence. "Did you fabricate an illness to drain Eliza of her blood?"Victoria's hands trembled as she clutched her robes. "Elder Morgan, you must understand—""Answer the question," I interrupted sharply.She drew a shaky breath. "Yes," she finally admitted, her voice barely audible. "But it was after Katherine's death. I was overcome with grief."My contempt for this woman deepened with every word she spoke."Grief?" I echoed, my voice dripping with disdain. "Grief doesn't justify cruelty to your own blood."Victoria's face crumpled. "She took Katherine from us! My beautiful daughter—""She was never your daughter!" I thundered, causing Victoria to flinch. "Katherine was a fraud who stole Eliza's birthright!"William suddenly stepped forward, his injured leg caus
(Elder Morgan's POV)I stared at my granddaughter, noting the subtle shift in her expression. There was something different about Eliza—a calculated gleam behind her eyes that hadn't been there before."Do you truly think I don't see what you're doing?" I asked, my voice gentle yet probing.Eliza's eyes widened slightly, though her face remained carefully composed. She opened her mouth to respond, but whatever excuse she had prepared died on her lips.Instead, she did something unexpected. She slid from her chair and knelt at my feet, resting her head against my lap like a child seeking comfort."I'm sorry, Grandmother," she whispered, her voice soft with what sounded like genuine contrition. "I've been using your influence to vent my anger."I reached down and stroked her dark hair, feeling its silken texture beneath my weathered fingers. How small she seemed in this moment—how vulnerable. Yet I knew better than most that appearances could be deceiving."My dear child," I said,
(Eleanor Morgan's POV)"Was she planning to kill William?" I wondered aloud, my fingers drumming against the armrest of my chair.Donna Dennis stood before me, her hands clasped respectfully. Despite her years of service to my son, I found her loyalty to Eliza refreshing. Perhaps there was more to this woman than I had initially believed."I've been wondering the same thing," Donna admitted, her voice carefully neutral. "The way she spoke of him..."I leaned forward, unable to contain my curiosity any longer. "Tell me exactly what instructions she gave you. I need to know what my granddaughter is planning."Donna hesitated, clearly torn between her new loyalty to Eliza and her respect for me."You needn't worry about betraying her confidence," I assured her. "I gave you to her service, but I'm still her grandmother. I have a right to know if she's planning something... drastic.""Actually," Donna replied with a slight smile, "Miss Eliza anticipated your curiosity. She specifical
Agatha Winters stood before Elder Morgan, her weathered hands clasped tightly together. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the room at Green Pine Sanctuary as she delivered her report."I haven't yet completed my investigation into Maple's death," Agatha began, her voice steady despite the gravity of her findings. "But I've learned that Maple was a lively and considerate young woman who was close to completing her service contract with the Morgan pack."Elder Morgan's eyes narrowed. "A contract servant? And she died within the Morgan estate?""Yes, Elder," Agatha confirmed. "The entire incident was concealed. She had only one year remaining before her freedom."Elder Morgan slammed her fist against the armrest of her chair, causing Agatha to flinch."How dare they!" she hissed. "A young woman dies within our walls, and I'm kept in the dark? What else have they hidden from me?"Agatha hesitated before continuing. "There's more, Elder. The child she carried... it was Willia
(Eliza's POV)The rhythmic sound of my practice staff cutting through the air filled the garden as I completed another sequence of movements. Sweat beaded on my forehead despite the cool morning air, but I refused to slow my pace."Excellent form, Miss Eliza," Holly Reed commented, her sharp eyes missing nothing. "Your balance has improved considerably."I lowered my staff and turned to see Agatha Winters approaching with a nervous young woman trailing behind her. The girl kept her head bowed, her long hair strategically arranged to cover part of her face."Miss Eliza," Agatha called, "I've brought the person we discussed."I nodded calmly. "Take her to Sparrow's quarters. I'll join you shortly."Holly Reed, my combat instructor, gave me an approving nod. Standing tall with her muscular frame and no-nonsense demeanor, she was everything I aspired to be—strong, capable, and feared."We'll continue tomorrow," Holly said, gathering her equipment. "Focus on defensive stances during
(Frost's POV)I stared at my trembling hands as I continued my story. Miss Eliza sat across from me, her eyes intense but not unkind. It felt strange to finally speak these horrible truths after keeping them buried for so long."Maple's screams echoed through Spring Blossom Lodge," I whispered, the memories flooding back with painful clarity. "They were so loud at first, but then they grew weaker..."My voice cracked. I could still hear those screams in my nightmares."Miss Katherine's injury was insignificant and definitely not inflicted by Maple," I continued, anger seeping into my voice. "It was just a small bruise on her waist, barely visible. She probably did it to herself."I looked up to see Miss Eliza's face carefully composed, though I could detect rage simmering beneath her calm exterior."That night, Maple bled profusely," I said, tears welling in my eyes again. "I tried to stop it with linens, towels, anything I could find. But there was so much blood..."The memory
(William's POV)I kicked the guard sprawled on the floor before me, my boot connecting with his ribs. He grunted in pain, curling into himself like the worthless worm he was."What use are you if you can't even handle a few maids and nannies?" I spat, my voice rising with each word. "Get out of my sight, you useless thing!"The guard scrambled to his feet, bowing repeatedly as he backed toward the door. Relief flooded his face when he realized he was escaping with only minor injuries. The door closed behind him with a soft click that somehow infuriated me even more.I grabbed the nearest object—a delicate porcelain vase—and hurled it against the wall. The crash was satisfying, if momentary. Shards scattered across the polished floor, much like my plans these past weeks.Something wasn't right. The constant activity surrounding Eliza and that old witch Nanny Winters couldn't be innocent. They were plotting something—I was certain of it."Young Master," Ruby's soft voice came from
(Katherine's POV)I watched Zachary storm away, his broad shoulders rigid with anger. The moment the door slammed behind him, I wiped away my tears with the back of my hand, my expression going blank.These tears had served their purpose. Now I needed to focus.The winter banquet at The Night Princess's Manor wasn't just about social prestige or petty revenge against Eliza. It was my only chance to see Alpha Alexander, to coordinate our next move.I paced the room, my mind racing. Without an invitation, I would be cut off from my most powerful ally. Everything we had planned would fall apart."That bitch," I muttered, clenching my fists until my nails bit into my palms. "She knows exactly what she's doing."I stopped before the mirror, studying my reflection. The face that looked back at me was beautiful but haunted, the eyes calculating despite the redness from my manufactured tears.Gritting my teeth, I made a silent vow. "Eliza Morgan, if you refuse to give me this opportunit
(Elder Morgan's POV)Mistress Dennis bit her tongue, clearly struggling to maintain her composure after my direct insults. Her face had turned an interesting shade of red, a mixture of embarrassment and barely contained rage.But it was her sons who couldn't restrain themselves. The eldest—a burly man with his mother's features—stepped forward, his face contorted with indignation."Mother, it's only right for us to come back and serve you, but my mother—"I slammed my hand against the table, the sound echoing through Green Pine Sanctuary like a thunderclap. Everyone flinched, including Victoria and Katherine who stood at the back of the room."Who do you call mother?" I demanded, my voice cutting through the sudden silence. "Outrageous!"I turned my glare to Donna, who had gone pale beneath her rouge. "Mistress Dennis, is this how you raised your sons? To address me as if I were some common pack member?"Without waiting for her response, I snapped my fingers. "Nanny Edwards!"M
(Zachary's POV)I watched as William's face contorted with rage. Eliza's words had struck him like a physical blow, leaving him trembling with fury.His knuckles turned white as he gripped the armrests of his wheelchair. For a moment, I thought he might actually launch himself at her, legless or not."You—" he began, his voice shaking with barely contained violence.Katherine quickly placed her hand over his, her touch gentle but firm. "William, please," she whispered, her eyes wide with what looked like genuine fear.I frowned, studying her reaction. Something wasn't right. Katherine had always been confident, even arrogant, in her position within the Morgan pack. This new timidity seemed out of character."Young Master Morgan, don't be like this," she continued softly. "Liza didn't actually say anything wrong. It's my own guilt toward her."William's jaw clenched, but he remained silent, allowing Katherine to continue."After all, I occupied her place all these years. Seeing
(Eliza's POV)"Let's wait and see, brother." I stopped and turned, meeting William's threat with unflinching resolve.My amber eyes locked with his, cold as ice under the estate lights. The hatred in his gaze was palpable, but I refused to be intimidated. Not anymore.William's jaw clenched, his fingers digging into the armrests of his wheelchair. The silent challenge between us stretched, neither willing to back down.I had endured too much at his hands to show weakness now. Let him plot and scheme—I was no longer the helpless girl he once tormented.(Zachary's POV)I watched the silent confrontation from the doorway of the War Room, unable to look away. There was something compelling about Eliza Morgan's quiet defiance.She stood straight-backed and dignified, facing William without a trace of fear. This was not the timid, broken creature I'd expected after hearing the rumors of her wilderness upbringing.Despite my loyalty to Katherine, I couldn't help but admire Eliza's com
(Eliza's POV)A wave of revulsion washed over me as I walked toward the Morgan Estate War Room. It felt as if I'd swallowed something foul, the bitter taste lingering on my tongue. I knew perfectly well that Zachary Wilson's heart belonged entirely to Katherine. The thought of my grandmother and my disappointing father continuing this foolish meddling made my stomach churn."Sparrow," I instructed coolly, "go to Wolfstar Hall for me. I need you to retrieve my embroidered handkerchief."My loyal maid nodded quickly. "Yes, Miss Eliza. I'll be quick."I paused outside the War Room door, steeling myself for whatever awaited me inside. Father's invitation had been unexpected, and I'd spent the morning preparing for the worst.When I finally entered, I found dinner already laid out—venison, roasted vegetables, and moonlight wine. The spread was impressive, but my appetite vanished instantly when I saw who else was present.Victoria was nowhere in sight. Instead, Zachary Wilson sat at
(Eliza's POV)The Moonlit Barge Tavern bustled with activity as Nanny Winters settled our bill. I watched her count out the coins—nearly two hundred dollars for a single meal—and felt a strange pang in my chest. In my previous life, such an amount would have been unimaginable."Is something wrong, Miss Eliza?" Sparrow asked, noticing my expression.I shook my head. "It's nothing. Just thinking about the cost."Nanny Winters tucked her coin purse away. "It's a reasonable price for the quality, Miss Eliza. No need to worry.""Miss Eliza, this is nothing," Sparrow said enthusiastically. "For the sons and daughters of prominent pack families, a single meal costing $500, $1000, even $10,000 is normal."I raised my eyebrows. "That much for a single meal?"Sparrow nodded vigorously. "Oh yes! The wealthy packs spare no expense when it comes to dining."I glanced around the tavern, taking in the elegant decor, the attentive staff, the satisfied patrons. A business idea began to form in
(Eliza's POV)I stared at the bracelet in disbelief, my fingers hovering over its surface. The last time I'd seen this bracelet, it had been broken during my desperate escape on Evergreen Mountain. Now it lay before me, whole again."You fixed it?" I repeated, unable to mask my surprise.Alpha Daniel's expression remained impassive as he watched me. "Not just fixed. Improved."He reached across the table and picked up the bracelet, holding it between his thumb and forefinger."The original thread inside was weak. I replaced it with tempered steel wire."I blinked, trying to process his words. Why would the fearsome Alpha Daniel, the territory's Chief Justice, bother with such a trivial task?"May I?" he asked, gesturing toward my wrist.I hesitated before extending my arm across the table. His fingers were surprisingly gentle as he slipped the bracelet onto my wrist, though I couldn't help but notice the contrast between his large hand and my slender wrist."Try to break it,"
(Eliza's POV)The stranger's words hung in the air between us, his enigmatic smile doing nothing to ease my suspicion. My hand remained firmly on the hidden dagger in my sleeve as I studied him."Someone who shares my interest in justice?" I repeated skeptically. "And who might that be?"Before he could answer, Sparrow stepped between us, her small frame vibrating with protective fury."How dare you!" she shouted, throwing a wild punch that the man easily dodged. "Where did this madman come from, daring to block our Miss Eliza's way? Our Miss Eliza is not someone who can be seen by anyone who wants to!"I suppressed a smile at her fierce loyalty, though her outburst was drawing unwanted attention.Nanny Winters moved with surprising speed for her age, drawing a knife from the carriage and fixing the stranger with a deadly glare."Go away!" she commanded, her voice leaving no room for argument.The man seemed unperturbed by their hostility, taking only two steps back while maint
(Katherine's POV)I stared at my reflection while my maid arranged my hair. Ruby Pearson's name still stung in my mind."Tell me more about her relationship with my brother," I said calmly.The maid's hands trembled. "I shouldn't speak of such things, Miss Katherine.""I insist." My eyes locked with hers in the mirror."They were very close. The Young Master relied on her during his recovery.""How close?" I gripped my dressing table's edge."She was often in his chambers late into the night. Sometimes servants whispered that he would call her by your name."The brush in my hand snapped. I looked at the broken pieces, feeling just as shattered inside."Is it okay to ask this? The older brother favors a maid who looks like his younger sister. Isn't this shameful?" I could see the thought in her eyes, poorly hidden beneath her respectful face."Leave me," I whispered.As soon as she left, my composure crumbled. William had replaced me with someone who looked like me. Was I so