(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)"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
(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
(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
(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
(Eliza's POV)My spirit hovered above the scene unfolding before me, unable to interact yet forced to witness every painful moment. There they were—my so-called family—gathered in the main hall of the Morgan Estate."Mother!" Katherine's voice rang out, sweet as honey and just as false. "I've missed you terribly!"I watched in disbelief as Katherine Morgan—the woman who had stolen my identity, who was supposed to be dead—embraced Victoria with theatrical affection. Her skin glowed with health, bearing only minor bruises that did nothing to diminish her beauty.Victoria clutched Katherine as if she'd received the greatest gift imaginable, tears streaming down her face. "My darling daughter! We thought we'd lost you forever!"William stood nearby, his eyes never leaving Katherine. The devotion in his gaze made me sick. My own brother—the one who had tormented me relentlessly—looked at her with pure adoration."How is my sister?" Katherine asked, her voice dripping with false concer
(Eliza's POV)Nanny Edwards' wrinkled face was pinched with suspicion at my sudden change of heart. Her eyes narrowed as she studied me carefully."Miss Eliza, just yesterday you were eager to meet your parents. Now you wish to visit Elder Morgan first? What changed?" she asked, her voice sharp with doubt.I lowered my gaze, feigning embarrassment. My hands fidgeted with the edge of my sleeve, a calculated gesture of nervousness."I had a dream last night, Nanny Edwards," I said softly. "An elderly wise man appeared to me, scolding me harshly for forgetting my roots."Her expression softened slightly, but suspicion still lingered in the tight lines around her mouth. She wasn't easily fooled."He reminded me that Elder Morgan was the one who insisted on finding me," I continued, making my voice tremble. "She believed I was alive when everyone else had given up hope."I looked up, my eyes wide with manufactured sincerity. "How could I be so eager to confirm my identity that I woul
(Eliza's POV)Nanny Edwards settled on the worn wooden bench beside me, her weathered hands cradling her teacup. The evening breeze carried the scent of pine through the sanctuary gardens."There's more to Elder Morgan's story than just losing her son's affection," she said softly. "Something far more painful."I leaned closer, genuinely curious. "What happened?"Nanny Edwards' eyes grew distant. "While defending the northern border, Elder Morgan was gravely wounded saving her mate's life."My heart clenched at this revelation. "She was injured protecting him?""The attack left her with terrible scars across her body," Nanny Edwards continued. "Worse still, the injuries damaged her ability to shift into her wolf form and took away her fertility."I gasped softly. For a werewolf, losing the ability to shift was like losing half your soul."When she finally returned home, her mate couldn't bear to look at her scarred body," Nanny Edwards' voice turned bitter. "He found her warrio
(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