(Katherine's POV)My heart skipped a beat at Alexander's words. Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over."No, Alpha Alexander! After all, that's the pack I grew up in. Even though they have their own daughter now, I still owe them sixteen years of upbringing... Please, Alpha Alexander, for my sake, forgive my brother's mistake!"Alexander gazed at me, his expression softening at the sight of my fragility. He sighed deeply, reaching out to stroke my cheek."My dear Kathy, your kindness is both a blessing and a curse. Very well, I won't push them too hard."Relief flooded through me, but Alexander wasn't finished."However, this matter is suspicious. Why did William suddenly conclude you were in this residence?"I bit my lip gently, casting my eyes downward in a gesture of innocent confusion."I don't know. Could it be that someone saw me when I went on that moonlight boat trip that day?"The months I'd spent confined to the Silverlake Residence had been tedious at
(Eliza's POV)I met my grandmother's penetrating gaze without flinching. Her question hung in the air between us, heavy with implication. Did I regret orchestrating William's maiming? The answer came easily."No. I don't regret doing this."The words left my lips without hesitation, my voice steady and clear in the stillness of her chamber.Elder Morgan's face transformed instantly, fury replacing exhaustion as she slammed her walking stick against the floor with surprising force."Foolish!" she snapped, eyes blazing. "He is your brother by blood! Do you know what you've done?"I looked up, calmly facing her anger. Her rage didn't frighten me—I had endured far worse in my previous life."Grandmother, but he never treated me like his sister," I replied evenly. "He tried to kill me several times. I narrowly escaped each time. Next time, I may not be so lucky."My hand unconsciously rose to my throat where William's fingers had once closed, cutting off my breath. The memory was st
(Eliza's POV)"Miss Eliza, do you still remember the life-saving grace two months ago at Silverlake?" a voice emerged from the darkness. My hand tightened on my dagger."Our master has decided how you can repay this kindness. Please come with me tonight."I recognized the silhouette by my window. The moonlight caught the edge of a familiar silver-edged blade—the same one from that night on the boat when William tried to drown me."Raven Chase," I whispered, memories flooding back. The icy water. The strong arms pulling me from death.I considered my options. I owed this man my life. His ability to infiltrate my heavily guarded Maple Garden proved his skill."What does your master want from me?" I asked cautiously."That will be revealed when we arrive," Raven replied emotionlessly. "No harm will come to you."I put away my dagger. Resistance seemed pointless against someone of his abilities."Allow me to change," I said, gesturing to my sleeping clothes.He turned his back, g
(Eliza's POV)Five days had passed since the Mid-Autumn Festival. My fake rash had finally "healed" enough for me to leave Maple Garden.I stood before the mirror, arranging my hair. The transformation still startled me sometimes. The frightened girl who'd first been dragged to the Morgan estate was gone."Miss Eliza, are you ready to visit Elder Morgan?" Sparrow asked, entering with fresh clothes.I nodded, selecting a light blue dress. "I've prepared special venison for her breakfast. Is it packed?""Yes, Miss. The kitchen wrapped it carefully."The journey to Green Pine Sanctuary was peaceful. I'd missed these walks during my self-imposed confinement.Nanny Edwards greeted me at the entrance. Her weathered face revealed nothing."Good morning, Nanny Edwards," I said, bowing respectfully."Miss Eliza," she replied with a slight nod. "You're looking well. The rash has cleared completely."I smiled at her subtle acknowledgment of my fake illness. "Yes, thankfully. I've brough
(James's POV)I paced the healing lodge, fury radiating from every step. My fists clenched as I fought to control my rage."How could you be so reckless?" I bellowed at William. "You've destroyed everything we've worked for!"William's eyes were vacant. My words seemed to wash over him without effect."Your obsession with Katherine's death has consumed you," I continued, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Now look at what it's cost us—your leg, your future, our family's standing!"Victoria sobbed quietly in the corner. Her eyes were swollen from days of weeping."Do you understand what you've done?" I demanded. "You attacked Alpha Alexander Hayes! A royal wolf! The King's son!"William's gaze finally flickered with recognition. "I saw her," he whispered. "Katherine... alive.""She's dead, William," I said flatly. "Katherine took her own life. We all saw the evidence."Victoria stumbled forward, collapsing beside William's bed. Her fingers clutched desperately at his re
(James's POV)I stared at the Blessing Bible passages spread across the table, my mind churning with more immediate concerns.Victoria shook her head. "They've only sent someone to inquire a few times and sent a lot of precious herbs. Gamma, if the Blackwell family really...""Even if they really want to break off the engagement, what can I do?" I sighed heavily, the weight of our family's predicament pressing down on me. "However, since they haven't mentioned it yet, we shouldn't bring it up either."The thought of the Blackwell family breaking William's engagement due to his severed leg filled me with dread. Without this alliance, William's future—and by extension, the Morgan pack's future—looked increasingly bleak.Victoria seemed to read my thoughts. "The Blackwell family values their reputation above all. They won't act rashly, even with William's... condition."I nodded, clinging to what little hope remained. "We'll wait and see. Perhaps they'll honor the arrangement despit
(Eliza's POV)I knew little about the prominent families in the Northern Territory. Most of my knowledge came from snippets of conversation overheard at formal events or brief mentions in Elder Morgan's lessons. What I did know was that my grandmother came from the prestigious Blackthorn family. Their reputation for producing exceptional warriors was legendary throughout the Northern Territory."I've heard that Grandmother's marriage to James's father was considered a step down," Sparrow had once whispered to me. "The Morgan pack, despite its current standing, pales in comparison to the Blackthorn family's status."I had stored this information away, curious but hesitant to ask Elder Morgan directly. Her past seemed to be a source of pain, evident in the shadow that crossed her face whenever the Blackthorn name was mentioned.Now, sitting across from her at breakfast, I watched as her eyes grew distant with memories."I had three brothers," she began, her voice softer than I'd e
(Sparrow's POV)I pressed my ear against the door, straining to catch snippets of conversation. Miss Eliza and Nanny Agatha were discussing someone in hushed tones again."Are you sure she's the one?" Miss Eliza asked.Ivy nudged me, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What are they saying?"I shook my head, gesturing for her to be quiet. This wasn't the first time I'd overheard them discussing a mysterious she-wolf. A month ago, Miss Eliza had tasked Nanny with finding someone. The details were scarce—just that it was to remain confidential unless Elder Morgan inquired directly."It's Ruby Pearson," I whispered to Ivy. "Katherine Morgan's younger sister."Ivy's mouth fell open in shock. "Katherine had a sister? A real one?"I nodded solemnly. "Katherine's biological parents had three children: Katherine herself, Ruby, and a brother named Ryan."The door suddenly opened, and I nearly tumbled forward. Nanny Agatha stood there, arms crossed, eyebrows raised."Eavesdropping again, a
(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