Chapter 6

Nyra’s POV

The word hung in the air for a second and no one reacted until my father burst into a mocking laughter.

“So now you’re talking about choosing someone else?” he said, shaking his head like he’d just heard something ridiculous. “Nyra, do you hear yourself?”

I didn’t respond but he continued, his tone filled with clear disapproval.

“Cassian has already made his decision and instead of accepting it with dignity, you’re here playing games.”

My mother frowned, “Tom—”

“No, let her hear it,” he cut in.

His gaze settled on me, sharp and judging.

“You’re trying to draw attention to yourself because he chose someone else. That’s all this is.”

I watched the way Cassian nodded and visibly relaxed when my father was done talking. It was almost like he happily believed my father and he proved me wrong.

I nodded as I stared at them. So this was how my father has always seen me.

I let out a small breath and tilted my head slightly.

“Then you should be happy,” I said calmly, “Isn’t this what you wanted?”

He frowned, “What do you mean?”

“You clearly wish Isolde is your daughter, that’s why you’re so upset with me,” I stated.

Isolde stiffened slightly, clearly not expecting to be dragged into it so directly. Cassian’s eyes moved between us, his expression tightening.

“You’re overthinking it, as usual. This has nothing to do with it,” my father said defensively.

I scoffed, “It has everything to do with it. You didn’t say a word when Cassian stood here and humiliated me. But the moment I speak, suddenly I’m the problem.”

“Stop saying nonsense and embarrassing yourself simply because you were rejected again,” he said coldly.

Isolde stepped forward, her lips trembling as she held out her hands.

“Nyra, please don’t misunderstand Uncle, don’t fight with him. Uncle just doesn’t want things to get worse between everyone. We all care about you.”

I let out a cold chuckle, “Stop pretending, Isolde. It’s embarrassing.”

“Enough!” Cassian snapped, "If you knew your place and apologized, I might have overlooked this and considered letting you remain as my mate.”

I threw my head back and laughed. He’s finally admitted it. He’s been waiting for my past self to grovel for him to accept me. He thinks he’s the only one who’s been reborn.

“Even if the moon goddess stood in front of me and ordered it, I still wouldn’t choose you,” I spat.

Cassian’s expression darkened as his jaw tightened. “You’re making a scene, Nyra.”

“You’re the one in my house, Cassian,” I arched a challenging brow at him.

That shut him up. My mother stepped forward, anger rising again.

“I’ve heard enough,” she said sharply.

Her eyes went straight to Isolde.

“Pack your things and leave.”

Isolde froze. “Auntie—”

“I am not your Auntie!” my mother snapped, “You stayed in this house because I trusted you and I treated you like my own and this is how you repay us.”

Tears filled Isolde’s eyes better. If I didn’t know she was a good actress, I would have pitied her.

“I didn’t mean to, Auntie, I swear. It just—”

“I don’t care!” my mom cut in, then turned to Cassian, “You’re an Alpha, you have a lot of room in your mansion so take her and leave.”

My mother didn’t wait for anyone to object, she turned toward the staircase and yelled, “Lily!”

The housekeeper rushed forward. “Yes, Madam!”

“Go upstairs,” my mother said, her voice ice cold, “Pack everything in Isolde’s room and throw it out. Every single thing.”

Isolde’s face went pale.

“Auntie… Mrs. Ashford, please…”

“I said leave,” my mother snapped, “This house isn’t for ungrateful people.”

The servants were already moving as they brought out boxes, bags, clothes, everything she’s been given over the past months. All of it was being taken out.

My father stepped forward, angry now. “Mary, this is too much. Stop this right now, Isolde has been through a lot already. She almost died last night.”

“Shame on you!” my mother hissed without even looking at him, “She betrayed your daughter under my roof and you’re defending her? Take a look at Isolde, she escaped without a scratch but your daughter twisted her ankle and almost died and now she’s lost her mate, yet you still favor Isolde.”

My father glanced at me, irritated, “She looks fine, Mary. Isolde looks so frail, she might die from heartbreak if you send her out.”

“Sending her out isn’t enough punishment for what she’s done to my daughter, if you don’t like it, there’s the door too. Join them,” my mom said.

I was stunned. It seems I wasn’t the only one who went through a character change. My mom has never spoken to my father like this before. In fact, in my past life, my mom never raised her voice at anyone before. She was always gentle and quiet but now she looked like an enraged fierce mama bear protecting her cub. I was proud of her.

Cassian turned to me, “This is unnecessary. Today’s decision won’t change, you need to accept it and move on. There’s no need to let your mom embarrass Isolde like this.”

“I already told you, I don’t want you, Cassian, maybe you’re the one who needs to accept it,” I smirked.

Shock flickered in his eyes but before he could say anything, Isolde stumbled toward me. She fell into my arms, sobbing.

“Sister, please, I swear I’ll leave Cassian for you, just forgive me and let Auntie take me back,” she cried.

Then she lowered her voice and whispered in my ears, “How does it feel to lose, Nyra? Despite being mated to Cassian, he still loves me and chose me.”

“Go to hell, Isolde!” I hissed at her, trying to shrug her off.

But Isolde had her own plans. She suddenly let out a scream and stumbled backwards, her hands flailing helplessly.

“Punish me, Nyra, I deserve it,” she cried as she landed on the floor, hitting her head on the stairs.

Cassain was at her side immediately, his face filled with worry. His eyes darkened when he saw the blood on her face.

“How dare you!” he snarled, rushing towards me, claws extended.

Before he could reach me, my mother stepped in front of me, snarling.

“You’re not the only Alpha present, Cassian. Back down and take your love away from my house. Get out!”

Cassian halted looking conflicted while I stared at him smugly. Then he tightened his knuckles and carried Isolde to leave.

“This isn’t over, Nyra! You’ll regret this,” he threatened.

My father glared at me and my mother, disgust on his face, “You both are an embarrassment."

Then he ran out of the house, calling after Cassian and Isolde as the door closed behind him.

The room fell quiet. My mom turned toward me immediately, her expression full of worry.

“Oh my sweet girl, this is all my fault. I never should have brought Isolde to this pack,” my mom cried.

I looked at her and smiled softly. “It’s not your fault, Mom, I’m fine.”

And for the first time since my rebirth, I actually meant it. This time, everything would be different.