|| Lilac's POV ||
The moment I walked away from Alaric, my heart felt like it was being torn in two. The weight of his gaze lingered on me, the intensity of his grey eyes burning into my soul even as I turned my back on him. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions take over— not now, not when so much was at stake. But the ache in my chest was relentless, a constant reminder of the bond I was trying so hard to deny. As I moved through the grand hall, my eyes scanned the room, searching for Alexander. The Eclipse Ball was in full swing, the air filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The room was a sea of masks and gowns, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow over the opulent decor. But amidst the glittering crowd, one figure caught my attention, and my breath hitched. Kael. He stood near the far wall, his tall frame commanding attention even in a room full of alphas. Beside him was Astrid Moonvale, her delicate features framed by her|| Lilac's POV ||"Please," I whispered, my voice shaking as I turned to Kael. "Let them go."The words felt foreign, bitter, like ashes on my tongue. I had never begged before, never thought I would have to. But for them-for my parents-I would swallow my pride.I had begged before Kaek. I had pleaded with Kael to remember the vows we made, the promises he had whispered in the dark when the world felt safe."You will always come first," he had told me, his voice a balm to my fears.That was before Coco. Before she swept into the palace like a storm, leaving ruin in her way. He swore nothing would change, that I would still be his queen, his love. It was all a lie. A beautiful, cruel lie.Kael's golden eyes flickered with something unreadable, gone before I could grasp it. His silence cut deeper than a blade. My hands clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms, but the pain was nothing compared to the ache inside me.The air reeked of blood and betrayal, thick and suffocating. The
|| Lilac's POV ||“You witch!” I snarled, my voice a mixture of pain and fury. My wolf howled within me, her grief echoing my own. But Kael’s expression remained impassive, his loyalty firmly with Coco. The woman who had destroyed my life, who had taken everything from me, stood behind him, her smirk a cruel reminder of my powerlessness.Tears streamed down my face as I looked at the bodies of my parents, their lives extinguished so callously, so cruelly. The chains that had bound them now seemed symbolic of the chains that had bound me—chains of duty, of love, of hope. But no more. The girl who had once believed in fairy tales, in happily ever afters, was gone. In her place stood a woman forged in fire and blood, her heart a battlefield of sorrow and rage."Tell me, Kael, was she worth slaughtering the entire Royal Beta lineage?" I yelled.The throne room was a cavern of memories, each stone etched with the echoes of my past. The high vaulted ceilings, adorned with banners of our pack
|| Lilac's POV ||The world around me was a blur of color and sound, a cacophony of laughter, music, and applause that seemed to echo from every corner of the grand hall. The golden chandeliers overhead bathed the room in a warm, flickering glow, casting dancing shadows across the polished marble floors. Velvet banners adorned the towering walls, embroidered with the crest of our pack, the symbol of unity and strength, things I no longer believed in.My head spun, my thoughts tangled in a web of confusion and disbelief. One moment, I had been on the cold, unforgiving floor of the throne room, a dagger pressed to my stomach, my heart shattered into a thousand irreparable pieces. The next, I was here, standing in the midst of a celebration I had lived through once before, a celebration that had marked the beginning of my downfall.A tight, warm hug jolted me back to the present. The familiar scent of lavender and honey enveloped me, a scent that once meant home, comfort, safety. My breat
“Forgive me, my queen,” my mother’s voice broke through the silence, soft and apologetic. I turned to see her bowing slightly, her hands clasped in front of her. “She is a bit overwhelmed, it seems.” Her smile was strained, her eyes darting to me with a mixture of pride and concern. I wanted to tell her the truth, to explain that this was not overwhelming but a deep, seething resistance bubbling beneath the surface. But I couldn’t. Not here. Not now. “It is normal indeed,” Luna Cassandra replied, her voice smooth and reassuring. “Lilac is only eighteen, and we are bestowing a great responsibility upon her shoulders.” Her words were kind, but they did little to ease the turmoil within me. In my past life, this woman had been a pillar of strength, a figure I had admired and respected. But I knew the truth now. She had done everything for her son, Kael, even when it meant siding with him as he brought Coco into our lives. She had called it normal, a necessary part of life for an Alpha
|| Lilac’s POV ||"May I?" Kael asked, extending his hand. I forced a smile.The crowd cheered as Kael led me to the dance floor. His grip on my hand was tight, like he already owned me. The music was soft, but I felt nothing but anger.I hated this. I hated his fake smile, his hand on my waist, his pretend love. Every step felt like I was betraying myself.How did I end up here again? I had a second chance to change things, but here I was, dancing with the man who ruined me. Memories of my past life came rushing back— Kael’s betrayal, his cold words as he left me to die.“You dance well,” Kael whispered, his breath hot on my ear. I shivered, disgusted.“Practice makes everything perfect," I said, keeping my voice steady. In my past life, I’d learned to pretend to enjoy your company.The music dragged on, each note a reminder of what I’d lost. When it ended, I walked away, leaving the cheers behind.In my past life, I’d been naive. That version of me died betrayed and broken. This time
|| Lilac’s POV ||The morning sun lit up my room as I woke up, the shadows of a restless night still lingering. My first thought was to reach out to Runa, my wolf. But there was no response. My heart raced as I tried again, but still nothing. She was barely there. Something was wrong. Why had I been given this second chance? It didn’t make sense. The smell of pancakes pulled me back to the present. Downstairs, I could hear the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of plates. It felt like home, like the life I’d fought so hard to protect. I dressed carefully—a blouse, a pencil skirt, and heels. As I walked downstairs, the smell of pancakes and coffee grew stronger. My family was in the kitchen. Mom was at the stove, flipping pancakes. Dad sat at the table with his coffee, and Ezra, my younger brother, was reading a book. He looked so much like Dad, with the same dark hair and sharp features. Everything felt normal, and I wanted to keep it that way. “Good morning, sweetpea,” Dad s
|| Lilac’s POV ||The press room was chaos—reporters rushing, keyboards clacking, and the smell of coffee and ink filling the air. I moved through it like a shadow, my heart racing. There was no time to hesitate. My mission was clear: plant a document that would cast doubt on Kael’s new “miracle pills.” If I could spark enough suspicion, it might buy me time to gather real proof before it was too late. I spotted a messy table near the wall, papers scattered everywhere. Perfect. No one would notice one more sheet. I flipped through the pile, pretending to search for something, and slipped my document in. It was subtle—just a few lines questioning the safety of the pills. A small spark, but enough to start a fire. As I stepped back, my fingers tingled. Every nerve screamed at me to leave before someone noticed. I forced myself to walk calmly, blending in with the frantic energy of the room. But with each step, doubt crept in. Was this the right thing to do? Was I any better than Kael i
For the first time, Kael’s carefully maintained composure cracked. He pushed up from his chair so abruptly that it scraped against the marble floor with a piercing screech. His palms slammed against the table, the impact echoing through the room like a gunshot. “Shut the fuck up!” he roared. The entire room fell deathly silent. A shiver ran through me, not from fear, but from exhilaration. The mighty Future Alpha King had lost control. I flinched, curling my shoulders inward as if I had been struck by his rage. My lower lip trembled, and I ducked my head, playing the part of the fragile, pitiful she-wolf who had been scolded for nothing more than speaking the truth. Let them see me as the wounded mate, let them whisper about how their future Luna had been humiliated in front of them all. Inside, I was smirking. The game had started, and I was winning. “Kael.” Alpha Asher’s voice boomed through the tense air, steady and commanding. “She will be your Luna. Treat her with re
|| Lilac's POV || The moment I walked away from Alaric, my heart felt like it was being torn in two. The weight of his gaze lingered on me, the intensity of his grey eyes burning into my soul even as I turned my back on him. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions take over— not now, not when so much was at stake. But the ache in my chest was relentless, a constant reminder of the bond I was trying so hard to deny. As I moved through the grand hall, my eyes scanned the room, searching for Alexander. The Eclipse Ball was in full swing, the air filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The room was a sea of masks and gowns, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow over the opulent decor. But amidst the glittering crowd, one figure caught my attention, and my breath hitched. Kael. He stood near the far wall, his tall frame commanding attention even in a room full of alphas. Beside him was Astrid Moonvale, her delicate features framed by her
|| Alaric’s POV ||The drive to the venue was quiet, the weight of the night pressing down on me. The grand hall was lit up with thousands of twinkling lights, the air filled with the scent of flowers and perfume. The sound of music and laughter echoed through the space, but it all felt distant, like a dream I couldn’t quite reach.I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the crowd. The room was filled with people, their masks and gowns creating a sea of color and movement. But I wasn’t here for them. I was here for her.And then, I saw her.Lilac stood at the edge of the room, her gown shimmering under the light. Her hair was styled in loose curls, and her makeup was subtle but elegant. She looked like a queen, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.Our eyes met, and the world around us faded away. It was just the two of us, the connection between us undeniable. But then, she looked away, her expression hardening as she turned and disappeared
|| Lilac’s POV || The night of the Eclipse Ball arrived, and I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. The dress my mom had chosen was stunning— a deep wine red that brought out the gold in my eyes, the fabric hugging my curves in all the right places. My hair was styled in loose curls, and my makeup was subtle but elegant. I looked like a queen, but I didn’t feel like one. My heart was heavy, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. I had spent the past few days preparing for this night, but now that it was here, I felt unprepared. The thought of seeing Alaric again, of facing him after everything that had happened, made my chest ache. But I couldn’t let my feelings get in the way. Not tonight. I took a deep breath, smoothing down the fabric of my dress, and turned to leave the room. My parents were waiting for me downstairs, their expressions filled with pride and excitement. “You look beautiful, sweetpea,” Mom said, her eyes shining with t
|| Lilac’s POV ||My pulse pounded as memories resurfaced, clearer now than they had been before. This was the very night Kael had recommended Astrid Moonvale to Alexander. The Moonvale family was powerful— wealthy, politically influential, and deeply connected in the capital.And Astrid…Astrid and Alexander had mated that night.It had been seen as a union of strength. Their bond had given Alexander an undeniable boost, solidifying his pack’s position in the political arena. But it hadn’t been long before he found his true mate— after he had already marked Astrid. The scandal that followed had sent shockwaves through the werewolf community, tainting his reputation and shaking his pack’s foundation.And who had stepped in to clean up the mess?Kael.He had turned the scandal into an advantage, using it to his benefit, weaving his way into Alexander’s inner circle as a trusted ally and savior. Both the families were grateful to Kael.
|| Lilac's POV || The days passed in a blur, each one heavier than the last. I stayed in my room, the curtains drawn, the world outside feeling distant and unimportant. My thoughts were a tangled mess, my heart torn between the life I wanted and the destiny I feared. Alaric’s words echoed in my mind, his possessiveness, his declaration that I was his. But the Moon Goddess’s vision loomed over me, a constant reminder of the stakes. If I didn’t find my mate, everyone I loved would suffer. My parents, Ezra, Elara… and Alaric. The thought was unbearable, but so was the idea of defying fate. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the floor, when the door creaked open. My mom stepped in, her presence warm and comforting. She carried a tray of snacks, the scent of freshly baked cookies filling the room. “Hey, sweetpea,” she said, her voice soft and filled with concern. “I brought you some snacks.” I forced a smile, though it felt brittle on my lips. “Thanks, Mom.”
|| Third-Person POV ||As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky burned in hues of deep crimson and violet, casting eerie shadows over the dense forest. The towering pines whispered with the cool evening breeze, but Coco barely noticed. Every step she took was calculated, precise— yet her heart pounded violently in her chest.She was no stranger to danger.No stranger to playing the part she needed to survive.This was her moment. This was her chance to turn the tide.She had spent too long clawing her way into Kael’s world, too long playing the submissive role, waiting for the moment she could prove her worth. Now, the moment had come. If she succeeded tonight, there would be no question— Kael would be back in the election game. He would see her, need her, choose her.All she had to do was get inside the pack.The guards spotted her almost immediately as she emerged from the treeline, their keen eyes narrowing in suspicion.
|| Kael’s POV || The heavy oak doors of the study creaked open as I stepped inside, the scent of aged wood and leather filling my nostrils. My father sat behind his desk, his expression dark and unreadable, while my mother stood by the window, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The tension in the room was palpable, a thick fog of disappointment and frustration that made it hard to breathe. “Where have you been?” My father’s voice was low, edged with barely restrained anger, but it was his eyes that made my blood run cold. They bore into me, sharp and accusing, as if he already knew the answer but wanted the satisfaction of hearing me admit it. I didn’t flinch under his scrutiny, but my pulse pounded in my ears. My mind raced for an excuse, something that wouldn’t set him off even more. “I was busy,” I said finally, keeping my voice even, though the lie sat heavy on my tongue. His lips curled in displeasure. “Busy doing what?” Before I could r
|| Alaric’s POV ||I gritted my teeth. She didn't even want her parents to know about us!Marcus let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Damn, Alaric. You really don’t do things the easy way, huh?”I shot him a glare. “Wouldn’t be any fun if I did.”He smirked. “Oh, because stealing your brother’s ex and making her your Luna is so much fun?”I growled. “She was never his.”Marcus held up his hands again.“Relax, big guy. I know. I just like seeing you lose your cool.” He chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “So, what’s the plan? You gonna tell her? Or are you just going to keep looking at her like she hung the damn moon and hope she figures it out?”I clenched my jaw.Lilac was already tangled in my world in ways she didn’t understand.She had been reborn into it.Fated to it.To me.But she didn’t know that yet.And I had no idea how to tell her.“She’ll know when she’s ready,
|| Alaric’s POV || I stepped out of the car, the cool night air doing little to calm the storm inside me. The packhouse loomed before me, its familiar silhouette offering no comfort. I walked inside, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the empty halls. My office was my sanctuary, the one place where I could shut out the world and focus. But even there, Lilac’s presence haunted me. I sat at my desk, the files in front of me blurring as my mind wandered. The memory of her in my arms, the way she had looked at me, the way she had kissed me— it all played on a loop in my mind. But then, the doubt crept in. The way she had pulled away, the way she had questioned our bond. It gnawed at me, a constant ache in my chest. A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I exhaled sharply, trying to rein in my emotions before calling out, “Come in.” The door creaked open, and Marcus stepped in, his usual smirk plastered on his face. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement