Chapter 1

Swelina Lott covered her nose dramatically. Her face was twisted in disgust. "Oh my god, Holden! She really goes anywhere she wants, like an animal. Three years in prison, and she's still the same."

My brother, Holden Grant, frowned harder.

He was a clean freak, yet he still grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and tossed me into the back of the SUV.

"What did you even learn in prison? How embarrassing. Sit properly and don't soil my seat."

I opened my mouth to speak, but Swelina's warning glare froze me.

So, I shut it and curled up on the floor mat, making myself as small and invisible as possible.

The SUV drove into the estate I once knew, but everything had changed.

The moonflowers Holden had planted for me were gone, replaced with Swelina's favorite blood-red roses.

In the living room, all our childhood photos were gone. In their place, a massive wedding portrait of Holden and Swelina hung on the wall.

In the photo, she leaned against him. Her smile was wide and radiant.

Just then, Swelina's voice rang out, "Anria, this will be your room from now on."

I snapped back to my senses and followed her finger to a dark storage room tucked beneath the stairs.

It was meant for clutter, so it was narrow, damp, and windowless.

"Swelina thought your room had the best view, so she moved in," Holden explained casually. "You should be grateful she's letting you stay here."

I nodded. My voice was barely a whisper as I said, "Yes, Alpha Holden. Thank you, Luna Swelina."

He seemed surprised at my obedience. After all, I used to cry, scream, and cling to him.

After scrutinizing me, he raised his voice. "Speak louder! Why do you sound so timid? Are you trying to make me feel sorry for you?"

Holden's misunderstanding made my body shiver. I straightened and shouted with all my might, "Thank you, Luna Swelina! I'm more than grateful!"

After saying that, I started coughing violently. A metallic taste of blood rose in my throat.

In prison, the wardens forced me to respond with perfect posture and a loud, clear voice. If I failed, they made me drink water mixed with silver powder.

The punishment had left my throat permanently damaged. Speaking loudly tore through it like knives.

"Enough, Holden. Stop scaring her," Swelina said, stepping forward. She lifted my chin with her red-painted nails.

"Anria, I promise you that as long as you do as I say, we'll still be a family."

Her nails grazed my cheek, leaving a faint red mark.

"Look at her, Holden. This poor thing."

She turned to him, feigning pity. "We have to take care of her properly. Otherwise, the other wolves might say the Silvermoon pack mistreats family."

Holden didn't reply, letting her words hang in the air.

…

Dinner was laid out on a long table, lavish and abundant.

Holden kept feeding Swelina her favorite roasted lamb. "Try some, darling."

Smiling, Swelina pushed a plate of bright berries toward me. "These are for you. They're really nutritious."

As I stared at the berries, my stomach twisted.

They were the fruit of Wolfwail—harmless to healthy wolves but poisonous to those without a wolf spirit.

In prison, this was how they "purified" disobedient wolves.

"Why aren't you eating? Do you not like what I prepared?" Swelina's smile turned cold. "Or are you still upset that I read your diary aloud back then?"

"I—" I started to explain, but Holden's command cut me off.

"Eat it! You must finish what Swelina prepared."

"Alpha Holden, I can't—"

Holden interrupted again. "There's nothing you can't do. There are only commands you refuse to obey."

He rose, and his sharp gaze locked me in place. "Anria, don't test my patience."

Fear washed over me. With trembling hands, I grabbed a berry and put it into my mouth.

A sharp, sour pain exploded in my mouth, but I forced myself to swallow.

"Good." Holden sat back down.

Swelina's smile bloomed wider. "That's more like it. We're a family. We care for each other."

I kept eating, berry after berry, until the plate was empty.

Pain shot from my stomach to every limb. My body convulsed, and my vision darkened.

"What's wrong with her?" Swelina shrieked and ducked into Holden's arms. "What a pain. She can't even eat in peace."

Holden glared at me with disgust.

Before I passed out, I heard him coldly order the attendants, "Drag her back to the storage room. Don't let her die here and ruin my carpet."