Chapter 4

Seeing that Byron had completely lost it, everyone finally quieted down.

He gently patted Lisa's back to calm her, then barked at the rest of the group, "So what if we missed the train? I've got another way to get us into Centraford. Did you all have to get so worked up?"

The moment he said that, the hope that had died out in everyone's hearts lit right back up.

"In a few days, a Special Werewolf Unit is passing through here. As long as we have letters of introduction, they'll definitely let us tag along to Centraford."

I froze in shock. That was when I realized Byron had been reborn, too.

In my previous life, there really had been a Special Werewolf Unit that passed through Sidersville. I remember Lisa wanted to follow them to Centraford, but she didn't have a letter of introduction.

"How do you know about that?" Eric asked, confused.

"My dad's a pack elder," Byron replied matter-of-factly. "He's got solid sources. Plus, he's close friends with the Gamma of the Moonshadow Pack in Centraford. Just mention his name, and they'll let us through, no question. Trust me, I'll get you all in."

Byron spoke proudly, even though his father was just a low-ranking elder in a run-down rogue pack. It was still something he clung to like it was worth bragging about.

The group's expressions shifted—there was hope in their eyes now.

Some even started apologizing to get back on Byron's good side.

Lisa was still so shaken from the earlier chaos that her legs had gone weak. She leaned into Byron like she couldn't stand on her own.

Byron just scooped her into his arms and walked off, completely ignoring me and the bruises on my face.

I limped after them, bitterness weighing heavily on my chest.

All those years, and I never once realized that his love for Lisa had always been so obvious.

I guess I was just too blind and stupid to see the truth. Maybe that was why I died so early in my past life.

As soon as Byron got home, he grabbed the first-aid kit and went to treat Lisa's wounds.

The pain from my own injuries was unbearable, so I went to find him for medicine.

The door to the room wasn't fully closed, and through the crack, I saw Lisa nestled against Byron, crying like a poor little thing.

"It hurts… Go easy, please…" she whimpered.

Byron's face was full of worry. He gently dabbed at her wounds and carefully applied the ointment.

"Are you mad at me?" Lisa asked in a soft, pitiful voice.

Byron shook his head and gently stroked her hair.

"No, I'm not mad. I know you just wanted to look pretty. I understand."

As soon as she heard that, the tears in her eyes vanished. A smile spread across her face, and she leaned in and planted a light kiss on his lips.

That soft, teasing kiss made him shiver. His breathing grew heavy.

In the warm glow of the lamp, her pale little face was flushed, and her body shifted restlessly, like a mermaid twisting and turning in the water.

He couldn't resist anymore. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead, eyes, nose… and finally, her lips that he'd longed for day and night.

They collapsed together onto the bed.

He couldn't wait to pull off her clothes. She arched her back, eagerly responding.

His lips never stopped moving, his hands roaming all over her without a care.

The sight made me sick.

I backed away, clenching my fists and pounding my chest a few times to try and keep the rage from exploding.

Inside the room, their passion only grew. Their breathless moans spilled out in bursts, and it felt like I could even hear their heartbeats echoing through the silence.

I took deep breaths, trying to calm the sadness clawing at me. I knew I shouldn't be upset, but I couldn't help it.

I had loved him, after all.

And watching someone you once loved betray you right in front of your face hurts like hell.

I told myself to forget it and just endure a little longer.

This would be the last time I ever let him make me feel this way.

Thank God I got to live again.

Thank God I had the chance to stay away from trash like him.

Later that night, Byron stood behind me in the room and said, "Bethany, once we get to Centraford, you and Lisa should switch identities."

He made it sound like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Why?" I asked, plugging my nose to block the strong perfume smell coming off him.

"She's just a foster daughter. She'll never get the full treatment that comes with being a fallen hero's child. But if you give her your status, things will go much smoother for her at the Silvren Talons factory.

"Her parents did a lot for my family. We owe them." He took my hand, coaxing me gently. "Don't worry. Once you've swapped identities, I'll mark you right away. We'll hold the ceremony."

I silently pulled my hand back. My face stayed calm, but my heart was already storming with rage.

What a brilliant scheme. He was actually plotting to steal my identity.

In my past life, I climbed my way up the Silvren Talons factory thanks to my father's reputation.

If Lisa took my identity, she'd get all the perks. And once she had her place secured, they could be together and kick me to the curb.

I took a deep breath and forced a small smile, even though the pain was crushing my chest.

"Alright," I said softly. "Whatever you say."