CHAPTER 6: IN A NEW BODY

HERA’S POV

“Mom, what do you think?” The words felt foreign like swallowing broken glass, wrong and jagged, yet somehow necessary to keep up this charade,

“Oh, my darling, you look beautiful tonight! I’m sure you’ll catch the eye of one of those Alphas. It’s high time you settled down,” she gestured with a wink.

I forced a smile. Adjusting to this new body, its memories —and those tied to it—was still difficult. Before meeting Draco, I had stayed locked away, knowing almost nothing about the Silverfang pack.

Melissa’s sudden entrance into the sitting room broke my thoughts. She looked innocent, but my hostile glances betrayed what I knew, but for now I was going to play the long game of winning her love, only to betray her at death.

Fixing my expression, I called out, “Hey, want to ride with me to the Crescent Ball?”

Surprise flashed across her face. “Thanks, I’d like that,” she said, smiling.

I grabbed my purse, and we both turned to leave the mansion. Now that I had a second chance, fear chewed at me; I couldn’t let history repeat itself. I had to stay on my toes.

“You girls have fun! And Melissa, keep an eye on Hera—I don’t want her disappearing again like she did ten years ago,” Draco’s mom called after us.

“Don’t worry, Mom, I’m not going anywhere,” I replied sweetly, finishing the rest in my head: Not until everyone who wronged me gets a taste of their own medicine.

Hera’s name had been banned after she ran from the pack ten years ago. She only returned two weeks before I died; her presence was kept secret due to a fatal illness. I never knew she existed—until now.

Outside, an omega stood by the car door. We slid inside, and he started the engine.

“It's been a week since your former Luna died, and tonight is her Night of the Howling. I heard you two were best friends. Why aren’t you attending?” I asked Melissa, my tone was edged.

Her eyes darted away. “It’s a long story. I’d rather not talk about it,” she replied, guarded.

“Why? Something you’re hiding?”

Caught off guard, she stammered.

I shifted my gaze and spoke gently. “You don’t have to tell me now. Whenever you’re comfortable.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled.

The Night of the Howling was meant to honour the dead—tonight, for me. But I couldn’t face my ruined body, nor could I suppress the anger alit inside.

From what I had pieced together, when I died in my last body I was reincarnated into Draco's senior sister on the same day, in the moment she was on the verge of death,

“You know, everything’s changed since I returned. I’d like a tour of the pack,” I said casually, concealing my authority with politeness. “Tomorrow works for me.”

Melissa hesitated but nodded. “Okay. I’ll clear my schedule.”

After six hours, we arrived at the king’s palace, where the ball was in full swing, a grand celebration for all high placed werewolves. We hastily touched up our makeup before climbing down.

Tonight, my goal was clear: win over Alpha Calhoun Nikolaidis, second only to the king. His influence would help me reclaim my position as Silverfang’s rightful leader, simply so I could watch all Draco had built taken away from him.

As we walked in, the omega handed me the key fob, supposing I would need it if I decided to leave the ball. The ballroom was massive, with high vaulted ceilings, intricate paintings, and a grand chandelier. Eyes turned as I entered, their stares sparking a twinge of self-consciousness. Straightening my back, I walked to the centre.

Dressed in haute couture suits and ballgowns the crowd mingled as soft music played. A tall, handsome man finally approached, his smile confident.

“Evening, Miss…?”

“Hera Marinos,” I replied cautiously,

“I’m Alpha Asher of Moonwick Pack,” he said proudly, waiting for a reaction. When none came, his smile faltered.

“The pleasure is mine. I’m from Silverfang—daughter of the former Alpha,” I replied coolly, plastering a polite smile.

“Shall we dance? By the way you look stunning” He bowed slightly, one hand behind his back.

“Thank you,” I placed my hand in his and let him lead me to the dance floor.

One dance wouldn’t hurt. Besides, I needed to keep my composure. As Asher guided me across the dance floor, I kept my movements restrained, every step wary. This wasn’t the time to lose focus.

He was entertaining, though prideful. I could see myself making use of his influence, Ideas already formed behind my soft gaze and curt words.

“Let’s head to the balcony to cool off,” Asher suggested.

“Sure,” I replied, my legs aching slightly.

He poured us wine as we sat.

“You don't seem to have found a mate either,” he remarked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. “What do you say we keep each other company?”

Disgust shot through me, though I hid it well. The mere idea revolted me. Love was no longer a luxury I cared for, and just as I suspected, he was another man out to ruin me.

“Forgive me, Alpha Asher, but I need the restroom,” I said, maintaining a formal distance as I briskly walked away.

Weaving through the crowd, I ignored attempts to catch my attention. In the restroom, I shut the door and exhaled, calming myself. The night was overwhelming, and I still awaited Alpha Calhoun. My real mission had yet to begin.

I wasn't aware what he looked like but apparently when he arrived you would know, because he'll be the talk of the ball,

After retouching my makeup, I stepped back into the throng. That’s when I caught it—a heavenly scent, strong and musky, it sent terror plunging through me.

My wolf clawed at me, desperate, but I pushed her back. Please, no. I couldn’t go through this again—I refuse to be bound to anyone. I wouldn’t endure it.

Returning to Asher on the balcony, I struggled to focus as the scent grew stronger.

Asher moved closer, teasing, “Why’d you run away, Miss Hera?”

But I barely heard him. A low growl rumbled through the air, sending heat pooling in my core. My breath hitched.

It was him. My mate.