Gabriel's Game (Vera’s POV)The moonstone hums against my skin, my wolf stirring with power as its ancient pulse surges through me, a call to the alpha blood I’m only beginning to understand.The Starfang Pack stronghold feels like a fortress under siege, its halls heavy with the aftermath of Lana’s disgrace and Mom’s stinging blame. Gabriel’s velvet box, tucked in my pocket, weighs heavier than ever—his star-and-moon necklace, a twin to my moonstone, and his note, “For my mate,” stir the fated bond I'm still trying to figure out.The stronghold’s library, my refuge since childhood, wraps me in the scent of old leather and wax. Moonlight spills through the arched windows, glinting off the moonstone necklace, its star-and-moon pendant glowing faintly. I trace its curves, my wolf purring as the relic’s power pulses, amplifying the alpha strength Grandpa Gideon swore ran in my veins. In my past life, I ignored it, seduced by Damon’s false mate bond, letting Lana steal this very relic
Mom’s suspicion (Vera’s POV)My wolf whines as Mom’s cold words cut deep, fracturing our bond like glass under a claw. “Vera, you’ve pushed Lana too far,” she accuses, her voice sharp as silver in the Starfang Pack stronghold’s study, the air thick with tension. The viral video of Lana’s alley disgrace still burns in my mind, my revenge perfectly executed, but Mom’s blame stabs harder than I expected. My moonstone necklace pulses hot, urging my alpha blood to rise, but the weight of Gabriel’s gift—his star-and-moon necklace and note, “For my mate”—tugs at my wolf, stirring the fated bond I'm trying my best to ignore. As I try to defend myself, a hacker alert pings on my phone—someone’s tracing my alias. My claws itch. Is it Gabriel, closing in on my secrets?The study’s oak-paneled walls feel like a cage, the early morning sun streaming through the window casting long shadows. Mom stands by the desk, her elegant frame rigid, her eyes colder than the night I died in the rogue lair,
Broken Bonds (Vera’s POV)The pre-dawn chill bit my skin as I stood outside my Pack stronghold, my wolf tensed, staring at the sleek black car idling in the shadows. Its crescent emblem glints under the fading moonlight—Nightmoor’s mark, unmistakably related to Gabriel. My moonstone necklace pulsed hot, stirring my alpha instincts, as I thought back his vow when we were in the alley tugging at the mate bond I can’t trust. Is he out there, watching me? “Vera, what are you doing outside?” Mom’s sharp voice cuts through the dark from the stronghold’s oak doors, her shadow rigid with impatience. My heart lurched as I point to the car. “It’s Nightmoor’s car—”“What car?” she snapped, stepping closer, her eyes cold. I turn, my wolf whining as I see the Starfang crest on the car, not Nightmoor’s. My cheeks burn—how did I mistake it? Am I now far gone with the whole fact that Gabriel was now calling me his mate that I'm beginning to have delusions?“That’s ours, Vera. Stop wasting time.
Motives Unraveled (Vera’s POV)My wolf raged at the memory of Damon’s betrayal, claws itching for revenge as the thought of his false mate bond tore through me. The Starfang Pack stronghold hummed with tension, it felt as if after my Grandpa’s threat about dealing with anyone found wanting for what happened to Lana, everyone seemed to be suspecting each other.No one wanted to get on the bad side of the Alpha.I linger in the corner outside her guest room, the moonstone necklace pulsing hot against my chest, urging my alpha blood to rise. Lana’s hushed argument with Damon, her hissed orders about the tutor plan confirmed their scheme to break me. But as I’m about to head toward the stronghold’s exit, my wolf freezes as I look out the window. A sleek black car with Nightmoor’s crescent emblem idles in the shadows. Is Gabriel watching, his vow pulling me closer to danger?The shadows in the corner I stood hid me well, the stronghold’s stone walls cool against my back as Lana’s voice
Viral Vengeance (Vera’s POV)My phone buzzes with comments from the video’s viral spread, my wolf purring with triumph as Lana’s disgrace floods the internet, her alley torment on repeat for all to see. Though it's the wee hours of morning, I have been too restless to sleep any further. Especially after my second win last night.The Starfang Pack stronghold felt alive with tension, its halls humming after the initiation’s mishap. I could make out some discussions between the servants.Lana’s pinned, her lies unraveling, but Mom’s icy suspicion still lingers. Making me wonder what she is thinking.I orchestrated this revenge, but I didn't relax. I was far from being done with her and Damon. As I slipped through the mansion, I heard a phone ringing. On instinct, I knew who the ringtone belonged to. Without thinking twice I rushed to the origin.The hushed phone call stops me cold—Lana’s voice, whispering into her phone. My claws itch. Is her next scheme already in motion?The strong
Lana’s Plea (Vera’s POV)My wolf snarled as Lana’s amber eyes gleamed with venom, her pitiful act barely masking the rogue’s heart that’s betrayed Starfang Pack for years. The initiation hall’s madness still remained on my mind for a long time even after everyone had left, her alley video exposing her disgrace, the pack’s growls turning on her. Now, standing in her dimly lit guest room at the stronghold, I watch her cling to Mom, begging for a way to bury the truth. I play the innocent heir, hiding my hacker’s secret, but a chilling howl slices through the night outside. My claws itch—is it Lana’s rogues, or has Gabriel’s Nightmoor pack come for me?The guest room smells of lavender and rogue tang, Lana’s scarlet dress swapped for a silk robe that does little to hide her trembling. She kneels before Mom, tears streaming, her voice a practiced whimper. “Auntie, please, you have to believe me—the video’s a lie, AI-faked to ruin me!” Her amber eyes flick to me, hatred flashing before