Chapter 4

Tamara’s POV

Just as the Moonstone fell and shattered, a howl rose from deep within the forest. It was so raw, so eerie, it sent a chill straight through my bones. The fragments scattered across the floor glowed faintly, pulsing as if alive.

The hall erupted. Wolves shifted uneasily, growls rippling through the crowd. My chest tightened, breath shallow, the sound clawing at my mind. I stood frozen in the center of the dim hall, still reeling from Percy’s rejection.

Then Percy moved. His eyes flared crimson, his voice cut through the chaos with an Alpha’s growl.

“Silence.”

The command rolled like thunder. Instantly, the pack bowed their heads, the air heavy with submission.

The councilwoman stepped forward, her veil trembling. “The Moonstone has shattered. This is no accident. It is the curse of the Dark Wolf.”

Every gaze turned toward me. My brows furrowed, confusion twisting with humiliation. “Curse? What curse?”

Alex’s voice carried from the front, calm and measured. “If the myth is true, exile is the safest course. Containment, not punishment. We cannot risk the pack.”

His words struck like cold water. I wanted to scream, but emptiness swallowed me whole.

The council exchanged glances, their decision swift. “Tamara, you are forbidden from returning. You are cast out until the curse is broken.”

My lips pressed into a thin line. I gave a weak nod and forced my legs forward, each step a silent plea not to collapse under the weight of rejection. Outside, I leaned against a tree, the cold breeze clinging to my skin, goosebumps rising as I stared at the crescent moon above.

Then Percy appeared, his shadow stretching over me.

“Move,” I warned, trying to step past him.

His eyes were hard, his voice sharp. “You will walk out of here, Tamara. But, survival will only be yours if I permit it”

I turned, anger and confusion twisting together. “You could have spoken for me. You could have stopped them.”

His jaw tightened. “My word is law. And my word is exile. The howl you heard? That’s no forest echo. The Dark Wolf’s coming, its claws outstretched for fresh blood, drawn by what you’ve unleashed. It’ll rip through anyone in its path unless you’re gone.”

A burning sensation rose in my throat. “You’d rather see me suffer than admit what you feel.”

His gaze raked over me, lingering at my lips. His mouth curved into a side grin, sharp, teasing, dangerous. He leaned in, close enough that my breath caught.

Instinctively, I grabbed his hand. For the first time since the bond had scorched my veins, the pain cooled. The fire dulled, replaced by a strange calm. My chest loosened, trembling with relief.

My lips parted, hope flickering. Maybe, just maybe……

But his grin hardened. His eyes stayed on my lips, his breath warm with smoke and cedar. “Control is all that matters. Even in exile, you are mine to command.”

My eyes stung, but I forced a whisper. “Then you’ve already lost me.”

For a heartbeat, something raw flickered in his gaze, but it vanished as quickly as it came. He straightened, Alpha mask snapping back into place. “Go.”

I staggered forward, pride the only thing keeping me upright. My gown brushed against the leaves, rustling softly. My ears caught a sound, too sharp for human hearing. I spun, surprised by my own reflexes, and caught a hand mid‑strike.

It was Tati. I released her instantly, my stance relaxing.

“Relax, dear. It’s just me,” she said, flicking her wrist with ease. “You’re getting stronger.”

I spoke, voice tight. “Why are you here? I’m not wanted. Please, Leave me alone.” The last words faltered, weaker than I intended.

Her eyes twinkled, amusement flickering. “You were always stubborn, even as a little girl. Don’t let exile break that.”

I froze. “How would you know that?”

She looked away, her expression unreadable. “Some truths are older than you think.”

Before I could press her, she vanished with wolf speed, leaving only the whisper of air. My hair whipped with the night’s rush, reminding me how untrained I still was.

I forced my feet onward, replaying her words. How would she know that? But exhaustion drowned my questions.

I moved with a burst of speed I didn’t know I had, the cold night air biting against my skin as my hair whipped behind me. My steps were clumsy, untrained, yet something in me pushed forward like the wolf was guiding me. Breathless, I slowed only when the warm scent of coffee and bread wrapped around me, pulling me toward the little café glowing in the dark.

I hadn’t expected to find the café. Sneaking in through the back door, the thick aroma of coffee and baked bread hit me hard, sharper now with my heightened senses. The aroma slammed my stomach, scents overwhelming now. I pressed a hand to my chest, fighting the strange rush in my veins

Then I saw her. Jenna sat curled in a chair, rocking herself like a child, shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.

I stood by the door, afraid to startle her. “Sis.”

Her head snapped up. Her eyes widened, disbelief flooding her face. “Tamara?” She rose slowly, hesitant steps carrying her closer. “Is that you?”

She stopped a few feet away, trembling. I couldn’t hold back. I ran, colliding into her arms. Tears broke free as I clung to her. “I’m sorry, Sis. I missed you…so much.”

I whispered back “I thought I’d never hear your voice again”

She pulled back just enough to see my face. Her eyes glistened, dark circles etched beneath them. “What happened? I looked everywhere for you. Those men at the hospital… I tried, Tamara. I tried to stop them, but they were so strong. I thought I’d lost you.” Her voice cracked, sobs spilling out.

I shushed her gently, pressing my forehead to hers. “I’m here. I’m here now.”

She wiped her eyes, stepping back to take me in. “How are you here? And why are you dressed like this? Her voice trembled, tears still forming.

I swallowed hard. “We have a lot to talk about.”

But before I could explain, something caught my eye. A mirror on the wall glinted. I turned and froze.

It wasn’t me staring back. Not the brown-haired girl with green eyes in a strapless gown. The reflection was a black wolf, its fur shadowed, three eyes gleaming with unnatural light.

The council’s words thundered back in my mind. The curse of the Dark Wolf.