Larissa has always lived in the shadow of her stunning, graceful, and brilliant sister, Brittany—the one destined to become the future Luna of the Halfmoon Pack. But everything changed the day Brittany tragically died. The entire pack—including their once-loving family and the Alpha—turned their backs on Larissa, blaming her for the tragedy she never meant to cause. Even the Moon Goddess seemed to curse her. Choosing her to take Brittany’s place as the Alpha’s mate. Larissa thought her fate might finally change. But she was wrong. The Alpha agreed to marry her, not out of love, but to make her life a living hell. Instead of being treated as his wife, Larissa was treated like a servant, unmarked and unloved. Still, she clung to hope. She swallowed her pride, devoted herself to him, and tried to become the Luna her pack expected. But that fragile hope shattered when the Alpha returned from a trip with the woman he truly loved—his chosen Luna. To Larissa’s horror, it was Brittany. Alive. Staggered by betrayal and humiliation, Larissa gathered the last of her strength and revealed the truth: she was carrying the Alpha’s child. His response was merciless. He cast her out of the pack, declared her a rogue, and left her to fend for herself in a cruel and dangerous world. Just when death seemed her only escape, a mysterious man appeared and offered her his hand. She never imagined that he would be her second-chance mate— And the ruler of the land: the powerful and feared Lycan King.
View MoreFor three relentless months, I'd braced myself for the day I would marry Mark Wilder—the formidable Alpha of the Starlight Pack.
I never imagined the ceremony could look so enchanting, especially when the marriage itself felt like a cage; my father had traded my future for an alliance.
Whatever fragile hope I carried was shattered the instant we stepped into the bridal chamber. Alpha Mark slammed me against the wall, his broad palm flattening against my collarbone as his fingers clamped around my chin, forcing my face up to his.
My knees wobbled, useless and weak, while I stared into the storm of his dark‑blue eyes. The emotion swirling there was winter‑cold—no tenderness, only contempt. His upper lip curled in a predator's half‑smile, but the cruelty in his gaze never thawed.
He savored my panic, drinking in every rasping breath as though I were a fish flopping on dry land, struggling for its final taste of life.
"W-Why are you hurting me? If you want to touch me... please, be gentle..."
My voice broke as he tightened his grip, as if trying to shatter my jaw with his bare hand.
I clamped my lips shut, swallowing the cry rising in my throat, hiding the agony that flashed across my face. My teary eyes silently begged him to let go.
But he only squeezed harder.
I screamed—but only inside my mind.
A thousand thoughts crashed through my mind. This man is my husband. My husband. So why did he look at me like he wanted to crush the life out of me, not hold me close and dearly?
I trembled beneath his gaze, frozen in place, suffocating in the silence that stretched between us like a noose.
And just when I thought I couldn't take the pain any longer, he leaned in. His lips curled into a cruel, mocking smile—one meant to cut, not comfort.
"Stop daydreaming," he snarled, his voice low and venomous. "I will never fuck you! You are slut! Unworthy for my fuck, let alone my adoration."
His face hovered inches from mine, his breath hot against my skin. With every inhale, it felt like he was stealing the air from my lungs. My chest tightened, and the world spun.
He wasn't just angry. He hated me.
My eyes blinked rapidly as I stared into his devilish gaze. Pain clawed into my chest, burrowing deep into my bones as his disgust sliced through me like a blade.
I wanted to speak—but his oppressive aura gripped my mind, freezing every thought, silencing every word.
"Listen," he growled, voice cuts like a dagger. "I'm marrying you to make your life a living hell."
A wave of murderous intent surged from him, slamming into me like a tidal wave. I shuddered, breath catching in my throat.
His words shattered whatever strength I had left. My anxious expression crumbled into terror. I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat refusing to go down, my mind spinning with the weight of his cruelty.
Gathering what little courage I had left, I asked him steadily, "I know you don't love me. You married me out of duty. But why accept me if you didn't want this marriage? Why do you want me to suffer?"
A cold smirk twisted his lips. His eyes, sharp and merciless, never looked away.
"Because," he said darkly, "you, Larissa Colter, are going to pay for what you did to my Luna—Brittany."
His words hit like a thousand nails to the chest. My world cracked open into darkness.
Brittany.
Memories I had buried clawed their way back with relentless force—the haunting incident from last year, the one that tore my life apart and left nothing but ash.
Back then, my older sister, Brittany Colter, had taken me to the Forbidden Forest to help awaken my wolf.
Yes, awaken.
I was the only werewolf in the pack without a wolf—a shameful secret my family kept buried from the rest of the world. My father, Gelael Colter, was a Gamma leader, and if anyone found out, the entire pack would mock us, disgrace us.
But what was meant to be a secret, hopeful journey turned into a nightmare.
That night, Brittany was killed by a rogue wolf ambush.
Despite her incredible strength, she couldn't survive against a dozen rogues alone. She fought like the warrior she was—but in the end, she gave her life to save mine.
To this day, I still curse myself for listening to her, for running when I should have fought by her side.
And from that moment on, I became the girl who lived when Brittany, the pack's beloved future Luna, died.
My family never forgave me.
And neither did Alpha Mark.
They wished it had been me. Brittany was strong, admired, and destined to lead. I was... nothing.
"You will never take Brittany's place in my heart—or this pack, Larissa!" Mark roared.
Then he hurled me to the ground like I was worthless. My body slammed against the cold marble floor with a brutal crack, the icy impact stealing the breath from my lungs.
A painful groan escaped my lips, breaking the tense silence that filled the room.
I looked up at him, eyes bloodshot, face twisted in agony and disbelief.
"I never wanted to replace her," I whispered, voice shaking. "And I never wanted to marry you. This was your deal with my father, not mine. So why are you blaming me?"
Smack!
His hand lashed across my cheek like a bolt of lightning.
The sting was instant, searing through my skin like molten iron.
I was too stunned to scream.
Tears streamed down my face, hot and silent. But I didn't look away.
I didn't fear him.
I despised him.
And worse...
I hated myself for ever letting him near my heart.
"You're the one who wanted this marriage! Don't lie to me, Larissa Colter!"
Mark's voice exploded in the room. It echoed in my ears like a storm crashing through my skull. He was furious—I could feel it in every trembling breath he took. But I didn't care anymore.
I clenched my fists, holding in the scream rising from my shattered heart. Fear ran through my veins the moment I tried to stand my ground. His sinister glare locked me in place, a silent threat that froze me to the core.
"Remember this," he spat, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't ever leave this room unless I say so."
With one final look—cold, hateful, and burning with disgust—he turned on his heel and stormed out.
BANG!
The door slammed shut behind him, sealing me in this prison of silence.
Every fragile flicker of hope inside me was snuffed out.
I crumpled onto the freezing marble floor, curling into myself, clutching my chest as though I could hold the pieces of my soul together.
A suffocating despair wrapped around me, squeezing tighter with every second.
I gasped for air, but all I inhaled was pain. Tears poured down my face, hot and endless.
"What should I do?" I choked out. "Moon Goddess... why did you link me to someone who only wants to torture me? Is this my punishment for Brittany's death?"
I wanted to run—desperately. But terror weighed me to the ground. What if Alpha came back? What if his rage grew worse?
And even if I escaped... where would I go?
I couldn't return home. My father would kill me without hesitation. He'd bet everything on this marriage, believing that if I became Luna, my brother's future as the next Gamma leader would be sealed.
"Father... forgive me. I failed you. Alpha will never mark me as his Luna." My voice cracked with grief. The words tasted like blood.
And somewhere deep inside, fury began to stir.
Mark never intended to love me. He married me for vengeance. For cruelty. For control.
The pain in my chest tightened until I could barely breathe.
My vision blurred. My thoughts snapped.
And then, darkness began to pull me under.
Welcome to hell, Larissa!
He completely ignored the venom in my voice, acting like this was some harmless flirtation.'Heaven help me. Did he see through me? Did he know I was bluffing... that I couldn't actually fight him?' A tremor ran down my arms."Let go of me… or I'll scream!" I shouted, struggling, trying to shove against his solid frame.However, it felt like pushing against an unbreakable stone wall, unyielding and firm. My efforts were completely useless.He dragged me toward a more secluded area, shoving me behind a large tree. I pushed myself to twist, fight, and tried to dig in my heels, but every second, my strength seemed to drain away.Still, I refused to give in."Do you know who my husband is?" I hissed, desperation edging into my voice. "He's an Alpha! I've linked to him... he'll come for me. And when he finds you, he'll destroy you and your entire family!"I lied with everything I had, hoping to scare him into releasing me. The truth, of course, was bitter and cruel; I couldn't mind-link
RUN!The warning voice screamed in my mind, sharp and urgent, as danger surged toward me like a wave. I didn't know what it was, but I trusted my instincts.Without hesitation, I bolted from the forest's hypnotic beauty, the place that had moments ago lured me into its quiet spell.My breath came in ragged gasps as I ran, every muscle burning. But eventually, my pace slowed. My legs grew weak. I stumbled into the crowd gathered in the city park, blending in with the people watching a musical performance.Heart pounding, I scanned my surroundings, trying to understand what had triggered such raw fear—what had sent my subconscious into survival mode.'Was it just my imagination? Or… did someone really try to kill me?'I inhaled deeply, forcing calm into my shaking body, but no matter how intently I looked, I saw no sign of danger. No shadow in the corner. No figure stalking me from the trees.Then I noticed where I stood—surrounded by couples lost in each other's arms, their laughter
North District, inside the King's castle.I sat lazily on the throne, my chin resting in my palm as Rowan, my ever-loyal assistant, reported about the highlights of the Moon Festival.He delivered a thorough report on the activities the guests had been enjoying since the previous day. All the Alphas and other key figures had participated in various events organized by the elders—initiatives designed to foster alliances and uphold the kingdom's ancient peace. Traditions that had endured for thousands of years.But the moment he mentioned tomorrow night's so-called "peak event," my interest flatlined."The dinner will be held at the Silver Cliff Hotel. After dinner, there will be a friendly gathering for all guests, featuring entertainment—dancing, singing, and a variety of activities."I closed my eyes, refusing to meet his gaze. The more I looked at Rowan, the more I felt the overwhelming urge to send him straight to the afterlife.He continued to talk, his voice a persistent buzz in
"Get out of my room! And don't ever come back!" Mark snapped.'Did he just tell me to go?'I blinked hard, rubbing my tired eyes as I slowly pushed myself up from the cold floor that had been my bed all night.Every part of my body ached—bruised, sore, broken. But I didn't care about the pain.His words... they felt like a crack of light in my endless darkness.'Finally, he granted me permission to leave?'"Alpha, are you saying I can leave the Pack House?" I asked, desperate for confirmation. 'Was I really free?'"What the hell are you talking about?"His voice snapped like a sharp slap, slicing through my fragile hope and grinding it into dust.I swallowed hard, forcing down the lump in my throat. I couldn't show emotion. If I did—if I dared show anger—he'd only use it as an excuse to punish me again."You… you said I can leave this place?" I asked again, clenching my fists to stop them from trembling."I can't believe how dumb you are, Larissa!" he spat. "I said leave this 'fucking
Living in the Pack House feels more like living locked in a prison than settling into a home.It's been nearly a week since I married Alpha Mark, and I haven't seen him once.The only proof of his existence comes from the maids who regularly clean my room—they say he's been away without telling anyone where or for what reason.Honestly? I don't care if he never comes back. I feel more at peace in his absence.The only thing that truly torments me is the command he gave me the night of our wedding: Do not leave this room unless I say so.So here I remain, trapped—a prisoner in silk sheets.But even in this gilded cage, I find moments of escape. The window becomes my solace, offering me a glimpse of a world I'm forbidden to touch.And the two young maids who come in to tidy up have become the only source of comfort in this cold, unfamiliar place. They speak freely when they think I'm asleep, gossiping about the pack and its secrets. Their voices are the only reminders that life still e
Faint voices echoed around me, distant and muffled, like whispers drifting through fog.With great effort, I forced my eyes to crack open, just barely. Two young maids stood nearby, unaware that I was awake.Curiosity seeped beneath my skin as I caught snippets of their conversation. I stilled my breathing and let my body remain limp, pretending to be asleep."Luna is so beautiful," one of them whispered, "but Alpha seems to hate her.""Ugh, you may be right. But, honestly, I agree with Alpha. Luna looks so... weak.""Weak? What do you mean?""I heard she can't even shift... and she's already eighteen. That's lame.""What?! No way. Who told you that?"A pause followed. I sensed them staring in my direction, checking to make sure I wasn't yet awake."A friend of mine from the Colter estate," the maid murmured. "She said the Gamma's youngest daughter is... wolfless. Shameful. Shameful.""Oh my goddess... But why would Alpha marry her? There are so many stronger Lunas to pick in the pack
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