Chapter 1

My wolf was cursed. I had three days left. But my mate, Alpha Edwin, and my parents were forcing me to surrender my Luna title to my adopted sister, Meggie. All because she claimed a curse was about to kill her.

"Your wolf will fade completely in three days, Hazel."

I stood in the warlock's study, staring at the old man in his black robes.

A dark mist, the remnants of his scrying, still swirled inside his crystal ball, clinging to the glass like death itself.

"Is there a way to break it?"

"No." He shook his head, his eyes full of pity. "This is an ancient, dark curse. It targets the Luna bloodline specifically. Unless the caster removes it willingly…"

"So I die," I finished for him, my voice flat.

Just then, my phone rang. It was my father.

"Hazel, get home. Now. We have a family crisis." Jaden's voice was urgent and commanding. "It's about Meggie's curse. She's getting worse!"

I hung up and let out a bitter laugh.

Of course. Even now, it was all about Meggie.

Twenty minutes later, I pushed open the doors to the pack's council hall.

"Hazel! You're finally here!" My mother, Lyra, rushed toward me, but her eyes slid right past me, searching the space behind. "Isn't Meggie with you? She fainted again today!"

"I don't know where she is."

"How could you not know?" My father, Jaden, frowned. "She's your sister!"

Sister.

The word made me want to laugh.

"Sit down, Hazel." My father gestured to the head of the table. "We need to discuss something important."

I scanned the room.

All the pack elders were here, their faces etched with worry.

Just like they had been eight years ago, the first time Meggie had one of her "episodes."

"A decision about what?" I asked, though I already had a sinking feeling I knew.

"Meggie's condition makes handling pack affairs impossible for her," one of the elders began. "But if she took on some of your duties... a distraction, perhaps... it might slow the curse's progression..."

"You want me to give her my authority over the pack." It wasn't a question. It was a statement.

The room fell silent.

"Hazel," Lyra stroked my cheek. "You know how much we love you. But Meggie… she's…"

"She's dying, right?"

Just then, the soft sound of footsteps came from the doorway.

Meggie entered, her face pale, looking pitifully at everyone in the room.

"Sorry I'm late… I just…" She leaned weakly against the doorframe, as if she might collapse at any second.

Everyone shot up from their seats, rushing to her side.

Only I noticed the faint, triumphant smirk that crossed her lips as she lowered her head.

And the look she shot me.

A challenge. A victory.

It was as if she were saying: See? They will always choose me.

"Fine." I stood up, my voice so calm it surprised even me. "I'll do it."

They all stared at me in shock.

"Hazel?" Jaden was in disbelief. "Are you serious…?"

"I'll transfer all my pack duties to Meggie." I watched her surprised expression and continued, "Including all related authority and resources."

Lyra's eyes filled with tears. "Hazel, we know this is hard for you, but…"

"It's not hard," I cut her off. "Family harmony is what matters most, right?"

Jaden grabbed my hand, his voice thick with emotion. "Hazel, you've finally grown up! You have the heart of a true Luna!"

Grown up.

The heart of a Luna.

If they knew I was about to die, would they still say that?

"Since it's decided, we'll hold the transfer ceremony tomorrow." I stood to leave. "I'm going home now."

"Of course, of course!" Lyra beamed. "Go get some rest. What a wonderful day!"

I walked toward the door, pausing as I passed Meggie.

"Congratulations," I whispered.

She looked up at me, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.

But I was already gone.

The moon was high when I got back to the Alpha's House.

The lights were on, but no one was there to greet me.

I went upstairs, and as I passed my son Leo's room, I heard happy laughter from inside.

"Auntie Meggie, did you bring the storybook you promised me?"

"Of course I didn't forget! As soon as Auntie is feeling better, I'll take you to buy the best storybook in the whole world!" Meggie's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze.

I didn't open the door.

I kept walking and pushed open the door to the master bedroom.

Edwin was standing on the balcony, moonlight pooling on his broad shoulders.

On the table in front of him was a spread of herbs and shimmering crystals.

"What is all this?"

He turned, his body relaxing when he saw me. "Hazel, you're back. This is… for the purification ritual."

"Who is it for?" But I already knew the answer.

"For Meggie." Edwin walked toward me, reaching out to hold me, but I stepped back. "Hazel, I know today's decision was hard on you, but—"

"But she's more important than me."

"That's not what I mean." His brow furrowed. "You know I love you, but Meggie is really…"

"Dying," I finished for him. "And I'm just being selfish."

Edwin was silent for a few seconds.

Then he stepped in front of me and cupped my face in his hands.

"Hazel," his voice was pained but firm. "The elders... they said the only way to save her is for me to temporarily sever our mate bond and perform the ritual with her."