Chapter 2

"Nyra, you still love Mommy, don't you? You've been waiting to come home all these years. Why else would you grow Mommy's favorite berries?"

I almost laughed.

Ember was unhinged.

After she dumped me, it was a kind old she-wolf who kept me alive. If not for her, I'd have starved out here.

She passed last moon. I only came back to care for her orchard—not for some twisted reunion.

But of course, Ember made it about herself.

The guards unloaded box after box from the car.

I didn't move.

Derek clocked my silence and smirked.

"Just wear these. Judging by that blank stare, you've probably never owned anything this nice. Clean up. You look like a beggar."

Yeah, I was in work clothes. Comfortable. Strong. Apparently, that screamed 'beggar' to them.

As soon as their flashy car peeled off, I donated every single gift to the local pup shelter.

Then I remembered—the custom necklace I'd ordered for my real mom was finally ready.

***

One of the only jewelry dens in Noctemspire.

Of course Ember was there.

She was at the counter, dripping in jewels. And the second she saw me?

Lit up like this was some fairytale reunion.

"Nyra! What a surprise. Couldn't even wait for me to come get you, huh? Don't worry—right after Danae's birthday next week, I'll swing by. You're just too eager."

Oh Moon Goddess, she was exhausting. When did delusion become her rank?

I ignored her and headed for the counter.

She stepped in front of me. "Why are you still wearing those raggedy clothes? Take them off. Now. Why aren't you in what I gave you? You're embarrassing me—this look is so unrefined."

That hit a nerve.

My real mom—the one who raised me—taught me to walk with my spine straight and my teeth ready. Ember trashing my clothes? That was a swipe at her.

My face went cold.

"What I wear isn't your business. And you? You're no one to me. Move."

Ember didn't like that one bit.

"Nyra Northcrest, you're an Alpha's daughter. Why are you still so petty? Still bitter about the borderlands? I already explained. You don't act like my daughter at all."

Then a hand slid around her arm.

"Mommy."

That syrupy voice slithered in.

Danae stepped into view, glowing fake-sweet. "So this is my sis, Nyra? Can't believe a wolf like you shops somewhere like this.

"Mommy brought me here to pick out my birthday gift. What do you even get for yours? Oh—right. You grew up in the borderlands. Probably never even had a cake."

Every word dripped with smug, backhanded poison.