Chapter 1

One stupid ring ruined everything. It forced me into mating the Alpha of Silvermoon Pack—a monster who tortured me until I died. But not this time. I'm done chasing the past.

***

The second Irene's fingers brushed the Moonlight Ring hidden in those weeds, Leon showed up out of nowhere and yanked her into his arms.

Gasps echoed around us. Wolves backed off fast.

I froze.

Irene? Touching the ring? No way. She's the kind of girl who wipes down a park bench before sitting. Last time, I picked it up—she wouldn't go near it.

So why now?

"I-I didn't mean to touch it," she stammered, stumbling back. "Who even are you?"

Leon's eyes lit up. "Irene, I've waited so long. You touched the ring—that means you're my mate now. Forever."

A Silvermoon guard blurted, "Wait, that's not right! The witch said your fated mate was her sister—Sophia!"

Leon spun and kicked him down like trash. "Shut up."

"But I'm just an Omega," Irene whispered. "How could I ever be worthy of an Alpha?"

Leon brushed her cheek like she was some fragile dream. "The second that silver mark showed up on your forehead at birth, I knew. You were always meant to be mine."

Silver mark?

I'd never seen anything on her forehead. Not once.

But if Leon said it... could the Moon Goddess really have picked her for him?

Didn't matter now. The mate contract was triggered. No way out. Irene touched the ring—that sealed it.

She's his Luna. Not me.

And me? I was finally free.

No more skin peeling off just to grow back. No more shattered bones snapping into place. No more torture.

My vision blurred. Leon's face twisted into the monster I remembered.

"Irene," he said, voice all sugar and control, "come back with me to Silvermoon Pack. I'll give you a grand ceremony. The whole pack will see our bond."

He shot me a look—cold at first. Then his brows twitched when he noticed the tears.

He didn't say a word. Just wrapped Irene in his arms and disappeared into the moonlight.

He probably thought I was crying for him.

But no—I was just relieved.

Thank the Moon Goddess I wasn't his mate this time.

***

My parents showed up not long after.

When they saw Irene was gone, my mom kicked me so hard I folded. Pain tore through my side.

"I should've strangled you at birth," she spat. "Irene's gone because of you. You let an enemy Alpha take her!

"You're not my daughter. Get out. As far as I'm concerned, I never gave birth to you."

My cheek stung from her slap, ears ringing—but the real pain hit colder. Deep in my chest.

"You really don't feel anything for me?" I asked. "Not even a little?"

Her eyes flared red. She raised her hand again, but my dad caught her wrist.

"We'll handle Irene first," he muttered. "You're not coming back. Your mother doesn't want to see you."

He didn't even glance at me as he walked her off.

Should've known. Irene was always the favorite. I was just the extra.

That day, I was reborn—and thrown out like garbage.

Bruised, broke, and completely alone, I stood there, hollow.

Then I saw it. A notice pinned to the wall.

[Live-in assistant wanted. Ravenshade Pack Alpha. Food and housing included.]

Guess the Moon Goddess hadn't ditched me after all.