Chapter 1

At the engagement party, I stood my ground, refusing to let Veronica Matthews, Beta Eliel Tran’s foster sister, wear my Luna gown. In retaliation, Beta Eliel attacked me, his alpha aura pressing down on me until I passed out.

"You knew Veronica has a weak constitution and deliberately provoked her! How could you be so heartless?" he accused. While I lay in the pack infirmary fighting for my life, the two of them took a carefree trip to the neighboring pack. Later, Beta Eliel made me an offer: "Lilia, if you apologize to Veronica at the pack gathering today, I’ll forgive you, and we can proceed with the marking ceremony next week."

Instead of responding, I packed my things and left the infirmary. Beta Eliel assumed I was throwing a tantrum and immediately turned our future Alpha den into Veronica’s room. Only a week later, when he found out I had joined the warrior unit and wouldn’t be coming back, did he finally lose his mind.

The day I signed the enlistment papers was the eve of the Moon Festival. Delta Sam Greene personally escorted me out, saying, "Lilia, the mission’s return date is uncertain. Take the next ten days to spend with your family before you leave." Snowflakes drifted from the sky, and households everywhere were full of festive cheer. Alone, I stood at the pack border for a long time before flagging down a cab and giving the driver a familiar address.

After so many years together, I thought at the very least I should say goodbye properly. Just as I was about to knock, the door swung open. Beta Eliel’s face was unreadable, and his words cut like the frigid north wind. "Lilia, how could you be so vile? Veronica had another episode because of you, and now you dare show up to cause more distress?"

With my nails digging into my palm, I forced a smile. "Spend the Moon Festival with me, just this once, Beta Eliel."

I had never begged anyone before. In the twenty years with Beta Eliel, I had been his cherished mate-to-be. Even after Veronica appeared and we quarreled fiercely, he always made the first move to reconcile. But now, not knowing when we might see each other again, I didn’t want to leave with regrets.

Beta Eliel saw my humble demeanor, softening slightly, but then his expression hardened as if recalling something unpleasant. "Are you here to stir up more trouble? Lilia, I’ve never met anyone more repulsive than you."

I bit my lip, speechless. Last year, when I injured my leg during a pack exercise, Beta Eliel came to rescue me. Unfortunately, Veronica had an episode at the same time and nearly died. Yet afterward, he blamed me for it.

"Is that Lilia? Come on in and eat," came the voices of Alpha Charlotte Tran and Veronica, breaking the tension. Beta Eliel leaned closer, warning me in a low voice, "Don’t cause a scene, okay?"

Inside, the living room was warm and inviting. Veronica sat close to Alpha Charlotte, showering her with affection, while Beta Eliel took his place comfortably. Once, I used to sit there. I averted my gaze, a bittersweet smile on my face despite the pain in my heart. "Happy Moon Festival, Alpha Charlotte."

Alpha Charlotte hurried to her feet, taking my hands and looking me over before pulling me into a hug. "Lilia, I’m so relieved you’re alright. I just heard you were in the infirmary; it scared me to death." It seemed Beta Eliel hadn’t told her the truth about our fight. Orphaned young, I had been raised by the Tran Pack like their own pup. Alpha Charlotte, with her frail health, rarely left the den and relied on the pack healer.

Beta Eliel and I had decided to keep the engagement small, inviting only close pack members. I was lost in memory when I met Beta Eliel’s cold, warning eyes. He knew I regarded his mother as my own. My heart ached with an intensity I could hardly bear.

"Happy Moon Festival, Alpha Charlotte! I brought you a gift!" Veronica exclaimed, pulling out a vibrant red package and revealing a luxurious fur cloak. Alpha Charlotte loved it and immediately tried it on, admiring herself in the mirror.

"Lilia, where’s your gift?" Veronica asked innocently, though her expression held a note of triumph. "Did you forget?"

Embarrassment washed over me. I had been so consumed with preparations for the warrior unit since leaving the infirmary that I forgot a Moon Festival gift. Just as I was about to apologize under Alpha Charlotte’s hopeful gaze, a deep voice behind me spoke up.

"I have it right here." Beta Eliel opened an ornate box, revealing a necklace of polished moonstones. Grateful, I glanced at him, though he looked away, his fingers briefly brushing against mine as a gesture of peace. Warmth spread through my heart, leaving me questioning whether joining the warrior unit was the right choice.

I wanted to go to my room, but Veronica quickly occupied my bed. "Sis, I’ve been sleeping here with Beta Eliel. You don’t mind, do you?"

Beta Eliel couldn’t meet my gaze, his voice faltering. "Veronica needs my care because of her health. Don’t overthink it." The rekindling warmth in my heart was swiftly extinguished. Lilia, don’t be a fool. I cautioned myself.

"It’s fine, I’ll move my things now." Surprised by my response, Beta Eliel stopped mid-explanation, disbelief etched on his face. "Say that again?" he demanded. I didn’t answer, simply moved into the guest room.

In the middle of the night, a knock woke me. Beta Eliel stood with a dark expression, grabbing my hand. He smelled of alcohol, and though I didn’t want to engage, he wouldn’t relent. "It’s just a room, Lilia. Who are you trying to threaten with this nonsense?"

"It’s just a gown! Do you have to treat it like a priceless treasure?" His provoking words unleashed all the pent-up resentment inside me. My eyes filled with tears, my voice quivering with anger. "Just a gown? That was my mother’s Luna gown, Beta Eliel! Do you have any decency?"

He sneered. "So what? She’s gone. Aren’t old things supposed to be used? Veronica just wants to wear it; you’re nothing but selfish, Lilia!"

"You bastard!" The sting in my hand testified to the force of my slap. Beta Eliel hadn’t expected me to hit him, fury blazing in his eyes. "Beta Eliel!" Veronica’s frantic voice cut through the tension. She rushed over, concern written all over her face.

"Lilia, I know you hate me. I can leave!" Veronica pleaded desperately. "Just don’t treat Beta Eliel like this! He made me feel loved by family again!" Tears streamed down her face as she reached for my hand. "Lilia, apologize to Beta Eliel, and he’ll forgive you!"

Concern clouded her features, yet triumph danced in her eyes. "Don’t touch me with your filthy hands!" Disgusted, I shoved Veronica away.

A blood-curdling scream pierced the night as Veronica tumbled down the stairs, her lips turning blue and eyes closed. Beta Eliel scrambled to her side, calling her name over and over. In my panic, I barely noticed him kick me in the stomach. "Lilia, if anything happens to Veronica, I’ll make you pay!" He gathered her up and rushed to the infirmary, too frantic to notice the pool of red growing beneath me.