FAYE I raised my stick just in time to block Sage’s next swing. I laughed at the look of frustration on her face. “It’s not my fault you’re too slow, Sage. Stop dragging your feet,” I teased. She rolled her eyes, obviously annoyed. “No, but it is your fault for always getting the better deal and leaving me with the scraps. We’re twins, Delta Faye, learn to share.” “That’s not true,” I said, ducking under another swing. “We both have our strengths, Sage.” We were fraternal twins, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at us. Sage had blonde hair and green eyes; I had black hair and grey eyes. Despite our differences, we moved in sync. Years of training had turned us into a perfect balance of attack and defense. Sparring had always been calming to me, even if Sage’s words sometimes made me uncomfortable. “So, your mating ceremony is tonight,” Sage said, breathing heavily as she leaned on her stick. Even though her tone was casual, something in it made me pause and stare. “Our mating ceremony, Sage,” I corrected her. “You’re getting mated too, remember?” I caught a look pass through her eyes before she nodded. “Yeah. To a stranger that I only know by name. Lucky me. How about you, Faye? Are you nervous?” I shrugged, playing with my stick. “A little,” I admitted. “But it’s nothing compared to what we’ve been through as warriors, Sage. I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Sage nodded, but her laugh sounded empty. As she lowered her stick, my eyes drifted past her, down the path from the training grounds to the pack house. I noticed two men walking together. But it was the taller one who held my attention. It wasn’t just his height or his good looks. It was how confident he looked—like someone who was used to being obeyed. I didn’t recognize his face. It made me wonder who he was. “Faye? Are you even listening?” Sage’s voice snapped me back. I turned to her. “Sorry, what?” Sage shook her head. “You always zone out when something catches your attention.” I smiled. “I just thought I saw someone unfamiliar,” I murmured, then gestured with my head toward where I was looking. “Do you have any idea who that is? The tall one?” Her eyes followed my gaze, and she shook her head. “Doesn’t look familiar. They’re probably among the guests visiting for tonight’s ceremony.” “I see,” I said, and Sage sighed, looking slightly annoyed. “I can’t believe you were busy lusting after a man while I was here baring my heart to you about tonight.” I frowned at her words. “I wasn’t lusting after anyone, Sage. I was just curious. That’s all.” She nodded. “Of course. But you know, Faye… you’ve always been lucky. So it probably doesn’t even bother you much.” My brow knit in confusion. “What do you mean?” She shifted slightly. “I mean, we trained side by side, Faye, and I’m the older twin—even if it’s just by some minutes. But when they chose the new leader for the warriors, they picked you, and I had to settle for second place.” I tried to keep things light, smiling a little. “Sage, the elders had their reasons—” “Sure,” she cut me off. When she looked at me, there was something bitter in her eyes—something that had always been there, even when I tried to ignore it. “And now tonight,” she went on, “you’re about to be mated to the soon-to-be alpha. His father steps down tomorrow. Then you’ll be Luna. That’s quite a jump, Faye. Isn’t it? Delta to Luna.” Her words hurt me more than they should. I felt guilty, even though I hadn’t asked for any of it. “Sage…” “You’re lucky, Faye,” she cut me off. This time her bitterness was obvious. “At least you got to choose.” My heart sank. I dropped my stick and stepped closer to her. “I know it isn’t fair. You never got to pick. You were promised to someone you’ve never even met.” Sage had been promised to Alpha Alexander of Blood Crescent a couple of years ago. We’d only ever heard his name, but we’d never met him. Sage shrugged stiffly. “The pack needed it, or so they said. And Father agreed, as always. Always putting his job as beta before his own children.” Her voice cracked at the end. It made me feel worse. I placed a hand on her arm. “Maybe it won’t be that bad. You’re strong, Sage. Maybe he’ll turn out good.” She forced a small smile, but her eyes stayed distant. “Maybe,” she whispered. “Maybe I’ll learn to love him.” We stood in silence for a moment. I wanted to say more, but nothing came. Then I heard footsteps approaching. “Delta Faye,” a guard called, stopping near us. “Your father wants to see you in the alpha’s office.” I glanced at Sage. “Will you be okay?” “Of course,” she smiled. But her eyes kept drifting toward the woods. “Hey, Faye, have you seen Jason?” she asked. I shook my head. “No, not tonight. Why?” I asked, wondering why she was looking for him. Sage smiled and shook her head. “No reason. I was just wondering.” I frowned in confusion, then nodded. “Alright, then. See you later.” As I followed the guard, I noticed Sage walking toward the trees. For a moment, I thought of calling her back but stopped. Maybe she just needed space before tonight. We reached the alpha’s office, and I stepped inside. My father stood by the window, and Alpha Wells and a few elders were gathered around. “Faye,” my father said, turning to me with a small smile. “Come in.” I bowed slightly. “Alpha. Elders.” “Delta Faye,” they greeted. Alpha Wells’s expression softened. “How are you feeling, Faye?” “Very well, thank you,” I replied politely. My father studied me. “The ceremony is only hours away. Are you ready?” I nodded. “Yes, Father. I am.” I truly was. Jason and I had been together nearly two years. But Sage’s situation still bothered me. My father’s gaze softened. “Tonight is about more than just you and Jason. It’s about uniting families for the good of the pack.” “I know,” I nodded. He placed a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve made us proud as head warrior, Faye. I know you’ll do the same as Luna.” His words should have comforted me, but Sage’s hurt expression kept flashing in my mind. “Father,” I began, “about Sage—” Before I could finish, he shook his head. “That isn’t your concern, Faye. The council decided what’s best for the pack.” I lowered my gaze. “Yes, Father.” Alpha Wells turned from the window, picking up a dagger with ancient runes and a black stone in the center. “Take this to Jason,” he said, handing it to me. “Before the ceremony, you and Jason must each offer a drop of blood on this dagger. It seals your bond.” I nodded, then hesitated when I remembered something. “But… I haven’t seen Jason tonight.” Alpha Wells smiled. “He’s at the cabin in the woods. It’s tradition. That cabin has been used by my family for generations, and tonight it’s for you and Jason. He’s likely making sure everything is ready.” Elder John chuckled. “Or maybe he’s just eager for tonight,” he teased. Their laughter sounded far away, but I forced a smile. “When does the ritual begin?” “In a few minutes,” Alpha Wells replied. “Go now, Faye. We’ll join you shortly.”

FAYE I didn’t go straight to find Jason like I planned. I went to the training grounds to check if Sage was back. As I got closer, I noticed a man standing in the middle of the training grounds. The way he moved caught my attention immediately. He was practicing with a longsword. Each swing showed how good he was with it. For a second, I just stood there and watched. There was something in the way he moved. Like he didn’t just train for discipline. Like it was as natural as breathing to him. He looked dangerous and powerful. As if sensing my eyes on him, he stopped mid-swing and turned. Storm-gray eyes locked onto mine, and that was when I realized it was the same man from earlier, the same one I'd caught sight of from the training ground. Up close, he was even more imposing, tall, and broad-shouldered, with his hair still damp, as if he just stepped out of the shower. I stiffened, pulling my gaze back to his face. “Didn’t know anyone else trained this late,” I said, my voice coming out softer than I meant. He lowered the sword slightly, but didn’t look away. “And yet you still decided to watch,” he said in a deep and calm voice that sounded almost amused. Almost. “I wasn’t watching,” I shot back, folding my arms across my chest. “Just passing by.” One dark eyebrow lifted. “Is that so?” He took a slow step closer, still holding the sword loosely at his side. “You have a strange way of ‘passing by.’” My pulse kicked up, but I refused to step back. “It’s a free field,” I said, lifting my chin. “Or do you think it belongs to you?” His gaze flickered over me for a moment. “Do you always talk to strangers like this?” he asked in a low voice. “Only when they act like they own the ground they stand on,” I shot back. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “And what would you do if I did?” I raised my eyebrows. “Challenge you to prove it.” His smirk faded, replaced by something darker, interest, maybe, or surprise. For a moment we just stood there, facing each other. Then he moved closer, close enough that I caught his scent. “Tell me,” he murmured, his voice a much softer voice, “Do you always speak first, or do you fight first?” My heart beat faster, but I kept my voice steady. “Depends,” I said. “Are you worth the effort?” His eyes narrowed slightly, but the corner of his mouth curved again. “Bold,” he murmured. “Most people hesitate.” “I’m not most people,” I said, my words sharper than I intended. For a moment, neither of us spoke, just continue to stare at each other. Somewhere deep inside, Nova stirred, silently watching him too. “I’m not here to be good,” I said, without even knowing why. “I can see that,” he replied quietly. A beat of silence passed, then he turned the sword in his hand, letting the blade catch the moonlight. “Next time,” he said in a low voice. “if you want to watch, step closer. You’ll see better.” Heat rose to my face, from anger or something else, I couldn’t tell. “I wasn’t watching,” I snapped. He didn’t argue. He just dipped his head slightly, as if in mock respect. “Then maybe next time, you won’t stop at the edge of the field.” Before I could find a reply, he stepped back, turning away as smoothly as he’d first turned to me. He lifted the sword again, his focus already shifting away, like I was nothing more than a passing moment. I stood there for a few seconds longer, with my heart pounding, and breathe caught somewhere between anger and something I didn’t want to name. Then I forced myself to turn and walk away, back toward the path. I still had to find Jason. The last thing I needed tonight was any sort of distraction. What just happened? And what is wrong with me? Tonight of all nights.... I sighed, disappointed in myself. It almost felt like I’d cheated on Jason, just by having that conversation with him. I should tell Jason when I see him. I didn’t want any secrets between us before the mating ceremony. “Are you okay?” Nova asked as I turned to leave. “I’m nervous,” I admitted. “About Sage. About tonight.” “You’re strong, Faye. You’ll handle this too.” “I hope so,” I whispered back. As I neared the cabin, I frowned in confusion as laughter and soft moans reached my ears. My heart started beating faster as I heard Jason’s voice. “Did anyone see you?” “No, I was careful,” came the answer. My blood ran cold when I recognized Sage’s voice. “Good,” Jason murmured. “You know how crazy this is, right?” “Then stop,” Sage teased, giggling. “But you won’t, will you?” Jason chuckled. “No. Not when I finally have you like this.” My chest exploded in pain. Slowly, I stepped forward and pushed the door open and they were there on the bed, Sage and Jason, tangled together in the room prepared for my mating night. At the sound of the door, they both turned, eyes wide. I couldn’t move or breathe. Before anyone could speak, footsteps approached and Alpha Wells, the elders, my father, and a few others entered only to freeze at the sight. “What is this?” Alpha Wells thundered. “Jason!” My father’s face had gone pale. “Sage! Explain yourself!” Jason’s jaw tightened. “Father, it’s nothing—” “Nothing?” Alpha Wells snapped. “You brought Faye to us, you swore she was your choice, and now this?” Jason swallowed but didn’t look, sorry. “I did want her once. But my feelings changed. I kept pretending because I didn’t want to hurt her or disappoint you. But I can’t keep lying.” His words pierced me like a blade in the heart, but I forced myself to stay calm. Alpha Wells’s voice was hard as he spoke. “So instead you choose betrayal? You shame your mate and this entire pack?” My father turned to Sage. “Your own sister, Sage. Why?” Sage’s voice trembled with anger. “Why shouldn’t it be me for once, Father? All my life, Faye got everything. Even the title of commander, though I’m the older twin. She got to choose her mate. And me? I was promised away to a stranger. Why can’t I have what she has?” She turned to me. “You always got chosen, Faye! I was always left behind. I wanted the best for once. I deserve it.” Her words hurt, but deep down, I’d seen signs of her resentment before. This wasn't new. “You didn’t have to do it this way, Sage,” I said quietly, trying to keep the pain out of my voice. “You could have chosen openly. Instead, you chose betrayal.” Sage’s mouth twisted. “You wouldn’t understand. Everything always came easily to you. You don’t know what it feels like to be second best.” Jason turned to me. “I did try, Faye. Truly. But my feelings faded. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I couldn’t keep lying.” “You didn’t hurt me, Jason,” I said. “You broke my trust. You could have ended it before tonight, instead of humiliating me in front of everyone.” Jason’s jaw tightened. “You're forgetting something, Faye. I’m old enough to know what I want. I don’t owe anyone an apology for living my life. I chose Sage, and I won’t apologize for that.” “And yet you lied until the very last moment,” I said, keeping my voice calm. Jason opened his mouth, but no words came out. I turned to Sage. “Why?” It was a simple question, but I needed to hear it from her. Guilt flickered in her eyes, followed by stubborn pride. “I’m tired of being in your shadow, Faye,” she said. “I’m tired of being second best. I won’t say sorry for wanting more.” “And you thought the way to get it,” I said softly, “was to steal it from me, in secret?” She didn’t answer. Instead, she turned away. I drew in a slow breath and nodded. “Fine. If this is really what you both want… then live with it. I won’t stop you.”

FAYE Elder Bennett finally cleared his throat. “Alpha… there’s still the matter of Sage’s promised mate. What do we do about him?” Alpha Wells rubbed his face, letting out a weary sigh. “Alpha Alexander,” he muttered. “This is bad.” My stomach dropped, I’d almost forgotten about that. Elder John frowned. “We can’t give him Sage anymore. She gave herself to another man right before the mating, and everyone saw it. There’s no covering this up.” Elder Marcus nodded. “Alpha Alexander was promised a pure mate. Breaking that promise could dishonor us, and worse, anger his pack.” “We need this alliance,” Elder Bennett added quietly. “Without it, everything we’ve worked for could fall apart.” Alpha Wells turned to Sage with a glare. “Have you seen what you've brought upon us?! This is a disaster!" Sage lifted her chin stubbornly. “It doesn’t have to be. Jason wants me, not Faye. And I want him too. Let me stay with him. Faye can take my place with Alpha Alexander.” I froze. “What?” Elder John looked at me, almost like he felt sorry. “Faye… if we can’t give Sage to Alpha Alexander, then it has to be you.” My heart pounded. “No,” I said, shaking my head. “You can’t do that.” Sage stepped closer, her eyes flashing angrily. “Why not, Faye? You always act so noble, but when it’s your turn to sacrifice for the pack, you say no?” My fists clenched. “This isn’t about being noble, Sage, and you know that. You and Jason made this mess, and now you want me to fix it by marrying a stranger?” Sage let out a bitter laugh. “Oh so now, that's a bad thing? You didn’t care that I was promised off to someone I’d never met, as long as you got Jason, Faye. No it's your turn to know what that feels like.” “Enough,” Alpha Wells cut in, turning to me. “Faye, I know this isn't easy for you, but the alliance matters. If Alpha Alexander is refused a mate, it could start a war.” “So you’re just selling me instead?” I shot back. His gaze softened slightly. “It’s duty, Faye. You’ve always protected this pack as Delta. Now you must do it again.” “No,” I whispered. “If Sage can’t do it anymore, then send a message and call it off.” My father shook his head. “It’s too late. He’s already here.” My breath caught. “What? When?” “He arrived this afternoon,” my father said. “I didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t want Sage to panic or run. I thought I’d wait until tonight. I’m sorry.” My mouth went dry. He was already here? Alpha Wells turned back to Sage. “And you agree to let your sister take your place?” Sage nodded quickly. “Yes, Alpha. Jason and I love each other. This way, everyone wins. The pack keeps the alliance, and I don’t have to marry a stranger.” Her words cut deeper than any blade. Like it didn’t even matter what happened to me. Turning to Jason, Alpha Wells spoke. "And you, Jason? What do you have to say about this?" Jason's voice was cold and emotionless as he answered. "I really don't care who mates who, father. The main thing here is that I'm no longer interested in mating Faye. She no longer what I want." My fists tightened at my sides but I remained quite. Alpha Wells faced me again. “Faye, this is the only way to save the pack.” I opened my mouth, but the words stuck in my throat. Finally, I shook my head. “No. I won’t do it.” "Yes, you will!" Jason snapped, surprising me. I turned to him. "Excuse me?" "You will mate him, Faye," he gritted out through his teeth. "Refusing this won't make me come back to you. I told you, I'm done. So stop thinking about yourself for once and do what's needed of you." I nodded, taking a step back. "I think we're done here. If you all will excuse me " Before anyone could speak, I turned and headed for the door, my heart pounding so loud I could barely hear them. At the doorway, I threw the ceremonial dagger to the ground. It clattered across the floor. “Faye! Come back here!” Alpha Wells thundered behind me. But I didn’t stop. I pushed past everyone, stepping into the cool night air. My chest burned with anger and betrayal. Nova’s voice echoed softly in my mind. “Faye—” “Don’t,” I snapped. “Not now.” I walked past the empty training grounds, my thoughts swirling. I wasn’t watching where I was going—and I crashed into someone. My shoulder slammed into a hard chest. “I’m so—” I started. “Watch where you’re going,” a deep voice snapped. I looked up and my breath caught. It was the same man from the training ground. I frowned. “What’s your problem? I said sorry.” “And sorry won’t always fix things, would they,” he shot back, glaring at me like I’d insulted him. He wasn't as calm as I remembered from minutes ago. H seemed angry at something, but so was I. My temper flared and I glared at him. “You weren’t looking either.” His eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer. “Watch your tongue,” he warned. “You don’t speak like that to people you don’t know.” “And you should learn some manners, Mr,” I shot back, stepping closer too. “You act like everyone should bow to you. Who do you think you are?” Something flickered in his stormy eyes, surprise, then anger, then something darker. Suddenly, he moved. He grabbed my wrist and pushed me back until my spine hit a tree. His body blocked out the moonlight, and I could feel the heat rolling off him. “You’ve got quite a mouth,” he murmured in a low voice. “Someone should teach you when to use it, before it gets you in trouble.” My heart raced, anger and something else twisting in my chest. His scent—dark, rich, unfamiliar—wrapped around me. “And you’ve got quite an ego,” I shot back, breathlessly. “Someone should knock it down before it gets you killed.” We stood there, breathing hard, glaring at each other for a moment, then I shoved at his chest. “Get off me.” Surprisingly, he let go immediately. I turned and walked quickly into the woods, my hands still shaking. I didn’t stop until I reached the field under the moonlight. I stood there for a couple of minutes, with my chest heaving, fighting the mix of shame, anger, and confusion. “You have to go back,” Nova urged softly. “I know,” I whispered. Slowly, I turned and walked back toward the pack house. Before I got far, my mother rushed up to me. “Faye! Where have you been?” she scolded. “I’ve been looking everywhere.” “I just needed air,” I muttered. “There’s no time,” she said, grabbing my arm. “Alpha Wells is asking for you in his office. Alpha Alexander is waiting.” My stomach twisted. “Now? Looking like this?” I glanced down at my dusty clothes and messy hair. “I know,” she fussed, pulling a leaf from my hair. “But we can’t keep him waiting.” With every step, my chest felt heavier. My own mate had just betrayed me with my sister, and now I was about to meet the man my sister was promised to. My mother opened the office door. “Alpha Wells, she’s here.” Alpha Wells stood stiffly behind his desk, and my father also looked worried. Then my eyes landed on the man standing beside them, and my heart stopped. It was him. The same man from the training ground. The one who’d just pushed me against a tree. Shock slammed into me so hard I almost forgot to breathe. Alpha Wells spoke. “Faye… meet Alpha Alexander of Blood Crescent. Your father and I spoke with him. We offered for you to take your sister’s place.” He hesitated. “But… there may be no need for that.” he said at last. I stared, confused. “What do you mean?” Alpha Wells let out a shaky breath. “Alpha Alexander refused the change in the arrangement—” Before he could finish, the man I now knew as Alpha Alexander lifted his hand, cutting him off. The room went silent. He stepped closer, his storm-gray eyes locked on mine. My pulse raced as memories of the tree flashed through my mind. He stopped only a few steps away, and then, in a calm, cold voice, he spoke. “I’ll take her.” The words slammed into me, and my chest tightened so painfully I could hardly breathe. I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t move. All I could do was stare into those eyes, trying to understand what had just happened, and what it meant for me. There goes my only hope.

FAYE Just like that, it was decided. My fate was sealed. Images kept flashing in my head of Jason and Sage, tangled together in the bed meant for me. My mate. My sister. And now, here I was, about to be handed over to a man I barely knew, just to keep peace between the packs. Alpha Wells’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Very well then. We should begin. The guests are waiting.” My chest tightened, but I forced myself to nod. “Of course,” I whispered, but my voice sounded dull, like it belonged to someone else. Alexander didn’t say a word. He just watched me with those cold gray eyes. I didn’t want to look at him, but my gaze kept drifting back, searching for something — anything — behind that stone expression. But there was nothing. They led us outside to the sacred grounds behind the pack house. It was obvious this was rushed, nothing like the ceremony I’d once dreamed of. Guests stood in a wide circle, whispering. Some looked at me with pity; most just watched with curiosity. The elders stood by the altar, a low stone table covered in white cloth. The ceremonial dagger lay on top, and just the sight of it twisted my stomach. Alexander stepped closer. His face stayed hard, colder than before, and again I wondered why. “Are you ready?” he asked coldly. “No,” I wanted to say. But all that came out was, “Let’s get it over with.” He nodded. Elder John raised his hands, quieting the crowd. “Tonight, under the eyes of the moon and our ancestors, we bind Alpha Alexander of Blood Crescent and Delta Faye of Silver Hollow. This bond keeps peace and strengthens the ties between our packs.” His words sounded distant, like they weren’t meant for me. All I could hear was Sage’s voice in my head, “Why shouldn’t it be me for once?” And Jason’s empty stare when he looked at me. My chest felt so heavy I could barely breathe. “Faye,” Elder John called. “Step forward.” I forced myself to step up, keeping my shoulders straight, even though every part of me wanted to run. Alexander took the dagger first. Without hesitation, he drew it across his palm, drawing blood, then he handed it to me. My hand trembled, but I tightened my grip. The cut stung, but compared to the betrayal I’d felt tonight, it was nothing. We pressed our palms together and our blood mixed and dripped onto the dagger. “From this night, you are bound,” Elder John declared. “In strength, in duty, and under the moon.” Polite applause rose around us, but I barely heard it. My heart felt like it was locked behind a wall I didn’t even know I’d built, one Jason and Sage had helped me build tonight. I’d loved Jason once, trusted him completely, and he’d crushed that trust like it was nothing. I’d never let anyone have that power again. Not Alexander. Not anyone. Alexander leaned closer, his breath brushing my cheek. “Now say the vow,” he murmured. I swallowed hard. “I, Delta Faye of Silver Hollow, bind myself to you in duty and alliance.” His eyes stayed cold as he spoke. “I, Alpha Alexander of Blood Crescent, bind myself to you as mate and Luna of my pack.” His words were flat, like he was reciting them for duty, not choice. Elder John stepped forward with a silver goblet. “Drink, and seal the bond.” We each took a sip. It tasted bitter and metallic, but I forced it down. The elder lifted his staff. “By moon and blood, it is done.” A soft cheer sounded through the guests. My mother wiped tears from her eyes, trying to smile. My father’s face was carved with guilt and worry. Behind them, I caught sight of Sage beside Jason, and I turned away before the anger bubbling in my chest could spill out in front of everyone. Alexander stepped back to speak quietly with Alpha Wells and my father. The guests began drifting away, stealing glances at me as they left. I stood there, feeling nothing but cold inside. Everything hurt so much that it felt easier not to feel at all. I didn't hear Sage approach until she was standing beside me. “Faye,” she started softly. I turned to face her. Her eyes were wet, but her chin stayed lifted, like always. “I wanted to say… I’m sorry you found out that way,” she whispered. “Jason and I didn’t plan it like that.” Her words sounded empty. “So you’re sorry I caught you,” I said quietly. “Not sorry you did it.” “That’s not fair,” Sage snapped, her voice rising a little. “You don’t understand—” “I do,” I cut her off. “You wanted him, so you took him. And you didn’t care what it did to me.” She looked away, then back. “You always had everything, Faye. You got to choose Jason. I was promised to a man I’d never met. Do you know what that felt like?” “And do you know what this feels like?” My voice shook despite how hard I tried to hold it steady. “To see my own sister with my mate? On the night meant for us?” She flinched but didn’t step back. “You’ll survive, Faye. You’re always the strong one. Aren’t you?” She paused, sighing. “I didn’t come to fight. I don’t want us to hate each other. We’re still sisters.” I stared at her, anger mixing with the hurt inside of me. “You chose him over me, Sage. Don’t act like nothing’s changed. You made your choice. Now let me make mine.” Her eyes narrowed. “So you’ll hate me forever? Just because this time I refused to stand behind you?” “I’m tired, Sage,” I said truthfully. “I can’t do this right now.” Something hardened in her gaze. “Fine,” she said. “But don’t act innocent, Faye. You were willing to let me marry a stranger so you could keep Jason. At least I fought for what I wanted.” My jaw clenched. “You didn’t fight, Sage. You lied. You betrayed.” She scoffed. “You still get to be Luna! You’re still getting what you want!” I took a slow breath. “I hope you’re happy,” I said softly. “You got what you wanted. I hope it’s worth it.” Bitterness flickered over her face. “Maybe now you’ll see you can’t always have everything, Faye. I deserve good things too.” I shook my head. “We’re done here, Sage.” Without waiting for her answer, I turned and walked away. My chest burned, but I kept moving. I didn’t look back. Not this time. I couldn’t change the past. But I could decide what parts of me I’d never give away again. Jason and Sage had taught me that love could be broken in a moment. Now, I’d build a wall around my heart so no one could hurt me again. Not even Alexander.

FAYE The pounding in my head greeted me the moment I opened my eyes. I g*****d, pressing my palms against my temples. Maybe a shower would help. Maybe it would wash away more than just sweat...the ache, the memories, the nightmare that wasn’t a nightmare at all. Because everything that happened last night had been real. I stood under the steaming water longer than I needed to, letting it scald my skin just enough to keep me grounded. No amount of heat could burn away the betrayal, but I needed to be composed. Today, I was leaving Silver Hollow. Today, I would go with Alexander, my mate by duty... to the Blood Crescent Pack. When I stepped back into my room, a fresh towel wrapped around me, I paused in surprise. "Mom?" My mother sat on the edge of the bed, eyes fixed on the mess that had become my room. Clothes, books, pieces of my old life scattered across the floor like broken memories. She didn't look at me right away. “Have you forgotten you need to pack?” Her tone was sharp, but her eyes told a different story... red-rimmed and glassy, trying too hard to look stern. I sighed. “I’ll do it… once I’m dressed.” She said nothing, but her gaze lingered. I could tell she saw through me...past the calm face I’d forced on, into the quiet storm inside. She knew I wasn’t meant to be the one packing up. That this wasn’t the path anyone had prepared me for. And that maybe, that’s why I hadn’t touched a single bag. "How are you feeling, by the way? Did you get any sleep?" she asked me genuinely. I wanted to say so many things... to scream, to cry, to ask why, but I’d already made a decision. No more whining, no more asking questions that wouldn’t change anything. I would face whatever was coming with my head high. "Yes Mom, I slept well." I slipped into a simple dress, nothing too soft, nothing too delicate. Just something that wouldn’t wrinkle easily under pressure... like me, I hoped. As I reached for the nearest bag to start packing, my mother stood. “Let me help,” she offered gently. “You look… tired.” I paused, meeting her eyes. There it was... the barely hidden tremble in her l**s, the forced calm, the brave mother routine. She was trying not to cry in front of me. She always did that...pretended everything was fine until the cracks were too wide to ignore. I must have inherited that trait. “Thank you, mom,” I said softly. “But I can do it.” She sighed and sat back down. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. That’s why I came.” For a moment, the silence between us said more than words ever could. And then, without saying anything more, I turned back to my bags and began to pack. --- After a moment, the room became quiet...too quiet. My mother was gone. I hadn’t heard her leave. Guilt pricked at me, maybe I’d been too hа'rd-on her. "Of course you were," I could hear my wolf, Nova judging. But softening now? That would crack everything open. If I let myself be gentle, I might collapse in her arms and cry like I used to when I was little. I didn’t need babying, not today. I needed to be strong. A few minutes later, my mom returned, this time tapping lightly on the door before easing it open. “Breakfast is ready,” she said softly. I didn’t turn around. “I’m not hungry, mom. Seriously, I don't think I can swallow anything right now.” She stood still for a moment, then sighed. “Faye, how can you say that? You barely ate anything yesterday. The ceremony kept you so busy...” The word ceremony sliced through me like ice. My hand froze for a moment. Ceremony, Mating, Jason. I had imagined waking up this morning in his arms...warm, safe, loved. Instead, Sage had been the one in his arms. And I was here, folding clothes and packing for a future I never saw coming, bound to a stranger with eyes like frost. “I said I’m not hungry,” I replied, my voice tighter now. Mom stepped closer. “You need to eat something, please. You can't go anywhere on empty stomach.” This time, I didn’t hold back. “I’m not sitting at that table, Mom. Not with her, and definitely not with him if he’s there. I don’t trust myself not to… not to lose it," I said, and I meant every word. She didn’t say anything. I wondered if she could finally see the emotions I’d kept buried all morning. The ones I tried to hide under flat expressions and cold tones. Then, gently, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me. I didn’t cry. But something in that hug steadied me. Not because it made the pain go away, but because it reminded me that someone still saw me in all this mess. “She’s not coming,” my mother whispered. “Sage. She won’t be at the table.” Of course. She’d probably be having a private breakfast with Jason. Like lovers do after a long night together. Naturally. I nodded stiffly and followed my mother to the door, my steps heavy., but at least I was moving. Halfway there, she turned slightly, trying... always trying...to make things better. “Faye… she’s still your sister...your twin sister. No matter what’s happened, she’s—” I stopped. “Mom,” I said sharply, cutting her off. “Do you want me to come to breakfast or not?” Her mouth closed, the rest of her sentence dying on her l**s. I didn’t want a sermon, not this morning, and certainly not from the one person I needed to just let me be angry, hurt, and betrayed without being told to forgive too soon. She nodded silently, and together, we walked down the hall.