CHAPTER 2: Torn Allegiances

"Father will definitely summon you later," Freya said.

She is two years younger than Keira. Her death felt like a scene from a tragic movie replaying in my mind. Four years from now, Ronan allowed this sister to marry into another pack, which ultimately led to her death.

I must have looked pale, for Freya's brow furrowed with worry. "Are you alright?"

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a sleek, square device. Freya tapped the glass screen, lighting it up, and spoke into it, "Vivian, bring some medicine for Keira. She's looking unwell."

"Right away, Freya!" The device responded, causing me to jump back in shock.

"It—it talks!" I exclaimed in horror. "What kind of sorcery is this?!"

Freya's frown deepened. "It's not the device talking, Keira. It's Vivian, our pack healer. She's speaking through the phone. Stop messing around!"

For shifters, experiencing headaches during form changes is a common occurrence, and healers are well-versed in the remedies for such ailments. Shifters frequently utilize psychic abilities and telepathy, which can occasionally lead to distress for some individuals.

Soon, a knock on the door interrupted us, and a woman handed Freya a tray. My mind was racing, and I could not focus.

"Eat first, then take this medicine," Freya said, uncovering the tray. The food beneath was beautifully arranged, and the aroma was enticing.

After an hour of piecing together fragments of my past and glimpses of the future, I finally understand what's wrong with me! It wasn't difficult to grasp—after all, I am Queen Nameria!

But no, right now, I'm Keira—the last remaining descendant who will only exist nine years from now!

That's right! How is this even possible?

I, Queen Nameria, trapped in Keira's twenty-one-year-old body, can see the future—but not everything! What I do know is that because of this she-wolf's idiocy—my descendant—she will destroy my legacy nine years from now!

But my vision of the future is fragmented, like shards of a broken mirror. I can see glimpses of upcoming events, but not everything is clear. Most disturbingly, I cannot sense Lucy, my wolf—my other half, my source of power and wisdom.

Perhaps the Moon Goddess brought me back to this world because even she wants me to stop my descendant's mistake.

The Darkwood Pack now runs a sprawling hotel and resort in a territory known as North Dakota. Shifters like me walk among humans, hiding their true nature behind a veneer of modernity. Smartphones, computers, and other technological marvels that would have seemed like magic in my time are now commonplace. Keira will be born more than three centuries after I ruled the world.

As Freya had forewarned, my father, Alpha Heron of the Darkwood pack, summoned me to his office. Despite the memories of my past life as Queen Nameria coursing through my mind, I knew I must obey. Before being a queen, I'm a lowly daughter, a she-wolf who knows her place.

When I entered his office, Alpha Heron was not alone; several others were present. I composed myself, careful not to show any emotion to those inside.

"Father?" I met Alpha Heron's gaze, looking directly into his deep brown eyes.

"Keira, happy birthday!" he greeted me. The others present nodded in acknowledgment, a chorus of murmured birthday wishes following.

How would Keira respond? I replied with all the politeness I could muster, "My deepest thanks, Father, and to all present. Your kind wishes honor me."

A proud smile spread across Alpha Heron's face.

"I've called you here because it's time to finalize the truce with the Nightclaw pack," he began, shifting to one of authority. "As agreed, if you hadn't found your fated mate by your twenty-first birthday, the union between you and Ronan would proceed."

As realization struck, my eyes darkened. This day marked the beginning of Keira's downfall and the destruction of everything I had built.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for what I knew I must do. "I'm sorry, Father. I must also apologize to the Nightclaw pack, but... I found my fated mate last night," I said calmly, though each word weighed heavily.

The room erupted into shocked whispers, but a furious outburst from Ronan quickly silenced them.

"Lies!" he snarled, clearly unsettled by my revelation. "Keira must have seen me with another she-wolf last night. That's what this is about, isn't it? Stop causing trouble, Keira! We need to move forward with this union. It's for the good of both packs!"

Ronan's words triggered a flood of memories—Keira's memories—of what had transpired the previous night—the sight of Ronan in the arms of another she-wolf. Of course! This naïve was hopelessly in love with Ronan, so much so that she allowed herself to be treated like a doormat, accepting anything.

I forced myself to remain steady, pushing down the anger that threatened to overwhelm me.

I never imagined that my descendant would inherit my greatest weakness—my foolishness regarding matters of the heart.

Alpha Heron's gaze darkened. "Are you accusing my daughter of lying?" he growled. "Beta, it seems you haven't taught your son the meaning of respect or honor."

Ronan's father, the beta, stepped forward and apologized. "Alpha Heron, I am the one who should apologize for my son's misconduct," he said. I could see his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists, his claws digging into his palms.

The Nightclaw pack had to bow to the Darkwood pack to get a share of its future power and prosperity. I could already smell their intentions, future fragments flashing before my eyes.

"Alpha Heron, if I may speak," Ronan said.

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the beta's son. Alpha Heron's gaze flickered to Ronan. After a moment of tense silence, he gave a curt nod, granting permission.

Ronan took a deep breath as he began. "I know I was wrong. Three years ago, we agreed that Keira and I would each try to find our fated mates, and that's precisely what I've done.  Everyone here knows Keira has harbored strong feelings for me since I saved her from those rogues when she was ten."

I sensed a flash of Keira's memories—her fear, relief, and growing admiration for her young savior. Ronan continued, "I've ignored her feelings this past year, thinking I was only doing what we agreed. It was mating season, and I... I lost sight of my duty, my honor."

I wanted to sneer. Males, whether wolves, humans, or even just dogs, mortal or immortal, often follow the same patterns. This lowly dog was no different. Despite my inner turmoil, I kept my thoughts to myself.

Ronan went on, "Keira, let's end this nonsense. I know I've hurt and angered you. From now on, you are the only she-wolf I will dedicate myself to. I swear it on my honor as a wolf and as the future Alpha of the Nightclaw pack."

His pack members nodded in agreement, believing I was just being stubborn, a spoiled daughter throwing a tantrum because Alpha Heron favored me. They think I'm lying, and while I am indeed fabricating stories, there's no way I'm agreeing to marry this dog!

"Keira?" my father asked. His eyes bored into mine, searching for the truth.

I met Ronan's gaze, unflinching. "I'm afraid I cannot proceed with this union. As I said earlier, I found my mate last night, as decreed by the Moon Goddess herself."

Ronan's face hardened, his jaw clenching. "Then who is it?" he demanded, "Who is this mysterious mate you claim to have found?"

‘This is annoying!’

As I prepared to answer, thoughts of Valen—my love… my enemy… the source of my greatest victories and deepest sorrows—flooded my mind.

My heart clenched with a crushing sadness. I've faced this moment countless times as a queen, but I can't afford to crumble under this emotional pain now.

Standing tall, I looked directly at Ronan and said firmly, "He is the Lycan King."

The room erupted into chaos, with gasps, murmurs, and a few growls of shock. The air thickened with the scent of confusion and fear, intensifying the already tense atmosphere.