CHAPTER 4: IN A NEW BODY

HERA’S POV

“Mom, what do you think?” The words felt foreign like swallowing broken glass—wrong and jagged, yet somehow necessary to keep up this charade,

“Oh, my darling, you look beautiful tonight! I’m sure you’ll catch the eye of one of those Alphas. It’s high time you settled down,” she gestured with a wink.

I forced a smile. Adjusting to this new body, its memories —and those tied to it—was still difficult. Before meeting Draco, I had stayed locked away, knowing almost nothing about the Silverfang pack.

Melissa’s sudden entrance interrupted my thoughts. She looked innocent, but my hostile glances betrayed what I knew—she had murdered me and she was going to pay for it, but for now I was going to play the long game of winning Melissa's love, only to betray her at death

Fixing my expression, I called out, “Hey, want to ride with me to the Crescent Ball?”

Her surprise flickered briefly. “Thanks, I’d like that,” she said, smiling.

I grabbed my purse, and we both turned to leave the mansion.

“You girls have fun! And Melissa, keep an eye on Hera—I don’t want her disappearing again like she did ten years ago,” Draco’s mom called after us.

“Don’t worry, Mom, I’m not going anywhere,” I replied sweetly, finishing the rest in my head: Not until I’m done with my revenge.

Hera’s name had been banned after she ran from the pack ten years ago. She only returned two weeks before I died; her presence was kept secret due to a deadly ailment. I never knew she existed—until now.

Outside, an omega stood by the car door. We slid inside, and he started the engine.

“Its been a week since your former Luna died, and tonight is her Night of the Howling. I heard you two were friends. Why aren’t you attending?” I asked Melissa, my tone sharp.

Her eyes darted away. “It’s a long story. I’d rather not talk about it,” she replied, guarded.

“Why? Something you’re hiding?”

Caught off guard, she stammered.

I rolled my eyes and softened my voice. “You don’t have to tell me now. Whenever you’re comfortable.”

“Thank you,” she muttered.

The Night of the Howling was meant to honour the dead—tonight, for me. But I couldn’t bear to face my ruined body, nor could I suppress the rage burning inside.

From what I had pieced together, when I died in my last body I was reborn into Draco's senior sister on the same day, in the moment she was on the brink of death,

“You know, everything’s changed since I returned. I’d like a tour of the pack,” I said casually, masking my authority with politeness. “Tomorrow works for me.”

Melissa hesitated but nodded. “Okay. I’ll clear my schedule.”

After over an hour, we arrived at the king’s palace for the ball, an event for all werewolves to mingle and celebrate.

Tonight, my goal was clear: win over Alpha Calhoun Nikolaidis, second only to the king. His influence would help me reclaim my position as Silverfang’s rightful leader, simply so I could watch all Draco had built taken away from him.

As we walked in the omega handed me the key fob, supposing I would need it if i decided to leave the ball. The ballroom was massive, with high ceilings, intricate paintings, and a grand chandelier. Eyes turned as I entered, their stares sparking a twinge of self-consciousness. Straightening my back, I walked to the centre.

Dressed in luxurious clothing, the crowd mingled as soft music played. A tall, handsome man finally approached, his smile confident.

“Evening, Miss…?”

“Hera Marinos,” I replied, smiling politely.

“I’m Alpha Asher of Moonwick Pack,” he said proudly, waiting for a reaction. When none came, his smile faltered.

“The pleasure is mine. I’m from Silverfang—daughter of the former Alpha,” I replied coolly.

“Shall we dance?” He bowed slightly, one hand behind his back.

“Of course.” I placed my hand in his and let him lead me to the dance floor.

One dance wouldn’t hurt. Besides, I had never been to an event like this before. I couldn’t let bitterness ruin this moment. With that, I danced the night away with Asher.

He was entertaining, though prideful. I could see myself making use of his influence, Ideas already formed behind my soft gaze and polite smile.

“Let’s head to the balcony to cool off,” Asher suggested.

“Sure,” I replied, my legs aching slightly.

He poured us wine as we sat.

“You haven’t found a mate either,” he remarked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. “What do you say we keep each other company?”

Disgust shot through me, though I hid it well. The mere idea revolted me. Love was no longer a luxury I cared for.

“Forgive me, Alpha Asher, but I need the restroom,” I said, maintaining a formal distance as I briskly walked away.

Weaving through the crowd, I ignored attempts to catch my attention. In the restroom, I shut the door and exhaled, calming myself. The night was overwhelming, and I still awaited Alpha Calhoun. My real mission had yet to begin.

I wasn't aware what he looked like but apparently when he arrived you would know, because he'll be the talk of the ball,

After retouching my makeup, I stepped back into the throng. That’s when I caught it—a heavenly scent, strong and musky, it sent dread spiralling through me.

My wolf clawed at me, desperate, but I pushed her back. Please, no.

Returning to Asher on the balcony, I struggled to focus as the scent grew stronger.

Asher moved closer, teasing, “Why’d you run away, Miss Hera?”

But I barely heard him. A low growl rumbled through the air, sending heat pooling in my core. My breath hitched.

It was him. My mate.