Once upon a time-1

"Damn it, Isaac!"

I cursed under my breath, storming down the quiet corridor of the second floor. My hands trembled as I repeatedly dialed his number, my frustration mounting. "Why isn’t he answering?"

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision, while my face—pale and drawn—showed the torment I couldn’t escape.

Barefoot, clutching my heels in one hand, I stumbled out of Velvet Villa into the stillness of the early morning. The streets were empty, save for a light mist rolling across the ground. There weren’t any guards around, which was a blessing. No one stopped me, no one questioned my disheveled appearance.

I dragged my tired body further away from the villa, every step an effort. My head throbbed, and the tears burned my cheeks. I muttered through gritted teeth, "How did I end up with him again?"

The memories of last night replayed in my mind, each one piercing my heart like a dagger. My face turned hot with a mixture of anger and shame as I choked out, "I… I hate him. I hate him so much. I’ll never—"

My voice faltered, the words too painful to say. Deep down, I knew the truth I kept denying for the last five years. A truth that shattered me every time I faced it.

And last night, seeing him again, lying beside me, had brought it all back. Keir—the man who had destroyed everything. My family, my happiness, my very existence. And yet, like a fool, I still loved the one man I should despise most.

The loud honk of a car jolted me out of my thoughts.

"Lily! Get in the car!"

I turned to see Isaac leaning out of the driver’s seat, his expression tense.

"Huh?"

"Get in, now!" he repeated impatiently.

Though my mind was foggy and my emotions a chaotic mess, I managed to shuffle toward the car. My body felt like lead as I climbed inside, collapsing into the seat.

Isaac’s voice was urgent, full of questions, but I couldn’t focus. I rested my head against the cool window, closing my eyes as the ache in my chest consumed me.

"If only I could go back…" I thought bitterly. "Back to five years ago. Back to before I met him. Keir..."

---

(Five years earlier)

Golden Heart Pack House, Auryn

Eliza Claire Gold, 19 years old

"Eliza! Wake up already!"

The sharp voice of Aunt Christi pulled me out of my beautiful dream. My eyelids fluttered open just in time to see her sweeping open the heavy curtains of my bedroom window. Morning sunlight poured in, bathing the room in golden light.

"Eliza, today is one of the most important days of your life! How can you still be in bed? Do you even know what time it is? Guests are already arriving!"

I groaned, burying my face in the pillow. "Five more minutes, Aunt!"

But she wasn’t having it. I felt the mattress sink as she sat on the edge of my bed, her hand running gently through my messy hair. "No, young lady. Get up. Now. Alpha Edward has high expectations for tonight’s party, and I know you don’t want to disappoint your father."

With a heavy sigh, I rolled over and sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. My body ached all over, still recovering from last night’s transformation. "I hate social events, Aunt Christi. Can’t I just skip it?"

Her sharp laugh told me there was no chance of that. "Skip it? How can you skip your own rebirth party? This is a celebration of your first transformation! You’re the star of the night, Eliza."

"Great," I muttered sarcastically, stretching my sore limbs. "It’s not like my body feels like it’s been hit by a truck or anything."

Aunt Christi ignored my grumbling, pushing me gently toward the bathroom. "Enough excuses! Go freshen up. I’m getting your dress ready, and it’s absolutely stunning. You’ll love it."

"Ugh, my life is so hard," I whined dramatically as I dragged myself into the bathroom.

"Not as hard as mine," she called after me. "Taking care of you and Eden is a full-time job."

I couldn’t help but laugh as I stepped under the warm shower. "Don’t spread lies, Aunt. I’m the perfect daughter. Zero trouble!"

Her teasing voice carried through the door. "Oh, sweetheart, you are the trouble."

---

Though Aunt Christi was strict, her love for me was undeniable. She had taken on the role of mother when mine passed away, raising both me and my older brother, Eden, with unshakable dedication.

Eden, of course, was the golden child. Intelligent, disciplined, and charismatic, he had all the qualities of a future Alpha. The pack adored him, and our father, Alpha Edward, was proud beyond words.

Then there was me. The troublemaker. The wild spirit who always seemed to find herself in the middle of chaos. But despite my antics, my family’s love for me never wavered.

Life was perfect. I was the little princess of the Golden Heart Pack, cherished and protected.

Until that night.

The night of my rebirth party.

The night everything changed.