CHAPTER 6 

NICHOLAS’ POV

The MoonCrown pack’s territory was quiet as I approached, a cool breeze stirring the air. It carried the faint scent of pine and earth, but beneath it lingered something more—a feeling of unease. It wasn’t the looming threat of rogues that concerned me. No, my thoughts were entirely occupied by her.

Tiara.

Her name haunted me since our meeting in the woods. I hadn’t been able to forget the desperation in her voice, the bruises on her body, or the way she trembled when she cried. A part of me had wanted to storm the MoonCrown pack then and there, but I knew patience was key. Now, Alpha Darius himself had come to me, asking for support. It was the perfect opportunity to see for myself how she was faring.

The pack house loomed ahead, a grand structure that stood as a symbol of power and pride. It was well-maintained, its high windows gleaming in the sunlight. Yet, the grandeur of the place felt hollow, as if it concealed rot beneath its polished surface.

I dismounted at the gates, flanked by two of my warriors. We were greeted by Darius himself, his posture stiff and formal as he extended a hand in greeting.

“Alpha Nicholas,” he said, his tone polite but cautious. “It is an honor to have you here.”

“Darius,” I replied evenly, shaking his hand. 

“I appreciate the invitation. Let’s hope this treaty benefits us both.”

His expression tightened slightly, but he nodded, leading us inside. The pack house was bustling with activity, servants hurrying about while members of his pack lingered in small groups, their voices hushed as they eyed me with curiosity.

As we walked, Darius began discussing the impending rogue attack, his words measured as he outlined his concerns. I listened, but my attention wasn’t on his words. It was on the people around me, scanning each face, hoping for a glimpse of her.

It wasn’t long before we reached the main hall, where a small reception had been arranged. I was greeted with polite smiles and murmurs of welcome, though I could feel the tension in the air.

And then a girl appeared.

Dressed in a vibrant gown that clung to her figure, her hair styled to perfection, she was clearly making an effort to catch my attention. She sauntered toward me, her smile bright and confident.

“Alpha Nicholas,” she said, her voice lilting with practiced charm. 

“Welcome to the MoonCrown pack. It’s such an honor to finally meet you.”

I inclined my head slightly, keeping my expression neutral. “Miss Phoebe. Your father mentions you a lot. Good to see you too.”

She batted her lashes, her smile widening. “Please, call me Phoebe. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“I’m sure you have,” I said, my tone dismissive as I turned back to Darius.

Phoebe’s face faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, stepping closer as she tried again. 

“It must be exhausting, leading such a powerful pack. I imagine you rarely have time to relax. Perhaps I could show you around—”

“Darius,” I interrupted, ignoring her entirely. “Where is your eldest daughter?”

The question hung in the air like a thunderclap. Darius stiffened, his eyes narrowing as he forced a strained smile. 

“Tiara is… not important. She’s where she ought to be.”

Phoebe’s expression turned sour, and I didn’t miss the flicker of panic that crossed her face. Clearly, my interest in Tiara was the last thing she wanted.

“I’d like to see her,” I said firmly, my gaze locking onto Darius.

He hesitated, glancing toward Phoebe, who quickly stepped forward. 

“Why would you want to see her, Alpha?” she asked, her tone sharp. 

“She’s nothing but a nuisance. She’s—”

“I wasn’t speaking to you,” I said coldly, cutting her off.

Phoebe’s face reddened, but she wisely held her tongue.

Darius cleared his throat, his discomfort palpable. “Tiara is… preoccupied. I assure you, she’s not worth your attention.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

After a moment of tense silence, Darius relented. He gestured to one of the servants, who hurried off to fetch her.

The room was still as we waited, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Phoebe stood off to the side, fuming silently, while Darius shifted uncomfortably. I could see the worry in his eyes, the fear that something might go wrong.

When Tiara finally entered, the contrast between her and her surroundings was staggering.

She was dressed in a plain, threadbare dress that hung loosely on her frame, the fabric stained and frayed at the edges. Her hands were red and raw, the result of hours of scrubbing walls, no doubt. Her hair was unkempt, falling in tangled waves around her pale face.

But it was her eyes that struck me the most. They were tired, filled with a quiet despair that made my wolf stir with rage.

“Tiara,” Darius said, his tone curt. “This is Alpha Nicholas of the ForestHowl pack.”

She dipped her head in respect, her posture stiff and uncertain. “Alpha Nicholas,” she murmured.

I stepped forward, my eyes never leaving hers. “Tiara,” I said gently. “It’s good to meet you.”

Her gaze flickered to mine, surprised by my tone. For a moment, she seemed to struggle for words, but before she could respond, Phoebe cut in.

“She’s hardly worth your attention, Alpha,” Phoebe said, her voice dripping with disdain. “She’s just—”

“Enough,” I said sharply, silencing her.

Phoebe recoiled slightly, her mouth snapping shut.

Turning back to Darius, I spoke with measured calm. 

“Get her back in the royal household and give her the treatment she deserves.”

Darius opened his mouth to protest, his face a mask of indignation. “Alpha Nicholas, you don’t understand. That mark—”

“It’s either that,” I said, cutting him off, “or I’ll be meddling in your affairs.”

The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air. Darius’s jaw tightened, his eyes darting between me and Tiara.

Phoebe looked as if she might explode, her cheeks flushed with anger and frustration.

“She doesn’t deserve—”

“She’s your sister,” I said coldly, my gaze piercing hers. “You’d do well to remember that.”

Phoebe’s mouth snapped shut, her fury evident in the way she clenched her fists.

Darius finally nodded, his reluctance clear. “Very well,” he said through gritted teeth.

Satisfied, I turned back to Tiara. 

“You deserve better,” I said softly, my voice meant only for her.

“This is not happening,” I heard the Luna say suddenly.