TIARA'S POVIt was my eighteenth birthday and I was supposed to transform into my wolf form for the first time.But the cell was hardly the place for it. It was so dark I could not see myself.I curled into myself on the damp floor of the cell, the stone beneath me unforgiving. It had been hours—maybe a few days—since they locked me here. Time meant nothing in this darkness. The only sound was my shallow breathing, echoing off the cold walls. The walls were so thick and cold I could hardly bring myself to lean on it. They hated me. All of them.The pack, my family, everyone. To them, I was the cursed one, the girl with the star-shaped birthmark on her neck. My fingers brushed against the mark, the raised skin a permanent reminder of what they said I was—a bringer of misfortune. They whispered that my mother, the former Luna, had died because of me. That the moment I came into this world, she left it. And so, they punished me for simply existing. My father, alpha Darius of the MoonCro
TIARA'S POVThe sounds of laughter and music echoed through the pack house. Tonight was a celebration, though I didn’t know what exactly we were celebrating. It didn’t matter. These events were never for me. My role was always the same: invisible, unnoticed, and burdened with the endless tasks of a servant.In the small servant quarters, I stood behind Phoebe as she examined herself in the mirror. The dress she had chosen for the night was stunning—soft satin in deep emerald that clung to her figure and shone with every movement. Her curls framed her face like a halo, though her cruel smile reminded me she was anything but angelic."Tiara," she snapped, her sharp tone pulling me out of my thoughts. "Stop standing there like a fool and help me lace this up!"I stepped forward, my fingers fumbling with the delicate ties of her dress. She smacked my hand away with a huff. "Are you completely useless? Honestly, I don’t know why Father hasn’t just thrown you out yet. A dimwit like you is
TIARA'S POVTears streamed down my face, my vision blurred as I stumbled through the dark corridors of the pack house. The sounds of laughter and music from the hall still echoed faintly behind me, a cruel reminder of the world I would never belong to. My heart pounded in my chest as I made my way to the only person I thought could give me answers: My father. Alpha Darius. It was true that he didn't love or want me, but for answers, he owed me. He was in his study, seated at the grand oak table with his beta, discussing matters of the pack. Usually, the parties were hosted by Victoria just so she could showcase Phoebe. The alpha hardly participated unless it was important.The room smelled of leather and wood polish, but the air was heavy with the weight of authority. My father looked up as I entered, his expression turning cold as soon as his eyes landed on me."Tiara," he said, his tone sharp. "What are you doing here? This is no place for you."I ignored his words. I clasped m
TIARA'S POVI was summoned early in the morning. The knock on the door of my small, cold room startled me awake. I wasn’t used to visitors unless it was Nina, and she never knocked. The guard outside didn’t bother to explain, just muttered something about the elders and my father.Dread settled in my chest as I dressed quickly, pulling on the same tattered gown I had worn the day before at the party. It was the best I had, despite its many stitches. It didn’t matter what I looked like; they wouldn’t care. They never did.When I arrived at the great hall, the atmosphere was heavy. The elders sat in a semicircle, their faces solemn and unreadable. My father stood at the center, tall and imposing, while Victoria and Phoebe flanked him like a queen and her princess. Phoebe’s smile was smug, her dress perfect and dazzling as usual. Once again, I found myself doing a mental comparison of the both of us. This was the life we were both supposed to have, but somehow, I felt like a speck of d
NICHOLAS: ALPHA OF THE FORESTHOWL PACKThe woods had always been my sanctuary. Ever since I lost her, my mate, this was where I found solace—a space where the towering trees and gentle rustle of leaves allowed me to breathe, even if only for a moment. Away from pack duties. The pain of her absence never truly faded, but the forest’s quiet strength reminded me that life, no matter how cruel, continued.I walked along the familiar path, the moonlight filtering through the dense canopy above. My wolf stirred within me, restless as always, but I kept him leashed. He and I had been at odds since her death. He wanted to move, to fight, to feel alive. I wanted to grieve in peace.I stopped by a clearing, leaning against a tree as my thoughts consumed me. The moon hung low, bathing the forest in its silvery glow. My heart ached, a dull, constant pain I had grown used to, yet I couldn’t bring myself to let it go.A sudden rustling snapped me out of my reverie. My wolf perked up instantly, hi
NICHOLAS’ POV The MoonCrown pack’s territory was quiet as I approached. But despite the calmness of the surrounding, I felt an 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. My wolf had pleaded with me to not let her go, because of the strong force of attraction that I felt for her. But I had to. I couldn't keep her only after meeting her once. 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. This pack meeting was indeed needed. The pack house loomed ahead, a grand structure that stood as a symbol of power and pride. It was well-maintained, its high windows gle
TIARA’S POV “This is definitely happening, Luna Victoria,” Alpha Nicholas said. His voice was low, almost like a growl. I stood with my head bowed, not sure about what to do. My wolf pranced about inside me. Ever since my wolf awakened in me, she had been my constant partner. “Alpha Nicholas, she doesn't belong here. She's a curse… she can't live within the walls of the pack house with nobles,” my step mother insisted, looking at me with disgust. Alpha Nicholas looked at my father then. “That's the last time I'll say it. Treat the girl the way she deserves to be.” My father nodded and then turned to one of the guards. “Show Tiara to a room.” My step mother and step sister looked alarmed. But of course, Alpha Nicholas was powerful and they couldn't argue further. The guard gestured for me to follow him and I did. The room I was shown to was larger than anything I had ever called my own. The walls were smooth and clean, the air smelled fresh, and the furniture looked expensive. E
Alpha Nicholas’ POV The chamber given to me was large, filled with expensive furniture and decorated with fine details meant to impress. It was comfortable, but it did not compare to my own pack house. The ForestHowl Pack had far greater wealth and strength. Everything there was grander. This room, while luxurious, was still lacking. The MoonCrown pack had done their best, but it only showed how much they were trying to please me. I walked across the room, feeling the soft carpet under my feet. The heavy curtains swayed slightly from the night breeze coming through the window I had left open. The air outside was crisp, carrying the scents of the forest beyond the pack house. The treaty discussions had gone well. I had come here to ensure the MoonCrown pack’s alliance with mine. The enemy faction we were up against was growing stronger, and I needed more packs to stand with me. In return, I had offered protection. It was an easy decision for Alpha Darius. His pack needed strength, a
Tiara's POVThe pack house was large, full of people, yet I felt alone.I sat on my bed, staring at the ceiling, willing the feeling to go away. It was strange how, even in a place where I was treated better than I had ever been in MoonCrown, I still felt this emptiness. Maybe it was because I didn’t have Nina.I missed her. I missed her quiet smiles, her soft reassurances when everything felt overwhelming. She had been my only friend, the only person who had stood by me even when it was dangerous to do so. Now, she was still in MoonCrown, probably struggling under Phoebe’s cruel watch, and I was here, safe but alone.A thought crept into my mind, hesitant but persistent. Would Alpha Nicholas let me bring her here? Would he allow her to leave MoonCrown and come to ForestHowl? I knew it wasn’t that simple, but the idea of having her here, of not feeling so alone, made my chest tighten with longing.I sighed and sat up, rubbing my hands over my arms. It was selfish to even think about a
Tiara's POVThe halls of the pack house were quiet as I walked, the soft glow of the torches lining the walls illuminating the walls and sending a warm light over the wooden floors. It had become a habit of mine, walking late at night when the house was still. It was the only time I could think without interruptions. It was the time I could get to look at things more keenly without worrying that I was bring trailed by eyes.But tonight, as I passed Nicholas’s office, I noticed something unusual.The door was slightly open—unlike the other times when I'd tried to reach him but saw the doors firmly shut—the warm light from inside spilling into the dim hallway. I paused, unsure if I should continue past or peek in. My fingers hesitated over the doorframe before I gently pushed it open a little more.Nicholas was sitting at his desk, a glass in his hand, a bottle of whiskey beside him. He was staring at nothing in particular, lost in thought. His usual strong posture was gone, his shoulde
Phoebe's POVI stood at the top of the stairs, arms crossed as I watched Nina scrubbing the floors below.It wasn’t enough.Not yet.Tapping my nails against my sleeve, I narrowed my eyes. She was working too well—too efficiently. There was no struggle. No exhaustion.That wouldn’t do.I descended the staircase slowly, ensuring each step echoed against the polished wood. My heels clicked, sharp and deliberate.Nina heard me approaching but didn’t stop working.Typical.She always acted obedient, always lowered her gaze as if she knew her place. But I knew better.This girl—this nobody—had been brought into the family out of misplaced kindness. And yet, somehow, she still had people on her side.I stopped just behind her.“Get up,” I ordered.She straightened, wiping her hands on her apron, her head slightly bowed. “Yes, Luna Phoebe.”The title was meaningless, but I let it slide.For now.I stepped closer, lowering my voice.“The entire eastern wing needs cleaning,” I said smoothly. “
Tiara’s POV The full moon hung high, illuminating the village of ForestHowl with a silver glow. The air was thick with excitement, an almost electric energy pulsing through the gathered crowd.I stood at the edge, watching silently as warriors prepared for the sacred hunt.Nicholas had insisted I come.I wasn’t sure why. I wasn’t a hunter. I wasn’t even one of them.Yet, here I was, standing among a pack that wasn’t mine, watching as the strongest prepared to prove themselves under the full moon.Laughter and chatter filled the night, wolves greeting each other, stretching their limbs, rolling their shoulders in preparation.Some of the women were watching the men closely, their eyes filled with admiration.I pretended not to notice.Nicholas stood at the center of it all, exuding dominance without even trying.Even from where I stood, I could feel the weight of his presence.His Beta, Wright, stood beside him, discussing something in hushed tones.Then, as if sensing my gaze, Nichol
Phoebe's POVI had been quiet for too long.That was a mistake.Days had passed since Tiara was taken to ForestHowl, and each day, the unease inside me grew stronger.At first, I had convinced myself it didn’t matter. That Tiara would remain what she had always been—insignificant. A weak girl who had never posed a threat, someone who would fade into the background no matter where she was.But I was wrong.The more I thought about it, the clearer it became. Tiara wasn’t just gone.She was getting to the position that I'd always wanted to be..she was getting to the point that I'd always dreamed about. I was the one who had always wanted to marry the most powerful Alpha within our werewolf community. I was the one who had tried to get Alpha Nicholas’ attention and tried to make him see me. I was the one who understood what it meant to be in the position of power that I was now afraid that Tiara would take over.That changed everything.I didn’t have to be told that Alpha Nicholas had alr
Tiara's POVWe were out to gather fresh herbs. The healer had been introduced to me and I, to her. She was nice, and she was devoted to her job as the ForestHowl pack healer. Now I was glad to be of help to her, helping fetch herbs with the other lady, Laina, who occasionally helped out. The soft hum of insects filled the air, blending with the occasional rustling of leaves as a gentle breeze swept through the tall grass.I wiped my forehead, brushing away the light sheen of sweat forming on my skin. The scent of fresh earth mixed with the aroma of herbs, surrounding me as I carefully plucked feverfew leaves and placed them in the woven basket beside me.Memphis had given us clear instructions before wandering off to another part of the field. She trusted us to gather what was needed while she searched for rarer herbs further away.I wasn’t alone.Laina worked beside me, carefully sorting through the plants. She was a quiet woman, older than me by several years, with kind eyes and a
Tiara's POVThe gathering was lively, filled with laughter, voices overlapping in warm conversation. The courtyard behind the packhouse was bathed in golden torchlight, casting flickering shadows over the long wooden tables where warriors and pack members sat, plates piled high with roasted meat, fresh bread, and steaming vegetables. The scent of grilled venison and spiced ale was thick in the air, mingling with the crisp night breeze.I sat near the end of one of the tables, a little apart from the loudest chatter. It was easier to watch from here.I liked watching.It was simpler than speaking, easier than pretending I belonged in the middle of all this.Nicholas, however, thrived in it.He moved with effortless authority, drifting from one group to another, exchanging brief words with warriors, nodding respectfully at the elders, and offering rare, small smiles to the pups who ran up to him before their mothers gently pulled them away. His presence commanded attention without him n
Alpha Nicholas’ POVTiara didn’t know I was testing her.I made sure of that.Every time I spoke to her, every time I asked for her opinion, it was deliberate. She didn’t see it as a test, but I watched her closely. I wanted to know how she thought, how she reacted when given the chance to speak.She was still uncertain.When warriors greeted her with respect, she would hesitate, her body tensing slightly, as if bracing for something else—maybe a cruel remark or a reminder of where she came from. But it never came. The warriors treated her well, and with time, she stopped flinching when they addressed her.Still, she remained cautious. Careful.She didn’t trust it yet. She was smart. Powerfully so. She paid attention to a lot of details and gauged her words before she spoke, not just because each time she spoke to me she saw me as a superior, but as a sign of her intelligence. She didn't just talk. When she opened her mouth, it was to speak sense. It didn't matter if she had very litt
Phoebe's POVI stormed through the halls of the MoonCrown pack house, my hands clenched at my sides. The walls felt like they were closing in, suffocating me. Everything was wrong. Everything.For years, I had made sure Tiara knew her place—beneath me, serving me, obeying me. And now, she was gone. Not just gone, but thriving. It was infuriating. We were yet to get a report from the ForestHowl pack that talked of her misbehaviour or of her being hated by the members of the pack, or even not being accepted. We hadn't heard any of such news and we didn't think it would come as she got to know them better and blend into the pack.If she was a member of the alpha's household, it meant that she was untouchable. It meant that she would be treated as royalty, as member of the alpha's family. This was not how it should have been.She should be miserable, struggling, forgotten. Instead, she was in ForestHowl, under Alpha Nicholas’s protection. Living a life of comfort. How did she manage to tu