Chapter 1

Sophia Hughes' POV

I stood outside the door, hating for the first time how sharp a wolf's hearing was—I could hear every word of their conversation as if they were speaking right next to me.

"Anthony, are you really going to let Sophia get pregnant? The pack's doctor said carrying a child could put her life at risk."

Anthony's voice softened when he mentioned my stepsister, Emma Hughes. "I don't want Sophia to get pregnant either, but Emma is afraid of the pain and refuses to have children. Sophia is her sister—what's wrong with her carrying a child for Emma?"

His subordinate hesitated. "The Elders say a wolf guards her den with tooth and claw. How are we supposed to convince Sophia to give up her baby for Emma?"

Anthony's answer was calm and calculated. "She was assaulted by rogues and severely injured. Well, if she births a stillborn, no one will question it. As soon as the child is born, tell her it died, and I will personally hand the baby to Emma."

"But Sophia will break… She's already so fragile. Do we really have to go this far for Emma—Argh!"

Through the crack in the door, I saw Anthony kick his subordinate clear across the room. The man who used to hold me so gently, who kissed me with such tenderness, now looked like a devil straight out of underground.

Anthony's voice was ice-cold as he snarled, "Shut up! As long as Emma is happy, I don't care what I must sacrifice—not even myself, let alone Sophia. Has she seen the fake medical report yet? I bet she was thrilled. Go and buy me a bouquet of moonflowers. I'll make sure she has a perfect night."

I clenched the report in my hands, my heart splitting apart from the betrayal. The place where he once marked me burned like fire, and I felt like a fool.

Tears streamed down my face as my fangs slowly extended, sinking into my bottom lip until blood filled my mouth. My whole body trembled, and I could barely stay on my feet. Staggering away, I realized the love I thought had protected me had been a lie all along.

I ran into the depths of the forest, unable to control the rage consuming me. My claws lashed out, and I shredded trees as I lost myself in madness.

I did not know how long I acted out. All I knew was that stopping meant feeling the pain, and it hurt so much that I almost wished I would collapse and never wake up.

In the end, it was Anthony who came for me. He had tried to soothe me, and even when I pushed him away and slashed his face, he still refused to let me go.

"My mate, it's okay, I'm here. Don't be afraid—no one can hurt you," he whispered repeatedly, his voice gentle, his embrace firm.

I was exhausted, and my strength drained. If only this were real and his comfort was not a lie, I would have died for him without hesitation.

Yet, the truth he spoke with his own lips shattered me. He had orchestrated every tragedy in my life, and the worst part was that I still loved him.

Anthony's voice was soft as he brushed a tear from my cheek. "Why are you crying? Did something from the past upset you again? Everything's going to be alright. Let's go home, okay?"

I clenched my fists, my claws digging into my palms as I forced myself to wake from his illusion. "Anthony, the pack's doctor told me today that I can—"

Before I could finish, Anthony scooped me up and spun me around. "Sophia, I love children. If you're ready—"

I shoved him away and met his gaze head-on. "How could I be ready? I didn't have a patch of unscarred flesh by the time I escaped that place! I know the doctor has lied to me—I've read countless medical books. My body will never carry a child again."

Anthony's eyes darted away, guilt flickering in his expression.

As I spoke, my tears fell, my heart breaking all over again. "Anthony, what do we do? Maybe we should break our bond as mates."

"You're the Moon Goddess' gift for me—how could I ever give you up?"

He pulled me into his arms, his embrace unwavering. "I love children, but I love you more. Don't ever say something like that again."

He paused, closing his eyes with a heavy sigh. "As long as I'm with you, I'll do anything."

He held my hand as we walked back home, filling the silence with stupid jokes.

When we arrived, Anthony gently cleaned my wounds, grumbling about how I was his and that he did not want his property damaged. He walked me to my room, hesitated, then asked if he could stay with me tonight.

When I refused, he only smiled, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "Sleep well. My claws and fangs will keep you safe from anything."

After he left, I closed my eyes, but tears slipped silently down my cheeks.

Anthony had hidden his true nature, biting back his temper, dulling his fangs, choosing a mate he did not love. That mate—the woman he kissed, the woman who carried his mark—was the same one whose assault video still existed online for anyone to see.

Everything had been for Emma, and every sweet word he said—"For you, I would do anything."

I knew now that those words were meant for Emma, not me. No one in this pack loved me anymore, and no one wanted me to stay.

Yet, I could not even leave. After all, escaping required approval from the pack's internal council. If I were the warrior I used to be, a silver gun in my hand, not a single border guard could have stopped me.

A new email popped up on my screen. It was from a distant rival I had not heard from in years.

[Sophia, it's been a long time since I last heard from you. I just saw a video of you losing control on social media. So, even marrying Anthony didn't bring you peace?

[The comments are brutal, and your pack is heartless. They called you a disgrace, and yet they were the same people you once protected—they don't respect warriors.

[I know you rejected me three years ago, but I'll ask again. Would you come to my pack?]

I clicked on the video's comment section, and the words burned into my mind. From calling me names, or saying that I should have died and did not deserve Anthony.

I laughed at what I was reading, and I laughed so hard I cried. I had sworn an oath with my blood to be loyal to my pack.

Yet, what had my loyalty and sacrifice given me? Their scorn, their stones, their cruelty.

If they wanted me gone, then so be it.

I sent a reply.

[Alright. Take me away.]