Chapter 2

Overwhelmed by the situation, she barely had time to process when the door creaked open, and three small figures approached.

"Mama?" a little girl’s voice called out, full of concern.

Kira looked down at the children—two boys and a girl, all with white hair and silver eyes. The love Seraphine had for them welled up within her, merging with Kira’s growing protectiveness.

"I’m fine, sweethearts," she whispered, pulling them close. "Mama’s just been... tired."

The children snuggled against her, and in that moment, Kira felt a fierce determination. She was no longer Kira the assassin, but Seraphine, a mother, protector, and guardian of her children. And no matter what, she would keep them safe.

With newfound resolve, Seraphine got up to make them breakfast, preparing a simple meal from the little they had. The children ate happily, their trust in her filling her with purpose.

“You’re safe,” Seraphine whispered as she embraced them. “I’ll take care of everything. I promise.”

As the children nodded, Seraphine knew that despite the challenges ahead, her love for them would give her the strength to face whatever came next.

Seraphine stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the silver moon glowing high in the sky. She whispered to herself after putting the children to bed.

“So, this is my life now, huh? My stepmom… she’s wicked, always finding ways to make me feel like I don’t belong. And Alyssa—my perfect little step-sister—she stole my mate Jake, made him reject me like I was nothing.”

She paused, her voice softer, more vulnerable. “And Dad... The Alpha. My own father acts like I’m invisible. As long as the pack is strong, nothing else seems to matter to him. But what about me? I’m his daughter too, not just a problem he can ignore.”

Seraphine's eyes softened as they moved to the small figures of her sleeping children. “But I can’t keep playing the victim. If they want to push me aside, let them. I’ll show them what they’ve underestimated.” Her tone darkened as she sighed. “At midnight, the Festival of Transformation begins. Then, we’ll see what the future holds for me and my children.”

The village buzzed with excitement. Lanterns lit the pathways, and bonfires crackled in the distance, their light flickering against the night sky. It was a night when the Moon Goddess’s blessing would be revealed—when the Alpha’s daughters would come into their full power, and the ancient prophecy would be fulfilled.

The prophecy was clear: When the moon rises full on the Festival of Transformation, the Alpha’s daughter shall transform into a powerful wolf. She will bear the mark of the moon, and her power will unite the pack in an era of peace.

Most believed the prophecy spoke of Alyssa. With her raven-black hair and twilight-colored eyes, she was everything Seraphine wasn’t—strong, adored, and seen as the true heir of the Alpha’s bloodline. Tonight, she was expected to shift for the first time, marking her transition into adulthood. The pack eagerly anticipated Alyssa’s transformation.

But there was another daughter of the Alpha—Seraphine. Her pale hair and strange appearance had always set her apart. And with her stepmother, Lady Morganna, spreading rumors that Seraphine was a witch, a threat to the pack’s future, she had been further isolated. Even her father, Alpha Kael, had turned his back on her, focusing all his attention on Alyssa.

As Seraphine walked toward the great hall, she ignored the whispers and mocking laughter of the pack members.

“Look at her, lurking in the shadows again,” a woman sneered. “I’m surprised she even bothered to show her face.”

“Probably hoping to steal some of Alyssa’s glory,” another added with a laugh.

Seraphine kept her head high, her steps confident despite their jeers. She had suffered enough in the past, but now, she was different. She pitied the old Seraphine, the one who had always longed for their approval. She knew now that her true strength came from her mysterious heritage, from the mother she never knew.

Just as she approached the grand doors of the hall, a familiar voice called out from behind her.

“Seraphine,” Alyssa’s voice was sweet but laced with condescension.

Seraphine turned to face her half-sister. Alyssa looked flawless as ever, her posture perfect, her smile radiant for the crowd.

“You should come to the ceremony,” Alyssa said, her tone syrupy. “It’s a special night for us—the Alpha’s daughters.”

Seraphine’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Is that an invitation or an order?”

Alyssa smirked, stepping closer so only Seraphine could hear her next words. “Neither. I just thought you’d want to see what a real transformation looks like. After all, you’ve never really belonged here.”

Seraphine didn’t flinch. “Maybe you’re right. Or maybe you’ve been believing your own lies for too long.”

Alyssa’s smirk faltered for a second, her eyes narrowing. “Careful, Seraphine. You don’t belong here. Why don’t you leave before you embarrass yourself?”

Seraphine smiled faintly. “I’ve lived in your shadow long enough, Alyssa. But the moon sees everything. Perhaps the prophecy wasn’t as clear as you think.”

“What are you talking about?” Alyssa snapped, her confidence wavering.

Seraphine took a step closer, her voice steady. “The prophecy never named which daughter, did it?”

For the first time, a flicker of fear crossed Alyssa’s face. “You’re nothing,” she hissed. “Just an outcast.”

Seraphine looked up at the full moon, its silver glow filling her with power. “We’ll see who the Moon Goddess has chosen.”

Without waiting for Alyssa’s response, Seraphine turned and walked into the hall. The crowd parted for her, their whispers following her, but she no longer cared. The time for hiding was over.

The great hall was packed with pack members, their eyes flicking between Seraphine and the entrance. Moments later, Alyssa entered, and the room lit up with applause and admiration for her beauty and grace.

“The chosen one,” someone whispered as Alyssa made her way to the front.

Seraphine remained calm as Alyssa basked in the attention, her smug expression returning. Then the Alpha stood, his voice booming over the crowd.

“The Moon Goddess has blessed us with a prophecy. A chosen wolf, destined to lead us into an era of peace and strength,” he said, his gaze lingering on Alyssa. “That chosen wolf is none other than Alyssa.”

The crowd erupted in cheers. Seraphine’s heart tightened as she stood there, invisible to her own father, who hadn’t so much as glanced at her.

Alyssa stepped forward, her voice dripping with false humility. “I am honored to fulfill the prophecy. With your support, I will lead us to greatness.”

The pack roared with approval, and Seraphine remained still, unnoticed, but not broken. Her time would come. The moon was watching, and so was she.