Chapter 1: Scarred

I stood in front of the mirror, water still dripping from my body. The room was filled with steam after my long bath. I always loved the water hot—almost scalding. I reached out and wiped the steam from the mirror, revealing my reflection—naked, water still trickling down my skin. I turned my head and lifted my hand, brushing it over the burned flesh that covered most of my left arm and part of my chest.

“Luna?” A knock came at the door. It was one of the omegas who worked in the house. Mira always checked on me when my baths stretched too long.

“Luna, are you all right?” Mira’s voice came through the door again.

“I’m fine, Mira,” I replied, my voice as cold and empty as always.

“Shall I come in?”

“No, I’m coming out.”

“All right, Luna. I’ve prepared your dress for tonight. I’ll lay it on the bed.”

“Please do.”

“Would you like help with your hair?” she asked.

“No, I’ll manage,” I called back.

“All right. Call me if you need anything,” Mira said.

“Thanks, Mira,” I replied.

Once she left, I opened the bathroom door, letting the steam flow out. I walked naked over to my bed and looked at the dark blue dress laid out before me. I ran my hand over the soft material, feeling the little glitters that sparkled when the moonlight hit them. A sliver of light streamed in through the glass doors leading to the balcony. I should probably turn on the lights, but I didn’t bother.

Instead, I slipped on the dress, not even drying myself first. I zipped it up and moved to the small makeup table across the room. After brushing my hair, I let it fall down my back. I knew I should blow-dry it, but I just sat there, staring at my reflection.

Many would have chosen a long-sleeved dress to cover the bumpy, pink scars on my left arm, but I wasn’t going to. I cared little for their opinions. I didn’t care what they thought when I wore a dress with a plunging neckline and thin straps. The scars on my body were visible, clear as day, but let them see. If the lycans who had killed my family were there tonight, I wanted them to know I was still alive. I wanted them to remember.

What if we do find them tonight?

My wolf, Sierra, stepped forward. She often stayed quiet, rarely speaking, but I felt her presence stronger today.

“Then we start planning their deaths,” I told her.

I had never seen the ones responsible, but I could smell them. That scent still lingered in my nostrils, sharp and unmistakable.

I want to tear them apart!

“And you will get your chance, but we need to be patient.”

Patient? You want us to be PATIENT? We’ve waited fourteen years!

“I’m aware…”

And now you tell me we need to be patient. Haven’t we been patient enough?

“Do you want me to bring a gun to the party?”

Yes, and a knife too, so we can cut them to pieces before we show them any mercy!

It was surprising how much angrier and thirstier for blood my wolf was than I felt, even though she hadn’t been present that night. But she had seen my memories.

“No,” I said coldly.

Why not?

“First of all, they don’t allow weapons at these parties, and you know that.”

My wolf huffed, clearly annoyed.

“Second of all, how will I fight them all alone?” I pointed out.

Lycans are powerful. It doesn’t take a whole group—just a handful could do the job!

“I’m still alone.”

Then find people who will help us!

“You know no one will go against the lycans.”

Bullshit! she growled loudly in my head, and I pressed a finger to my temple as my ears rang.

“Remember, the enemy is not me,” I reminded her.

She sighed and finally calmed down. Sorry…

“I know what you want, and I want the same, but we need to be smart about this.”

We’ve waited for so long…

“I know… we have.”

I looked into my own eyes in the mirror. It was as if I could see my wolf, not just in my mind but standing right in front of me. We were one person, after all.

I’m tired… Ana, I’m tired.

“I know. I am too.”

Being consumed by anger, feeling only hatred and pain… I wanted it all to end.

Then why do we need to be patient? Please, just… set me free.

I shook my head. “People die in wars. We can’t let innocents get hurt,” I said. “We need to be patient. We might even risk our own lives if we’re not smart about this, and then how do we get our revenge?”

My wolf didn’t answer. She knew I was right but wouldn’t admit it. Instead, she retreated further back in my mind, allowing me to focus on getting ready for the party tonight.