Chapter 2

The heavy doors groaned as they slowly creaked open, flooding the dark, oppressive room with a stream of light. Emma, crumpled against the cold stone wall, shielded her eyes from the sudden brightness. Her hands, bruised and trembling, rested limply on her lap. For hours, she had banged against the huge doors, the relentless effort peeling the skin from her palms.

The bright light spilled over her face, revealing delicate features smeared with dust and streaked with tears. Her once-luminous hair clung dimly to her skin, yet even in her exhausted state, an undeniable beauty lingered in her fragile frame.

As Emma’s blurred vision adjusted, a familiar silhouette stood in the doorway, and her heart sank. Ever.

Clad in an ornate gown that gleamed in the light, mocking Emma’s despair, Ever smirked as she stepped inside. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

“Well, well,” Ever drawled, tilting her head in mock pity. “Look at you, Emma. Such a mess.”

Emma, too weak to stand, clenched her fists as she glared up at her sister. Her voice, hoarse from exhaustion, barely rose above a whisper. “Why?” she asked, her tone raw. “Why would you do this to me?”

Ever’s laugh echoed through the chamber, sharp and cruel. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic,” she said, stepping closer. “You needed a lesson in humility, dear sister. And, well, I thought it would be… enlightening for you to spend some time away from all the attention you’re so used to.”

Anger flared within Emma, letting out a strength she didn’t know she still possessed. She gritted her teeth and forced herself upright, though her knees shook under the effort. “You think this makes you stronger? Hurting your blood?” Her voice grew steadier as her fury built. “Without me, you’d be dead!”

Ever’s smirk faltered, while her eyes darkened. “You’re the reason I’m this way!” she spat. “You took all the good genes and left me frail and weak!”

Emma’s lips curled in disdain. “Is that what you’ve told yourself? That’s why you encouraged Dad to lock me up? You’re pitiful, Ever. You’re broken.”

Ever rolled her eyes, waving her sister’s words away. “Spare me the lecture. I came to let you out, didn’t I? You should be thanking me.”

But Emma’s eyes burned with defiance. “I’ll remember this,” she said, her voice steady. “And one day, you’ll understand what true strength means.”

Pushing past Ever, Emma stormed out of the room, her steps unsteady but driven by sheer willpower.

Later that evening, Emma sat on her bed, staring at the almost-healed scars on her wrists. Being a werewolf had sped her recovery, but that fact often felt more like a curse than a gift. She sighed heavily, curling up on the mattress. Every day was a reminder that she existed solely for her sister’s benefit.

But she couldn’t stop thinking about the Sutherland twins. The memory of them stirred something deep within her, something that made her feel wanted and desired for the first time in her life.

A soft knock at the door broke her reverie.

“Come in,” she called, her voice quiet.

The door pushed open, and a young boy stepped inside, his thin legs wobbling slightly under the weight of the tray he carried.

“Gerald?” Emma’s face lit up with surprise.

“Ma’am,” the boy replied shyly, his cheeks flushing red as he set the tray on the bedside table.

Emma rushed to him, pulling him into a brief hug. “I’ve missed you! You look… good!”

Gerald laughed, his voice high and bright. “I missed you too,” he said, settling onto the bed. “I came yesterday, but Grandmama wouldn’t let me see you until now.” His smile faltered as his gaze dropped to her hands. “I heard what happened.”

Emma shook her head quickly. “No, don’t feel bad for me,” she said.

“I hate Ever!” Gerald exclaimed, his small hands balling into fists. “She’s the reason you always get punished!” He puffed out his chest, his expression serious. “When I become Alpha, I’ll make her pay!”

Emma burst into laughter. Gerald’s fiery determination was one of the few things that could lift her spirits. Gerald is the cook’s grandson. As always, his presence brought a brief reprieve from her misery.

“Two handsome men came by two days ago,” Gerald said between bites of bread he had sneaked from the kitchen. “Grandmama said they’re Alphas.”

Emma froze. “Two?”

Gerald nodded eagerly. “They look alike, just like twins!” He leaned in, whispering with a mischievous grin. “I heard Grandmama say they’re mating with Ever.”

The words hit Emma like a blow. Her heart raced.’The Sutherlands? They think “Ever” is me’’.

Emma’s footsteps faltered as she passed her father’s study, the low murmur of voices catching her attention. She hadn’t meant to stop, but the mention of Ever’s name made her pause. Pressing herself against the wall, she strained to hear.

Her father’s deep voice carried through the door, firm and authoritative. “It’s settled. Ever will mate with the Sutherland Alpha. Their alliance will strengthen our family’s standing.”

Emma’s chest tightened painfully. The Sutherland Alpha.

Memories of the ball flooded her mind—his commanding presence, the way his piercing gaze locked with hers, the night they shared when their bond had felt undeniable.

Her father’s next words hit her like a thunderclap. “It was Ever’s idea. She insisted this was the best match for the family.”

Emma’s blood ran cold. Ever knew. She had orchestrated the entire scheme, taking advantage of the blood transfusions that gave them identical scents. The Sutherland Alpha had been deceived into believing Ever was Emma.

Her knees wobbled as she stumbled away from the door, her mind spinning. The truth felt suffocating. She had been locked away not for her “misbehavior” but so Ever could take her place.

Emma’s breath quickened as she hurried back to her room, her mind a whirl of emotions, anger, betrayal, and heartbreak. Once inside, she leaned against the door, sliding to the floor as silent tears streamed down her face.

The memories of the Alpha, his touch, his voice, and the way he made her feel seemed to mock her now. Ever had taken everything from her. But as the pain clawed at her chest, something stronger began to stir.

More like a resolution.

She wiped her tears, her jaw tightening. She wasn’t going to let the mat

ing ceremony happen. She couldn’t let Ever claim the mate who was meant for her.