ZAYNAI slipped out of Lukan's room as quietly as I could, casting one last glance back at his still form.The relief from Doctor Vale's assurance that he had recover was still fresh but a dark tension twisted in my gut. There was one more thing left to handle Down the hall, passed the rows of rooms on both sides, I took the stairs leading to the back of the Packhouse which might lead me to the parking lot if I took another bend, Doctor Vale waited for me there . His hands were clasped behind his back, his sharp gaze trained on me the second around the corner."Doctor Vale,"I murmured as I approached ,keeping my voice low." Thank you for coming all this way."He nodded his expression unreadable."You wanted to speak privately, Miss Zayna?"I glanced around before pulling him aside to a more quiet corner. My pulse was pounding, my heart hammering with the weight of what I was about to ask him. The fear in me almost made my heart to stop beating but I tried not to show it. "I trus
MERIDAI pushed the door open slowly, glancing back at the hallway making sure no one saw me come in.I wasn't supposed to be sneaking in, no.But there was something I needed. Lukan was still unconscious, I had heard the doctor they had sent for, say that he will recover soon.I had to gather enough information and the only person in the Pack house I could tell this was Lemuel.I was walking on thin ice and there was so many things I didn't know. I still heard Investigator's voice in my ears even when I tried so much to shut it.𝑌𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟.Truthfully the investigator's words had shocked me, sending my mind spiraling in directions I never knew existed. A sister? Even the thought of it made me shudder. Aunt Ophelia had never mentioned this to me and I had no memory of her. It felt like I was just living on the surface, and that the fact that I knew nothing or so little about my family history stabbed me in the heart.But a sister, it felt to strange,
MERIDA "I'm so sorry for the interference." Rosita said.After they both left , I walked to my room, the safety and comfort I needed was there.As I close the door to my room, I was quiet and careful not to make a sound. My heart was pounding as I pressed my back against the door, clutching my phone which still had the investigator's number, which I had also tried to memorized. I didn't know what to feel. Fear or uncertainty? Making the call felt like stepping off a cliff with no idea of what waited below. Taking a deep breath I dialed, each beep of the buttons made my heart skip a beat. The line rang once, then twice and for a moment I thought no one would answer. I was about to hang up when a calm, low voice came through "Bartlett here. Who is calling?"I hesitated, the word caught in my throat. This wasn't just some errand. This was me stepping into something I didn't know, speaking to someone I shouldn't be speaking to but I wasn't about to back down now. I steadied my vo
ZAYNA Packing was supposed to be easy. Get my things, toss them in the bag and leave. Yet here I was standing in the center of my room, a reluctant sigh escaping my lips as I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. I hadn't come all this way to fulfill some pointless order from my father. No, I had come because deep down I couldn't stay away from Lukan.Despite everything I had done or maybe because of it some strange pull kept me bound to him. Something like love mixed with guilt.I ran a hand through my hair, letting the soft waves fall over my shoulders.The dress I had chosen was simple but fitted, a dark shade that complimented my eyes—a deep rich black gown with a slit at the left, and long sleeves and a high-collar , that skimmed the line between elegant and practicality. I wanted to look put together, unbothered, as if this visit hadn't been a huge weight on me. But there was no fooling myself, the hollow look in my eye said everything I refuse to admit out loud. I was so
MERIDAFinally, I saw him waving from across the small cafe.I gave a small nod and with slow, shaky steps, I walked towards him.I sank into the booth across from Bartlett, my heart pounding like a drumbeat out of rhythm. The investigator's face was hidden behind dark sunglasses, which somehow only made him look more ominous.My best kept pounding and I could hardly breathe. I wonder where all this will lead to .If he knew I was Merida and not Tasha , or —I really didn't know what to think any more, I tried to hide my shaky hands on my laps.If I hadn’t known better, I’d think he was playing at being some shady secret agent. I reached for the menu—not that I planned to eat, but I needed something to do with my hands. They felt too empty, too exposed, as if he might read everything I was hiding right off my fingertips.“You’re late, Tasha,” Bartlett said, barely glancing up.I forced a small smile, my mind racing to keep up with the persona I was trying so hard to embody. Tasha. L
MERIDAAs the investigator walked out of the café, his figure slowly disappeared among the patrons. He seemed to be in a hurry and I wondered what just happened.I remained there, frozen , feeling puzzled and full of questions in my mind. His face showed me that there was an important piece of information he was keeping to himself. Something he didn't want to tell me.It was at that moment he was going to tell me more about my twin sister, a call interrupted us. He could have just spilled it out anyway before leaving.I wasn't seeing or hearing things, was I ?I clearly saw the name "Zayna" flash on his screen. I felt my heart race. Why was Zayna calling him? I felt a strong feeling of fear that made me uneasy and upset at the same time.I tried to calm myself down, taking short deep breath, but the worry kept getting stronger. There was something off, something I couldn't place my fingers on. I tried to relax, telling myself it was all a coincidence, that Zayna was the Beta's daug
MERIDAAs soon as I got home , I made a mad dash to thr bathroom and on the shower at full force allowing the hot water wash down me, it felt soothing and refreshing and I welcomed it.I had left my phone with it's broken screen on the bed and no matter how hard I try to gather my thoughts, they kept spiraling.For now I needed to be alone, to gather my thoughts.I glanced at he cracked screen, it reminded me of how my life was falling apart. I exhaled and wrapped my arms around me, suddenly feeling cold."Good evening, My lady." Someone knocked on the door and I knew it was one of the maids"What's it?""Dinner is served." She replied" I'll be downstairs soon." I said dismissing her before she could finish.I quickly changed into something cozy and joined Julietta and the rest at the dinning hall, thankfully they didn't seem to notice my late arrival as they chatted away. Truthfully I didn't feel like having anything to eat. I only wanted to be in the comfort of my room but then t
The night was very quiet, like everything was waiting for something to happen. Lemuel and I stood on the balcony, looking down at the garden below and up at the blurry stars. I still thought about what I had told him and it was the best thing I ever did. At least I wasn't alone.My mind and heart were filled with thoughts and feelings, hoping that Lukan could still hear me and a miracle of some sort will happen and he will just wake up.I held onto the chilly metal railing, noticing how it dug into my hands. Helping me to keep calm.“I never… I never told him, Lemuel,” I whispered, struggling to speak. “I never told him how much he meant to me. And now, I fear I might never have that chance.”Lemuel turned to me, his eyes mirroring my pain. “Merida, you know he cared about you deeply. Lukan always felt things intensely, especially about you. He can be arrogant some times but he loves you."Tears flowed down my face as I shook my head. “But I never said it. Not once. I..."I stopped
LUKANThe ballroom emptied in chaos,voices whispering and eyes watching as Merida and I made our way to the car. I kept my face blank, my emotion locked away. I had done what I wanted to do and now I felt at ease .Kara and Zayna were gone, their betrayal had been exposed, and the rest of the pack that weren't present would hear every detail by morning.The air inside the car felt heavy.Merida sat quietly beside me, her gaze fixed out the window. For amoment, I wanted to speak, to say something that would lighten the weight pressing on us. But what could I say? She was in shock, everyone was in shock.Behind us, Lemuel, Dean, and Julietta followed in another car.The convoy moved through the streets to the packhouse , the soft hum of the engine the only sound. My mind was far from the quiet road, replaying the night's events.In few minutes , we arrived at the Packhouse, the scene before us was shocking. The everywhere buzzed with activity. Guards whispered among themselves, and mai
LUKANThe atmosphere in the room felt so thick and stifling.Everything had happened so fast and sudden and the worst part was that Zayna was dead Her lifeless body lay sprawled on the icy, blood-soaked floor, her face calm in death was the stark reminder of the happiness she once had. The heavy weight of shock and grief hung heavily in every corner of the hall. Some women were already beginning to sob a d some were too scared to leave the hall.My wolf stirred restlessly within me, a mix of fury, sorrow, and an urgent desire for revenge, to have Beta Thedeus punished for all the nonsense he had caused. Something in me wanted to find the culprit myself and deal with them. They tried to kill me and because of that Zayna was dead even though she didn't deserve any of this.Even though I was feeling really angry, I knew I had to stay calm. There was a big problem coming, and it wasn't too far from where I was but I had to stop it.“You!” Beta Thaddeus's angry voice shattered the ten
LUKANThe ballroom felt heavy with the tension and everything I had revealed, no one could say a single word it felt like the world had suddenly come to an end . Beta Thedeus and his bastard son felt like vanishing together with every member of the council who had supported him.The chandeliers twinkled above, showing the tension that filled the hall. Everyone was waiting patiently for my words, their gazes filled with curiosity, suspicion, and a hint of fear. Glasses held half drunk in their hands, eyes casting dirty looks at Beta Thedeus and his daughter Zayna.In the crowd, Zayna's expression was one of forced composure, and her shaking hands showed how scared she was, she was never expecting any of this She was clearly weighing her options, her eyes flicking between me and the assembled pack members.I approached her slowly, the sound of my boots sending sounds on the marble floors that made her shiver . “Zayna,” I started, my tone firm and precise. “I have something to ask
LUKANThe grand hall shone brightly under the golden chandeliers, their illumination dancing across polished marble floors and beautifully carved columns. This event was more than a mere ball—it was a display of deception organized by those eager to alter the legacy of my lineage, give my position to someone else.Laughter rose and fell through the hall, deceptively light and the sound of hushed chatters and the clicking of glasses filled the air. Council members raised their glasses in feigned joy,excited to have me discarded or so they thought.At the heart of the gathering was Beta Thaddeus, exuding his usual calm authority. His voice was measured and forceful as he addressed the assembly. “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight marks an important moment for our pack. We have long awaited the return of order. This evening, we will crown a new Alpha.” His words hung in the air like a noose tightening around me. My prolonged absence had given them thus them, feeding their ego and stupidi
MERIDAIt was late evening as my personal maids got me ready for the moon meeting and at the same time I felt fear and anxiety surge through me. It was the night of the moon meeting, a significant event, but this one felt particularly heavy. I couldn't have attended if I had a say, going to the moon meeting — a meeting where some old men will have him replaced.I felt angry and at the same time as if I was betraying him. The council would be deliberating a possible successor for Lukan while he was in coma and I wished I could tell Lemuel that there was no need going for the Moon meeting.I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, feeling rather disoriented as a maid worked on my hair, styling it into a sleek twist that flowed gracefully down my back. Another maid stepped into the room, her face serious,very serious.“My Lady .” she said gently. “I need to inform you that Clara is unwell. She’s had a fever all day and hasn’t spoken to anyone. " She looked around her, at the maids
MERIDAThe next day was bright and full of hope,hope that soon everything would be fine.I wore a bright yellow, knee length dress and had my hair curled up, I was even planning on going to the beach today. I had told Lemuel and Dean had wanted to come with us.It was my first time of going to the beach, but I didn't tell Lemuel this, he would probably laugh at me. I smiled at the thought as I settled into the chair opposite Dean .Just as lunch started, one of the maids approached timidly, whispering to Julietta who reached out for a wine flute."Ma'am, your phone… It's an urgent call."Julietta answered the phone, her face shifting to a more serious expression. She spoke quietly, but her body language suggested trouble. "This can't be happening..."A pause.A long one." You can't possibly do this....it's outrageous!"Her grip on the phone tightened, and her knuckles turned white as though each word she heard drained the life from her.Lemuel looked up at her and I wondered what wa
The night was very quiet, like everything was waiting for something to happen. Lemuel and I stood on the balcony, looking down at the garden below and up at the blurry stars. I still thought about what I had told him and it was the best thing I ever did. At least I wasn't alone.My mind and heart were filled with thoughts and feelings, hoping that Lukan could still hear me and a miracle of some sort will happen and he will just wake up.I held onto the chilly metal railing, noticing how it dug into my hands. Helping me to keep calm.“I never… I never told him, Lemuel,” I whispered, struggling to speak. “I never told him how much he meant to me. And now, I fear I might never have that chance.”Lemuel turned to me, his eyes mirroring my pain. “Merida, you know he cared about you deeply. Lukan always felt things intensely, especially about you. He can be arrogant some times but he loves you."Tears flowed down my face as I shook my head. “But I never said it. Not once. I..."I stopped
MERIDAAs soon as I got home , I made a mad dash to thr bathroom and on the shower at full force allowing the hot water wash down me, it felt soothing and refreshing and I welcomed it.I had left my phone with it's broken screen on the bed and no matter how hard I try to gather my thoughts, they kept spiraling.For now I needed to be alone, to gather my thoughts.I glanced at he cracked screen, it reminded me of how my life was falling apart. I exhaled and wrapped my arms around me, suddenly feeling cold."Good evening, My lady." Someone knocked on the door and I knew it was one of the maids"What's it?""Dinner is served." She replied" I'll be downstairs soon." I said dismissing her before she could finish.I quickly changed into something cozy and joined Julietta and the rest at the dinning hall, thankfully they didn't seem to notice my late arrival as they chatted away. Truthfully I didn't feel like having anything to eat. I only wanted to be in the comfort of my room but then t
MERIDAAs the investigator walked out of the café, his figure slowly disappeared among the patrons. He seemed to be in a hurry and I wondered what just happened.I remained there, frozen , feeling puzzled and full of questions in my mind. His face showed me that there was an important piece of information he was keeping to himself. Something he didn't want to tell me.It was at that moment he was going to tell me more about my twin sister, a call interrupted us. He could have just spilled it out anyway before leaving.I wasn't seeing or hearing things, was I ?I clearly saw the name "Zayna" flash on his screen. I felt my heart race. Why was Zayna calling him? I felt a strong feeling of fear that made me uneasy and upset at the same time.I tried to calm myself down, taking short deep breath, but the worry kept getting stronger. There was something off, something I couldn't place my fingers on. I tried to relax, telling myself it was all a coincidence, that Zayna was the Beta's daug