Prologue: The Betrayal

“The Alpha summons you to his office.” Raenerys was jolted from the pages of her favorite book by the icy tone of her sister, Sera, echoing through the confines of her room. With a calm demeanor, she set the book on her bed and turned to face her older sister.

Sera, the right hand of their father and the second-strongest member of their pack, was known as the Beta. She had little regard for Raenerys’s potential to lead; instead, she yearned for the title of Alpha female of the Siverious Clan. Sera viewed Raenerys as a mere speck of dust in her path, a hindrance to her ambitions. The thought of Raenerys becoming strong often unnerved her, feeding her desire to keep her sister suppressed.

Raenerys dismissed the disrespect in Sera's tone and demeanor; she had grown accustomed to such treatment from the Siverious Clan. Her status as the weakest she-wolf in the pack, unable to match the capabilities of her peers—even her cousins—only served to deepen the sense of isolation she felt. This perceived inadequacy led others to worry about the pack's future should she ever take the position of leadership.

Choosing not to respond, Raenerys understood that Sera wasn’t interested in her words. The older sister left without waiting for a reply, striding directly to their father’s office. After knocking three times, Raenerys turned the doorknob and entered to find her father, Salve Lauregnory, gazing at her expectantly.

“Sera said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?” Raenerys's voice was soft, despite her inclination to feign boredom.

“Sit down, Raenerys.” Like the dutiful daughter she had always been, Raenerys obeyed. While she often yearned to ignore her father’s authority and the opinions of others, her desire to speak up was stifled by her perceived limitations. Each time she faced insults, she longed to fight back, to defend herself, but her fear of failure kept her silent. Instead, she wore a mask of kindness, swallowing her frustration while enduring the slurs hurled at her. In those moments, she felt profoundly inadequate.

“The pack is growing, and so are our enemies. To maintain our status and power, we need to forge alliances,” her father began. Raenerys remained silent, absorbing his words. She had no idea what he expected from her. In terms of aligning with other strong packs, she was certain she would be of no help. Sera, as the next leader, was the one he should be relying on.

“And as the daughter of this pack’s Alpha, I have no choice but to arrange your marriage to the Alpha from the North.” Raenerys’s face was a mask of astonishment at her father’s declaration, and she shook her head in disbelief. She knew exactly who he was referring to; a difficult marriage proposal loomed on the horizon. The Alpha from the North was notorious for his power and savage pack. They were the strongest faction, led by a cold-hearted and ruthless leader. Raenerys understood her father's motives for wanting to turn the Northern pack into an ally rather than an enemy.

They needed Nevil, and she recognized that her own need for him was even greater than that of her pack. Yet, she believed he would have no interest in her. She loved him, but he had moved on—gone was the Nevil who had once been her friend. As children, they had lived as neighbors until his family relocated to the North, where he became the formidable Alpha. Nevil seemed to have forgotten her, especially as rumors spread that he disdained weakness.

“M-me?” The absurdity of her situation compelled her to repeat it. Her father regarded her with grave seriousness.

“Yes, you. You must marry Nevil Lancaster. It’s not a request; it’s a necessity. I’m telling you now so you can prepare, Raenerys. Sera can’t take this on; she’s the next leader and cannot leave the pack.” His tone brooked no argument. Raenerys understood that this was a demand, not a plea, and she had no choice but to comply. As always, she felt trapped, unable to voice her objections, reject, or oppose him.

Shocked and speechless, Raenerys exited her father’s office, grappling with the reality that they would soon cross the narrow sea to meet the North’s Alpha—Nevil. She couldn’t even picture how he looked now. They had been so young when they last saw each other, and all she could recall was the fearsome reputation he had gained. The thought of Nevil glaring at her like a predator ready to pounce sent shivers down her spine. Would he even accept what her father wanted? She was far from the ideal woman to be his Luna, and that prospect filled her with dread.

Sleep eluded her, her mind racing with questions and worries. Unable to stay cooped up, she decided to take a run in the stillness of the night.

Raenerys sprinted into the darkness, feeling the wind rush past her and the crunch of dry branches beneath her feet. The leaves danced behind her, swept up in her speed. In the night, her vision sharpened; other woodland creatures scattered and hid as she approached. When she reached the top of a hill, she paused, looking down at the dark forest she had traversed, then raised her gaze to the brilliant, full moon that illuminated the night sky.

With a sudden surge of emotion, she threw her head back and released a loud howl, which echoed into the night, answered by the howls of wolves from the surrounding woods.

Once she returned to her human form, Raenerys hastily donned her clothes before sinking down onto the grass. Her eyes remained fixed on the moon as tears streamed down her cheeks, tears she had long suppressed. The accented cries of the wild around her morphed into a chorus of howls, mirroring her anguish and frustration.

Raenerys couldn’t help but wonder why, with so many creatures destined for life, it had to be her. Yet, no answer came to her. She was living her life without grasping the truth she desperately needed. Lost in thought, she suddenly heard a series of howls echoing from down the hill.

She recognized those voices—they belonged to her father and Sera.

Raenerys quickly stood up, wiping away her tears and composing herself before she took off running. However, just as she was about to leave the forest, two wolves blocked her path. Overwhelmed with nerves, she wasn’t afraid because she was a coward; she was acutely aware of her limitations. The outsiders’ burning red eyes and gleaming fangs sent a jolt of fear through her. She knew that attempting to fight them would likely lead to her demise. They appeared far stronger than she was, and challenging them would be tantamount to asking for death.

Her tears began to blur her vision, and she realized she had no choice but to fight. Even if it meant dying, she preferred that over living as a failure. She would battle until her last breath. Growls erupted from her throat as she braced for their attacks, doing her best to evade their strikes. They moved with incredible speed, but thanks to her training, she managed to keep up, even if only just. However, it wasn’t enough; one of them landed a blow, and pain radiated through her as she felt a deep wound form.

“I can’t believe she’s the daughter of their Alpha,” one of the outsiders remarked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he surveyed Raenerys’s pitiful state.

“We shouldn’t waste our time on her. The beta is far more worthy of a fight,” the other one replied, his tone bored, as if Raenerys were an annoyance rather than a threat.

“Let’s go. She’s already received her warning.”

Raenerys didn’t know when they left. She lay there, writhing in pain, unable to rise even if she willed herself to. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the harsh reality of her weakness slapped her in the face. Shame engulfed her; she felt unworthy of leadership, and she knew the council shared that sentiment.

Sera, the one they had dismissed, was strong. Facing her would be no waste of time.

“Raenerys!” A woman’s voice echoed through the haze as she felt herself being lifted. Raenerys recognized it immediately—it was Sera. She wanted to call out her sister’s name, but her voice failed her.

Sera carried her unconscious sister to the infirmary in their Den for treatment. Concern rippled through the gathered crowd, and the Alpha’s furious voice boomed like a growl, commanding the doctor and anyone else present to tend to Raenerys.

“Call Azleah, hurry!” he bellowed, his tone laced with a dangerous edge as if he were ready to kill.

“What was that girl thinking? Why does she always venture out alone?” The Alpha’s frustration was palpable as he glared at his unconscious, wounded daughter.

“Look how incapable she is, Father. I don’t think it was wise to arrange her marriage to Nevil,” Sera interjected, hoping to convince their father to reconsider. She was worried about what Nevil would think when he saw Raenerys again and realized she had remained the same weak girl he had known before.

"But that’s the only way we can win him over, Sera. Raenerys needs to marry Nevil and become his wife. I can’t let you leave the South." Salve’s heart was heavy with uncertainty, but he had no other option. Raenerys was his sole choice, and the only way to forge an alliance with Nevil was through marriage, not combat. He couldn’t afford to jeopardize the fragile state of their pack.

The argument between the Alpha and Sera faded as Azleah, the pack’s doctor, arrived. She would easily heal Raenerys, who was too weak to heal herself. While werewolves could typically recover through their natural healing processes—painful and requiring considerable strength—Raenerys lacked the vigor to endure that and would faint before she even attempted it. Instead, she had to rely on the healer’s assistance.

“Raenerys will wake up later; let her rest,” Azleah said, and both the Alpha and Sera nodded in agreement. As they waited for Raenerys to regain consciousness and prepare for their journey northward, they departed to meet with several council members who wanted to discuss pressing matters.

Like Sera, many in the council were opposed to sending Raenerys north to present herself to Nevil and propose marriage. They knew Nevil was shrewd and difficult to manipulate, and he would quickly discern that the woman being offered to him was nothing more than a frail girl.

Salve contemplated their concerns as other council members suggested alternative plans. After a moment of thought, he nodded in agreement with them.

Meanwhile, Raenerys felt as though her strength had ebbed away. Though her body was still frail, her wounds had begun to heal. However, her time in recovery was short-lived, as her father sent someone to awaken her so they could depart for the north before dawn. She reluctantly entered her room, where she hastily packed a few changes of clothes and some books to keep herself occupied during the journey.

“Don’t let Nevil see that you’re weak,” Sera cautioned, her gaze fixed on the ocean outside.

Raenerys was taken aback by her sister’s words. “So we’re going to deceive him? What do you think will be the cost of that? Nevil might very well slaughter our entire pack.” Sera’s laughter dripped with sarcasm as she stared blankly ahead. Raenerys felt uneasy at her sister's reaction and turned to meet her eyes.

“Sometimes we must make difficult choices to protect those we love. This pack is our home, and we live in survival mode every day. We need to see things clearly and decide what we must sacrifice to stay afloat,” Sera said, her words heavy with meaning. Raenerys understood what Sera was trying to convey.

“I know,” she replied quietly, realizing that her father had chosen her for this burden. Salve could not part with Sera, which meant he had to sacrifice Raenerys.

The sail took several hours before they finally reached the north. They hiked through a dense forest to arrive at Nevil’s Den. Raenerys felt a wave of nervousness and unease wash over her as they approached. After thirteen years, she would finally see him again—the man she had dreamed of and loved even in his absence.

The atmosphere surrounding the place was uncomfortable and foreboding. A chill ran through her, making her shiver. Though fear gripped her at the thought of seeing Nevil, she couldn’t suppress her excitement at the prospect of their reunion.

As they reached a tall, rusty black gate, it creaked open slowly, allowing them to continue walking toward the imposing black mansion that she presumed belonged to Nevil. Her father turned to her before stepping inside, and they were greeted by Nevil’s guards as they entered a vast, gothic-themed office.

Before Raenerys could even acclimate herself to the surroundings, a strikingly handsome figure appeared before them. He had jet-black, tousled hair, a tanned complexion, and wore a black button-down shirt tucked into his black pants, secured by a belt. The top three buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest, and the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. Despite his alluring appearance, Raenerys found him intimidating. He radiated authority and power, his presence overwhelming. This was Nevil. The name echoed in her mind as she stared at him.

Her heart raced furiously in her chest, confirming his identity. Nevil had transformed significantly; while he had been a handsome youth when they first met, he was now a man, his features matured and even more captivating.

Another man in black approached Nevil and whispered something to him, but Raenerys couldn’t make out the words. Moments later, Nevil’s cold blue gaze turned toward her. She felt her knees weaken and tremble for reasons she couldn’t understand. His lips were pressed into a tight line, and she sensed no emotion in his eyes. He looked her over with an icy stare before shifting his attention to her father.

“Everyone leave; I will speak with the South Alpha,” Nevil commanded, his voice resonating with a captivating yet thunderous quality that sent shivers down Raenerys’s spine.

The others exited the room, but Sera remained by her side as they waited. Raenerys couldn’t help but wonder what they were discussing.

“So, that’s Nevil now?” Sera remarked, her voice low. Nevil was dangerously handsome—an Alpha so striking that many would risk everything just for a chance to be near him.

Raenerys shook her head at the thought. It felt wrong to lust after such a dangerous man. After what felt like half an hour, her father quietly exited the room. Nevil’s hands were shoved deep into his pockets as his gaze landed on Raenerys once more.

“Rigor will show you where you will be staying tonight,” Nevil said before averting his eyes from her.

Her father nodded and followed Rigor, whom Raenerys suspected was Nevil’s assistant—the same man who had whispered to him earlier. Some of their colleagues followed suit, and Sera, too, moved to leave. Raenerys stood up and looked at Nevil once more, but he didn’t glance back. As she watched him ascend the stairs to the second floor of the mansion, she couldn’t help but wonder if he remembered their past friendship.

Her question was swallowed by silence the moment she was left alone. After a moment of hesitation, she chose to follow, making her way to the back of the mansion. Rigor led them to the chambers where they could rest, and she quietly entered her own room, closing the door behind her. The space was decent, despite a color scheme that cast a gloomy pall over the decor.

Turning off the lights, she lay on the bed, hoping for restful sleep and that everything would go well the next day. The outcome of the agreement between Nevil and her father remained a mystery, but she was certain she would find out soon enough. Even so, anxiety gnawed at her, preventing her from falling asleep—much like the night after her father first disclosed his plan.

She lost track of time until rustling noises pierced the quiet, drawing her attention to a shadow moving outside her door. Heart racing, she jumped out of bed and walked over to the door, driven by curiosity. Fortunately, the room was dark when she opened it, giving her an advantage if anyone were nearby. She scanned the corridor but found it empty.

Needing fresh air to clear her mind and coax sleepiness back, Raenerys stepped outside. As she did, she noticed a figure heading toward the mansion. Squinting to see more clearly, she realized it was Sera. What could she be doing? Raenerys wondered as she cautiously followed her older sister.

Her heart pounded as she entered the mansion, careful to maintain her composure, knowing Nevil's guards might be watching. Sera's furtive glances around her were hard to miss as she ascended the stairs. Raenerys ducked behind corners, trying to remain unnoticed, until Sera finally knocked and entered a room.

Raenerys's heart raced, yet she couldn’t bring herself to approach the door to listen in on their conversation. Instead, she retreated to her chamber, choosing to sleep despite the gnawing pain of her suspicions.

The next morning, Raenerys awoke with a heavy heart. She remained silent during breakfast, which she knew Nevil had ordered. Afterward, they were summoned to the mansion's living room, where Nevil awaited them. He lounged on a velvet couch, sipping coffee and reading a book, the imposing picture frame behind him contrasting with his relaxed demeanor. He closed the book as they approached—her, her father, and Sera; the others remained outside, while Nevil's guards flanked them.

As Raenerys looked at Nevil, memories of the previous night flooded back. He appeared unfazed, seemingly indifferent to their presence. She glanced at Sera, who was lost in thought, reinforcing Raenerys's growing unease. Her fists clenched as an internal struggle tore at her; tears welled in her eyes, but she fought to keep them at bay as her father spoke.

"We are grateful for your decision, Nevil. I look forward to our deal and the alliance it will forge. Please take good care of my daughter." Raenerys's mind went blank at her father's words, rendering her unable to absorb the conversation.

Salve was the first to leave the mansion in silence, followed by Sera. Fear coursed through her veins; at that moment, all she wanted was to go home. But Nevil's guards blocked her way, towering over her and obscuring her view of her family.

"Take her to her room," Nevil commanded, his voice echoing ominously and sending shivers down Raenerys's spine. The realization that he accepted both her and her father's proposal left her feeling stiff and weak. Eyes wide with shock, she met Nevil's icy gaze as a smirk played on his lips.

"Don't celebrate. Your father tried to trick me, unaware that he was the one being deceived. Do you know what he told me?" Raenerys didn’t know, but an unsettling curiosity sparked within her.

Nevil stepped closer, his presence imposing. She felt pale and frozen in place, yet he reveled in her discomfort.

The woman entertained him, which is why he wanted her alive, even as he fantasized about sending her lifeless body back to the South. He thrived on others' curses and anger, finding pleasure in being feared rather than admired. He was notorious for his aggression, roughness, and violence, but none of that mattered to him. The girl standing before him—the one he once loved—was now nothing but a weak wolf, of no use to him.

As the distance between them closed, Raenerys could barely breathe. Nevil's cold stare pierced her, consuming her spirit. She couldn't fathom what dark thoughts swirled in his mind, but she knew they were far from benign.

Nevil grasped her chin, cupping her jaw with a mix of gentleness and roughness; the pressure was firm but not painful.

"You're weak, your soul is worthless, and aside from your beauty, there’s nothing special about you." He tilted his head, scrutinizing her, but his words struck her deeply, leaving invisible wounds and triggering tears. She didn't understand why his insults hurt so much when she was used to cruelty; perhaps it was because this was the man she loved.

"I rejected you as a bride—as my Luna. I told your father I didn't want you, so take her back to where she belongs. Do you know what he said?" Raenerys's chest tightened as she clutched his arm, feeling his grip grow firmer.

"N-Nevil..." she groaned, desperate for him to release her, but he appeared only more satisfied. He reveled in the pain he inflicted, a sadist relishing the moment.

"Do you want to know what he said?" Raenerys shook her head, knowing she couldn't bear to hear what would come next. Nevil's eyes darkened, and he abruptly released her jaw. The suddenness of it caused her to stagger, but she steadied herself, even as the truth of her predicament loomed ominously overhead.

"He begged me to accept you, even as my slave—any kind of slave I desired—but the only thought that crossed my mind upon hearing that word was sex. I don't want a useless wife who relies on me for protection. You're attractive and beautiful, so I want you to be my sex slave; that way, I’ll let you live. You’ll have some use for me in bed, I suppose. So, I accepted it—you’ll be my wife. But your father doubted that I would ever truly become his ally. He even offered me your sister. He said that if I was concerned about my heir—worried he would turn out weak—he would let Sera bear my child. Well, Sera’s hot, so I let her sleep with—"

Before he could finish, Raenerys acted on impulse, extending her arm and delivering a hard slap to Nevil’s face.

It was a mistake to have revered and loved him, especially after witnessing how disgusting he truly was. He had disrespected and insulted her, shattering her heart into pieces. More than that, he had slept with her sister, a betrayal she could not accept. Even her father had betrayed her to protect the pack, a choice she could never understand.

"You bitch!" Nevil snarled, his golden-yellow eyes blazing and fangs bared. He was about to strike her with his claws when he halted, taken aback by the sight of tears streaming down her fragile face. Her eyes were filled with pain and hatred. The innocent, kind girl he once admired was gone, replaced by a woman he now recognized as a fierce predator. In that moment, Nevil realized he would become the prey.

Seizing the opportunity, Raenerys turned and fled. Oddly, Nevil's guards did not pursue her, but she paid them no mind. She had suffered enough betrayal and disrespect. Tired of the insults and underestimation, she longed to escape it all. She vowed to return stronger and more formidable than ever. She would conquer the North, and Nevil would be her downfall. She would reign as the most powerful lone wolf in this world.

. . .