r path felt foreign, the scents of the woods no longer comforting. The laughter and chatter of her fellow wolves sounded in her ears

ad. She knew that voice; it belonged to Kira, a pack member who derived great amusement from demeanin

acing, but Kira followed, laughter trailing behind her like a haunting melody. "What's the matt

respected member, not servant, not a shadow to always linger in the background. Yet that was her reali

tepped inside. It was busy inside-lively with scents of food and chatter-but it was

the kitchen, her hair shimmering under the lantern light, the picture o

d. With every step, her legs felt weighted, the eyes of the pack dig

I need you to serve tonight's dinner. The Alpha's guests will be arrivi

g in her cheeks. "I was going to help in

rather simple. You serve and I command." She closed the distance by a fraction toward her,

their pack, but this was just beyond the bounds of decency. She wouldn't give Isabella the satisfaction of seein

er work, chopping vegetables and stirring pots, hands moving with automatic motions. And it felt as tho

," another voice whispered. "Daughter of

ould not allow them to see her break. Stronger than they knew, she had always been.

eared beside her. "Hey, Ly

ing a laugh that felt devoid of a

no one was listening. "I can't believe

does that even mean anymore? Better is a dist

just need time," Nia said with an ear

tear from her cheek before it could spill. "I'm no lon

ce cold with sarcasm, as she appeared behind Nia. "Don't dec

lode, but she knew better. "I am still a pa

a laughed, a melodious tone of derision. "I would mind my

heat of Nia's gaze upon her, but she could not bring herself to meet her friend's eyes. Instead, she channelle

he softness in her tone palpa

ing down the knife. "Being here helps, Ni

going to stay like this forever," Nia

support her. It was so easy to feel lost and alone, yet somehow the presence of Nia reminded her

ea. Lyra looked up briefly and glimpsed all sorts of pack members rejoicing for Isabella, who stood towering, her head h

nt, the chains of humiliation binding her tighter. But deep inside, righ

accept this fate.

rise from behind the shadows, and they would