umbled upon a familiar building. It was a rundown apartment complex, the kind where the paint peeled and the hallways smelled of stale cigarett

t. After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing

ok... terrible," she said, h

tood there, tears silentl

e. Her apartment was small and cluttered, but it was warm and smelled

, leading me to a worn-out s

er everything – Kai's betrayal, Anya's cruelty, the rejection.

concern. When I finished, she was silent for a

e said softly.

," I whispered, my voice trem

for as long as you need," she said. "It's

de me. "Thank you, Lily," I said, my voice

it," she said. "We Omegas ha

betrayal was a constant ache in my heart. Anya's words echoed in my mind, reminding me of my perceived worthlessness.

ng a meager dinner, Lily ment

sked, surprised. "I did

he said. "It's a big deal. Eve

hing to wear. And... I just don't feel up to it." The thought of facing everyone, of

said, her voice firm but gentle. "It's impo

, confused. "Wh

I... I know you're going through a lot right now. But you need to understand somethi

. "Interested

she said. "She thinks she's the perfect Luna. She's beautiful, s

constant criticisms of me, her eagerness to help plan his birthday surprise... It was

e ball to... to get him?" I asked, my

id. "The Alpha will be there, surrounded by all t

Alpha, was unbearable. But it wasn't just about them. It was about me. It was about th

my head. "I can't go. It's too much

can't give up," she said. "I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that you're not

ce flat. "Kai didn't love me. Anya

, you're compassionate, you're strong. You've been through so

like ash in my mouth. "I'm at the bottom of

t you ever say that about yourself again," she said fiercely. "You are not

g down my face. "How can I be happ

y. You have to go to this ball, Elara. Not for Kai

voice choked with sobs. "My future was...

er voice firm. "Don't let them take ev

led with doubt. "I... I don'

s in hers. "I believe in you, Elara.

the darkness. Maybe... maybe she was right. Maybe I

all, I felt a strange mix of emotions. Nervous

n that I had worn to Kai's birthday dinner last

but elegant style. She even lent me a pair of her ear

y recognized myself. I looked... d

ked out the door, ready to f

ith shimmering lights and colorful banners. The air was filled with

arching for Kai and Any

ck members. Anya looked stunning, her dress a shimmering red that accen

ght of them together. But I

and walked towards th

near the back of the hall. They were all looking in

their gaze

Al

nd muscular, his broad shoulders covered in a dark, fur-trimmed coa

s scanning the crowd. And

tense. They were a deep, piercing blue, filled wit

ent, his gaze unwavering. Then

r him. A hush fell over the hal

t pounding in my chest. I coul

still locked on mine. He was even more impo

ment, then he spoke, his

," he

he hall, silencing the mu

a

called

eechless, tears wel

nd, his touch sending a jolt

r you," he said, his

contorted with rage, her eyes flashing dagge

was in shock. And so was