The space suddenly feels too small as I stare at Nathan, wondering if he is the same male who held me close on many nights, whispering promises into my ears.

"Nathan, it's me. Isolde, your-"

"What is the commotion, darling?" a feminine voice cuts me off.

A tall, elegant woman appears behind Nathan, slipping a hand into his. Clad in a fine wedding dress, she smiles at me.

Beth?

My half-sister?

Beth throws a disgusted look at me. "Why are you here? My mother made sure you never heard of my wedding to Nathan."

"You're getting married to her?" I ask, pain and betrayal filling my voice. I look at Nathan. His eyes are full of love as he looks at Beth.

"Yes," Nathan replies, his voice flat. "The wedding between Beth and me was planned a while ago. I'm getting married, and the last time I checked, I didn't invite a mad person."

The pang in my heart hurts more than the wounds and scratches on my body. Nathan is denying me, and I am standing here like a lost pup, watching him talk about marrying Beth.

This has to be a dream. Nathan would never do this. I gave this male my all. I remained faithful. I trusted him. Yet all this time, he was planning to marry my half-sister?

My father's men burst in. Five hefty ones.

They march forward with cruel determination, grabbing and pinning me to the ground. I struggle with all the strength I have left, but none of them budge.

"No, no, no. This has to be a prank. You promised me, Nathan. You promised to marry me. Don't let them take me away!"

"Marry you?" he scoffs. "An Alpha like me would never lower himself to something as disgusting as you."

A sharp needle pierces my neck before I can speak. The burn is excruciating for a few seconds. I cry out, both from the pain and betrayal shredding through my system, until my throat is sore.

Then the world begins to fade. Just before my eyes shuts, I see Nathan turning away, his arm wrapped around my half-sister's waist.

~~~

I am in a pitch-black cell. The air is frigid against my delicate skin, frightening and haunting.

I have been here before.

The night I stabbed the Beta's hand when he tried to force himself on me.

I was dragged to court in shackles, bruised and shaking.

Father did not hesitate to give his Beta a cue to punish me, even as my mother cried herself to the floor.

I was tortured in ways no eighteen-year-old girl should ever endure. I still carry the scars and burns from that night.

After four days, Mother managed to get me out. As she treated my wounds with a heavy heart, I asked how she saved me from the Beta, who was just as wicked as my father, maybe even worse.

But Mother brushed it off with, "I pleaded with him." I wanted to ask more, but I was afraid of what that answer might reveal.

She suffered a lot because of me. Unlike every mother who would abandon their child born under the red moon, mine never did. She never stopped fighting, even after losing her right as Luna.

I need to be strong. At least for her.

Days pass without food or water. I do not know how many.

I feel dead, yet somehow I am still breathing, my mind fogged, hope distant.

All that occupies my thoughts is my father's cruelty and Nathan's betrayal burning through my chest.

Finally, the gates groan open. Footsteps echo, but I do not have the strength to look up and see who it is.

"Oh dear," an aged voice echoes.

It is Elara, Mother's assistant.

Elara is another person who never truly hated me, all because of her love for my mother. They were good friends.

She crouches with a panicked look, checking my pulse, then orders the guards to carry me out. She gives me water before bathing me. Food is already prepared, waiting in my small chamber.

After eating a little, I ask about Mother, but Elara shakes her head. She does not know what happened to her.

My heart drops. Could Mother be tortured?

Is she still alive?

I notice the pity in Elara's eyes, but I do not have the strength to ask. The medicine she gives me makes my head spin. She urges me to lie down, and it does not take a minute before darkness claims me.

When I open my eyes again, a bit of strength flows through my body. But the betrayal remains, fresh and haunting.

I roll over and meet Alpha Aldric's gaze. He sits across the room. Elara stands behind him, head lowered, hands clutching the hem of her dress.

I sit up, short of breath, my voice weak. "Where is Mom?"

"Alive," he says flatly. "For now."

Something between rage and fear explodes in my chest. "Why do you hate us so much when we did nothing wrong? Why are you doing this to us?"

"Can you not see? I am trying to save the pack, but you and your mother are so stubborn it angers me. How ungrateful you both are. I allowed you to live in this pack after your sickening acts, yet you refuse to do one tiny favor."

He is still obsessed with forcing me to marry Drogo.

"I would rather die than marry him."

"Then you will watch your mother suffer," he says, and my heart plummets. "She has also agreed that you marry Drogo so she will not watch you die."

I scramble off the bed and crawl to his feet. My shoulders shake, tears blurring my vision as I look up at him. "Please. Please do not do this. I will do anything. Just let my mother go."

"Then marry Drogo."

My throat tighten. I cannot bear it if Mother dies. She is all I have.

"Fine. I will," I whisper, the words heavy in my throat. "Just promise to let her go."

"That is not all, little Runt." He smirks, then leans forward, hatred etching every line of his weathered face. He has that look that shows he is about to say something worse.

"Drogo had been a pain in the ass of many," he continues. "Once you are married to him. You are going to find his weakness. One that will take him down for good. Only then will I release your mother."

Alpha Adric's words didn't let me sleep. The more I think of it, the more the world feels so small for me to breathe.

At the end I caught a fever, my skin boiling hot throughout the night. My eyes are heavy from the headache that threatens to split my head.

How can someone as fragile as me do what he says? Find the rogue Alpha's weakness?

I am already terrified of becoming his bride, and now he wants me to find a way to bring him down.

I would be dead the moment he discovered my intention.

I don't understand my father's hatred. I am his blood, his flesh too. Was there never a moment when he saw me as his daughter? Not even for a heartbeat. Not even for a second.

He should have ènded me the night I was born.

I'm locked in my room.

This time maids were sent to deliver meals. There were guards stationed at the door to ensure I don't escape before my marriage with the rogue Alpha.

I'm still baffled by why Alpha Drogo wants me as his bride, and no matter how much I think about it, the answer never makes sense.

Does he know I was born under the red full moon?

Does he think I'm a curse too?

Will he treat me well or worse?

I don't think it matters to him. Alpha Drogo was rumored to be the cruelest Alpha, under an eternal curse of the moon goddess. Some refer to him as the devil who never dies. Some say he has horns like one of those terrifying beasts that haunts its prey at night.

But no one knows truly knows the real story behind the ruthless shadow.

The door creaks open, snapping me away from my thoughts. I sit up, watching Beth step in with her mother. Both hold their heads high.

The betrayal from Nathan is still fresh in my mind. A gaping hole in my heart that I might never heal from.

"Oh dear sister, don't tell me you're still upset about my wedding with Nathan," Beth says, and I glare at her. "He chose to marry me instead. It's not my fault I am more beautiful."

"You seduced him," I hiss. "I saw the look in your eyes whenever you see us together. How could you stoop so low and become a bitch?"

Beth launches forward and slaps me. My head whips to the side. Pain shoots through my head harder than it has already.

"You're the cursed one here." She sneers. "Really? You thought Nathan was going to love and marry you? You are just a placeholder. A whore to get along with until he finds the rightful woman. Me! You deserve nothing less than the Alpha you are about to marry. He is cursed too. A perfect match for you."

As much as I hate to admit, her words stings harder than it should.

Her mother snickers behind. She steps forward, holding her daughter by the shoulder. "Don't trouble yourself, darling. She is not worth the saliva you use on her."

Like mother, like daughter. Miranda was the closest friend to Mom. After Mom's marriage to Alpha Aldric, she turned against her, stole her husband, and after I was born, she struck harder, claiming Mom cheated, claiming it was the reason why I was born on the red moon.

"You are just like your mother. Always wanting what doesn't belong to her." Miranda says. "We are here to say our goodbye since your wedding is tomorrow. This might be the last time we'll see each other."

Shock ripples through my system.

"Tomorrow?"

"Haven't you heard?" Beth chimes in. "The pack is already preparing to welcome him tonight. Gosh, you should see the terror on everyone's faces. Your soon-to-be husband is really something."

My head spirals into chaos. This can't be right.

"Better make yourself presentable," Miranda advice. "Your father needs an alliance from him. You should do us a favor and please him well. He'll be here any minute."

I can't hear their footsteps as they leave. Chills spread over, worsening my headache. He is coming. The rogue Alpha is coming to take me, and I will become his bride.

No, I won't let that happen.

I will escape, find help, and come to save Mom.

I reach my door, locking it from within. Then drag heavy furniture to guard it, careful not to alert the stationed guards, exchanging boring conversation outside. After that, I search around for something heavy to break the window. My eyes land on an iron lamp at the corner, one of the old relics of Mom's.

I grab the blanket from my bed and wrap it around the window pipe to lessen the noise. I can't alert the guards; they'll catch me before I even smell the border.

After that I grab the lamp with both hands, the weight pulling me down, but my nerves are running and already edged with adrenaline. I slam the lamp against it.

A dull thud first. Second, a sharp crack. On the third, the window finally shatters.

"Did you hear that?" One of the guards by the door asks.

No, no.

Quickly, stomp my feet on the floor with a loud cry. "I don't want to marry him. I would rather kill myself! Father!"

"Quiet! Unless you'd like to be whipped!" The guard snaps.

I snap my mouth shut, dragging a hand on my face to wipe my tears. As they continue discussing, I use the blanket to sweep away the jagged part of the window and slide a foot out to test it. It's a small window, but my fragile, lean frame manages to squeeze through.

I land with a soft thud, wincing as I almost sprain my ankle. I pull my cloak close, concealing my red, disheveled hair and face.

The pack is indeed bustling with guards and servants. Since Alpha Drogo is known to be dangerous, my father must have stationed more scouts around his chamber, as he cares for himself more than the members of his pack.

I follow the servant quarter, sneaking my way into the back sacred garden, a place with fewer scouts. The space is surprisingly empty. Thanks to the moon.

Then I hear it. Commotion.

"What do you mean she is no longer in her room?!"

"Find her now!"

The hair at the back of my neck stands. I quicken my steps towards the forest, glancing back to see if I haven't been spotted, only to bump into a hard surface and bounce back.

I land on my tailbone with a yelp and shoot a glare at the figure. But my heart freezes.

He is unlike any other man I had seen. Tall, broad-shouldered, with green eyes that pierce through the dark, his shadow is an epitome of darkness that screams, "Run for your life." Yet it makes my heart race like thunder rolling in my ribs.

He freezes the same way I do. His thick brows knitting with curiosity and something deeper. Shock, maybe? But not with the disgusted look that is always thrown in my way.

Who is he?

"Keep searching! She wouldn't have gotten far!"

Shit!

They will find me soon.

I scramble to my feet, hiding behind the mysterious man, who seems to be more dangerous than being caught by my father's men.

He glances over his shoulder. I don't look at him but I can feel his sharp gaze piercing through my skin.

He moves a step away. I meet those eyes. They tell a lot, like hidden dark stories that send chills to every inch of my frame.

His face is perfectly framed, and just in that second, I had to admit he is the most handsome male I've ever set my eyes on.

"I'm sorry." I glance behind him, noticing my father's men close. I shift closer, using his large frame to shield my fragile one.

"I need your help," I whisper. "I will do anything you say. Serve you, be your whôre. Anything. I just need to get out of here and find help." I hold his sleeve, not minding the way he freezes and how his eyes turn colder. "I can't marry him. I can't. Please."

"Marry who?" His eyes squint, his deep baritone vibrating through my veins.

I hesitate, but it's better he knows if I do need his help. He is a stranger, probably one of my father's strong allies, judging from his sleek, strong appearance.

"Alpha Drogo," I say, desperation etching my tone. His jaw thickens. "I will die if I marry him. I have no wolf to endure him. Please. Help."

He stares at me for a breath longer. The silence is deafening between us, only broken by the shout of the soldiers spotting me.

"So you're telling me. I should help you escape so you wouldn't have to marry me."

It takes seconds before his words sink in. I release his sleeve, staggering back with wide eyes and mouth.

I taste iron in my throat, and the world doesn't feel the same anymore.

"You're... You're... Alpha Drogo?"

My heartbeat thuds twice as fast. I'm afraid it will burst, and I will die on the spot.

But it doesn't matter, as a torturous death is about to be my fate.

I had run into the devil's arm, begging him to help me escape the fate of becoming HIS bride.

I had held his clothing with my filthy hands, and now my doom is a step away.

The world seems to stop. Seconds tick by, slow and heavy.

The more he stares, the more realization hits me. The male rumored to have a beastly look, said to have ended more lives than the number of breaths I had in my lifetime, is standing before me. Shoulders tensed, confusion flashing in those green eyes as they rake over me.

"How is this possible?" He mumbles under his breath, chest heaving as if trying to contain a storm of emotion in his chest.

Then comes the look I fear the most.

Hatred, deeper than any I've ever known. Not the kind my father, Miranda, my half-sister, or any member of the pack had cast my way. This is pure rage, etched into every line of his weathered face.

Fury. Disgust. Pain and another kind that seeps dread into bones.

He is going to kill me. Cut me limb by limb and burn the pieces before the entire pack.

Survival instinct takes over.

One moment I'm frozen on the dirty floor, every muscle tensed at the storm in his eyes, and the next, I'm sprinting into the woods.

It is stupid.

I feel stupid.

Tears blur my vision as I stagger, pant, bump into trees, and earn scratches. My hands reach the air as if something in the space can help me escape.

This is the most terrifying moment of my life. Having the rogue Alpha on my heels.

Less than a minute later, the frigid wind hit me. His presence slams against my ribs like a thunderbolt, and the next thing I know, my feet leave the ground.

My back slams against a tree bark. The rough impact knocks all the air out of my lungs. His thick, veiny, muscular hand collars my neck, tight, firm, and deadly.

I meet his eyes. They've turned the deepest shade of red. Red eyes Alphas are rare, the kind anyone should run from because they are more than dangerous.

I thrash, my smàll hands crawl at his arms. He didn't budge. Instead, he growls sending chills to my core. His hold around my neck tightens.

"Why did you run? Did you remember everything you've done to me?"

Is he talking about how I begged for his help to escape?

No. This sounds deeper.

"I... am sorry." I struggle at each word, my lungs desperately begging for air.

"Same hair. Same eyes. Same voice," he leans close, presses his nose against my neck, and inhales sharply. "Same fucking scent. Only leaner, paler. And no wolf."

The panic in my chest escalates.

What is he saying?

"How dare you come back?" He sneer, baring his fangs as if itching to rip me apart. "To finish off what you started?"

"I... don't... know what... you're... talking about."

My words seem to anger him even more. I feel his cold presence slam harder, almost taking my consciousness. His scent thickens, hot and sharper in my nose. The world blurs. Blàck dots begin to taint my vision.

I've imagined death countless times. In the dark cell, in court, or even in my chamber. Most times I yearn for it. It's the fastest way to end my suffering.

But now, staring death in his eyes, every fantasy about it vanishes.

"Alpha Drogo," A familiar voice broke through the impending doom.

At the corner sight, my father stands with his men, all frozen and alert.

By the moon, I have never been relieved to see my father until now.

His voice careful, "We apologize for the disturbance. Please. Let us handle her."

Drogo releases me a breath after, and I crumple to the floor like a ragged doll, gasping hard. The air burns my throat.

For a moment, I thought he would crush my windpipe and end everything right here.

Drogo crouches and grabs my jaw, forcing my teary eyes to meet his. He didn't speak for a long time. He just stares coldly.

"Lock her up," he orders, restraint filling his voice like he is holding back. His eyes never leaving mine. "If she tries to escape again, I will destroy your entire pack, Aldric."

Then he straightens and strides away while I struggle for air. My vision is hazy from his attack, and my mind is foggy and confused by his words.

"You bitch!"

Father strikes my face with bark, then he yanks my hair back, but the hate in his eyes is less compared to the one with Drogo's. That of his consumed my soul.

"What were you thinking, infuriating him like that? Do you have any idea what that could cost me? He won't just kill you. He'll wipe out the entire pack, including your mother, you runt. I'll lose every advantage I've worked for!"

So that was why he'd stepped in? Not to save his daughter from the brink of death but to save his alliance and scheme.

"Stop acting like a selfish prick and accept your fate. You are never meant to be happy. You are born under the red moon, cursed. It's rare to see any child like you survive this long. But you did. Isn't that enough for you to be appreciative for?"

He releases my hair with a push, and I slump to the dirty floor. I don't move. I'm too exhausted. I just stare at the night sky, letting the darkness flood its way through.

Maybe Father is right. I can't escape this fate that clings to me like a second skin. The cruelty I've always known is about to go to the next level, and there's nothing I can do to stop it.

My eyes slowly slip shut.

Dear moon goddess.

Why?

Why are you so cruel...

To me?