Lunarstrike Pack.

7 AM.

Ravenna's POV

I slipped on my skirts slowly, feeling Damon's eyes on me. Damon is the Alpha heir of the Lunarstrike pack-it was a small pack in the southern province-the people were nice and accommodating. His gaze pierced into my naked back. The sheets were tangled and the smell of our orgasm still thick in the air. I reached for my bra and quickly slipped it on, then my blouse.

"Vexley...." Damon's voice was low and almost pleading.

I didn't look at him. I didn't bother answering.

He moved behind me, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. And I felt his warm and gentle palm, squeezing my clothed breasts a little bit hard as if he wanted to memorize me with my touch alone. I stiffened, my breath caught between protest and surrender as I bit back the moan threatening to escape my lips-I couldn't let him know how much impact he has on me.

"Please," he whispered, his lips warm against my ears. "I love you. Be mine. I want you as my mate. I want to marry you, Vexley."

I rolled my eyes. Of course, I knew where he was driving to.

Instead of him to just let us enjoy the moment, but he'd ruin it with his marriage talk everytime. I know Damon is a nice and kind man: He made sure his people accepted me and the Lunarstrike pack felt like home.

We started off as friends-he would always comfort me in my lowest time and encourage me that I could survive my past and become someone too. Damon trained me in marital arts-I even joined the Royal bodyguards. I was a skilled fighter even though I was still wolfless.

But everything between us changed one night in the pack garden. We gave in to our desires and since then we have been sleeping together-Damon have a thick, long cock that would always have any woman hooked.

Everyone in the pack knew about us and they had thought we were something serious and that one day I'll become their Luna. That was delusional!

"Love? Marriage?" I gave a hollow laugh, turning at him and slipping his hand away from my breast. "Those aren't in my dictionary anymore."

His face twisted in frustration, confusion. "I know what you've been through-"

"No," I snapped, my voice cold as ice. "You don't. And you never will."

Damon stood from the bed, naked-his cock was still a little hard. He crouched down in front of me, his golden hair was a tousled mess and his eyes-those affectionate eyes-were searching mine for something he'd never find. Something I had thrown away that night after Ronan betrayed me. That night Selena ripped my face and chest apart.

"I could come with you to the Academy," he said, his voice desperate. "At least drive you-"

"No," I said firmly, standing up and walking out of the room. "You don't have to." I knew Damon meant well but I can't let anyone close-not anymore.

"I'm going to miss you," he simply said.

I paused in the doorway. "Don't." Then I walked out.

_________

The Elder's mansion was quiet when I arrived, the morning sun filtering in through the window blinds. I stepped into the room I had lived in for the past three years and shut the door behind me.

As I stood by the closet trying to pack some of the essentials, the mirror was like a magnet, drawing me in. I stood before it. The girl staring back at me wasn't Ravenna, the lowlife Omega and slave. I am now Vexley Aleron.

Long dark lashes, almost white, perfect skin. High cheekbones, plump lips. A total stranger.

More beautiful than Ravenna. More deadly too

I remembered everything-the pain, the betrayal.

Elder Aleron saved me. He gave me a new life, hope and home.

______

I was in the coma for four months and when I woke up bandages were all over my body. But my face felt quite different. Felt like it doesn't belong to me.

The nurse hesitated before handing me a mirror. When I saw my reflection, I screamed.

And when I asked for explanations, I was told Elder Aleron found me in the forest where I have been left to die by Selena and Ronan. He saved me, arranged for everything-called in the best magician healers in the kingdom to treat my wounds and got in contact with the best surgeons who did a face surgery on me because my old face was ripped beyond repair.

Instead of gratitude, I was angry on why he had to go through so much stress just to save a low life like me. But the elder had stepped closer.

"You shouldn't be angry at yourself for being a good person. It's those who hurt you that deserves to suffer." He pulled me into a comforting embrace and said one statement that I have never forgotten since then.

"Let this be your second chance," he had told me. "To live... or to destroy those who tried to kill you."

So, I chose the later. Armed with nothing but a steel heart and a new identity, I promise to destroy them all-to pay them back for the wrongs against me.

______

Bloodmoon Academy

I stood at the gates of the Bloodmoon Academy. The academy loomed ahead-proud and regal. A place for warriors and elites-the cruelest and the untouchable trained here. A place where I once had no place. But now, I walked it's grounds freely.

The Bloodmoon Academy was owned by the Bloodmoon Pack, and I had waited all my life to be here.

Inside, the dormitory halls were already bustling with voices. Eyes fixed on me as I searched for my dorm. I knew why they were staring-they were probably attracted to my beauty. The surgeon had done a perfect job on my face that I couldn't enter a room without being noticed.

I located my dorm immediately. I stepped into the room-which was neat and decent enough. I dropped my bag on the empty bed.

A girl with dark red hair and emerald eyes looked up from her bunk, a smile on her lips. "You're my new roommate?"

I nodded.

"I'm Astrid. You?"

"Vexley," I said.

She tilted her head. "I don't know someone could transfer this late. Only two years until graduation."

"I've always loved the Bloodmoon Academy," I said smoothly. "Thought I'd finish at the best Academy in the kingdom."

Astrid shrugged. "Fair enough." She paused. "Would you be free to attend the Alpha coronation party today."

I turned, my heart skipped a beat. "What?"

"Yeah. Big celebration. They're crowning Ronan-Alpha Lucian's son. It's gonna be massive. You should come."

A smirk tugged at my lips, my heart swelling with gratitude to the Moon Goddess. Everything is falling into place so fast.

Ronan. My traitor. My mate. My enemy.

I said in a smooth voice. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Now.... Let's go cause disaster.

Ravenna's POV

"You look.... wow." Astrid's voice was breathy, her mouth wide open in admiration as she stared at me. "Vexley, you're stunning. Honestly, you're even more beautiful than Thalia."

I blinked. "Thalia?"

"Yes," she replied, nodding. "She's Ronan, mate, and everyone thought she was the prettiest girl in the academy, but I think you're prettier."

Of course, I know Thalia quite well. The beautiful Moon Crescent Princess.

I turned to the mirror and studied the reflection staring back- a silky black gown clinging to every curve, and my long raven-dark hair flowing down my shoulders in waves. The makeup was simple yet elegant, and the pair of striking silver eyes.

I smiled faintly. "Thanks, Astrid. Let's hope the crowd agrees."

Astrid grinned. "Oh, they will. You might catch Ronan's attention tonight."

I didn't respond. Inside my heart twisted painfully at the mere sound of his name. If his name could unravel me this much, then I wondered how I'd react if I eventually saw him.

______

The grand hall was a sight to behold-huge chandeliers lit up the room, and flowers adorned every corner in the Bloodmoon colours-Black and red. Laughter and chatter filled the entire room.

The moment Astrid and I walked into the room, heads turned as usual, and I received a lot of compliments telling me how beautiful I looked.

Astrid leaned in, whispering, "I told you they would agree,"

I forced a smile at her. An unknown feeling settled inside me as I recognised some of the pack members from three years ago. But now they weren't staring at me with disgust, or rage-they were staring at me in admiration, like I was someone special, someone valuable.

Then they entered. Ronan, dressed in a black robe adorned with golden cufflinks, walked between his parents like a prince walking into his future. Alpha Lucian's face was as calm as always, and he looked proud of his son's achievement. Luna Selena -that witch was cold as ever. But all I could focus on was him. The same man who once held me whispered promises into my ears before throwing me out to the wolves to devour.

My heart thundered painfully in my chest. My breaths became erratic, and I realized in that moment that Ronan's betrayal was more painful than the dagger Selena drove into my heart.

I had to get out of here-it was too suffocating in here.

I turned to Astrid. "I'll be back."

She nodded without question-her attention was fixed on the same set of people I was trying to get away from.

Outside in the garden, the evening air wrapped around me. I took a seat on the bench, trying to steady myself.

"I guess crowds aren't for everyone."

I turned to my left, where the deep voice came from.

A man in his mid-thirties stood a few miles away, watching me. He was tall, effortlessly attractive, with sharp features and dark eyes that seemed to see my future. His white shirt was slightly unbuttoned, displaying his athletic build. He had that calm and commanding presence that no one could ignore.

He stepped closer and, without permission, took a seat beside me. "I'm Professor Kael." He extended a hand.

I hesitated. If there was something I had learnt all these years was never to trust blindly. But he had the aura that made it seem like I couldn't refuse him, so I took it. "Vexley Aleron."

"Transfer student?"

"Yes, I am."

"Strange timing," he noted. "Most people don't transfer with just two years left."

Why did he care? I forced myself not to snap at him and offered the same excuse I gave Astrid. "I've always dreamt of finishing at Bloodmoon. It's the best."

He gave a knowing smirk. "That's a good lie. Polished. Believable."

I frowned, caught off guard. "Excuse me?"

"You can fool everyone else, Miss Aleron," he said softly. "But not me."

What? Did he know? How....?

Before I could recover from my shock, he gave a small nod. "Nice meeting you." Then he stood up and walked away, leaving me there, confused and shaken.

Did he know something about me? My face? My identity? Those questions ran through my mind as I made my way back inside. I didn't watch where I was going and I bumped into someone.

"Watch where you're going, bitch," the girl snapped.

When I realised myself and looked up at her, my eyes narrowed, recognition flooding my features. Thalia.

Her icy blue eyes glared at me like I was filth-one who would stain her.

Anger rose inside me. "No, you watch where you're going, bitch," I fired back, matching her venom.

Gasps echoed from the students nearby. Thalia's face was covered in a mix of rage and shock. I bet no one dared speak to her in that manner before.

She raised her hand to slap me. "I should really teach you some -"

I caught her wrist mid-air, twisted it, and threw her across the floor. She landed on the floor with a loud, humiliating thud. At this moment, all eyes were already on us. Whispers, and gasps filled the entire room.

"You don't get to lay your hands on me," I warned, towering over Thalia. And I think, I did see a flicker of fear on her face.

And then they appeared. Ronan and Luna Selena stepped forward. Ronan's face landed on me-burning with anger and something else. Attraction? Or perhaps recognition? But I knew the asshole couldn't recognise me.

I don't know that strange look, but I knew it wasn't completely hatred. Selena's gaze was as sharp as a blade, shifting between me and Thalia, who was still on the floor.

"How did you get in here?" Selena demanded. "We don't allow filth here." Just the same words she had said to me all my life. "Guards-throw her out," she ordered.

My heart skipped a beat. No. I can't be on Selena's bad side now-not yet. I know just how much she loved to be in control and tame anyone who seemed to want to stand against her. She could throw me out of the Academy before I even begin my plans.

Two guards stepped forward immediately. But before they could touch me, I dropped to my knees.

"I'm sorry, Luna," I said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Please forgive me this your unruly servant."

Ravenna's POV

I stayed on my knees with my head still bowed. My heart pounded like a drum. Seeing Ronan and Selena had brought back long-buried memories. I thought I was ready to confront my past. Turned out I was wrong.

All eyes were still on me. Selena stayed silent. Her gaze burned like an inferno. Sweat trickled down my back as I knelt there in front of everyone. Honestly, the last thing I wanted was to get thrown out of the academy on the first day of my return.

"How dare you cause a scene at my son's coronation?"

"Forgive me, Luna."

"You have the galls to knock down my son's mate? Who are you by the way? I don't remember ever seeing you around."

Oh, you know me so well. I am the girl you stabbed. The girl you left to die.

Yeah, I wished I could tell her that. But now wasn't the time.

I swallowed and told the lie I had repeated for so long it felt true. "I'm Vexley Aleron, a transfer student. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect anyone."

Selena's eyes narrowed. "A transfer student with no manners? I need to teach you some."

Fear gripped me. That was the thing about Selena. She was evil, cold, unforgiving. . . Maybe I should have been more careful. But it was hard to say calm after seeing Thalia.

Ronan stepped forward and dropped a hand on his mother's shoulder.

"Mother, let it go, she apologized. It's my big day, we don't need to waste time with nobodies like her."

Nobody, huh? You wouldn't even be crowned alpha if I didn't take the fall for your stupid ass!

I looked up and my eyes met his again. My mind flashed back to the day he said the ugliest of words to me. You're just a convenient hole for my release.

For someone I saved his life? Damn it!

Selena nodded. "You're right. We have better things to think about. Get out of here, girl. You are really lucky I'm feeling generous tonight."

The guards stepped back. And the slowly, the tension in the air eased. I rose slowly and muttered thank you to the gracious Luna. But she had walked away with her entourage.

Ronan pulled Thalia to her feet and dusted down her dress. I felt a knot in my stomach. That would have been me. But I wasn't jealous. Never! I didn't want to be with a bloody-faced liar like Ronan. He was evil, just like his mother.

I watched him take Thalia's hand, pulling her back toward the hall. But Thalia turned and glared at me.

"Don't think this is over." Her chilling tone would have scared me if I wasn't so angry.

I finally got to my feet and exhaled. Astrid sprang out from nowhere and looked at me. "Vexley, need to be careful, okay? That could have turned out really ugly."

"Yeah, it's too early to start stepping on toes."

"Girl, there are some toes you don't want to step on if you don't want to lose your feet," she whispered. "Luna Selena is one."

"I'll watch."

"Do you want to come back to the hall?"

"No, I'll just stay here for now."

Astrid rolled her eyes. "I need to pick something up from the hall. I'll be back soon. Please, don't get into any trouble."

"I won't." I smiled at her.

She gave me a thumbs up and headed toward the hall. My smile vanished as soon as Astrid turned around. She came across as a good person, but I had experienced so much betrayals in my life to truly trust anyone.

I remained outside the garden, listening to the soft music from the hall. My body shuddered as wondered what would have been if Ronan didn't intervene. Would I get thrown in the dungeon? Maybe get stabbed again.

Footsteps crunched behind me. Oh, Astrid? That was quick. But as the footsteps got closer, I recognized the scent. Ronan. My breath froze.

I turned right away. He was a couple of steps away. Our eyes met and he gazed at me intently, like he could see through my soul.

"What's your name again?" He stepped closer.

"It's Vexley, Alpha."

"Vexley. . ." His jaw tightened, and I saw his hands flex. He was fighting the urge to reach out and touch me. "You remind me of someone. Someone I... lost."

My stomach twisted. You didn't lose me, you disloyal bastard. You threw me away and let your witch of a mother stab me.

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"Don't be. Life goes on." He was enough to feel the heat of his body. His scent filled my senses and made my head spine. Memories of the many nights he had bent me over and slid his big cock into me came back rushing. Damn it, I used to love this man. He was my world. Until he threw it away.

"Yes, life goes on," I repeated because I had no idea what else to say.

"This is crazy, but there's something about you that is familiar."

"You are imagining things, Alpha. I need to go now." I moved away from him with quick steps.

I didn't want Thalia or Selena or anyone see Ronan with me. I had to stay alive long enough to enact my revenge. I thought he would call me back, but he didn't. But I could feel his eyes on my back, and I felt the pull of his wolf. It recognized me. But Ronan would never.

Back in the hall, the music had given way to the chatter of guests as they ate. I spotted Astrid at a table.

She waved me over. "Vexley!"

"Thalia is still sulking in the corner. You must have really upset her."

"Good for her." I eased into the seat.

"Look at that," Astrid said suddenly.

"What?"

"Luna Selena. She's looking at us."

My eyes land on Selena, and she was indeed watching us closely. Me actually. I flashed a nervous smile, but she just looked at me blankly. Her eyes bore into me and made me uncomfortable as hell.

"Girl, you're a magnet for trouble. First, Thalia, now the Luna won't stop glaring at you. You better stay low for the coming days." Astrid sounded concerned.

But I laughed it off. If only she knew who I really was, she would stop worrying about me making an enemy of the Luna.

The wineglass on our table rattled and from the corner of my eyes I noticed someone had dropped something and run off. I tried to follow the movement, but the person had mixed with the crowd.

I lifted the wine glass and saw a note scribbled on a piece of paper.

We need to talk tomorrow. Alone. After Training.

- Kael.