** The city, pack, and kingdom's names used here are the author's invention and have no connection with reality. **

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VALENTINA

"Drinks, ma'am?" The polite voice of the air hostess caught my attention.

"No, thanks." I shook my head at her, flashing a smile that hid beneath my black mask.

The air hostess politely approached the other passengers with a nod. I sighed and gazed out the small window of the aeroplane.

I am returning to my home, the place where I truly belong.

Except for the white clouds in the bright daylight, I could see nothing. It is basically pointless to look out. So, pulling down the cover, I carefully picked up the magazine I had taken from the airport.

The new Ohio actress has been in the news lately. She's trending on all news channels and in magazines. However, the second I turned the page, I discovered a different face-a man with devilish charm.

He is Andres Donovan, the Supreme regent of all wolves-he's the Lycan King.

This magazine recently published an interview with him that somehow overshadowed the trending actress.

My attention was drawn to his image. Even in the photograph, his golden eyes blazed with an intensity that was quite unsettling. He exuded an aura of both danger and refined elegance, his commanding presence possessing a captivating allure.

Women crave him, yet he is forbidden fruit. He remains unattached, with no pressing interest in taking a mate-not yet, at least.

"Hey, are you reading it?" An excited female voice brushed my ears, and I turned to the female passenger beside me.

Her eyes were fixated on the king with extreme interest. Feeling my gaze, she smiled sheepishly. "Actually, I wanted to buy a magazine, but unfortunately, they were all sold out."

Well, no wonder why.

"Not really, here, take it." I handed her the magazine, and her eyes sparkled. "Thanks! I'll return it to you after reading." She added with a grateful smile.

"It's fine; I won't need it anymore," I said, closing my eyes to avoid further conversation.

The girl's excitement was unbounded, and she thanked me again.

Although the Lycan King was undoubtedly charming, I no longer bothered him. Honestly, the betrayal shattered me within. Nothing excites me anymore.

I fell asleep after a while until the flight attendant woke me up. The plane had landed in Grimaker City.

I took my backpack, which did not have many things. I practically left Shadow Crust with the only belongings I owned with my money.

After completing the airport procedures, I stepped out of the airport. A soft, subtle breeze kissed my face, shivering me with discreetly controlled emotions.

I hailed a taxi and entered, "Ebbon Moon Clan." I informed the driver.

Once the car started, I reclined in the seat.

Atlas and Sienna awakened me by crashing my heart. I realised that I was just a blind fool for not valuing the people who truly loved me.

Two years have passed, and I am unsure whether my family and pack will accept me in this state. Yet, after losing everything, my family are the only people I want to return to.

"We've arrived, ma'am," the driver said, breaking my thoughts as I looked out the window.

The huge entrance to the pack graced my view. My heart tightened against my ribcage as I glanced at the most familiar place in my life.

My sweet home-Ebbon Moon Clan-where I truly belong.

Tears clouded my vision, yet I held them back. I never learned to be weak. Perhaps for love I had once restricted my true nature, and lost my way; within, I am still a warrior and my father's heiress.

But, what if they don't want me back?

The sudden thought shuddered me, yet I controlled myself with clenched fists. Paying the taxi fare, I stepped out of the car with a tight heart.

I looked around. The border guards were standing in their usual places and maybe, there were more than I had known.

I didn't suspect it, though, after all, the Ebbon Moon Clan is one of the most powerful packs in Grimmaker City. My father, Alpha Victor, is the current leader of the pack. He is a born leader, running the pack with strength and precision.

Indeed, I'm the Alpha's daughter and the young Alpha heiress of the pack. This was my true identity, which I had hidden from Atlas, and I am glad I did. He never deserved me.

I walked toward the pack's entrance and stopped by the guards. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" One of the guards asked in a steely voice.

Who am I?-The question stiffened me. For a second, I felt unfamiliar and useless. When I left this place two years ago, I vowed never to return and use my identity, yet here I am, unsettled and suspected.

"Remove your mask; you need to provide your identity," one of them said again.

"You're wolfless, yet you bear the scent of a wolf." One frowned, throwing me a sharp gaze. "Are you a lone omega? Where did you come from?"

His words twisted my heart with an unbearable ache as I was suddenly reminded of my circumstances. Yes, I am wolfless; I couldn't protect my precious companion. Those who once immediately bowed to me in submission now question me.

This only made me smile sadly. How fast and drastically life changes.

"Speak," he snapped. Their stance was threatening; "or we'll arrest you."

I felt defenseless before their questions. A wave of restlessness washed over me. There was no point in arguing; I needed to move my mask. However, given the way my face had been disfigured, I wonder if they will recognize me.

"Hey, remove your mask," one of the guards urged me as a few of them started surrounding me, their sharp gazes filled with doubt and alertness.

With a sigh, I raised my hand to remove my mask, when a heavy, pointed tone pierced the air, drawing our attention.

"What's going on here?" The cold voice fell as I watched the tall, good-looking man whose strong presence made my heart pound with both fear and excitement.

Bundles of memories reopened in my troubled and wounded heart. "Uncle Samuel," I couldn't help but whisper with a tearful gaze.

VALENTINA

Uncle Samuel visibly froze. His gray eyes darted to me as his lips quivered at the sudden realization. "Val?" he whispered in a daze.

A droplet of tears slipped down my cheek as my eyelashes shivered at the recognition. "Uncle..." I murmured again.

"I-is it you, Val?" He hurriedly stepped toward me as the guards moved aside, confusedly.

"Ye-es uncle," My voice shivered. "It's me, your Val." My uncle recognized me!

"You've finally returned." His cold gray gaze softened with his usual affection, which somewhat calmed my troubled heart. At least, I am still alive in my uncle's affections.

Perhaps I still have a chance.

Uncle Samuel embraced me warmly and tightly, offering much comfort. This acceptance matters to me greatly.

Uncle Sam isn't just the most promising beta of the Ebbon Moon Clan, he's also my father's best friend of twenty-five years. My father considers him more of a brother than a friend.

"You've changed a lot in two years, little berry," he said, and the endearment once again fluttered my heart, reopening my beautiful memories here with him.

"You have evolved. You grew taller." He chuckled softly. "You've grown your hair out, and you're even wearing a mask."

His remark, however, stiffened me. Once again, the unsettling feeling of fear grasped me. I know my bizarre changes would raise many questions, and I have to answer them, but not here. I need to see Papa first.

"Girls are meant to change with time," I said, feeling drained by emotion, and asked, "Where is Papa?"

-------

After a few minutes, I entered the pack's comfortable and opulent house. A warm sandalwood scent filled the air, quite unlike before. Previously, it had been a gentle fragrance with floral and fruity notes, indicative of a kind and loving home. Now, however, it was a strong, sweet scent that induced a headache.

Also, some decorations had changed, as if someone had tried to forcefully incorporate their tastes.

"Your father is in his office." Uncle Samuel's voice disrupted my thoughts and my gaze turned to him.

"I have informed him of your arrival. He is waiting for you," he said.

My heart twisted with a strange chill and I swallowed painfully. "H-he wants to see m-me?" My voice shook.

My uncle probably understood my hesitancy and patted my shoulder. "Indeed, he does. You have no idea how much your father misses you. Yes, both of you are indeed stubborn, but this time, be patient with him, Val. He is, after all, a broken man."

I slowly nodded. I don't need to be reminded this time; my deep, lifelong scars will never let me forget that leaving my father was the most horrible decision I ever made.

I just hope my father doesn't get scared seeing me and despises my broken self.

The door of Papa's office opened once we reached the eastern part of the pack house. Uncle Samuel pushed open the door and stepped aside for me to enter.

Inhaling shakily, I stepped inside, and there he was-Alpha Victor Rodriguez-my father. He was pacing the room with an impatient stance.

Once I entered, he paused, and his eyes shot up in my direction. Our gazes met, and we both froze for a moment.

"Papa-" That was all I could mutter before running to him and throwing myself into his arms. I didn't, for once, think if he would want me anymore; what I knew is, that I had finally returned to my safe place, to my father.

"Val, my daughter, my love." Papa's strong arms circled me, pulling me into a hug that was warm, affectionate, and most of all, secure.

His familiar woodsy scent calmed me and evoked emotions of my most beautiful moments, which eventually broke free as tears.

I have suppressed my emotions for a considerable time, striving to project an image of strength, but I could no longer contain my feelings upon receiving my father's acceptance.

My tears pour endlessly, flowing out all the sorrow and heartache I have endured for the past few days.

"I-I a-am so-orry p-papa." I whispered hoarsely. "I-I am so sor-ry."

"No, shush," he caressed my head. "It wasn't your fault alone; I messed it up as well. I am sorry, my child."

Papa and I both cried at our reunion.

After a while, Papa broke the hug and looked at me. His soft eyes suddenly turned intense as confusion crossed his expression.

"Why can't I sense your wolf?" he murmured, and soon his brows furrowed deeply as if he were noticing my changes. "Val, what's going on with you?"

My heart clenched tightly. Here comes the moment of truth.

"Papa, uncle-please don't get scared." Muttering quietly, I removed my mask, only to be met with loud gasps from them.

A whoosh of disappointment enveloped me and I fell into a deep despair. My head lowered in shame and remorse, feeling nothing but useless before them.

"Val, what-what happened to you?" Uncle gasped as Dad stared at me, puzzled.

A deep sigh escaped my lips before I looked up at them. "It's a long story." I explained what happened after I left home.

"That bloody bastard! I will rip his head off!" A menacing growl echoed within the walls of Papa's office as soon as I finished.

Papa's eyes blazed with fury; his expression changed from soft to murderous. His veins popped out in anger.

"How dare he hurt my daughter? I will destroy his life and drag him to the pit of hell." His eyes had turned red, "Samuel, we're going to the Shadow Crust pack! Now!" He announced and was ready to rush out.

However, I hastily jumped in front of him, stopping him. "Papa, no!" I grabbed his arms. "Calm down, Papa," I pleaded.

"How can you ask me to calm down?" His hoarse voice rumbled, "That bastard must pay for his deeds! He didn't know whom he messed with!"

He was about to storm off again, but I stopped him. "No, Dad, you can't act recklessly. One wrong move and the council will intervene, which won't be good for our pack. We can't prove it, Papa. They'll deny the claim because they planned everything precisely. We have no proof. No one will believe us, and it will backfire." I tried to reason with him.

"She's right, Victor, don't rush. Also, what matters most now is healing her wolf. We will aim for revenge, but slowly and with a proper plan." Uncle Sam supported my words.

Eventually, Papa was persuaded and calmed down. He sat down on the sofa in the office and nodded, "You're right; we need to act cautiously."

Although he seemed composed, his eyes betrayed him. No wonder; if Atlas accidentally appeared before him, he would definitely rip him apart.

I sat beside my father and held his hand. "I promise you, Papa, I'll get back to him and never disappoint you again," I said determinedly. His grip tightened on my hand.

"It's I who am to blame. Because of me, you suffered. Forgive me, my daughter," Papa apologized, holding my hand close to his eyes.

His words were full of regret and guilt, which shuddered my heart, and I hurriedly hugged him. "Don't worry, Papa. Now I am back, and I'll never leave your side again."

"I will not allow it either," Papa vowed.

Uncle Samuel mind-linked the pack's healer quickly. I was taken to a private chamber since my return was not yet announced.

In the well-equipped chamber, the healer ran several tests on me and after some time returned to us with a grave expression.

My breath caught in my throat as I watched him go through my reports with a darkened face. My grip tightened on Papa's hand as we both gazed at him.

Although, as a powerful alpha wolf, silver poison technically won't completely kill my wolf spirit, or at least that's what we thought all this time, the doctor's expression otherwise gave me a bad feeling.

At some point, my anxiety arose to extremes, and I couldn't help myself but ask, "What is it, Doctor? Do I still have a chance to reconnect with my wolf?"

VALENTINA

The healer put down my report on the table and nodded solemnly. "Yes, there is a chance. Your wolf is not dead yet"

A tight knot formed in my throat. Renewed hope surged within me as I glanced at my father and uncle. They also looked hopeful.

"Then why can't we sense her wolf?" Papa asked. "Why isn't she responding?"

"Although she isn't dead, she's deeply injured, which has faded her existence and disconnected them. You can also consider it a comatose state," the doctor explained. "But rest assured, with treatment and proper training, the bond could be reestablished. It will take time, patience, and determination."

The wave of relief washed over me, and tightly held tears finally spilt from my eyes. I covered my face and cried again. After so long, I am shedding happy tears.

I felt my father's warmth. His hug and tenderness made me cry harder. "Hey, baby, you'll be fine. I've got you," Papa whispered in my ear and caressed me gently.

I felt so safe and secure, which Atlas could never give me except anguish and trauma.

After comforting me, Papa ordered the healer to begin treatment. It is a seven-day process, the first treatment to heal my weakness and horrifying scars.

Soon, my treatment began. At my request, my arrival at the pack house remained concealed from all but a few, and I largely confined myself to my private chamber there for treatment.

Papa and Uncle personally took care of my needs and appointed my personal maid, Sara. Honestly, I was so happy to see her, and by her expression, she was as well.

"I am so happy to see you back, Ma'am," she said with a tearful gaze. "Everything will be alright now," she whispered, though I felt she was referring to something else.

But when I asked what happened, she said she hoped for my quick recovery. I didn't think much of it and believed her, perhaps I misunderstood.

The treatment was gentle and restorative, allowing ample time for both physical and emotional healing.

The scars within my soul may not completely be erased, but they have subsided a lot, and now I can address it as the worst ordeal of my life-a part of me that made me realize my worth, my true loved ones, and made my stance strong.

It feels as though I have been given a second chance at life, a new beginning. However, this incident also killed my desire to be in love, and perhaps in this new beginning, there is no place for love anymore.

Seven Days Later.

I looked in the mirror, and staring back at me was a striking woman. Her midnight hair, ivory eyes with rare violet flecks, and smooth olive complexion were enhanced by her perfect, celestial nose, high cheekbones, and soft, small lips. However, it was all accented by a faded scar across her face, and all over her body which gave her an appearance of intimidation.

This second life is a blessing from the Goddess. In this life, there is no place for those who have hurt me, ripped me apart, and blind love for any. This life is now dedicated to me, my close family and friends.

"What about the scar, Doctor?" I heard my father's voice outside the bathroom. "It'll only break her more if she looks in the mirror."

"I apologize, Alpha, but her wounds were so deep; they will not heal completely, and she will bear this scar for the rest of her life," replied the healer.

Sighing deeply, I pushed open the door and walked into the room. "It's okay, Papa. I accept it," I assured him. "This is for the good, I believe; it will remind me of the grievous mistake I made once."

Although sad, Father smiled at me and held me in his warm embrace. "I'm proud of you. It feels like my little princess has finally grown up."

I let his warmth spread within me for a while before breaking the hug and looking at him with hope. "I want to start my training, Papa. I must get my wolf back."

I couldn't wait to get back my wolf and I am willing to do all the hard work.

But Father's face turned serious, and he immediately denied, "No, Val, not now, or for the next few days. Your treatment just ended; your body needs rest. Start training a few days later."

I wanted to decline, but seeing his solemn and concerned expression, I accepted and nodded, "Okay, as you say."

My acceptance brought a smile of relief to his face. "Now go back to your room; Audrey kept banging on the pack house doors, wanting to meet you. A few more times, and she might break all the doors."

Audrey's name brought a bright smile to my face. My huge emotional support and only loyal friend, besides Kira.

"Okay, Papa. See you later." I kissed his cheek and waved at Uncle before rushing from the private chamber.

On my way out Uncle's gritted whisper touched my ears- "if we weren't bound by the laws, I would have ripped that bastard Atlas's throat."

Frankly, I'm glad neither my father nor my uncle met Atlas these days; otherwise, it would have been a huge massacre. But that does not mean I would let Atlas go; I would definitely make him pay, but now is not the right time.

I stepped into my room, and the familiarity kissed my soul as I looked around. Everything was the same as I had left it-perfectly organized. No doubt, no one had ever been allowed in my room while I was away.

From Sara, I learned that only she and Papa had entered here. This place was declared forbidden to others by the Alpha.

My gaze fell on the huge photo of the three of us-me, Papa, and Mama. We all look so happy. The brightness of our faces was unmatched. I remember other pack alphas used to be so envious of us. However, everything changed after Mama's death two years ago.

Papa turned stiff and closed himself off from me and the pack. Then, suddenly, one day he arranged a political marriage for me. I tried to make him understand, but he was stubborn, which forced me to run away. Sometimes I wish I hadn't run away and had patiently understood Papa. Perhaps this wouldn't have happened-

Suddenly, the door of my room swung open, banging against the wall beside it, revealing a very restless young woman in the doorway.

"Val!" She exclaimed and burst inside, or rather, on top of me, knocking me to the ground. "Oh, Val! You have finally returned!" She cried out as if she had discovered the road to heaven.

I chuckled and let my arms circle her petite figure. "Yes, I am here, Rey."

Indeed, she is Audrey, my childhood best friend. Although her mother was Mama's omega servant, they were more than that; they were like sisters, which naturally formed a deep bond between Audrey and me.

"Umm-can you let me go now?" I said difficulty, she was squeezing me so hard.

She broke the hug immediately and glared at me, "bitch how dare you-Ogh!" A loud, shocked gasp escaped her lips as she watched me, or should I say, my scars, and hurriedly got off of me, her mouth covered. "Wha-at had happened!?"

A deep sigh left me involuntarily, and gazing at her helplessly, I explained everything to her.

My sufferings and torments brought tears to her eyes as she listened. With a smile, I gently wiped away her tears. "Don't cry, Rey. It's in the past; I'm perfectly fine now, and I'm before you."

I didn't lie; I truly am happy. I could have died or suffered more, but the Goddess kept me alive and showed me Atlas's true colours. I am truly grateful for this second chance, where all these years of being lost hadn't taken away my family and friends; instead, they accepted me and showed me more warmth.