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.

VALENTINA

"Fine?" Audrey's eyes filled with disbelief. "After everything that bastard did to you, how can you sit so calmly, Val? You should take revenge!" she suggested strongly. Her eyes blazed with venomous fury and felt capable of burning anything.

I shook my head, hugging my knees closely. "No, Rey, not at the moment, at least," I murmured. "I don't want to do anything with him-not even for a second."

"So you're letting him go just like that after he broke you like this?" Audrey sounded disappointed and frustrated.

"I never said that." I looked up at her, my stance serious and determined. "Atlas will pay for what he did; it's just not now."

"At the moment, I only want to focus on myself and my loved ones. I want to concentrate on reconnecting with my inner self. Trying for revenge now will only cause problems; besides, I can't directly prove anything against him. So, a clean break is the best outcome for now," I explained word by word.

Rey stayed silent for some time, and then, moving closer to me, she held me in a soothing embrace. Dropping a kiss on my cheek, she smiled cheerfully. "You're absolutely right, Val; we should focus on you more and not on that dickless bastard!"

I chuckled at how she cursed him and honestly, it feels so good. "You're right, that he is. He was not only petty and vengeful but also a complete fraud. As an Alpha, he was weak and pathetic." I let out my inner frustration before my best friend. "He was a pathetic manipulator who thinks he is the best! That bastard is so full of himself! Goddess knows how I fell for that fat-headed idiot and even thought he was my forever kind of love?-Geez, what was wrong with me?"

"Val, nothing was wrong with you. You only responded to your mate bond, which is very normal for any wolf. Besides, you loved him with all your heart. He was the one who never deserved you." She comforted me and added, "I believe that good and kind-hearted people always deserve good in their lives and you're an amazing person, Val, you'll definitely have your second chance who will literally kiss the floor you walk on."

"I'm sure you'll have someone stronger, perhaps as strong as the Lycan King!"

Audrey's cheerful words soothed my heart, and I felt much better after venting to her. And maybe someday I'll have my second chance, turning Rey's wish into the unbound truth of my life, but at the moment I'm not eager to think of romance at all.

Perhaps never-not after suffering enough because of this. But I didn't say it aloud before her. I didn't want to disrupt her cheerfulness.

"Okay, so-do you want to go out and relax?" Rey suggested with expectant eyes. "You've returned to the pack after two long years; don't you want to see how much things have changed here?"

Well, not a bad idea. For the entire week, I kept myself locked in one room. I think I should go out for some fresh air. Therefore, I immediately agreed. "Sure, let's go!"

"How about we go to Z&Z, our favourite chicken shop? I'm craving some delicious chicken fries," I expressed, knowing how much Rey loves that place, as do I. I've missed eating there.

However, unexpectedly, her beaming face fell, and she stiffened slightly, trying her best to conceal it, but she couldn't deceive my eyes.

"Wh-why don't we go somewhere else?" she said, trying to control her shaky voice. "A few more chicken shops have opened, and they're amazing!" She clearly wasn't comfortable with the mention, and it bothered me.

The girl who is literally ready to die to go to Z&Z is suddenly declining to go there. I felt a little strange and asked, "What's wrong with Z&Z? It's been two years since we went there together; I thought you'd be excited to go to our usual place."

Her face turned slightly pale, and she hurriedly left my bed and walked toward my walk-in closet. "Oh, come on, what would it be?" she gave a stiff chuckle. "I'm just saying there have been a few more new shops you may want to try."

"Now come on, you should get ready." Changing the topic, she walked into my closet, and I followed.

Unlike her, I couldn't ignore the topic. I needed to learn what was going on. Without minding her muttering nonsense to avoid the topic, I grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her to me to face me.

"Rey, what are you hiding?" I asked seriously. "And before you try adding more nonsense to avoid the topic, I should remind you that, as the heiress and your future Alpha, you are bound to answer me," I demanded, knowing she wouldn't otherwise.

Audrey sighed deeply, and her beautiful brown eyes teared up as her head hung low. "It's nothing to tell, actually," she muttered, looking up. "It's just-some she-wolves don't like me, so-"

"So they're bullying you, aren't they?" By her tone, I understood the meaning behind "don't like." Anger pulsed within my veins.

Because Audrey was a low-ranking wolf, she had always been a target for bullying, but her closeness with me had prevented them from hurting her by any means. However, after I left the pack, she was alone, and people might give her a hard time. If I'm not wrong, it's been frequent in Z&Z. No wonder she was trying to avoid that place.

"Hey, don't bother about it," Her soft voice made me watch her, and she flashed me a smile, slowly wiping the corner of her eyes. "It's nothing serious, and nothing that I, your best friend, can't handle!" She brushed it off and turned to pick up clothes for me, eliminating my gaze.

I said nothing and joined her as if I had slid it off, but in reality, I hadn't. I couldn't ignore the matter.

Guilt and remorse crushed me, seeing her dreadful eyes. Two years ago, I turned into a selfish bitch and escaped for my own life, not thinking about my family and best friend, which made them suffer.

But now I have returned, and I'll make sure to take care of my loved ones in my own way. I'll make sure whoever hurt my sweet friend, would pay a huge fucking price for it.