~Gabriella’s POV~

My eyes widened at those words. My heartbeat quickened, breaths sharp and uneven, as I stared at the alpha and the circle of beta wolves around him. My fists clenched until my claws cut deep into my own skin. Warm blood slipped down my palm. I lifted my hand, staring at it, and the thought came like a whisper that burned in my chest. Why was I born this way? Why was I cursed with such an unfortunate life?

All I had ever wanted was peace—just a sliver of it—while I lived out my days in the chains of the Dark-Hound Pack’s alpha. Was that too much to ask? Why this?

“The Alpha of the Dark Moon Pack will send his warriors in a few days to collect you. In the meantime, we will celebrate the bond between our packs once the deal is sealed.” Her voice cut through the room like a blade. Luna. I lifted my head toward her.

The look on her face was unmistakable—pure disgust, sharp as a knife. I didn’t need words to feel it. I could hear it in her thoughts, taste the hatred rolling off her, drilling into my chest like steel.

“You may leave. I’ve said all that needs to be said.” The alpha’s words followed a kiss pressed against his wife’s cheek. Their love—if it could be called that—was a cruel contrast to the emptiness I carried.

I turned away in silence, questions clawing at me with every step. Why did they hate me so much? Why did they despise my very existence? Was this how parents were everywhere? Or had I been cursed, singled out, forsaken by the moon goddess herself?

“Gabriella,” she called.

I stopped, sighed, and turned slowly, my gaze fixed on the floor.

“Yes, Luna,” I answered softly.

“You’ll be the one to prepare the celebration hall. The warrior wolves will arrive in a few days, and that place must be spotless. Get to work.”

“Yes, Luna,” I murmured, my voice muffled behind the black strands of hair falling across my face.

I slipped out of the room, picked up my bucket from where I had left it by the door, and dragged myself toward the dining hall.

As I moved sluggishly through the passage, a teardrop slid down from the corner of my right eye. I halted, wiping it away quickly with the tip of my finger, forcing myself to pull together before continuing.

When I finally reached the dining hall, I stood there with the cleaning tools in my arms, staring up at the vast room. Its size pressed down on me, the task impossibly heavy. How was I supposed to finish before the day ended?

Still, I bent down, picked up the broom, and braced myself. That’s when I heard it—the sound of two distinct footsteps entering the hall. They stopped right beside me.

I raised my head and turned to my right. Two of my friends stood there in silence, smiles on their faces as they stared out across the large hall.

“Marian, Lily… What brings you here?” I asked, confusion flickering across my face.

They both turned to me, their smiles radiating a kind of positive energy that seemed to brighten every corner of the room.

“We’re here to help, madam. You’ve already been through enough—we just want to loosen things up for you a little,” Marian said gently.

I stared at them for a moment, then turned back to the hall. “No, I can handle this myself. You girls probably have your own work to do. If you’re caught helping me, you could get into serious trouble.”

“But we don’t care, my lady,” Lily said firmly, her expression etched with concern. “It’s our duty to serve the alpha and his family… including you.”

I sighed. “Listen, I know you want to help. But if I accept, I’d be putting both our lives in danger. Please—let me be.”

Silence. Their smiles faded, disappointment dimming their faces. I braced myself, waiting for them to turn and leave. Instead, guilt pricked at me. They only wanted to help.

Then, just as suddenly, their lips curled into even wider smiles.

“See? We don’t need your permission to clean here,” Marian said with a mischievous grin. “Pick a side of the hall, and we’ll take the other. If not, we’ll get angry and report you to the warrior wolves.”

I froze. They had planned this out, fully expecting me to refuse. This was their backup plan all along.

“Fine. You win,” I muttered, groaning. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

They squealed in excitement.

Marian and Lily were the only two people in the entire pack who truly cared about me. The only two I ever dreamed of sparing—when the day came that I burned this pack to the ground, when my demons finally cut loose.

They were the only two reasons I kept my feet on the ground and kept pushing forward, even when everything around me tried to drag me under. The thought of leaving them alone in this place was terrifying. Still, I told myself they’d probably be fine—because they weren’t me.

As we cleaned the place up, my mind wandered to the life waiting for me in the new world I was being sold off to. Would it be better? Worse? Or would nothing change at all? The thought of being married off into some strange land, never knowing the joy of finding my true mate, made my stomach twist. And yet, somehow, leaving this wretched place sparked a faint, guilty happiness in me.

That night, after hours of backbreaking work, I collapsed onto my bed. The aches caught up to me all at once, clawing at my muscles and joints. I groaned through clenched teeth, curling up tight, my fists pressed to my chest. The only mercy of being a werewolf was that by morning, my body would heal itself, even if my spirit never did.

When evening came, the alpha and his family gathered at the dinner table for their last meal of the day. Though I was his daughter, I was never welcome at that table. My place was with the maids, serving food and eating whatever scraps remained. Tonight, I carried in a large tray stacked with raw ox meat—their favorite.

Hunting had always been my father’s pride. Whenever he set out, he wouldn’t return without dragging home a massive ox to show for it. I lowered the tray carefully to the center of the table, willing my hands not to tremble, not to spill.

But before the tray could even touch the surface, he attacked.

My little brother. The brat who had been pampered all his life, their only son—their future alpha. He was weak, far weaker than the warrior wolves, but he was still stronger than me. And that was all that mattered.

To be honest, my life was blissful until he was born. He took everything from me.

His elbow drove hard into my stomach, knocking the breath out of me. I staggered, the tray slipping from my hands, its contents crashing onto the table before tumbling to the floor. A large piece of meat landed with a wet thud on the wooden surface.

The room went still. Luna turned toward me, her eyes sharp and poisonous, her lips curling into the kind of scorn that could cut deeper than any blade.

“Can’t you do something right for once in your life?” she spat. “Clumsy little brat. Useless, good-for-nothing piece of trash.”

Each word stripped away what little self-worth I clung to, leaving me bare, trembling. Her voice rose, venom dripping with every syllable.

“YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A PIECE OF RAG WE PICKED UP FROM—”

Her tirade was cut short. The Alpha’s hand slammed against the table, the sound reverberating through the hall like a crack of thunder. Silence followed.

“Gabriella,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “Clean this up and return to your quarters.”

“Yes, my lord.” My voice was barely more than a whisper. I hurriedly gathered the ruined meal, my fingers shaking as I scooped the scraps.

When I finally left the hall, the echo of Luna’s words clung to me like a shadow. A piece of rag we picked up from…

The sentence unfinished, but the wound already carved.

Part of me longed to know the truth she had been so eager to hurl at me. But another part knew that chasing answers in this family meant courting death.

GABRIELLA’S POV

The morning came heavy with noise. One by one, the high-ranking wolves of the Dark Hound Pack filed into the great hall, their footsteps echoing against the stone floors. The place buzzed with laughter, clinking goblets, and the low hum of conversation. For me, it meant endless running—tray after tray, bow after bow, pretending that every forced smile I offered wasn’t burning my lips raw.

At least for today, Luna was too busy. She flitted about like some gracious hostess, all false warmth and polished elegance, greeting every guest as if she hadn’t been spitting venom at me the night before. I told myself to be grateful—grateful that for a few hours, her scorn wasn’t aimed at me. That meant no daggers disguised as words, no deliberate little humiliations in front of the others. But still, even the absence of her cruelty didn’t feel like peace. It only felt like the eye of a storm.

I carried trays to every table—beta wolves puffed up with their own importance, their wives draped in jewels, and their spoiled pups who laughed too loudly, knocked cups over, and barked at me as though I were their personal servant. By the time the sun had barely crept above the treetops, I was already drained. My legs dragged beneath me, aching as though iron chains clung to them. Every step sent a groan slipping past my lips.

When I pushed open the kitchen door again, I froze. Something was wrong. The air itself shifted. It wasn’t just that someone was in there—it was the kind of presence that prickled at the back of my neck. Strong, alive, unfamiliar. Omega.

Impossible, I thought. No outsider could breach the alpha’s house—guards lined every wall, every corner. The kitchen was supposed to be safe.

I eased the door open wider, my fingers tightening on the edge, and slipped inside.

“You maids are really good at cooking, aren’t you?”

The male voice came from deep in the kitchen, smooth but mischievous. My heart leapt to my throat. Instinct took over—I hurled the tray in my hands straight toward the sound.

But he moved. Effortlessly, like he had seen it coming before I even thought to act. The tray clattered against the wall as I stumbled, landing flat on the cold stone. Heat rushed to my cheeks.

“You should watch your step,” he said lightly, a piece of meat dangling between his fingers before he popped it into his mouth. “Wouldn’t want to lose a tooth on a day like this.”

My jaw clenched as I pushed myself upright, fists balled. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“Steven,” he replied simply, licking grease from his thumb as if this were his kitchen, not mine. “I came for food. There’s so much here I can’t decide where to start.”

My eyes darted over him—dark blue eyes, so striking they looked carved from polished marble. Black hair fell in silky strands around his face, catching the faint firelight from the kitchen torches. He wore black leather, jacket and pants that clung like a second skin, giving him the sharp, dangerous look of someone who didn’t belong.

I shook myself. Don’t look too long. Don’t let him pull you in.

“This place isn’t for omegas,” I snapped, pointing at the door. “You’re not allowed at the ceremony, and you’re definitely not allowed in here. Get out before you bring trouble on both of us.”

He raised his hands, a lazy smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, alright. But at least let me take some stew and meat with me. Call it a favor.”

I wanted to scream at him. I wanted to tell him how stupid it was, how dangerous. But all I managed was, “No. If anyone notices food missing, it’ll be me who pays for it. Now go.” I turned my back, hoping he would listen.

That was my mistake.

By the time I faced him again, he was gone—bowl in hand, slipping through the doorway like smoke.

“HEY!” I shouted, rage boiling through me. My exhaustion vanished. My legs surged with sudden energy, driving me after him. The tray clanged against my thigh as I sprinted through the passages.

But how did he know the way? Every corner he turned, every hall he slipped down, he moved like someone who had studied the place for years. Only servants or family knew the layout this well. My skin prickled with unease.

I stretched out, fingers grazing the edge of his jacket—

And then Luna’s voice cut through the hall.

My blood froze. She was coming closer.

Panic flared in Steven’s eyes, mirroring my own. Without thinking, I grabbed his collar, yanked open the nearest door, and shoved him inside. I followed, slamming it shut just as her footsteps rounded the corner.

The air in the room was thick with dust and the smell of wood polish. Cleaning supplies crowded the shelves, leaving barely enough room for the two of us. His chest pressed against mine, his breath warm against my cheek.

“It’s pretty tight in here, isn’t it?” he whispered, the amusement still in his voice.

“Shut up,” I hissed. “If she finds me slacking off with some freeloader, I’m dead. So stay quiet.”

But even as I scolded him, I couldn’t look away. Our gazes locked, blue to brown, and something inside me cracked open. For the first time in years, I felt my chest lift, felt warmth where only bitterness had lived. My lips curved upward before I could stop them. A smile—real, fragile, mine.

Then the sound of Luna’s steps faded into silence.

The moment shattered. I broke our stare, cleared my throat, and reached for the door behind him.

But he hadn’t noticed. He leaned back, thinking the door was still closed, and toppled straight through it.

The bowl flipped, hot stew spilling down his face and chest.

“AGHHH! IT BURNS!” His cry rang out, and I lunged forward, dragging him upright before the whole house could hear. “Quiet!” I hissed, tugging him back into the kitchen.

I doused him with cool water, scrubbing away the red stew that dripped down his jaw. To my relief, no burns marred his skin. He laughed softly, even as water streamed from his hair.

I couldn’t afford to laugh with him. Every second felt like borrowed time.

“Go,” I urged, shoving him toward the hidden passage by the pantry. “If anyone sees you, it’s over for both of us.”

We slipped through winding tunnels until, finally, the fresh air of the outside world hit us.

At the exit, he paused, eyes on me again, the same smile tugging at his lips—gentle, knowing, dangerous.

“Goodbye, Gabriella.”

And then he was gone.

I stood there, breathless, my hand still raised in a weak wave.

The words formed silently in my head, echoing in my heart with a weight I couldn’t ignore.

I found him. My mate.

~GABRIELLA'S POV~

The party dragged on the whole day, and by evening, I felt like nothing but an empty shell.

Sure, meeting my mate had kept a smile plastered on my face—a real one, the first in years—but that didn’t change the heaviness inside me. My mother noticed, of course. She always noticed.

I sat slumped in one of the chairs in the hall, drained after hours of cleaning up after the guests. That’s when I heard her footsteps behind me.

I jumped up, turning around quickly.

“Mot— I mean, Luna,” I said, bowing slightly.

Without hesitation, she strode up to me. “You should start preparing to leave. The warrior wolves from the Darkmoon pack will be here in two days to collect you,” she said.

“Yes, Luna,” I murmured, feeling the joy I’d carried in my heart just hours ago vanish completely. What was the point of finding my mate if I was being married off to someone else? The glow in my eyes faded, and I caught the curl of a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Finish what you’re doing here and pack your bags. I’ll get you a proper dress and new shoes so you look presentable for the Alpha King,” she added, then left, her steps echoing loudly through the hall.

I stared after her, blank, my fists tightening at my sides though my face betrayed nothing. A sigh escaped me before I whispered to the floor, “I’m going to escape.”

When my chores were finally done, I dragged myself to my quarters. Collapsing onto the bed, I stared at the ceiling, my mind spinning with escape plans.

And then it hit me.

The passage I used to help Steven escape—it was perfect. My way out. I could finally run away with the man of my dreams and never look back. Even if it meant becoming a rogue.

Firstly, I had to write to him. Searching the whole place for him would be a hassle—I just needed a way to tell him to meet me at the end of the tunnel.

I jumped out of bed, grabbed a pen and a scrap of paper, and started writing.

It only took me five minutes. Of course, I had no way of actually delivering it to him, so I decided to leave the letter at the end of the tunnel, praying the moon goddess would return before I left.

That night, I slipped out of my room and hurried to the entrance. Everyone was asleep except the night wolves, so I had to move as silently as possible. When I reached the tunnel, I stripped off my clothes and shifted into my wolf. My eyes cut through the darkness, and I sprinted down the path, reaching the other side in no time. I placed the letter carefully on the ground—mission complete. Now all I could do was wait and hope he returned.

The next morning, my alarm dragged me awake. This time, though, I felt lighter—energized. To my own surprise, I was smiling.

I just knew today would be different.

After dressing, I opened my door and nearly froze. A group of maidens stood waiting, each holding a basket full of clothes.

“What is all this?” I asked, eyebrows shooting up.

“We were sent by Luna to help you pick a dress for your departure the day after tomorrow,” they said in unison.

I couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at my lips. At least Steven would see me in something beautiful instead of the rags I usually wore. With a sigh, I stepped aside. “Come in. Let’s get started.”

It took longer than I expected. They measured, stitched, and mended until finally the dress was ready. It looked like a rose come to life—petals framing my chest, petals flowing all the way down to my feet. Deep red, soft and natural, almost like it breathed. It was stunning, even if, in truth, I would have preferred black.

The dress also came with transparent silk gloves that reached all the way to my upper arms.

“You’re so beautiful,” one of the maidens said, gently placing a rose above my left ear.

I smiled. I hope he likes it too, I thought to myself.

After all the dressing up, we returned to our daily chores. My two trusted friends stayed by my side the entire day as we cleaned and served the family. For some reason, my mother was much kinder to me today—probably because she didn’t want me thinking about running away.

As night fell, I confided in Marian and Lily about my escape, and about my mate. Both of them promised to help me prepare for the night I would finally leave my pack behind.

That night, I slipped into the tunnels again and ran straight to the exit. There, lying on the ground, was the envelope I had dropped. My heart sank.

I picked it up, sadness weighing on me, and turned it over.

To my surprise, a new seal marked the front. I broke it open, pulled out the letter, and to my utmost relief—it wasn’t the same one.

He replied, I thought, pressing the envelope tightly against my chest.

The following night, I prepared for my departure. Marian and Lily stayed with me in my room, helping me into my dress and applying my makeup. They walked with me to the entrance of the tunnel, where I hugged them goodbye.

This time, I couldn’t shift into my wolf; I didn’t want to ruin my dress or makeup. Instead, I walked carefully through the dark tunnel with a flame torch in hand, braving the shadows with nothing but thoughts of a happy future with my mate.

Freedom was waiting at the end of this tunnel. Every dream I’d ever dared to imagine felt so close I could almost touch it.

“You really think you’re smart, don’t you?”

The demonic edge of her voice shattered my hopes into a million pieces.

I turned slowly, my face pale with shock. “L… Luna?” My voice trembled as I spoke.

“Hmm.” My mother’s eyes glowed as she stepped forward. “So, you found your mate. You were planning to run away with him. I knew something was wrong the moment I saw that ridiculous smile after the ceremony.”

“How… how did you know?” I whispered, stepping back.

“I found this,” she snapped, pulling out my letter and throwing it to the ground. “You’re going to marry the Alpha King of the Darkmoon pack, and that’s final.”

“No—no! I’m never going back!” I shouted, fury burning through me as I turned to run. But before I could escape, I slammed straight into my younger brother’s chest. He grabbed me by the arms, gripping tightly, a smug smile spreading across his face.

“Why are you being such a selfish big sister? Do you want the Darkmoon pack to go to war with us?” he said, before shoving me hard to the ground.

“Please,” I whispered, tears filling my eyes, “I just wanted a good life. I’m so tired of this place.”

“Oh, dear,” my mother said, crouching to mock me, “this is your home. Well—at least it was. Soon enough, you’ll belong to the Darkmoon pack.”

She straightened and gave the order. “Take her away.”

Four warrior wolves emerged from the shadows and seized me by the arms. I kicked, I screamed, but they dragged me back. And just like that, the flicker of hope I had clung to was gone. My life was over.

The next morning, I sat in a carrier with all my luggage piled beside me. My face was blank, my eyes hollow. There was nothing left but sorrow.

A Darkmoon warrior drove the carrier, his gaze fixed ahead. Two others sat on either side of me, silent as stone. No one spoke a word the entire journey.

Hours later, we crossed into Darkmoon territory. The land was cloaked in gray fog, wolves watching from the shadows with unseen eyes. Every inch of it reeked of control and danger.

We rolled through the heart of the pack and stopped before the gates of the Alpha’s home. The warriors unloaded my bags and escorted me through the mansion’s gardens.

The air felt wrong here—heavy, suffocating. Darkness lingered in the corners, pressing against my chest until my stomach churned.

I kept my gaze low, staring at the ground as I walked. Then a voice rang out.

“Welcome.”

My head lifted slowly. The sound of it made my heart stutter. My eyes widened, tears pricking the corners.

Our gazes locked.

“Steven,” I breathed.