ELORA

Betrayal hurts more than anything, especially if it is from someone you love; someone you thought loved and cared for you. That day was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but it turned out to be a miserable one. I was brutally murdered, and my throne was at stake.

At that time, everything was pitch black with no way out. Then, I knew what I had to do, and that was to request favor from the moon goddess. She answered me and in that darkest hour, I emerged, not as before but as someone new; someone strong, someone who was ready to eliminate all her enemies.

*************

My eyes fluttered open and I exhaled. It was like breaths were gathering in my nose. I gasped and sprung up from the bed. My chest heaved up and down as if I was going to die a second time but after sometime, everything stabilized.

“Where am I?” I rubbed my eyes to see clearly, but it was all a bit blurry. Was this the afterlife? Wasn't the afterlife supposed to be clear and peaceful? I thought there was no pain after death but why does my heart ache? Why was the betrayal still fresh in my head? I wondered, but then my vision cleared, and I realized I was in my old room from two years ago.

What was I doing here? I had packed from this place after graduation and lived in the palace. What the hell was I doing back here, and why did everything look different?

I paced around the room, trying to comprehend what exactly was going on, but couldn't place my fingers on it. I passed by the mirror and halted to look at myself.

It was me; me from two years ago. I still had that curly and stupid hair, looked small and naive with my glasses still on. Yes, I was a nerd, a book worm that got bullied by almost every student in college because I couldn't defend myself.

It was me; the pathetic me!

“Something is definitely wrong somewhere.” I muttered.

My phone started ringing. I checked the caller ID, it was Zora. “How dare she call me after what she has done?” That bitch! I threw the phone on the bed, but it kept on ringing. I had no choice but to answer, besides, I needed answers to what was really going on.

“Elora, where are you? The party is about to start.” Her voice boomed through the phone.

I arched my brows in confusion. What party was she talking about?

“What party are you talking about?” I asked.

“Stop being silly and get dressed already. The party won't start without you and I wouldn't be able to take a picture, duh!” She snapped.

“What party?” I asked firmly this time.

“Whoa, calm down, tigress. Today is our graduation party, Elly. So, quit the pretense and get your ass here!” She hung up.

“Graduation party? Graduation from college?” I muttered, thinking deep.

I graduated from college two years ago. The day of the graduation was when I met that bastard, Lucien! But what could I possibly be doing back in time? I was supposed to be dead. I was supposed to have moved on to the afterlife and had peace.

Suddenly, everything became clear. I remembered my prayer to the moon goddess and shrieked in happiness when I realized that she had actually answered my prayers and brought me two years back to when it all started. When it all fucking started and I was going to put this second chance to use.

There is only one reason why she brought me back, and that reason is nothing but REVENGE. I'm going to make them pay for every single thing they have done to me. None of them will be spared, starting from Zora and Lucien to my father's beta and cabinet members and all others who have contributed to causing me pain.

You all should watch out for me because I'm not that girl you know anymore.

In my past life, I have made numerous mistakes of being too nice, shy, kind and naive, oblivious of what the world truly was; oblivious of the evil going on but now that I know everything and what I should be expecting, I won't make those mistakes twice. I won't let them trample on me any longer or treat me like a piece of shit. I know my place and I'm ready to get it.

I have been reborn and the sole reason for my rebirth is to make sure they're all taken care of, every single one of them, and I won't hold back.

I quickly flipped through my wardrobe and brought out something to wear. It was a short red sleeve top with spaghetti straps, which was quite fitting since we would be attending a school function, so it would be rather formal attire. Also, it matched my favorite pair of jeans. I wore these because of how tight my pants got in the waistband. Not to mention, they also fitted my bust perfectly.

I applied a bit of makeup and picked up my purse and graduation gown before stepping out of the room. The chauffeur was already waiting for me.

When I got to the venue for the party, it was already in full swing. Music blared from the speakers and students danced with each other. I took a seat and watched everything.

“Whoa, you look different,” Zora exclaimed and sat beside me. I felt like digging my fingers into her eyes and pulling her eyeballs out, but I controlled myself.

“What difference do you see?” I asked, trying not to sound rude, but my voice gave me away.

“No need for the attitude. It's just that you haven't dressed like this or done makeup before, believe me when I say, it's cute.” She smiled.

I was about to say something when I saw Lucien coming from afar. My wolf growled just at the sight of him. We couldn't wait to rip him apart. I clenched my fists until the extent that my knuckles were turning white. I remembered gawking at him and telling Zora how good-looking he was that day. I fell for him at first sight, little did I know he was the devil.

He got to where I sat and took an empty seat at the other side. “Good day, princess.” He gave me a seductive smile. That smile sent butterflies down my stomach before, but now, I felt nothing. All I felt was anger and resentment, making me feel like wiping that smile off his face with a slap.

“What do you want?” I asked coldly, shocking him and Zora in the process.

Yeah, that's right. I was the shy, kind and naive princess before and that has made me lose everything, including my life. Now, I am back in full force, ready to shock all my enemies.

“Um, my name is Lucien Gray, son of the school's chancellor. It's a pleasure to meet you.” He smiled and I scoffed.

“Just go straight to the point. I haven't got all day,” I said lazily, and Zora gasped.

How foolish was I then? I kept blushing and giggling at every word he spoke. I was such a naive fool.

“Come on, Elora. A cute guy just found you attractive. Stop playing hard to get.” She said,

“I don't remember requesting your opinion on this,” I snapped, and her mouth parted in shock. “Lucien or whatever you're called, go straight to the reason you're here. I am not as jobless as you are.” I said.

“Alright, Princess. Well, I've been watching you for a while now, and I totally like you. You have everything I want in a woman, and I would like you to go out with me.”

I was quiet for a while. I looked at Zora through the corner of my eyes and saw how she was throwing seductive looks his way. He smiled and when I turned, his expression turned serious. So, this was where it all started. You all should get ready to face my wrath.

I stood up with the aim of leaving and he held my hand. “Let go,” I ordered, and he did so immediately. “When you're done making a fool of yourself, you can do my eyes a favor and get lost.” With that said, I walked away from there.

I cursed under my breath as I made my way to wherever my legs could take me. Being there with them will only fuel my anger. My anger subsided when a marvelous scent hit my nostrils. It was like fresh roses dipped in cinnamon water and perfumed.

My wolf leaped for joy and growled happily. This scent sent a churning feeling down my stomach and I inhaled, trying to get more of it. I sniffed the air and started following the scent, determined to find this scent that was fast attacking my nostrils in a good way.

Due to the high heels I was wearing, I couldn't walk properly and almost fell, but a pair of strong arms grabbed me. At that moment, it felt like the world had stopped. Something sparked within me and my wolf rose to the surface. I looked up and was shocked to see someone I hated for life. I quickly pulled away from his embrace and my wolf purred before mouthing the words I didn't want to hear even in a million years.

“Mate.”

ELORA

“No! Hell no!” I exclaimed immediately. Why him? Of all people in the world, why must it be Damon? Why the heck must it be him?

His lips formed into a smirk. He must have felt that spark too, and known. “Hello, Mate.”

“Don't you dare call me that. Don't you fucking dare!” I yelled and pulled my hair, frustratingly.

Things weren't supposed to go down this way. Nothing like this happened two years ago. I haven't been able to sense my mate since I turned 18, and I learned to live with it after I met Lucien, but why should I get a mate after my rebirth? It doesn't make sense!

I suddenly burst out laughing. “Oh, now I get it. The moon goddess just wants to test me,” I muttered out loud and looked up. “Moon goddess, I got your test now, so please take it back, okay? It was only a joke, and I get it.” I sounded ridiculous, but I couldn't help it.

“Elora,” Damon called.

I responded with a glare. This is crazy. Why him? I hated Damon to the core. The man had a thing for me since high school, but I've been turning down his advances because it was obvious that I felt nothing for him. Despite all that, he showed that he still loved me, but I hurt him in so many ways and didn't regret it until now.

How was I supposed to face someone I've done countless bad things to and accept him as my mate? Just how?

The smile he had on his face made my anger grow. “Do not tell anyone about this. I don't understand why the moon goddess would pair me with someone like you, so I'd appreciate it if you keep your mouth shut, understood?” I snapped.

“Why should I hide such outstanding news, Elly? I've waited for a day like this to come, and it's finally here. I simply can't hide this joy.” He smirked.

“You must hide it, Damon. I swear, if you tell anyone, I won't hesitate to kill you.” I threatened and he chuckled.

“I know you won't have the nerves to kill your mate. You'll soon fall helplessly in love with me, baby girl. It's just a matter of time.” He snapped his fingers.

“Only in your stupid dream. Damn, I despise this!” I stomped my feet.

I was about to leave, but he pulled me close and embraced me.

“I love you, Elora.” He said.

My knees weakened as his breath fanned my neck and my heartbeat accelerated. The feeling disgusted and suffocated me. I pushed him off.

“I hate you, Damon. I hate you damn much!” I yelled and dashed out of there. I could feel his eyes on me and turned to see him still staring at me. He winked and my heart stirred. I quickly looked away and cursed under my breath as I made my way to the hall.

I met Lucien and Zora having a hearty conversation. I bet they're already planning on how to cheat on me and get rid of me.

“Elly, you're back.” Zora smiled.

“Yeah,” I answered and without glancing at Lucien, I adjusted my glasses and took a seat.

All through the party, I was seated while Zora went out there to dance her heart out. The look on my face chased guys that attempted to ask me to dance away. They must be wondering why the once naive and shy Elora suddenly changed overnight, but heck did I care.

The time for the giving of prizes came, and I could swear I collected more than 10 prizes, but those were the least on my mind. All I thought about was revenge and how to go about it, and also how to take back my father's throne from the claws of our self acclaimed beta.

****

After the party, I was back in my old apartment, ready to pack and go live in the pack, but this time around, my aim for going there is to ask for what I'm entitled to.

If I wanted to serve my revenge cold, I would need power, and that power was to become the Luna of this pack. Another reason I want the throne is to get rid of the bad eggs that called themselves my father's employees and elders of the council. These people have been eating off my father's wealth since he and my mother died mysteriously in the palace.

Yeah, they died mysteriously, but I was too stupid to investigate their death. I'm going to do that now and make sure whoever is responsible for their deaths is punished severely.

My phone rang again. It was Zora, I rolled my eyes. I could remember how she called that day to know if I had gotten home safely. I had shone my stupid teeth and thanked her, oblivious of her motives. I rejected the call and dropped the phone in my pocket.

I sighed and continued to pull the luggage, but that unique scent came again. I closed my eyes and inhaled every bit of it.

“Are you done gawking?”

My eyes snapped open. “Damon!” I snapped and facepalmed.

“Hey,” He flashed me a smile, but I frowned.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I was in the neighborhood and realized I haven't congratulated my mate for all the prizes she got today.” He smiled.

“Don't call me that. Besides, you collected some prizes too. You're just as intelligent as I am.” I spurted out without even realizing it.

He smiled widely. “First time you ever complimented me. I certainly am going to cherish this day.”

“Damn it! You're so annoying.” I started leaving.

“Let me help with your luggage.” He reached out, but I pushed his hand away.

“I can help myself, thanks.” I said calmly and without sparing him a glance, I hurriedly walked away.

“I'll come see you at the palace tomorrow.” He shouted to my hearing, but I acted deaf.

****

When I got to the palace, I instructed the maids to take my luggage to my room.

“Time to get what's mine.” I sighed and headed for the throne room.

I peeped through the keyhole and saw Beta Dexter speaking with Elder Blake, the oldest of the pack elders.

“Guards!” I called and they rushed to meet me. “I need the remaining Elders in the palace right now. Find a way to bring them here.” I ordered.

They were surprised but bowed and left to do as I've said. I flung the door open and their eyes were on me instantly.

“Elora, you're back. How did the party go?” He asked.

I scoffed inwardly. He acts nice whenever the oldest of the elders was around just because he knew I was his favorite, but behind that smile is a sneer and a plan to steal my father's gold.

“Elora, the beta is asking you a question. How did the party go?” Elder Blake asked with a smile.

I adjusted my glasses and smiled at him. “It went well, Elder Blake. Your daughter is finally a graduate.” I smiled.

The only person I can vouch for among my father's elders is this man. He has been with me through thick and thin. I owe him a lot.

He smiled and stood to hug me. “I'm proud of you.”

I smiled and pulled away from the hug before facing Beta Dexter.

“Beta Dexter, I am 18 now and according to the rules of this pack and the oath you swore to before ascending the throne, I am entitled to ask for what is mine now.” I stated firmly.

Beta Dexter frowned, glaring dangerously at me.

“What are you talking about?” He asked.

“Step down. I want to ascend my father's throne.”

ELORA

“Have you gone insane? What sort of ridiculous demand is that?” Beta Dexter asked. He was practically glaring daggers at me.

I scoffed. “I'll forgive you once for this rant, but the next time you talk to I, Elora Whitlock, Luna of this pack again, I won't hesitate to have you killed and thrown to the vultures.” I snapped and he gasped.

“Elora, don't forget that I am the one on the throne; the one with the authority. It's disrespectful of you to come here and say gibberish.” Beta Dexter yelled at me.

Elder Blake held my hand. “Daughter, what are you up to?” He whispered to me.

“It is simple and clear. I am ready to emerge as Luna. Don't worry about the pack. I know everything there is to know because I have been secretly studying books and taking lessons.” I whispered back to him.

“Are you sure you can do this?” He asked.

“Yes, Elder Blake. You have to trust me on this one. I am no longer that naive little princess that everybody knows.”

He smiled and patted my shoulder. “You're doing great.”

I smiled and faced Beta Dexter with a glare. “Your days on that throne are over. You could choose to leave gently or be forced to do so.” I folded my hands.

He frowned. “Elder Blake, are you just going to sit there and watch this little girl insult me?” He asked.

Elder Blake sighed before speaking up. “Dexter, before you ascended the throne, you took an oath to allow Elora to take over whenever she was ready to as far as she had turned 18. She is 18 and says she's ready. Let us hand over the throne to her.” Elder Blake suggested.

Dexter clenched his fists. “She isn't ready, Elder Blake. Look at her, she's too young and naive.”

“For her to have that courage to challenge you shows she's ready, Dexter. I'm not supporting her because I love her or anything, but because I see and understand her point. She's ready!” Elder Blake said.

The remaining Elders walked in one by one.

“Thank God you all are here,” Dexter began after they took a seat. “Elora just came and asked me to step down from the throne and allow her to take over.” He said, and they gasped.

I frowned deeply and looked at all of them. These Elders contributed to the fact that I wasn't able to take over until I turned 20. Whenever I came and asked about the throne, they would come up with different excuses. Occasionally, they would even yell at me, but I endured it all.

Now is Payback time.

“Elora, that's an absurd request.” One of them said,

“I don't have the time to exchange words with you people. I only called you here, so you could witness how I'm going to ascend the throne and become Luna, then you'll help in planning my Luna ceremony.” I smirked.

They all gasped. “Elora!” One of them yelled, but I acted as if I didn't hear him.

“Guards!” I called and they rushed in immediately. Taking one last look at Dexter, I decided to give him one last chance to step down. “My guards are here, Dexter. Do yourself good and step down from my throne!” I snapped.

“Elora, you shouldn't be doing this. You can't rule yet.” Beta Dexter said.

“I have my father's blood running through my veins. If he was able to rule this pack, then I can do better and even better than you.” I pointed to him.

“Elders, we have to listen to her. This is her throne and no one else's. Dexter is only a substitute, meant to stay until she comes of age and is ready to take over the throne. She is here now and must take what she is entitled to.” Elder Blake explained and I laughed.

“Elder Blake, I can't believe you're siding with a little girl. Where in the history of White Tide Pack has someone this young ruled us?” Another Elder lamented.

“In case you've forgotten so soon, let me refresh your memory. Alpha Whitlock was 19 years old before he ascended the throne. Elora being 18 doesn't make any difference. This is her right and the least we can do is support her.” Elder Blake explained, but they were still strong headed.

I snickered. “Dexter, one last chance.” I stated firmly.

“Elora, I am not stepping down from here, and there is nothing you or anyone can do about it.” He yelled at me.

“Guards!” They bowed. “Take him off my throne!” I ordered.

They started approaching him, but he raised his hand up to make them stop. “What do you think you're doing? Are you going to let a little girl give you orders?” Dexter asked them.

They turned to look at me and I folded my hands.

“Look at how small she looks. Is this the kind of person you want to be your Luna?” He asked.

“It's in the heart and not the stature.” I chimed in.

When the guards didn't move, I clenched my fists. Dexter chuckled.

“You see, Elora. I'm the one with the power and the authority. There is nothing you can do to ascend this throne, not while I am still alive and breathing.” He smirked.

I took slow steps to where the guards stood and faced them. If they were dumb, I was ready to make them come back to their senses. How could they serve someone who is only interested in exploiting them?

“Are you two stupid?” I asked and the elders gasped. The guards too were shocked and their eyes widened. “I am sure Dexter hasn't been fair to you. He has treated you people like trash, and you still want him to be the Alpha? Is this madness or what?” I asked. They bowed their heads without saying a word. “Now, tell me the truth, between Dexter and my late father, who did well?” I asked.

They exchanged gazes and, as if communicating telepathically, they answered at the same time.

“Your father.”

“Now tell me. What the hell are you still doing with this man?” I pointed at Dexter.

“Don't listen to her!” Dexter yelled.

“You're right.” They smiled, and I moved aside as they approached Dexter.

When they got closer, Dexter yelled.

“Are you going to let an Omega rule you? That girl is an Omega.” The guards halted and the Elders gasped.

“An Omega?”

“You can't be serious!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands in the air. Was he that shameless to use the “Omega” trick against me?

Omega wolves are low ranked, but that doesn't dispute the fact that I am the Alpha's daughter and the throne is mine.

The elders shook their heads as they looked at me, and I mentally rolled my eyes. Elder Blake gave me a reassuring look and I exhaled.

“Elora, you're an omega; a low rank wolf. It's not right for you to lead us.” One of the elders said.

“I am an omega, yes, I am not arguing, but that isn't going to stop me from taking what is rightfully mine!” I snapped.

They were about to talk, but I raised my hand. “Hold it, I'm not done yet. When my father was alive, Beta Dexter had suggested they hide the truth about me being an omega. I didn't consent to that and so did my father, but he sweet talked my father into hiding the truth from you all. I should have known he was waiting for the perfect day to bring it to the light, but you know what? It's fine that way. At least, you all will get to see that an omega can do a better job than an Alpha wolf.” I folded my arms.

The Elders exchanged looks before averting their gazes to Beta Dexter.

“So, you suggested it?” Elder Blake asked.

“Yes, because it's a shameful thing for the Alpha's daughter to be an Omega. I did all that for her own good. Should the people find out, their respect for her would reduce.” He defended and I scoffed.

“I never asked you to look out for me, Beta Dexter. I can take care of myself, and I'll take care of the throne better. I have the blood of my father running through my veins. There is no difference between me and an Alpha wolf, so I'd suggest you step down while I'm being nice. You don't want to get forced down, do you?” I asked.

“Enough!” The second-oldest Elder stood up. He glared daggers at me as he approached me, but I stood with my head up. Elder Matt, I knew him too well. He joined hands with Beta Dexter to sell off one of my father's lands after his death. He had automatically added himself to my blacklist and won't be spared either.

“Do you have any idea who we are, child? We are the elders of this pack. We've been doing this even before you were born, and it is up to us to decide whether you'll sit on that throne or not. You're still young and have no experience. Now, go to your room and forget we ever had this conversation.” He turned his back to me.

“Wow! That's a pleasant one. So, because I am omega, you want to strip me of my right to the throne?” I asked lazily.

“No one is stripping you of your title. We are only waiting for the right time — for you to come of age. When that happens, and we see that you are mature enough, we will gladly hand over the throne to you.” Elder Matt said in a matter of fact tone and took his seat.

They think I'll back down that easily, they were mistaken.

“I still stand on my decision, elders, and if you aren't ready to support me, the door is that way.” I pointed to the door, hoping they would just stand and leave the throne room.

“Are you chasing the elders out?” Dexter asked and feigned surprise before facing the elders. “You see what I'm talking about? This girl will throw this pack in the mud if we let her emerge as Luna. She might even turn us into slaves.”

I rolled my eyes and counted 1-5 mentally to calm myself down. There wasn't any need to raise my voice anymore. I'm going to take things slow and steady.

Elder Blake stood up and with his hands tucked into his robe, he faced Beta Dexter.

“As a leader, you're supposed to lead by example. I've said this before and I'll continue saying this. Before the late Alpha died, you promised that you would allow Elora to ascend the throne whenever she was ready. You promised the Alpha that you would guide and make sure she doesn't make the wrong decisions, and I am a witness to that. That day, nothing of this sort was mentioned; omega, age restriction and so on. She said she is ready, and I see her potential. Give the throne to her.” He said calmly.

“What the hell are you saying? Do you want a little girl to be your leader? And not just any little girl, an omega?” Dexter snapped.

“We won't accept that!” An Elder stood up.

I have had just about enough of all these shenanigans. I've been talking and talking, but it seems action is going to speak louder than words in this case.

I snapped my fingers and the guards turned to face me.

“I will give the two of you one last chance to take that man off my throne right now. Disobey my orders at your own risk,” I thundered, and could swear my gaze on them was fiery, judging from how they shuddered, while looking at me.

“Alpha, please step down, or we would have to forcefully take you.” One of the guards said.

“You wouldn't dare! Do you want to have your heads hung on the poles?” He threatened.

“Take him.” I ordered, my voice bold, firm and authoritative. If they don't want the easy way, I'm ever ready to use the hard way.

The guards approached him and grabbed him, taking him away from the throne. He tried to fight them, but couldn't.

“Elora, you're making a grave mistake!” One of the elders yelled.

I ignored him and the cat walked to where the throne was placed. On the floor laid the crown that had fallen from his head when the guards took him. I picked it up.

“Do not wear it, Elora!” Beta Dexter yelled.

I yawned and placed the crown on my head, then took the Scepter and proceeded to sit on the throne.

“Don't you dare sit on it.” They snapped.

I smirked and sat down, then crossed my legs.

“All hail the Luna.” I smirked.