Rasmud walked past the corridor. He paused, hearing the muffled chatter of the kitchen workers.

“What in the world happened two days ago?”

“I know, right?”

“I can't get over it.”

“Same.”

“Yeah, me too. I'm still recovering from shock.”

“I tell you. She was a snake in Luna's fur.”

“Maybe that's why the Goddess cursed her with barrenness.”

“Yes. Because she saw and heard conversations we weren't part of.”

“Shh, keep your voices down. I'm afraid someone may overhear us,” the head chef warned.

Just as her words had it, Rasmud walked in, his presence commanding a mix of fear and regret. “What happened? Why did you stop?” he asked with a shocking calm. “After all, it’s the only thing you're all good at.”

They swallowed hard, their expressions apologetic.

“Tell me, what club is this? A debate club? Honestly, I won't mind joining.”

“No, Beta,” the head chef replied, and the rest of them apologized, dropping their heads.

“You better be sorry,” he grimaced. “Think before you open your mouths to spew out rubbish. The next time I hear you say things that are untrue without getting your facts right, I won't take it kindly.”

“Yes, Beta.” The head chef nodded, replying again on their behalf. “Understood.”

“Thickheads,” he cussed, leaving. Rasmud didn't walk a distance before hearing—

“Have you noticed the way he always defends her whenever there's a slight chance?”

“Like his life depends on it.” Another of them added, followed by a chuckle.

“Didn’t you hear? People say she was his first love before the Alpha took interest in her.”

“Everyone knows that.”

Rasmud took a step back, but stopped himself. There was no point reprimanding them a second time. It was obvious their ears were only for decoration. “Gosh.”

A week later.

Hans pulled to a stop in the small frame one-family house of a normal Pack member.

He glanced at his watch. 22:07. The usual time he left home for his misdeeds.

Suddenly, his phone rang. The caller ID displayed RASMUD. Hans dismissed the call, slipping the phone back into his trouser pocket.

He was about to knock on the wooden front door when an old man came out. “Alpha Hans,” the man greeted, bowing his head. “Welcome to my home.”

“We meet again, Corinth,” Hans said as they shared a knowing glance.

His wife stepped out too, dropping down in a curtsy. “We are humbled by your presence, Alpha. What can I offer you?”

“Skip the pleasantries. You know why I'm here.”

“I do,” Corinth replied before turning to his wife. “Get back inside.”

She nodded in submission, obeying him.

“Follow me,” Hans ordered, leading the way to his car. They settled in the front seats.

He pulled out a pack of cigarette, lighting a stick. “I haven't got all night. What is it that you want in return?”

Corinth pasted a wide smile, glad the Alpha kept his word.

He was one of the people Hans had contracted to bear false witness against Ashleigh in front of the assembly of elders. He lived on the outskirt of town, and near the hotel Hans frequented almost every night with Giselle.

“Th-there is um…” Corinth began, his voice taking a subservient tone. “There is an abandoned plot of land located near the market. I want to take full ownership of it.”

That land belonged to an orphaned son of a legendary farmer. It was the last asset the man left behind and the only asset the boy had to his name. Sadly, Corinth wasn't the first to eye it.

Hans remained silent, his face expressionless. It was hard to tell what went through his mind at that moment.

“How do you sleep at night?” Hans finally spoke, exhaling smoke from his nostrils.

Corinth scoffed inwardly. Pot calling kettle black, his mind screamed. “I didn't mean to offend you, Alpha.” He smiled weakly.

“If I heard right, you called that land ‘abandoned’. Really?”

“Pardon my choice of word, Alpha. What I wanted to say is—”

“Well, if you must know,” Hans said, cutting him off. “I’m not in the business of oppressing my subordinates, especially not for a petty fav… obligation. So, whatever you said or wanted to say doesn't matter.”

“But y-you owe me,” Corinth quickly replied, trying to salvage the deal.

“It seems you're forgetting something.” He gazed at the old man sitting nervously beside him. “I am Alpha, and with that title comes great privileges. I can do and undo just anything. Henceforth, keep that mind.”

Corinth dipped his head. “My apologies.”

“You’re lucky I'm in a good mood. You have one last chance to make this conversation worth the while.”

“Well, I-I and my wife would really appreciate if you could give us a living quarter in your mansion. It's not safe out here for me and my family.”

The car fell silent once more, his words settling in the air.

“I’ll get back to you.”

“May I know when exactly?” Corinth asked impulsively, and the Alpha's glare landed on him.

“Have you lost it?” Hans growled. “Get out. Now!”

“Please, forgive me. I’m so sorry,” he apologized a second time, hurrying out.

“Your ambition precedes you,” Hans commented in annoyance before driving off.

He normally came out to town without the formality of an escort or chauffeur for obvious reasons.

The time read 23:22. Hans drove to a stop in the long driveway where he normally parked.

Rasmud stood at the main entrance, clearly awaiting his return.

“It seems you'll be more useful as a watchman,” Hans sneered.

“I called your phone but you didn't pick up. Where were you?”

“Who am I to you, Rasmud?”

“I don't understand.”

“Do I look like you're wife, or rather, a pup? I’m curious.”

“As your Beta, I’m accountable for you, Hans. I wouldn't be intruding if you weren't so sneaky.”

“In that case, it's about time I get you replaced,” Hans said walking past him.

In no time, he reached his bedroom, stopping just by the door inside.

“No one saw when you left. Where were you?” Giselle interrogated, standing in his way.

“At the woods. What’s the worst that could happen?”

He took off his watch, placing it on the nightstand with a soft click.

“I was worried sick.”

“As what? My Luna?” Hans snapped, startling her. He went to door and held it open, rubbing his forehead. “Goodnight.”

Giselle stomped out, and he slammed the door behind her.

“Those guards are incredibly useless,” Hans cussed, puffing on a cigarette. “What do you want? Why are you here?”

It was after breakfast in the morning. He was seated on a small stool in the rooftop garden, watering the plants himself.

“P-please, may I have a word with you?” Zenia stammered, looking down. She was a maid in the mansion and a gullible prey for his limitless hunger.

“Well, that’s new,” he scoffed. “Alright, go ahead. I'm listening.”

She swallowed hard, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I-I'm pregnant. A healer confirmed it.”

Hans froze, his cold gaze landing on her. “Is this a joke?”

Zenia shook her head.

“You know, I hate ungrateful people,” he said, getting up and walking toward her. “Is this how you repay me for helping you get rid of the cobwebs down there?”

At that moment, her breath hitched. “I swear, I-I'm not lying.”

She flinched as Hans trailed a finger down her face. “How dare you try to pin your mistake on me? If you must know, I detest liars so much. Tell me, who's the actual father of that thing?”

“Y-you are. Ever since that night, I haven't slept with any other man.”

“Tsk tsk tsk,” Hans sucked his teeth. “I’m really tempted to smack this beautiful face of yours.”

Without another word, he returned to his seat and continued watering the plants.

“What am I going to do?”

“When will I ever have peace.”

“Please, I’m really scared,” she whispered. “The whole experience—mood swings and cravings… I'm new to it. No one understands.”

“Meet Alaric. He knows just how to help you.” Hans said, clearly unbothered.

Alaric wasn't just his guaranteed healer who specialized in abortion, he was a quack.

“Wait, what?” She asked in defiance, her face turning pale. “No… I'm not getting rid of it. Never.”

“Bring your stupid voice down,” he warned, his tone dangerous.

Her eyes became moist with tears. “Please, Alpha, there has to be another way. I don't want to end up like my mom. She got pregnant and didn't survive an abortion.”

“Oh my, what a sad story,” he remarked apathetically. “I’m tearing up, get me a tissue.”

For a while, she stared speechless at him, her face etched with disbelief.

“People say you hated the former Luna because she couldn't give you a pup. You should be happy I’m carrying your heir.”

“Where the fuck do you girls get the audacity from?”

“I never wanted a pup; at least, not yet. You brought this upon yourself,” she continued. “You forced me to bed with you, why are you denying it?”

“Now you're just being rude. If I were you, I'd stop talking. You’re getting on my very last nerves, Zenia. I’m trying to hold back but it won't be for long.”

“All I'm asking is that you take responsibility. Please. What if I die untimely? I don't want to.” She cried, placing her hands on her stomach. “Who knows… our pup may grow up to become the greatest Alpha in the history of Silverwood, or even—”

“Enough!” He growled, approaching her with rage, and Zenia cowered as his wolf threatened to take control.

“There is no way I'm making you Luna,” he spat. “You are just a dimwitted, hopeless, common and dirty Omega, trapped in an ever miserable life of servitude! That won't change anytime soon. Never forget.”

Zenia choked out a gasp, tears finally escaping her eyes.

“Care to know why I'm being so patient with you?” He asked softly, receiving no response.

He moved over, pulling her up from her hair.

“Ahh,” she winced, holding his wrist.

“I said… care to know why I'm being so patient with you?” Hans repeated through gritted teeth.

Zenia nodded in pain, and he let go, leaving her to fall back on the floor.

“Because I’m in a very good mood today. Count yourself lucky. Now leave before I do something unimaginable.”

Seconds passed.

Zenia stood up, moving backward. “I’m sorry,” she sniffed, wiping her eyes dry. “But you're not going to get away with it this time, Alpha. The Council of elders must hear this. I refuse to remain silent.”

Hans didn't react the way she expected. He simply bursted into a resigned laughter which made her even more confused. It was a laughter so sinister.

“Gosh, you crack me up real good. You never give up, do you?” He asked rhetorically, returning to the plants. “Nah, I'm tired. Just be careful so you won't fall down the stairs.”

Zenia breathed heavily before turning to leave. There was something chilling about his calm.

As she walked down the quiet hallway, headed back to her living quarter, a guard suddenly stepped in front of her.

“W-what is it?” She stumbled back, hitting against another guard who instantly gagged her mouth with a poisoned rag.

Zenia struggled, slowly passing out.

Once the guards were certain she had lost consciousness fully, they looked around to make sure no one was there before carrying her down a darker stairway which led to an underground prison.

Meanwhile, Giselle had been watching. She pressed her back against the cold, rough wall, afraid her heartbeat would give her away. “Who could have ordered them to do such, and why?”

FOUR MONTHS LATER

“Oh, thank goodness. She’s waking up,” a low voice whispered.

Ashleigh's eyes blinked open to an unfamiliar ceiling, revealing two faces peering over her like vultures surveying a fresh corpse.

Her breaths came in shallowly, a strange wave of energy coursing through her, and at that moment, a heavy wind blew as if in protest with her rebirth.

The middle-aged couple shared a glance before helping her sit up on the bed she rested in.

“How are you feeling, my dear?” The woman asked.

Ashleigh winced, scanning her surroundings. “W-Where am I? Who… who are you people?”

Every inch of her body felt alive, as though her real self had been asleep for eons and was finally awakened.

The man explained. “I’m Odin, and she's my wife, Linnea. We are normal members of Sunshield Pack. We found you naked and unconscious in our backyard early this morning. You must have fainted. We couldn't just leave you there, so we brought you inside.”

The small room was clean, containing just a single bed, nightstand, wardrobe, wooden dresser, and a chair.

Afternoon sun spilled from the single window draped with thin, faded curtains.

“What’s your name?” Linnea inquired. “Tell us, dear, what happened to you?”

Ashleigh's hand hurriedly moved to her neck, where the silver blade should have left a scar. Surprisingly, there was none.

She recalled being killed. A painful memory she wished could be erased. “I-I don't know,” she lied, swallowing hard, her face carefully blank.

Linnea looked at her husband. The girl was probably in shock.

“It’s okay dear… you don't have to remember right now.” She reached for the wooden jug and tin cup on the nightstand, and poured her some water. “Here you go. You must be thirsty.”

Ashleigh took the extended cup and downed its content in a few gulps. “Thank you.”

“More?”

She shook her head.

“Can we call you Ava?” Linnea asked, running her hand over Ashleigh's long gray hair. “It was our daughter’s name.”

“Where is she?”

“She… she passed away last week. This used to be her room.”

“I’m so sorry,” Ashleigh apologized, feeling bad.

“It’s fine,” Odin sighed. “You’re our second chance.”

Speaking of ‘second chances’, Ashleigh pushed the sheets aside, and stood up, feeling an irresistible pull toward the dresser.

She paused, staring back at the comely young woman in the mirror.

She had long, soft gray hair that flowed past her shoulders, a pair of orange eyes, pale skin and a sexy body.

It was her, yet she looked so different. Her ‘ugly’ features, according to Hans, were now refined. Almost ethereal. In essence, the new Ava was far more beautiful than Ashleigh.

“The dress was Ava's,” Odin said. “We’re glad it’s your perfect fit.”

Linnea had dressed her in a simple, floral sundress that reached her ankles. “No need to worry,” she added, holding Ashleigh’s arms from behind. “You can wear all her clothes while you stay here. Luckily, we didn't burn them as planned.”

The couple thought she was admiring the apparel.

“Ava,” Ashleigh mouthed, tasting the name on her tongue. It felt new, somewhat mysterious and unburdened.

She smiled maliciously.

RIP to the weak, barren Omega; now, she was someone new—someone Selene, the Moon Goddess, for whatever reason, had decided to give a second chance at life.

She was AVA, and the world had no idea what was coming.

Her eyes met the door at a corner of the room.

“That’s the bathroom,” Linnea supplied, noticing her gaze. “You’re most welcome to use it. There's an unused towel and hairnet in the wardrobe. Also, don't hesitate to ask for anything else.”

“Thanks. I won't.”

Odin clapped his hands together, his expression softening. “I’ll let you ladies get along while I go check on the… um… garden.”

He gave Linnea a loving squeeze on her shoulder and nodded at Ava before slipping out.

As soon as Odin left, Ava turned around to face her newfound mother. “What is it like here? I-I can't remember anything.”

A flicker of concern crossed Linnea's face as they sat back on the bed. “You don't remember anything about our Pack? Not even a little?”

Of course Ava didn't. She hadn't belonged here.

“No.”

“Sunshield is one of the strongest and oldest Packs in the region. We are known for our prosperity and stable borders. Our leader is the reputable Alpha Crane. He keeps things running smoothly and rarely tolerates any trouble.”

She paused, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. “What do you remember, dear? Even a little piece? Something clearly happened to you before we found you. How did you end up… naked in our backyard?”

Ava forced a bewildered smile, shaking her head. “I’m afraid I have no idea.”

“Don’t you think we should visit the healer?”

“No. There’s no need for that.”

“Don’t you want to get your memory back?”

“No, I'm fine. Hopefully, I eventually will.”

“You sure?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

Linnea sighed, her innate kindness winning over her doubts. “You must be famished,” she continued, placing a hand on Ava's arm. “Why don't you go freshen up and join us for lunch?”

“Sure.”

“I just finished preparing Odin's favorite. Venison soup, paired with toasted, cheesy sourdough, and a glass of rich tomato juice.”

“Sounds delicious,” Ava said, her stomach rumbling in agreement.

Linnea chuckled. “I know, right? Trust me, you are going love it. A hundred percent.”

“Well, I better hurry before it gets cold.”

“Yeah. Um, I’ll go now,” Linnea said, placing a kiss on her forehead before leaving.

Ava laid back in bed.

How long had passed since her demise?

She stared at the ceiling, suddenly remembering Giselle—her little sister. Moreover, the only family she had left.

Was she safe?

Why didn't she show up during her execution?

What if Hans had done something terrible to her? Even worse, locked her away till she died of lack.

Could he have gotten a second chance Luna?

The only way to find out would entail going back there, but how?