Chapter 1

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The Night of Two Deaths

Elara's POV

“Fuck!” I cursed as the rats bit into my toes again—again—like they owned my body.

The chains around my hands clanked when I tried to jerk away, but it was useless.

All I could do was watch them scatter into the darkness.

My gaze dropped to my leg. Blood dripped slowly… the only proof they had been there at all.

I had been here for three days, awaiting my trial, and it had been the worst possible moment of my life.

The door keys clanged open, revealing the warriors in uniform. The same eyes that used to look at me with respect and honor had now turned into pure, deep hatred. If they had the chance, they would kill me on the spot.

The guard opened the door and dragged me up, pushing me roughly with the long chains he held firmly.

“Where are we going?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

“Shut up, murderer!” he said, spitting on me before pushing me forward again. The silver chain tied around my wrist burned harder against my skin, and I could only wince in pain.

One minute, I was a Luna everyone respected; the next, I was their worst prisoner.

I was led into that familiar building—one I had always had access to, one I used to walk into freely when I was still respected, the Luna of this pack.

“Alpha, she’s here,” the guard said.

Silence filled the room. Then he gazed up. The warmth I had always seen in his eyes was gone, replaced with something cold.

“I called you here to see for yourself,” he said, tossing a paper right in front of me.

My heart beat loudly as I read the first cold line on the front page. Death Warrant. I tried to keep myself calm, knowing fully well that this was where it was all going to end. My chest tightened, and breathing became harder.

“This is a death warrant for you, and I want to sign it right in front of you,” he said. I knew what he was doing—he wanted me to feel every single pain she felt.

“Please… Rowan. I didn't kill my sister—”

“Rowan?”

His eyes turned bloodshot as he stood up, staring down at me. A cold feeling filled the room, a direct result of his anger.

“You dare not call me that again, even in your next life. You fucking lost the right. What were you thinking—letting Iris, your sister, die because you wanted me for yourself?”

His veins popped with anger, like he was trying to hold himself back. His hand reached for the pen in front of him, and he signed it—Death Warrant.

“Take her to the market square,” he commanded.

It all happened so fast. The next thing I knew, my head was placed on the platter, the guards ready to cut it off.

Over the past five years, I had loved a man—one my heart truly yearned for. Rowan. As a healer of the pack, born into generations with the rare gift to cure the Alpha’s bloodline curse, it had been easy to get close to the man I loved… or so I thought. But his heart never yearned for me the way mine did for him.

I had thought that if I could give him everything, he would love me. So I sacrificed everything to save Alpha Rowan from the curse—including letting my own twin sister, Iris, die from the same affliction, because I could only save one.

After Rowan was cured, everything changed. He cast me aside and returned to his childhood lover—the one who had never truly cared for him.

And now, all I carried was guilt and shame. I had placed him above myself, above my family, above everything I loved… and it got my sister killed.

“Does the murderer have anything to say?” the executioner asked.

I glanced up. My eyes met the wolves of the Moonlight Pack—the hatred in their gaze burned just as deeply as his.

“I deserved this,”

My eyes landed on the man I had given up everything for. There he stood with his childhood lover—the one I had always been competing with. I had tried so hard to show him that I loved him, while all along, his heart had always belonged to her.

My gaze dropped to their hands, tightly held together, like she was afraid.

I had always been a fool.

It had been right there all along—he never loved me. It was always her. Even when she had left him while he was suffering from the generational curse, I was the one who stayed. I took care of him… and still, he called her name, even when she wasn’t there.

I stayed. I endured.

Even when I could have saved my sister… I chose him instead. I let her die just to save him.

And this was my reward.

I was nothing more than a fool.

And here I was. I deserved every single thing I got.

Even though, somewhere deep down, I knew this wasn’t the whole truth.

The next thing I heard was the executioner’s sword. I closed my eyes as gasps filled the air.

And then—

Slash.

Chapter 2

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Elara's POV

“Oh, my God. Sister, you're awake!” I heard that familiar voice.

Iris. It felt real—like she was here, alive.

I thought I was dead.

“W…what's happening?” I asked, looking around. It was my room—the same one I had lived in before I moved in with Rowan.

Shivers ran down my spine as I slowly reached out to touch her face. I expected her to pull away… but she didn’t. Instead, she smiled.

But something wasn’t right. I was supposed to be dead.

Wasn’t I dead? Why am I here? Why does this feel so familiar? I gazed down at my clothes, it felt like I had gone through the situation before.

“I have told you, Elara—always take enough rest. You passed out because of stress.”

“Stress?”

My sister’s face instantly twisted into disgust. “Are we really doing this right now? Look at your neck—you’ve been working yourself to the bone. Ever since you started loving Rowan, it’s been nothing but trouble for you. You overworked yourself at his place, cleaning his house while still doing your healing duties. You passed out for two days.”

“I overworked?”

That felt familiar—like something that had already happened before. This was exactly how Iris had said it.

“Yes. See your hands,” she said, holding them up for me to see.

The skin was rough… peeling. Worn.

But something about it—

It felt familiar.

“Where is Rowan?” I asked again, but this time, hatred surged through my veins.

“Don’t tell me you’re thinking of him again? For three whole days, you were unconscious, and he didn’t even come to see you. Is that someone you really want to spend the rest of your life with?”

“No. I will not spend the rest of my life with that fucking bastard,” I seethed through my teeth.

“What?” The shock in my sister’s voice was clear—like she couldn’t believe what I had just said.

Before she could say anything else, I cut her off.

“Please leave the room. I need some time alone.”

Silence filled the room as she walked out.

I sat there, trying to process everything.

Everything felt real—like it had already happened before. I knew for certain this wasn’t a dream. It wasn’t a revelation.

It was something deeper.

A second chance at life.

The universe had given me another chance… through rebirth—to make right everything I had regretted. My sister’s death. Everything I had done in my past life.

A slight knock sounded on my door before it opened, revealing my sister.

“Elara,”

I looked up at her as she continued, “If you can’t go to the full moon gathering tonight, it’s understandable. I can talk to the Pack Officers—maybe they’ll pardon you.”

I remembered this moment as well. It had happened exactly like this in my past life.

I had passed out, and then I told Rowan I wouldn’t be going because I needed to rest… but it ended in disaster.

He had looked at me, his expression hard.

“What if something happens to someone?” he had asked. “Who is going to save them?”

And the truth was… he wasn’t wrong. As the most powerful healer in the pack, the responsibility fell on me.

But I had been too weak. Still, I pushed myself anyway.

And the end result?

I was almost accused of negligence in my duty as a healer.

And that offence alone meant fifteen years of imprisonment. I hadn’t had any option but to accept what he said then.

And that was the night I chose him over my sister.

That was the night I got my sister killed.

A grin slowly formed on my lips.

“We will be going, sister. There will be a disaster tonight, and I don’t want you to die.”

“What? What disaster?” I could hear the shake in my sister’s voice. She had always been the one who was easily afraid.

“Let’s get prepared.”

The night came, everyone was heading to the market square for the celebration of the full moon. Sound of Joy, celebrations echoed right from left and right. It was a monthly celebration of the wolves.

The full moon hovered above us, making the whole place brighter than usual. Howls of joy filled the air.

My eyes glanced toward where Rowan and Serena were sitting. They were together. When Serena noticed I was looking at Rowan, she quickly moved closer to him, adjusting his collar.

I could only roll my eyes. According to pack rules, the Alpha was to mate with the strongest healer in the pack, and they were supposed to be together—as mates, then as Alpha and Luna. This would make the pack stronger.

A smirk formed on my face. This was just going to last for three seconds.

At exactly three seconds, everything changed. The bright moon started changing its color slowly. Everyone kept looking at it, not understanding what was happening. All attention was focused on it.

Just then, a loud piercing scream filled the air. All eyes turned to where the noise was coming from. It was the oldest woman in the village. Terror filled her eyes as she pointed at the sky.

“Th…this is a disaster. This is the Blood Moon.”

Gasps filled the place. Everyone had heard of the tales of the Blood Moon, but no one had experienced it. It came once in a millennium, and for the past two millennia, no one had seen it. As a result, it had become nothing more than a folktale—until tonight.

Soon, wolves started going berserk. Those who were not strong began running, hiding under the sheds. But even the sheds couldn’t protect them.

This was a curse that had been placed on us—rumored to be from the Moon Goddess herself, as a result of the atrocities of wolves.

But one thing was certain. On this night, just like every time it appeared, one person from the pack would be struck with the sickness of the Blood Moon curse. I knew I couldn’t do anything, no matter how hard I tried to stop it.

Just then, a loud shriek resounded right beside me. It was my sister. She collapsed.

My heart raced as I fixed my gaze on her. I quickly rushed to her side, ignoring everything else. I checked her pulse—it was faint.

“Please… sister, I don’t want to die.”

Before I could speak, I heard another voice.

Just like it had happened in my previous life.

It was Serena’s voice.

“Please, somebody help. The Alpha has been struck with the Blood Moon Curse.” Her voice diverted everyone’s attention to where they had been sitting earlier. Now, she was there, trying to revive him.

Whispers filled the place, no one believing what had just happened.

“Two curses? In one night?” the oldest woman from earlier spoke, her voice ringing out. “That’s an abomination—and it’s caused by the Alpha.”

Shock filled everyone’s faces. Gasps turned into murmurs, as if they had forgotten the rules that had existed in this pack for so long. But I wasn’t shocked. I had seen all this before.

“The Alpha is meant to mate with the one who has the strongest healing power. The last Alpha didn’t… and neither has this one. Now we are the bearers of this tribulation.” Her voice trembled with terror.

The noise grew louder. People started accusing them, pointing fingers toward where Rowan and Serena were.

But I wasn’t ready for this. All I cared about was my sister. I quickly carried her, ready to take her somewhere calm so I could heal her.

“What can be done? Please?” Serena pleaded, holding onto Rowan.

“A healer can heal him,” someone said.

“You see?” Serena’s mocking tone filled the air. “A healer can do that. The Alpha doesn’t need to mate with the strongest healer.” She raised her voice, overpowering the crowd.

Everyone watched as she began to heal him. At first, a golden light surrounded Rowan, but it slowly began to darken—black mixing with gold.

Everyone knew what black meant.

Danger. Death.

But she kept going.

Just then, Rowan coughed—blood spilling from his lips as his skin began to turn pale.

Right on time, one of the Elders stepped forward. “Stop this, Serena. Can’t you see he’s dying?”

Only then did she look down.

A loud laugh echoed. The old woman again.

“You’re such a fool. Do you think there wasn’t a reason it was said the strongest healer must be the Alpha’s mate? Your Alpha brought this upon himself—and only a strong healer can save him. Not you, Serena.”

Meanwhile, I was already at the back. I had started performing the ritual—just like I did the last time, but now for my sister.

Seven candles were placed around her, her body lying within the circle. As I began, a soft pink light formed, surrounding her. Minutes passed, and the glow slowly rose into the air, stretching toward the sky.

My sister’s body began to calm with each passing second.

Only when I noticed her breathing had steadied did I stop.

I was already growing weak, but that didn’t matter. As long as she was alive… that was enough.

I leaned against a tree, trying to regain my strength. I stretched my hand forward and noticed my skin—pale, almost white.

“Elara.”

The sharp voice made me turn. It was Serena.

“Don’t you know the Alpha was struck with the Blood Moon Curse? Come and heal him.”

Anger washed through me. Disgust followed closely behind. Why had I ever allowed her to treat me this way… all because of a man I loved?

“Don’t you have the power anymore?” My voice came out sharp, mocking.

Her eyes flickered with embarrassment as she looked around. Everyone was watching her now—like she was the disaster.

“I’m sorry, Lara,” she said, kneeling in front of me. It was fast. Strange. Unexpectedly. This hadn’t happened in my past life. “I didn’t mean to. I’m just scared, Lara.”

“I can help, Serena. I just healed my sister—and if you can’t see, I’m exhausted. I’ve used up my power.”

With that, I stood, and with the little strength left in me, I lifted my sister again.

“You can’t let him die. You have a crush on him so much, don’t you?” Her words stopped me.

“Crush?” I scoffed.

I wanted to say more—tell her to fuck off—but I shook my head. She wasn’t worth it. I turned and began to leave.

“You’re abandoning the Alpha! Do you understand what that means, Elara? You will be banished from the pack.”

I didn’t turn back.

“If that’s the case, then no problem. Banish me. I’m done sacrificing for people who don’t value me.”

Chapter 3

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Banishment and Sanctuary

Watching my sister after I had bathed her with warm water and fed her, a small smile formed on my lips as I gently touched her hair.

“You’re safe now, Iris,” I muttered.

My eyes drifted around the small house we had lived in for the past fifteen years—since we lost our parents. Back then, my sister was four, and I was eight. No one cared.

But when I came of age and they discovered my healing power, everything changed. Everyone suddenly wanted to associate with me—for the benefits.

I had thought things would change for the better. I was the strongest healer among my peers… yet I was paid the least.

I didn’t question it. I didn’t ask.

Even though it hurt… as long as I saw him, that was all that mattered.

Guilt filled my chest as memories flooded back—everything we had been through… everything I had put my sister through. She had asked us to leave many times, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

And I had lived like that for years.

Not anymore.

I stood up, about to take my bath, when a sharp bang hit the fragile door. Another hit, and it would have shattered.

“Who’s there?” I called out, the weakness in my body slipping into my voice.

When I opened the door, I saw them—just as I expected. The guards.

“Elara, your presence is required at the council hall,” one of them said.

My brows furrowed as I clenched my hands. What do they want now?

After a quick glance at my sister, I grabbed my jacket and followed them.

The hall was filled with the council of elders. Serena was there too, along with Rowan, who sat weakly in his chair.

My eyes lingered on him for a moment.

He was barely holding on. The curse was still eating him alive.

Seeing all of them made one thing clear—

Tonight wasn’t going to be easy.

“We’ve called you here tonight because you’ve acted against the will of the Moon Goddess,” Alfred, one of the elders, began.

“And what exactly is the will of the Moon Goddess?” I cut in, my sharp tone slicing through the air.

Murmurs spread across the room. Shock flashed across Alfred’s face—just like everyone else’s.

“You!” Throne slammed his hand against the desk. “Since when did you become this bold? Will you let the Alpha die?”

I let out a small chuckle.

“The day I started choosing myself.”

From where Rowan sat, I saw the disbelief on his face—just like the others.

Their stares said everything. They knew exactly what they had done.

I had been their good girl. The one who never spoke back. The one who obeyed every order.

And all of it had been because of the love I thought I had for him.

Then his frail voice broke through the silence.

“Y…you would let me die?” he rasped. “You’ve always wanted to be Luna. I’ll make you one.”

Serena’s eyes flared at the word Luna. “You can’t do that,” she said, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Then do you want me dead?” Rowan growled weakly—before coughing violently. Serena quickly patted his back, shooting me a look filled with hatred.

“Don’t worry, Serena,” I said calmly. “I’m not taking your position. It’s not something I’m interested in anymore.”

I paused, letting my words sink in.

“But if it’s something bigger—like being Alpha… I might consider it.”

A smug smile played on my lips as I watched their reactions.

Shock. Rage. Disbelief.

“What?” one of the elders snapped. “That is the highest position any woman could ever want—and you dare speak like this?”

“She’s too full of herself,” another elder scoffed. “Is it not just healing power? There are many stronger healers across the continent.”

“You see, Rowan,” she said, holding his hands with a look of compassion so forced it was almost obvious—only they were too blind to see it. “She never loved you. She only wanted power.”

Things escalated faster than I had expected, but it was exactly how I wanted it.

“You’re not fit to be in this pack with us, Elara,” Throne said. “As a result, you will be banished—unless you rethink your decision.” He brought out a file containing the banishment papers.

I could feel their gazes on me as they waited for my response. Serena, on the other hand, looked anxious. The slight tremble in her hands, no matter how much she tried to hide it, gave her away.

A smile graced my lips as I spoke.

“Rethink my decision? Like I said, the only thing that could make me rethink it… is if I’m given the Alpha’s position.”

I caught the glint of excitement in Serena’s eyes at the mention of that word. She didn’t even try to hide it.

“You’re nothing more than greed,” one of the elders snapped. “Let’s banish her. We don’t want her corrupting the rest of the wolves.”

I watched as they handed Rowan the paper.

Despite how weak he looked, the hatred in his eyes was unmistakable as he stared at me.

“You never loved me,” he said.

His hand trembled as he picked up the pen and signed the papers.

But beneath that hatred… I could still see it.

A part of him wanted me to stay.

He was just too proud to say it.

Without another word, I turned and left the room, heading straight home.

This was what I wanted. Staying would have only made things worse—they would have broken me… or worse.

By the time I got home, my sister was already awake. She still looked weak, but she could stand.

“We are leaving,” I said the moment I saw her.

A knowing look crossed her face—she must have heard already. News like this spread fast.

As we got closer to the border, reality began to settle in.

I had nowhere to go.

I might have escaped… but I had nothing.

Then I saw it—a black SUV.

My eyes lit up. Whoever owned that had to be rich.

A figure stood beside it.

As we got closer, it became clearer.

It was like he had been waiting for us.

A smile spread across his face as he walked toward us.

“Alpha Caden!” I greeted, surprise filling my voice. He was the Alpha of the only thriving pack on the continent. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard about the banishment, Elara,” he said. “I came to help you and your sister.”

“Help us?” Iris asked, unconvinced.

“You don’t have to be afraid,” he continued. “I heard what happened, and I happened to be nearby. Besides… you’re Elara. You’re not someone people forget. You saved my people.”

“But that doesn’t mean you should help us,” I said, still unsure.

“I could have lost sixty percent of my people that year,” he replied. “But you saved them. Now it’s my turn.”

A small smile formed on my lips. That was when I had first started healing—and their pack was where my power truly grew.

But I also knew how wolves could be.

I glanced at my sister. Her pale skin, her dry lips—she was still weak.

I couldn’t let her suffer because of me.

“Alright then,” I said. “Let’s go.”

Caden immediately opened the door.

But before I could step in, Iris pulled me back and wrapped her arms tightly around me.

“I don’t know what changed,” she whispered, “but you… the you I knew before would have chosen the Alpha over me. Thank you for not doing that.”