“My name is Diana. Is this hostel available to let me stay for the night?” I asked.

I stood at the Versales Hostel where Daniel casually stayed now that Karina’s body was deteriorating each days.

If I hadn’t been declared dead, they could have cheated on me using a potion to put me into a deep sleep, ensuring I wouldn’t feel their betrayal. But the night I discovered their secret, I had unknowingly misplaced the fake medicine Daniel had given me, supposedly for my pregnancy. It had all been part of their deceit.

But look at us now, time flies when everything aligns with your plan.

“I have no other place to go. Please, accept me. I’ll bring no harm. I am a rogue,” I pleaded.

They wouldn’t suspect me. My was almost human, and there was no trace of my noble bloodline in their senses. All they could smell was the human scent I’d adopted after years of living in their world.

The man at the counter whispered to someone, who appeared to be superior. Both of them scrutinized me carefully. I was dressed in a short, worn-out dress—enough to make them think I was neither wealthy nor part of any influential clan. Certainly not one of the rogues causing problems for the council.

“Who’s with you, Miss?” the hostel keeper.

“I’m alone, Sir. I have no shelter here. I escaped from a human community because hunters were after me,” I replied, desperate. “Please help me, even just for tonight.”

“The alpha is here! Bring your newest prostitute!” someone shouted inside.

I smirked inwardly. This was exactly what I had anticipated. I had timed my arrival perfectly; tonight, I would get what I came for.

“Do you have money?”

I shook my head and smiled softly.

“I was planning to ask a gentleman here to vouch for me,” I said innocently.

They exchanged amused looks. One of them chuckled. “Would you be willing to please the alpha of Versales tonight?”

I flashed a wide smile. “But I am a rogue. Isn’t it true that only humans, fragile and quick to die, are suitable offerings for the alpha?”

Their amusement faded instantly. Suspicion crept into their expressions. “How do you know that?”

“I heard it from the hunters,” I said, leaning closer. “You abduct humans and bring them here as sacrifices. That’s why I’m here… to negotiate.”

I had never heard of this illicit hostel until after my staged death. It turned out this was where my husband’s treachery had begun. Back then, I had no idea he was bedding and murdering humans.

I never thought Daniel capable of such depravity, but now I intended to use it against him.

“I can meet with him, but I won’t do the ritual with him. How about I give him information about the hunters instead?” I offered.

That sealed the deal. The two men nodded quickly and escorted me to the alpha’s chamber.

I walked confidently into the room, where he sat shirtless, waiting for yet another offering to grovel at his feet—and die for him by the end of the night.

“My dearest alpha,” I said, low and raspy.

He turned to me, his eyes dark and expectant.

“Why are you still dressed?” he growled.

“Because I’m not here to appease you sexually,” I said coolly, raising a hand to stop his retort. “But I do have something important to tell you—about the hunters and what they’ve uncovered.”

He sat up straight, the wear and tear of countless rituals evident on his aged features. Unlike Devon, who remained youthful and powerful, Daniel’s body bore the marks of his sinful rituals. Yet, despite everything, the bond between us still tugged at my heart. Thankfully, the enchanted necklace I wore sealed that bond tightly.

“And what is it?”

I moved closer, sitting beside him. My hand brushed over his shoulder, and I saw the flicker of recognition in his eyes. He froze, as though trying to place the familiarity of my touch.

“The hunters’ headquarters and… a certain lycan who left your pack years ago,” I murmured. “Someone who resembles you. Perhaps… your brother? Or your son?”

His golden eyes flared with rage, his chest heaving with anger.

“Where?!” he demanded.

“Will you help me survive in your city if I tell you?”

I needed to stay close to him. Only then could I execute my plan.

“Will you… make me yours, my alpha?”

“A rogue like you dares to negotiate with me?”

I feigned innocence.

“But you’ll gain so much more from me,” I whispered.

“Then speak!”

I pulled a photograph from my pocket and placed it before him, covering half of it with my hand.

“This,” I said, pointing to the exposed part. “The hunters mentioned him while tracking me. They plan to capture him… or you… or both of you. Because of what Versales does to women in human lands.”

“And their headquarters?” he barked.

“I’ll help you find it. But first… take me in, my Lord.”

Finally, I uncovered the rest of the photograph, revealing its entirety.

His reaction was immediate. He froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.

“And one more thing,” I teased. “They’re after her too. Do you know her?”

I watched him growl in fury.

“Karylle!” he snarled. “My traitor wife is alive!”

A cruel smile spread across my lips. He had no idea he was sitting beside that very traitor he's calling.

“Finally… I’m inside the house I should be living in,” I whispered.

Daniel accepted my offer. He brought me to the mansion where he and my brother were staying. The house was huge—too vast, it’s almost funny that Karina hasn’t even toured the whole place, considering she barely leaves her quarters.

She’s seriously ill. She can’t handle the rituals because she’s not full-blooded. She’s just an adopted child, taken in out of pity by my parents.

I’ll never forget what she did. She was the one who tipped off the rival pack about my parents' journey—just because they wouldn’t favor her wish to divide the family’s wealth.

Karina’s greedy. What she’s suffering now is her punishment. But it’s not enough for me. I want more. I want to make her feel it.

“We’re leaving after this,” Daniel said, as we ate together on my fourth week here, just after his return from the war.

I noticed Karina, barely able to walk, supported by a servant and a young man.

The adopted son, the supposed heir to all the wealth and power. He’s wrong. I’ll put you back in your rightful place.

“Yes, my Lord,” I replied, not missing the sarcasm.

Karina was approaching, her eyes fixed on me, and so was her son.

“W-who is she?” she asked as she reached Daniel.

“Why are you even here?” he snapped. “You’re sick. Stay inside and stop stressing me out!”

“But you’ve been gone for so long. I want to know how you’re doing, and w-who is she?” Her curiosity was too obvious.

She stared, expecting an introduction, but I savored the hatred and jealousy in her eyes—despite her son’s glare.

Why wouldn’t she? I wore tight clothes, perfect curls, and sharp makeup. She wore a long white gown, the kind old women favor.

“She’s my—”

“—mistress?” Karina interrupted, her voice trembling.

I smiled softly.

“How dare you laugh at my mother?” her son spat.

“Stay out of this, Dacan! You have no right!” Daniel snapped.

Oh, he didn’t even care much for the son he paraded around as his. Behind the walls of their house, their relationship was broken.

“But you brought your mistress here!” Karina collapses from weakness.

Her son helped her sit down.

“She’s not my mistress,” Daniel slammed his fist on the table. “She’s my right hand now. She’s the one giving me information. She’s a rogue, you know I can’t use another lycan!”

They were both going to die soon. Their sins would catch up to them. This was a punishment that even the moon couldn’t forgive. They could only cheat once, and the price for that was a painful ritual.

While he struggled with his own problems, Devon was already moving behind the scenes, handing over evidence of Daniel’s crimes to the council.

I was pushing him toward that. I wanted him to cheat on the council, on the war, on this pack, so the council would have a reason to abandon him when the time came.

“But she doesn’t look like that—”

Daniel cut him off, signaling to me. I stood up and walked while I swayed my hips deliberately, ensuring Karina saw it.

Daniel led the way, calling his son, who reluctantly followed. I lingered for a moment with my now-defenseless sister.

“I’m sorry, Luna.” I leaned. “I’m not coveting the alpha, but I bet… his thirst is quenched by humans.”

Karina gasped at my words. I would make her regret everything. She’d have no choice but to testify against Daniel in the council because he was trampling over her womanhood with his actions. And when Devon returned, bringing her hope, Karina would want to escape Daniel.

As for my traitor husband… the council would squeeze him dry with the evidence of his crimes.

And as for his son…

“I see you’re with someone,” Daniel said when Dacan entered with a woman by his side.

“Yes, Father. This is Kalista. My girlfriend,” Dacan said firmly.

We sat down together for dinner, quietly, while Karina silently analyzed the woman beside her son.

“Where are you from?” Daniel asked her.

The girl shyly smiled. “I’m a vendor. I helped your son when he was injured.”

“How old are you?” Karina acquiesced.

“Eighteen,” she replied.

“And your parents? Your mother?” Karina pressed.

The girl looked away sadly.

“She died giving birth to me,” she answered.

“And your father?”

Kalista shifted her gaze toward Daniel.

“He cheated on my mother and took care of his mistress while my mother was dying.”

She glanced at me, and I gave her a sly smile.

Yes, Kalista, my daughter. That’s your father and this is the family he chose while he tried to kill me and send you to another pack.

“That’s… sad,” Daniel.

Kalista smiled innocently.

“But I think he’ll face his karma soon. I’ll just wait for that, Father—” she hesitated, then corrected herself, “—Sir.” She looked at Dacan. “I’m sorry if I address you like that. I’ve longed for a father.”

Daniel smiled at her, a soft, tender look in his eyes. I smirked quietly.

“You can call me that. I’ve dreamed of having a daughter,” Daniel said, still gazing at Kalista.

I rolled my eyes in secret.

“Thank you,” Kalista said curtly.

I took a bite, trying not to laugh at Karina’s obvious disgust, but she had no power here.

Sorry, my dear husband, and sister, you don’t recognize her yet but soon, you will.