Chapter 5 5

Elena Winslow

After finishing the broth, I bid everyone farewell. When I went to say goodbye to Zane, one of the wolves informed me that he had already left for home, which dampened my spirits a little. I began walking through the dense forest surrounding my house, thoughts swirling in my mind. Why had Zane left without saying goodbye?

The question nagged at me, though I couldn't explain why it mattered so much. As I wandered, my thoughts drifted back to the memory of my death in my first life. Growing up here, I had explored every inch of this territory. Yet, part of me suspected that my death had been orchestrated by someone in the pack. Still, a deeper understanding urged me to question this theory.

After all, I was only now getting to know the wolves. Surely, they wouldn't be cruel enough to murder the Alpha's Luna, right? Zane wouldn't allow it. At least, that's what I told myself. When I arrived home, I headed to my room, lay on the bed, and placed my hands over my stomach, letting out a deep sigh.

I was startled by the sound of footsteps approaching my bed and a voice that followed.

"What's on your mind, daughter?" my mother, Julie, asked as she sat on the bed, her gaze fixed on me. I sat up and forced a smile, trying to mask my restless thoughts.

"Nothing to worry about, Mom. Today was full of surprises, but it was a great day." I recounted the day's events to her, and she listened, captivated by every word.

"The Alpha Zane said he feels you're his Luna? Really?" she asked, covering her mouth in disbelief.

I nodded, confirming it.

"Yes, Mom. I'm still in shock, but the Alpha is kind, affectionate, and respected by everyone. I'm sure he'll continue to grow into an even better Alpha. But... I haven't given him my answer yet."

"Take your time to think it through, dear. I've only ever heard good things about the Alpha. I know you'll make the right decision," she said with a reassuring smile before kissing my forehead and leaving my room.

As she turned off the lights, I settled under the covers, trying to calm my racing thoughts and drifting into an uneasy sleep.

******

I woke early the next day, groggy but determined. As I opened my eyes, sunlight filtered through the window, signaling the start of a new day.

After my morning routine, I dressed, fixed my hair, and joined my parents at the breakfast table. The meal was delightful, and I thanked them before excusing myself.

"That was delicious, but I have things to do now." They wished me a good day, and I left the house.

A message from the pack's beta had summoned all new members to a meeting in a few hours. Until then, I decided to spend some time alone.

A growing unease pushed me to investigate my past. My suspicions about my ex-husband and even Zane's pack drove me to hire a sentinel informant to gather intel on other packs. The payment would be hefty, but my family's wealth allowed it.

After the meeting, where new members learned about the pack's rules and operations, one of the wolves tasked with training me scheduled weekly sessions to improve my skills. I thanked him and joined others for casual drinks and conversations afterward.

Later, I arranged to meet the informant near my home. When I arrived, we greeted each other with a firm handshake.

"I don't have great news, but I do have something," Fred-the wolf I had met at the party-revealed.

Surprised, I replied, "You were faster than I expected."

He shrugged. "You don't know all my talents yet. Can I speak freely?"

"Go on," I urged, my curiosity piqued.

Fred nodded and began sharing his findings. As the pieces fell into place, a painful truth emerged: my sister had married Alpha Cassius shortly after my burial.

Fred hadn't found conclusive evidence about who orchestrated the death of Cassius's former Luna, Lux, but he was almost certain it had been someone from the pack.

He promised to uncover the full truth soon. Hearing his words, I felt a sharp pang in my chest but held back my tears. No one could know the truth-that I was Lux.

I couldn't believe my ex-husband had never loved me. He remarried so quickly after my death. How could I have loved someone like him?

Anger and betrayal burned within me as I realized the man I had trusted with my life had destroyed it-and now stood by my sister's side.

"Thank you. I'll await confirmation," I said, handing him his payment.

Fred left, satisfied, while I headed home, my heart heavy with rage and grief.

**You'll pay for everything you've done to me.**

I had lost my child, my life, and my trust because of you. Betrayed, I swore to exact revenge against my sister, my ex-husband, and anyone else who had conspired against me.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as fury boiled in my veins. No one would escape the reckoning I was planning.