Chapter 3 3

Lyra (Mia)'s POV

The hours went by as I tried to adapt my new reality.

Every corner of the house felt strange and unfamiliar, yet the people around me spoke to me as if I had always been here even though my responses were a bit hesitant and unsure,as if I was trying to put together pieces of puzzles I didn't know I was a part of.

"Mia, breakfast is ready!" The woman who claimed to be my mother called out loudly from downstairs.

Her voice carried warmth, but my chest tightened at the sound. It wasn't my mother and that wasn't my name.

My real mother was miles away, probably grieving about my death. I doubt she is, cause she never cared about hearing my side of the story or bothered about me being kicked out of the pack.

I stared at the mirror again, tracing the features of my new face. They were hauntingly similar to mine, yet distinctly different. The gray eyes that stared back at me felt foreign. My auburn hair was now silver, shimmering like the moonlight. I clenched my fists, trying to steady the storm of emotions brewing within me.

The woman-I had learned her name was Maria Sinclair -knocked gently on the door as she called out. "Mia?"

"I'm Coming," I replied, my voice softer than intended.

As I went down the stairs, a soft breeze carried the aroma of freshly bake bread through the air and it went straight into my nostrils,it was so sharp and undeniable and it made me remember my real home.

Maria smiled at me, her eyes cloudy with unshed tears. "It's so good to see you up and moving again," she said pulling me into an embrace.

I stiffened at the contact, unsure how to respond.

"Thank you," I muttered, though my voice sounded empty and lack emotions.

I sat at the table quietly waiting for my food to be served, someone entered the room-a tall, broad-shouldered man. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, and his sharp, assessing eyes hinted at a life of experience. Though likely in his late 60s, he carried himself with quiet authority.

My heart tightened at the sight of him. I guess this is Mia's father's -or should I rather say, this is my father.

"Good morning, Father," I said, my voice uncertain as I tried to find the words to greet him.

Without a word, he stormed over to me. His hand moved with lightning speed, landing across my cheek with a harsh slap. The sting of the blow left my skin burning and my heart sinking. I froze, eyes wide with shock.

His voice was cold and cutting as he seethed, "Good morning? After what you've done to this family? Do you realize the disgrace you almost brought upon this family?" "Now tell me what is good about the morning Mia!"

I blinked, the force of the slap leaving me dazed. "I-I didn't-"

"Don't talk," he growled, his voice filled with disgust. "You think you can play innocent after trying to kill yourself? Do you think that's how we solve our problems?"

"You're lucky Damion Byers hasn't called off this marriage after your pathetic stunt you pulled," he continued, his voice dripping with venom. "If he had, we'd all be ruined. Do you understand that?"

"You think this family deserves your selfishness? All my plans-you almost ruined everything, you selfish spoiled brat!"

My breath caught in my throat as the weight of his words hit me. The anger in his eyes made my skin crawl.

"The wedding to Damion Byers is happening soon, and you will not ruin it. You'll do your duty. You'll marry him, and you'll keep your flithy mouth shut. That's the least you can do to make up for the mess you've caused here."he continued, his voice growing louder.

"He will be here tomorrow to discuss the wedding plans and I expect you to be on your best behavior and act like the obedient daughter you're supposed to be."

His words echoed in my mind, and I felt a surge of panic and confusion rose within me. Damion Byers? A wedding?

This was all part of the plan now, whether I liked it or not.

I tried so hard to keep my composure, though my chest clenched each passing second. "Yes, Father," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Good." He nodded, satisfied with my response, before sitting down at the table as if nothing had happened. Maria glanced nervously between us but said nothing. The atmosphere of the room became stuffy and suffocating, the air was thick with tension.

I felt like I couldn't breathe, I was sweating excessively. The slap still burning on my cheek, and the words kept echoing in my mind. I was trapped. This wasn't just some twisted fate-it was a cage, and I am expected to play along.

******

After breakfast, I excused myself and wandered outside. The forest stretched endlessly before me, its towering trees casting long shadows. My heart ached as memories of my past life flooded back-of Xander my pack, and... Nyla.

Nyla's betrayal still burned like a fresh wound. My fists gripped as her cruel words echoed in my mind.

"Moon Goddess," I whispered under my breath, looking up at the sky. "Why did you bring me back here? What is my purpose?"

A rustling sound broke my thoughts. I turned quickly, my senses heightened.

From the edge of the woods, a figure emerged-a young man, probably a few years older than me, with dark hair and piercing green eyes.

"Mia," he called out, his tone careful yet familiar.

I stared at him, unsure how to respond. "Who are you? Do I know you?"

His brows furrowed, a weight of concern and shock flashing across his face. "It's me, Caleb. Did you hit your head harder than we thought?" He asked jokingly.

"Caleb." The name stirred faint recognition in my borrowed memories, though I couldn't place him. "I... I've just been feeling off since the incident," I said, choosing my words carefully.

He studied me for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough. But it's good to see you out and about. The pack has been worried about you."

"Thanks," I murmured, looking away.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You know, if you ever want to talk about what happened that night... I'm here."

My pulse quickened. "What do you mean?"

His eyes darkened slightly. "Everyone knows you've been through hell. Whatever drove you to... well, you don't have to face it alone."

It was dawned on me that he was referring to Mia supposed suicide attempt.

"I'll keep that in mind," I said, forcing a tight smile.

He nodded and turned to leave, but his parting words lingered in the air. "You're stronger than you think, Jane. Don't forget that."

As he disappeared into the woods, I let out a shaky breath.

"Stronger than I think." I said to my self.

I gripped my hands tightly with determination flowing through me. This was not simply a second chance; it was an opportunity. I had been reborn, given a new body and life, for a reason.

I would uncover the truth about Mia's death, and I would find a way to exact vengeance on those who destroyed my old life.

For now, I would play the part of Mia Sinclair,dutiful daughter of the Beta. But in my heart, I was still Lyra-the rejected,the betrayed, the survivor.