As I stared at Dave’s smiling face, I wondered if his happiness was genuine or a carefully crafted illusion. Was he truly excited about marrying me, or did the sight of my sister, Freya, light up his world in ways I never could?
The faint scent of betrayal clung to the air, mingling with his otherwise familiar musk—a sharp reminder that something wasn’t right.
When I arrived at the pack seamstress’ shop, my stomach churned. The scene waiting for me confirmed my worst fears.
Freya, my sister in name but my rival in spirit, stood before the mirror draped in my Luna gown. The shimmering silver threads caught the light, casting an ethereal glow around her. It was meant to be a symbol of my union with the future Alpha, Dave, and my ascension to Luna of the Crescent Moon Pack.
Instead, it looked like Freya was already claiming the title.
She twirled, her golden hair catching the light, a radiant smile on her face. Every inch of her screamed perfection. But to me, she was poison wrapped in silk.
Dave stood beside her, his amber eyes glowing faintly. The bond between mates should have tied his gaze to me, but his attention was wholly focused on Freya.
“Wow, Freya,” he said, his voice laced with awe. “You look breathtaking.”
Freya let out a soft laugh, her voice melodic and sweet. “Oh, Dave, I just wanted to see how it felt. This dress is magnificent. It feels like it was made for me.”
I stepped forward, my claws instinctively extending ever so slightly beneath my skin. I clenched my fists, reigning in my wolf. She stirred uneasily, her instincts screaming to assert dominance, but I forced her back down.
“Have you worn it long enough?” I asked, my voice cold and clipped. “Take it off.”
Freya turned toward me, her emerald eyes widening in mock surprise. “Aria, I didn’t realize you’d be upset. I was just trying it on. You know I’ve always looked up to you.”
Her words dripped with false innocence. She knew exactly what she was doing.
Dave stepped forward, his presence looming, though his expression remained calm. “It’s not a big deal, Aria,” he said, his voice soft and placating. “She’s your sister. It’s her first time trying it on. You should be more understanding.”
Understanding. That word rang hollow in my ears.
I turned my gaze to him, my wolf surging forward momentarily. He flinched ever so slightly as my eyes flickered with the golden hue of my wolf’s presence. “You don’t understand what this dress means to me,” I said, my voice low and steady.
But I didn’t want to argue—not here, not now.
I shifted my focus back to Freya, who stood there with her head tilted in mock submission. She had always been good at pretending to yield while stealing everything I worked for.
“You can have it,” I said flatly, turning on my heel.
Freya blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Wait, really?” she asked, her tone laced with disbelief.
Without answering, I walked out of the shop, my wolf snarling in my chest.
---
Dave caught up with me outside, grabbing my wrist. His touch, once comforting, now felt suffocating.
“Aria, wait,” he said, his voice full of concern. “What’s wrong? Are you angry? Don’t be upset, darling. It’s just a dress. I’ll—”
I pulled my hand free, my claws itching to extend. “I’m fine,” I said, cutting him off. “Go back and finish with the seamstress. You can choose whatever dress you like.”
His brows furrowed, but the moment passed quickly. A smile spread across his face. “I knew you’d understand,” he said.
I watched as he returned to the shop, his steps light, his focus already back on Freya. My stomach churned, but I forced myself to remain calm.
As I turned to leave, I caught one last glimpse of them through the window. Dave leaned close to Freya, whispering something that made her laugh. The sight made my wolf snarl, a deep growl rumbling in my chest.
I took a deep breath, forcing her down. Soon, I reminded myself. Soon, this will all be over.
---
That evening, as I sat in my room, the glow of my phone illuminated Freya’s latest post.
A photo of her in my Luna gown stared back at me.
The caption read: “This dress feels like it was made for me. I can’t wait for my turn to shine.”
Beneath the post were dozens of comments from pack members.
“Freya, you look stunning! Are you next in line for a mating ceremony?”
“Such a perfect fit! You’d make a wonderful Luna someday.”
My claws extended, slicing through the soft wood of my bedside table.
She wasn’t just stealing my dress—she was planting the idea in the pack’s mind that she was the rightful Luna.
My wolf stirred again, furious and restless. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be, she growled.
But I knew better than to lash out now. Timing was everything. The night of the full moon was approaching, and with it, the perfect opportunity to sever every tie that bound me to this pack and these people.
I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.
For now, I would wait.
And when the moment came, I would make them regret underestimating me.
