Chapter 1 Chapter 1

My body was already a frozen shell, the cold seeping into my very bones. Hearing about Hallie's injuries had sent me rushing to her, with the warm pie I knew she loved. Never in my wildest nightmares could I have imagined walking into that scene, my own boyfriend, Camilo White, the beta I loved, painting me as the villain in public. He stood amidst the pack members, his every gesture exaggerated. It was a carefully cooked up lie. "Violet disappeared that night. Who knows how many rogues defiled her? She's impure. How could I ever consider marking her? Out of respect for her father, a beta himself, I might reluctantly allow her to be my mistress, a mere servant to Hallie." His words were like poisoned darts, each one finding its way to my heart. To protect Hallie's precious reputation, he had ruthlessly cast me into the pit of disgrace. It was as if he had rehearsed this betrayal a thousand times. "The person taken that night wasn't me," I choked out, "Camilo, are you sure you have the right person? Could you have mistaken Hallie for me?" Hallie, who had been dabbing at her eyes, straightened up, her gaze hardening as she turned towards the crowd. "Violet," she began, her voice trembling with what seemed like genuine distress, "I know it's hard to accept what those rogues did to you, but you can't try to pin this on me. I've been trying to help you keep this a secret, yet you stand here, insisting I was the one taken? It makes no sense! You're a liar, Violet, a truly immoral she-wolf!" With Camilo's dramatic words and Hallie's tearful denial as their "proof," they swallowed every word. Even Hallie's parents, who had once welcomed me with open arms, calling me family, treating me as their own daughter, now turned on me. "Violet, you are on your own in this," Hallie's mother, Marie, said. "If you couldn't protect yourself, don't you dare try to blame Hallie." Her gaze was stern. She rose and physically pushed me towards the door. "I pity Hallie for having a friend like you. Now, get out!" I had loved Hallie's family, treated them as my own. I had been there for them through thick and thin, begging favors, enduring humiliation, all to ease their burdens. And now, instead of directing their anger at the monsters who had truly caused harm, they were eager to drag me through the mud. The humiliation was a raw wound, and it wasn't long before Camilo came back into my life. The moment I opened my door, there he was, standing amidst my violet flower bed, his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed on me. Once, that stance would have made my heart flutter. Now, it only fueled the bitter anger burning inside me. "Why are you here, Camilo? You broke up with me, you humiliated me in front of the entire pack. What more could you possibly want?" He hesitated for a fleeting moment, then let out a laugh. "Don't be angry, Violet. It was all just for show, you know that. Hallie's family is… strict. If they found out what happened, they might do something drastic. I had to protect her. Besides," he continued, his tone shifting to a sickeningly sweet persuasion, "you're her good friend. Surely you'd be willing to help her with this small favor, right?" My brow furrowed. He was afraid Hallie would face repercussions, so he decided I should become the scapegoat? He had turned the entire pack against me, forcing me to endure scorn and pain I didn't deserve. What did he think I was made of? He sighed dramatically. "I know this has been hard on you, Violet, but we've been together for so long. I thought you knew me better than this. My bond with her is fake, a pretense. It's you I love, only you. I just wanted to shield her reputation, prevent her from facing severe punishment." He continued, his words twisting the knife deeper. "If anyone else found out she had been assaulted, Hallie wouldn't be able to find happiness. I marked Hallie first so she could be my primary mate, and you would be my secondary. This way, we can still be together, Violet. The only mate I truly acknowledge in my heart is you." His mouth was full of Hallie's name, her well-being, her future. What about mine? A true mate would always prioritize me, stand by me, protect me. How could he so casually cast me aside, offering me a pathetic consolation prize for someone else's sake? His words were nauseating. A mate bond was supposed to be sacred, a connection forged by destiny, not some manipulative game he could play to his advantage. I didn't hesitate. I threw him out of my house, slamming the door shut on his lies and his callous heart. But that was only the beginning of the nightmare. The entire pack turned against me. Every glance held judgment, every whisper carried scorn. I became an outcast in my own community. I couldn't contain my father's fury. He lashed out with brutal force, his fists raining down on my arms, my stomach, every part of me. When his physical blows weren't enough to end his anger, the urge to shift into his wolf flickered in his eyes, promising even greater punishment. By the time I was too weak to even flinch, he dragged me to the freezing pool beneath the waterfall. "Stay here," he snarled, "until the water washes away your filth. Only then can you even think about coming home." Then, with a cruel flick of his wrist, he tossed a silver dagger at my feet. "Or you can take the easy way out. A disgraceful daughter like you is nothing but a stain on my name." In that moment, standing shivering in the icy water, my heart froze over, colder than the surrounding pool. The father who had always proclaimed his unconditional love now cared only for his precious status. I didn't know if I would survive the night, if the cold would claim me before the dawn. Then, a voice, warm, cut through my thought. "Violet, I'm so sorry. I should have come sooner." I hadn't expected anyone to speak to me, let alone offer comfort. For a moment, I was too numb to react. Slowly, I lifted my head. The first thing I saw was a pair of the most striking sky-blue eyes I had ever encountered. Alex Skye, the Alpha's eldest son, the future leader of our pack, was looking down at me with genuine concern. His grip on my hand was firm and surprisingly warm. With his steady support, I managed to stand, although my limbs were still heavy and unresponsive. "You must be freezing after being under the waterfall for so long," he commented. My lips felt stiff and numb, making it impossible to form a reply. He carefully wrapped a thick, warm blanket around my shivering form, and the familiar scent that belonged only to him enveloped me. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, my inner wolf let out a slow sigh. "I'm only doing this because I can't bear to see you suffer like this anymore. Please don't feel pressured, Violet. I'm not trying to force you to accept me. If you still don't want to say yes, that's perfectly alright. I'll find another way to help you—""I will. If the goddess permit. I will be yours." Alex froze, his sky-blue eyes widening in shock. Suddenly, he gripped my shoulders, his touch surprisingly gentle. "Violet, did I hear that right?" A blush crept up his neck and onto his ears, and I could see them flicker. He leaned in closer, his gaze piercing mine. "I didn't hear you clearly. Say it again." Clutching the warm blanket tightly around me, I took a deep, shuddering breath and allowed a small, genuine smile to touch my frozen lips. "Don't doubt your ears, Alex," I said, meeting his intense gaze. "I said I'm willing to be your mate, the future Luna of this pack. As long as it is the will of the goddess.”

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Before I could fully process his words, Alex swept me off my feet, a joyous laugh erupting from his chest as he spun me around. The cold air whipped past me, but all I felt was warmth. "I want to take you home," he said. Then, he abruptly stopped, a frown creasing his brow. "No, not yet. Violet, just wait a little longer! I need time to prepare for the marking ceremony. I'll give you the grandest claiming, so every wolf in the Shadowfang pack will know you belong to me, my Luna, body and soul!"“What if I'm rejected as your mate by the goddess?” I asked. “Violet,” he called out softly, “I know you doubt this but I feel the connection. I feel my inner wolf more whenever I'm with you.”“Like right now?” I asked. “Yes.” It wasn't a secret that Alex had harbored feelings for me for a long time. He would seek me out in the quiet corners of the pack lands, his eyes always lingering on me with a warmth that made my own wolf stir. He'd offer me small, thoughtful gifts – a perfectly smooth stone he'd found by the river, a feather shed by a rare bird – tokens I always politely refused. "Sorry, Alex," I'd say, trying to keep my tone gentle but firm. "I already have Camilo as my boyfriend. Please respect that,” I'd always say. Yet, Alex was persistent, his wolfish nature seemingly incapable of backing down from what it desired. "Is that so?" he'd always reply, "He's just your boyfriend, Violet. Bonds can be broken. Even if he marks you, you can still reject him. My wolf knows yours, Violet. Sooner or later, you'll be my Luna." I never understood the confidence in his voice, the certainty that came from deep within him. And I, in my foolishness, had ignored the answers in my own heart, the undeniable pull I felt towards him despite myself. Alex didn't exactly have the cleanest slate within the pack. While other young wolves dedicated themselves to rigorous training, honing their fighting skills and minds, Alex preferred the thrill of the wild. Whispers often circulated, questioning his ability to lead. There were doubts whether he possessed the discipline and responsibility required of the next Alpha. Rumors even came through the pack, suggesting that if the current Alpha, his father, grew too weary of Alex's recklessness, the mantle of leadership might fall on his more suitable younger brother. I had heard these rumours and all these contributed to why I had to maintain my distance. But now, as I looked at him, I realized something. While the rest of the pack saw a wild, untamed wolf, he was the only one who had truly seen me, who had believed in my innocence when everyone else had cast me aside. Alex escorted me back towards our den that night. Before he left, he turned to face my parents, “Violet will be my mate," he stated, his voice a low growl that brooked no argument. "Lay a hand on her again, and you will discover the true extent of the Alpha's power." My father, who had been holding a leather whip, froze under Alex's icy glare. As Alex turned back to me, the harshness in his expression softened, replaced by a tender concern that made my heart ache. "Why didn't you tell them the truth, Violet?" he asked gently. "You were with me that night. There's no way you could have been the one taken. Don't worry, little wolf. I'll handle everything for you." His words were clear of his intent to defend me. My father understood immediately. The whip was dropped as if it had burned his hand. He even pulled up a rough-hewn stool and settled in. “What happened that night?” He asked. I hesitated for a minute not knowing where to begin or if I even had the strength to speak. Then I began to speak. I recounted the events after the pack gathering, the walk home with Hallie that had taken a terrifying turn. We had stumbled upon a wounded werewolf near the edge of our territory. Hallie had bolted, disappearing into the shadows without a second glance, leaving me alone in the darkness. But something compelled me to stay. The instinct to help a fellow pack member, wouldn't let me abandon whoever lay injured. Gathering my courage, I approached cautiously, the low growl of the wounded wolf sending a jolt of fear through me. Then, as I drew closer, the familiar scent of pine and something unique filled the air. It was Alex. He explained that a band of rogues had attempted to infiltrate our borders during the chaos of the gathering. He had fought them off but a traitor within our own pack had betrayed his position. In the end, Alex had been injured, though he had managed to drive off most of the intruders. Some, however, had escaped into the night. Without hesitation, I had helped him to a secluded healer, a trusted member of our pack known for their discretion. As the healer tended to his wounds, Alex leaned heavily against my shoulder, his eyes closed, his breathing was shallow. In that moment, he was vulnerable, his most sensitive spots exposed, yet he had so much in me that warmed me from the inside out. He clutched the hem of my tunic, his grip surprisingly strong, refusing to let go. Every time I shifted to fetch water or clean cloths, his eyes would snap open. Only with me by his side did he seem to find peace. I stayed with him until the first rays of dawn painted the sky. I knew then that this incident was sensitive. If the traitor learned of Alex's injury, the consequences could be severe. That was why I had kept silent, protecting him and, in turn, our pack. And Hallie, left alone and vulnerable, had unfortunately crossed paths with the fleeing rogues. Enraged by their injuries and fueled by a cruel opportunism when they sensed her Omega status, they had kidnapped and tormented her. I laid bare the entire truth to my father. Then, a bitter laugh escaped my lips. "Before you raised your hand to strike me, I tried to explain, but you refused to listen. How could you so readily believe Camilo over your own daughter?" The hurt and betrayal I felt were a raw ache in my heart. "If someone didn't know better, they might think you found me abandoned on the outskirts and that Camilo is your true son." My sharp words finally pierced through his anger. He stood speechless for a moment. “Violet, I apologize for not believing you. But I promise you from now on, I'd take your words. I'll let you get some rest,” he finally mumbled. The trust was a fragile thing, but it was a start. Once my wolf had begun to mend my bruised body, the physical pain subsiding enough for me to think clearly, I knew I had to end things with Camilo. However, Camilo wasn't at his den. Instead, I encountered Hallie just outside. Her face flushed with an almost manic glee as she proudly displayed an array of expensive trinkets – intricately carved bone necklaces, shimmering feathers, polished stones – gifts that were undoubtedly from him. "Maybe these treasures were meant for you, Violet," she said, her voice dripping with a smug satisfaction that made my wolf bristle, "but sadly, they've ended up with me. I used to envy you for having such a great Beta like Camilo as your mate. Now, I suppose it's your turn to envy me. My wish to the Moon Goddess at the pack gathering really came true, didn't it?" Her words were like tiny barbs, each one digging under my skin. I wasn't sure what had triggered this sudden shift in her demeanor, this almost cruel triumph. Perhaps the trauma of her abduction had twisted something inside her. I reached out, intending to offer some comfort, to take her hand. "Hallie, you need to calm down," I said gently, my voice laced with concern. "Mates aren't something you can just wish for. It's a bond that needs to be nurtured, a choice made with care, not left to the whims of fate." Trying to diffuse the tense atmosphere, I gestured to the small pouch of newly acquired jewelry I carried. "Here, I just received some new pieces. Why don't you pick one?" Before I could finish the offer, her smile vanished, replaced by a hard, accusatory glare. "Stop pretending to be so kind, Violet," she snapped, her voice sharp and brittle. "Are you feeling sorry for me because I was kidnapped by those rogues? Well, don't. It didn't affect me. You see, I already mated with Camilo at the Hunting Festival. That was my first time." She grinned, a cold, unsettling expression that sent a shiver down my spine. "He got a small cut from a Lustbloom, and all it took was a little… push from me. The next thing I knew, his lips were on my chest." She tilted her head, her eyes glittering with a malicious intent as she watched for my reaction. "He promised to take responsibility, of course. Otherwise, do you really think he just 'forgot' to mark you? He never wanted to in the first place." Her words hit me like a physical blow, stealing the air from my lungs. The Hunting Festival. It had taken place over seven months ago. Camilo and I had planned to hunt together, a symbolic act of our growing bond, but we had been separated not long after the hunt began. At the time, I had dismissed it as an unfortunate accident. But later, when I finally found them again, I had seen Camilo and Hallie together, deep within the shadowed woods. They were both flushed, breathless, their clothes disheveled. Camilo had been carrying Hallie in his arms, as tenderly as a groom carries his bride, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. They had looked… inseparable. I had caught a strange, musky scent in the air, something unfamiliar, but it had been masked by the overpowering fragrance of a nearby patch of Moonpetal blossoms. Just as I had tried to identify it, Camilo had cleared his throat, his explanation smooth and practiced. "Don't get the wrong idea, Violet," he had said, his gaze a little too intense. "Hallie twisted her ankle while running, so I was just helping her back." Something had felt subtly wrong, a discordant note in his tone, but I had trusted him. I had loved him. I had accepted his explanation without question. Only now, standing here listening to Hallie's cruel confession, did the pieces click into place with sickening clarity. They had mated that day, under the intoxicating influence of the Lustbloom, and they had both lied to me, weaving a web of deceit that had held me captive for months. Just then, the door to Camilo's den creaked open, and he stepped out, his eyes widening as he spotted me. A practiced smile spread across his face. "Violet! What brings you here?" He moved towards me, his arms outstretched for a hug. "I haven't seen you in days. I missed you!" As I stared into his seemingly affectionate gaze, a wave of nausea churned in my stomach. The urge to recoil, to turn away and vomit, was almost unbearable. The scent of him, once comforting and familiar, now felt cloying and repulsive.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

I moved away from his open arms. "I came here to say we are done, Camilo. From now on, I don't have a best friend, and I don't have a boyfriend. When we see each other, let's just go our own ways." I could see them for who they really were now. "My true mate and I will only ever be with each other. I will never be someone's second choice," I said clearly. Camilo knew how I felt about this. Yet, he still didn't want to let me go. "Violet, stop being so hard-headed!" Camilo said angrily. "If you loved me, why can't you just do this small thing? You used to be so kind. We love each other. Being first or second doesn't change how we feel. Are you seeing another wolf behind my back?" Now, his face looked mean. "Everyone thinks you're easy, but I would still mark you. Even as my second mate, many she-wolves want that spot. You're not my only choice, you know. You should know that marrying me is the best thing for you." He stopped for a moment. "Think about it, Violet. If you say yes, I'll make sure you become my second mate in a big way!" Right after he said that, Hallie cried about her leg hurting, and Camilo turned right away to pick her up and carry her. I looked at his back with angry eyes. He ruined what people thought of me, and he still acted like he was better than me. I promised myself I would make him sorry. Any love I had for him was gone. From now on, Camilo was just someone I hated. Alex didn't take long. In less than three days, he had gotten the old Alpha to say yes to us being together. I didn't know what he told my father, but soon boxes of things started arriving. There were beautiful cloths, special clothes for the ceremony, and rare herbs for the mate of a future Alpha. Along with these things came old and important pack members who knew how a Luna should act, how to lead, and how to fight. My parents would never have thought they could meet these people, let alone have them in our home. My family asked me many questions, wanting to know how I had made Alex like me. Some even asked if he wanted a second mate, hoping to offer my sister. I said no right away. Just a few days ago, they had almost drowned me. They pushed my head under the water and into the waterfall. When that wasn't enough, they left a silver knife, hoping I would kill myself. Now, they wanted to be nice to me. I didn't care that they had changed their minds. I looked at them with dislike. "Do you really think people forget that fast? Changing how you act so easily will always have bad results." I started looking through the gifts. These were things a Luna would need later, and I couldn't lose any of them. As I looked through everything, I found my old wedding dress at the bottom of my clothes box. I had made it myself, choosing the cloth carefully and planning every little part. I had sewn every stitch myself. It took me a whole year to make, all for the marking ceremony with Camilo. When I looked at it now, I just felt like throwing up. Just then, my wolf felt that someone I didn't want to see was near. I looked up and saw Camilo and Hallie had come back. Camilo looked at the dress in my hands and smiled in a mean way. "You acted like you were so good the other day, saying you would never be my second mate. But you had your wedding dress ready all along. It looks like you really wanted me to mark you. Violet, you're such a liar." Hallie's eyes looked jealous as she stared at the pretty dress. She suddenly tripped and fell forward, grabbing the dress and pulling it to the floor. "Oh no, Violet! I'm just so happy that we will both be Camilo's mates. I got too excited. I must have ripped your dress. You should pick another one," she said, acting like she didn't mean to do it. I didn't even need to look to know what she was doing. I didn't care enough to get angry. Without thinking, I threw the dress in the trash. "It's okay. I didn't want it anyway." Alex had already sent me a wedding dress that was much more beautiful and fancy. I didn't need this old one anymore. My not caring made Camilo's face change. "Violet, are you doing this on purpose? Are you trying to make me look bad?" Then, as if he was trying to make himself believe it, he added, "No, that can't be it. You want to marry me too much for that. You must be trying to make a simpler dress because a second mate's dress shouldn't be better than the first mate's. I knew you couldn't let me go. You love me too much." I almost laughed out loud at how silly he was. "Camilo, it seems you never learn. Have you already forgotten I said I would never be a second mate? Even if every male wolf in the world disappeared, or if I never got marked my whole life, I would still never be your mate again. Now, stop blocking my door and leave." I didn't want to talk to them anymore, but Hallie stepped forward with a fake sweet smile. "As your good friend, I understand why you don't want to be a second mate," she said in a sugary voice. "So, I found you another mate." She waved someone over. A short, not very good-looking Omega male wolf came forward. My younger sister, who had been watching, suddenly spoke up. "That's enough! My sister has always been kind to you, and this is how you treat her?" Hallie acted surprised. "Did I do something wrong? I'm just trying to help Violet find a mate. This Omega wolf doesn't care about her reputation, and he's happy to have her as his only mate. Isn't that a good match? If Violet doesn't like him, Camilo has many wolves who work for him who would be happy to take the trash..." As she talked, her mean and mocking face was clear for everyone to see. I gave her a cold smile and walked up to her, hitting her hard across the face. "Hallie, I can finally see who you really are today. I'll just think of all the times I helped you before as doing a good deed. From now on, you better hope we never see each other again!" I didn't hold back, and her cheek turned bright red right away. She held her face and started crying, feeling ashamed for others to see her looking so sad. Without waiting, she ran into Camilo's arms. "I was just trying to help Violet find a mate, and she treats me like this!" Hallie cried. "Everyone knows Violet's reputation is ruined. No one would want her as a mate. She hit me! It hurts so much, Camilo!" Camilo held Hallie tightly, looking at me with angry eyes. "Have I been too nice to you, Violet? When did you become so mean? I won't mark you for now. You need to think about what you did. When you know you were wrong and say sorry to Hallie, then I'll think about letting you be my second mate." As Camilo left my house, he bumped into Alex, who had brought a group of people to help get ready for the marking ceremony. Alex rushed over to me, leaving the group behind. Camilo's eyes looked at the group behind Alex. There were tailors, guards, and people who made perfume. He couldn't help but stop one of the tailors and ask, "Where are you all going?" The tailor stood up straight proudly. "We've been asked by the Alpha's son, Mr. Alex Skye. We're going to his future Luna's home.""Does Alex have a mate?" Camilo asked, surprised. "Who is it?""We don't know who she is," the tailor answered. "Mr. Skye said she is the most beautiful, pure, and brave she-wolf in the world." Camilo felt jealous, thinking about his fight with Violet, and laughed in a mean way. "She's probably much better than my crazy ex, Violet. She just said she doesn't want me to mark her. I don't know what that idiot is thinking. Does she really think she can become the Alpha's mate? What a joke!" The tailor agreed, "Being a Luna is hard work. Not just anyone can do it. Maybe Violet was just teasing you. Well, I really need to meet the future Luna now. See you later." The tailor waved goodbye to Camilo and followed the group. As they went into my house, he saw the woman they said was as beautiful as a goddess. It was me. He could hardly believe it. As the tailor watched Alex hold me tightly, he stood there in shock, thinking that Camilo was a big fool for not knowing what he had lost.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

After Camilo and Hallie left, I took everything Camilo had ever given me and burned it. As I bent down, something shiny caught my eye. I touched my neck and saw I was still wearing the moonstone necklace he gave me when he first told me he liked me. Right away, I pulled it off and stomped on it until it broke. Suddenly, a deep, soft voice said, "Who dared to make my future Luna sad?" Alex pulled me close, holding me tight. Even when the others came, he didn't let go. My face felt hot because everyone was teasing us. Looking at his handsome face, I felt my heart beating faster. But I always wondered one thing. "Alex, why do you like me?" Alex was the son of the Shadowfang Pack's Alpha. He was strong and very good-looking. Many she-wolves liked him and wished they could be with him. But he never liked any of them that way. He didn't want just a short time with someone. He only wanted to mark me and make me his only mate. He thought for a moment and then looked at me. "Violet, when you love someone, it's not because they are an Alpha or a Beta. You love them for who they are. When you look at me, you don't see the Alpha's son—you just see me. With you, I feel free," he said. I stopped moving. Ever since his mother died, his Alpha father had taken another mate. After that, the old Alpha didn't pay much attention to Alex anymore. He paid more attention to Alex's younger brother. The first time I met Alex was in the forest. Camilo and I had gone hunting, but we got separated in the heavy rain. I found a cave to stay dry, and I was surprised to find a werewolf inside who had been given drugs to make his heat start. He was curled up and shaking, in a lot of pain. The heat was hurting him, but he didn't lose control and try to hurt me. My mother was a healer, and I had secretly learned some things from her. I always carried herbs with me. I didn't know who he was, but I couldn't just watch him suffer. I used the herbs to make the heat go away and help him feel better. When he finally felt better, he was thankful that I had saved his life and his pride. He wanted to thank me. I shook my head. "You don't need to. It's enough that you're safe. Just don't tell anyone about this." If other people heard about it, they wouldn't think it was kind. They would think I had cheated on my mate and was no longer pure. People always judge women more harshly than men. The rumors would ruin me. Before I could leave, he stopped me. "My name is Alex Skye, son of the Shadowfang Pack's Alpha," he said. "If you ever need anything, I will give it to you." I just smiled at him. "I already have everything I need. Thanks for the offer, Alpha's son." That wasn't the last time we met. One night, after a pack meeting, Alex came to me covered in cuts. I helped him, and even though he was in pain, he didn't make a sound. He finally fell asleep, but in his dreams, he kept saying my name. "Violet, don't go." I sat by his bed, letting him hold onto the edge of my sleeve. "I'm not going anywhere, Alex," I whispered. Coming back to now, I asked my second question. "My reputation is bad right now. Do you still want to mark me?" Alex laughed like I had said something funny. He waved his hand. "Of course I do, and I will make everyone know the rumors aren't true. They weren't true to begin with, were they?" I ate the fresh blackberries he had picked for me. They tasted sweet, but the warm feeling in my heart was even sweeter. More than the rumors, what really mattered was that someone believed in me without question. For the next few days, I stayed inside, getting ready for my marking ceremony with Alex. Camilo had come by a few times, but the gates were always locked, keeping him out. One day, he saw my sister, who made a face at him. "Violet said you, Hallie, and dogs are not allowed in," she said playfully. Camilo's face turned white with anger. He kicked the door open and came in with Hallie. "Violet! I know you're here! Hallie just wanted to see the violets in your garden. Why is the gate locked?" He looked up and stopped. "Where are the violets?" Looking at the empty garden, Camilo looked confused. "Did you really dig up the violets we planted and took care of together? You said that once they bloomed, we would enjoy them together, make syrup, and take out their smell..." I looked at them coldly. "What is that to you? If I want to plant, I will. If I want to dig them up, that's my choice. Don't come into my house without asking again, or I won't be nice to you. Now, get out of my house!" Hallie was scared by how firm I was and hid behind Camilo. Camilo protected Hallie and couldn't believe I was treating him this way. "Violet, you will be sorry for this! Even if you beg me, I won't forgive you!" They left angrily, but I was too busy to care about them. Three days later, it was the day of my marking ceremony with Alex. Alex had sent someone to help me get ready, and I put on the wedding dress he had prepared. When my parents saw me walk out of the room, they gasped. "Violet, you look so beautiful! It's no wonder Alex loves you." The moment my parents realized I was going to become the future Luna of the pack, they couldn't help but whisper to me, "Once you have power, don't forget to help us…" I didn't answer them. I didn't plan to make promises to a home that had never shown me love. Soon, the people who would walk me to the ceremony arrived. I stepped out past the gate, leaving my past behind. Ever since I left my house that day, Camilo had been worried. Many times before, I had been upset, but I always calmed down quickly. This time, he thought it was strange that I had completely cut him off. He thought about saying sorry, but he was too proud. He waited too long, until the morning of his marking ceremony with Hallie. With some time before the ceremony started, Camilo went outside to get some fresh air. He was surprised by what he saw. Flower petals covered the ground, and the trees and paths were decorated beautifully. In the middle, a big space had been cleared for a wedding ceremony, and everyone looked happy. He wondered whose marking ceremony it was. Camilo stopped my younger sister, Lily Richmond, as she hurried by and asked, "Who is getting marked today?" Lily rolled her eyes. "Of course, it's Alex and my sister! I heard that during the ceremony, Alex will officially become the next Alpha. This is the joining of our future Alpha and Luna!" Camilo's eyes opened wide in shock. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. "Your sister? Which sister?" Lily smiled playfully. "Who else? Violet, of course! She left early, all dressed up for the ceremony. She's lucky you broke up with her. Otherwise, she would never have had the chance to become the Luna of the Shadowfang Pack!"