Chapter 1 Chapter 1

"Is it really that hard for you to just sign your name?" Adrian Westwood asked, glancing at his watch, his voice laced with impatience. I kept my eyes down, letting my thoughts drift as I stared down at the Luna registration form from Arlanta. In the southern packs, every Luna had to sign the registration form and send it to the Alpha King. It was both a tradition and an honor. In my previous life, I'd signed my name so excitedly, then jumped up to hug Adrian, unable to hide my joy. But he just pushed me away, grabbed the paper, and walked out. It wasn't until much later that I realized he had been rushing to the neighboring pack to buy a calming tonic that could soothe the wolf for Hazel Quinn. Now, in this life, I held the form and replied flatly, "Got it." Adrian wore a black cloak over a fitted shirt that clung to his abs. Hazel always said he looked powerful like that—that he had the makings of an Alpha King. "Don't worry," I said coolly. "I'll hand the registration form to the envoy myself." He finally looked relieved and nodded. "Since we're fated mates, I'll go through with the marking ceremony, but I need you to stop giving Hazel a hard time. I don't want her reputation getting dragged down." I hadn't done anything. But in his eyes, Hazel could do no wrong, and I was always just the bitter mate who couldn't stand his adopted sister. He turned and walked away while I took a deep breath, trying to soothe the wolf inside me—she was furious. The night we finally completed the marking ceremony in my previous life, Adrian said Hazel wasn't feeling well and left to check on her. He never came home that night. Just three days after the ceremony, he left on a two-year trip to Southlands for inter-pack diplomacy. He could recommend one person to attend Emory University, the most prestigious university in the region. However, he wrote a letter of recommendation for Hazel, saying she had never seen the world outside our pack and that Atlanta—a city in the state of Georgia—would be a great place for a young she-wolf to grow. By then, humans and werewolves already coexisted under a peace treaty. I'd wanted to go to learn from their ancient wisdom and become a better Luna for our pack. However, Adrian dismissed my request outright. On the day I gave birth, Adrian was by Hazel's side, comforting her because she had just ended her own mate bond and returned to the pack. When I was gravely ill, my daughter, Isabelle Westwood, sat by my bed and whispered, "Mom, maybe it's time to let go. Hazel is so much better than you in every way, but Dad stayed with you for so many years. Shouldn't you be grateful?" Thinking of all that, my heart ached in ways I couldn't put into words. But this time, I refused to walk the same path. At the signature line for Luna on the registration form, I wrote Hazel's name without a second thought. If Hazel were who Adrian wanted from the start, then I would let them be together. I stamped the form, sealed it up, and handed it to the envoy before stepping outside. Breathing in the fresh air, I felt a sense of relief. Hazel's father, Jonathan Quinn, died in the war. So, she'd been taken in by Adrian's parents ever since she was a pup. She'd always had a way with elders, so much so that Adrian's parents treated her better than their own son. In my previous life, Adrian's mother, Eleanor Lawrence, would often pray to the Moon Goddess, asking her to make Adrian and Hazel fated mates. But when Adrian turned 18 years old, his wolf chose me. He fought it at first, resisting so strongly that he even defied his Alpha father's orders.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

"We believe the Moon Goddess never makes mistakes." That single line from Hazel was what finally made Adrian give in. But the truth was, Hazel only kept Adrian around as a backup. He was just a no-name Alpha from a small pack. She was clearly waiting for a better match. As my departure from the pack drew near, I prepared to sell off the assets my parents had left me. Then, I took the magic potion the witch gave me to transfer the fated bond. Just as I returned to what was meant to be my future home with Adrian, I overheard Hazel putting on her sweetest act. "Adrian, you're about to mark Caroline, and you still want to take me to Sunset Forest? She must hate me by now.""She wouldn't dare," Adrian said softly. "Hazel, you're the one I care about the most. She could never compare to you. If she treats you badly, I'll break the mate bond with her." My wolf howled inside me. I had to dig my nails into my palm just to hold back my tears. Even though I had already decided to leave, hearing Adrian say something so heartless still cut deep. After all, he had been my mate for decades in my previous life. I wiped my tears and stepped inside as if I hadn't heard a thing. Adrian jumped up, pushing Hazel aside as he rushed to explain, "I... Hazel's wolf was unsettled just now. I was holding her to calm her down." I just nodded and walked toward my room. In my previous life, I had caught them hugging like this many times. I had fought and argued with Adrian, but nothing ever changed. This time, I wouldn't waste my energy. Adrian called after me, "Caroline, have all the invitations for the marking ceremony been sent out? I've prepared some gifts for the guests. Can you help distribute them?" I didn't know why he was suddenly so eager. Maybe he felt a bit guilty after I caught him and Hazel together for the first time in this life, and wanted to make it up to me. "You can hand them out however you want," I answered flatly. "You don't need to ask me about things like this." He froze, probably not expecting me to turn him down. Right then, Hazel stepped forward, looking as pitiful as ever, and leaned against Adrian. "Caroline, Adrian was really just helping me because I wasn't feeling well. Please don't misunderstand." She was holding the bridal bouquet I had spent so long preparing for the ceremony. Moonflowers were rare and incredibly difficult to grow. In my previous life, I spent nearly half my savings to buy seeds from a ranger. I cared for them day and night, and only after a year did they finally bloom. I believed that walking down the aisle holding flowers blessed by the Moon Goddess would bring us happiness that lasted a lifetime. But now, Hazel had snapped the bouquet off before the ceremony had even begun. When Hazel noticed me looking at the flowers, her expression changed. "Caroline, my wolf was restless again today. I accidentally stepped on some flowers while walking through the garden, so I brought them back with me." Tears shimmered in her eyes as she turned to Adrian for support. Adrian patted her head and frowned at me. "Caroline, it's my..." I cut him off, raising a hand to stop whatever excuse he was about to make. "Just put them in a vase. They were grown to be picked anyway." In my previous life, after the marking ceremony, I'd caught the two of them sneaking around in my garden. Adrian had even blocked our mind-link just so I couldn't sense what he was doing. I only found out because I couldn't sleep and went outside in the middle of the night. Even now, just thinking about it made my skin crawl. I didn't say another word. I turned and closed my bedroom door, then locked it behind me. The two of them were left outside, completely stunned. I pulled out the admission letter I'd picked up from the mailbox that afternoon and gently held it in my hands. In my previous life, I'd gotten into Harvard University, but I never told anyone. Adrian assumed I had only been accepted into an ordinary university. He asked me to stay home to care for his ailing father while he went to Southlands, saying there was no one else to look after the pack. I agreed and gave up my dream of attending the world's top university, just so I could stay behind and take care of the pack for him. But this time, I was determined to chase my own future. There were only seven days left until the semester started, but there was still so much I needed to take care of before leaving. Coincidentally, the witch's magic potion would also take seven days to fully take effect. Just then, I heard Adrian call out from outside the door. I frowned, not wanting to deal with him. But as the knocking grew louder, I had no choice but to get up and open it. Adrian was standing there with a jewelry box in his hand. When he opened it to reveal a ruby, his expression softened in a way I hadn't seen before. "I picked this up at an auction a couple of days ago. I thought it would be perfect as the main stone in your crown." I was stunned, not sure how to react. I was so used to his indifference in my previous life that his sudden kindness left me unprepared. "Take it back. I don't need it.""But you still need a gem for your crown. If not this, then where will you find another one?"

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Adrian's words made my wolf snarl in my mind. I had to calm her as I shot back, "You really don't know why my Luna crown is still missing its gemstone?" In my previous life, Hazel took the original jewel from my crown. I was upset, but since she was Adrian's adopted sister, I let it go and spent most of my savings on a diamond to replace it. This time, I couldn't care less. I wasn't about to waste the inheritance my parents left me on something so pointless, especially when I'd need every penny for Harvard University's tuition. I curled my lips in a thin smile. "A few days ago, I gave you 20,000 dollars to buy a hairpiece during your visit to the neighboring pack. I don't want it anymore. Just give the money back to me." He hesitated, clutching the jewel more tightly in his hand. With a frown, he muttered, "Hazel wanted a bottle of limited-edition perfume, and I was a bit short on cash, so I used your money to buy it." My wolf let out a mocking laugh in my mind, but I didn't say a word. I shot him a cold look and slammed the door in his face. From the hallway, Adrian's angry voice followed, "We're about to have our marking ceremony. So what if I used your money? What's your problem? It's not like I'm not going to pay you back!" I opened the door again, grabbed all the cheap little trinkets and gifts he'd given me over the years, and tossed them back at him. "Why not give these to Hazel? See if she even wants them." His face darkened, but he didn't say anything else. I scoffed, slammed the door shut, and went to bed. My wolf nodded in satisfaction. "That's more like it." ... The next morning, I started clearing out old things, including the metal charm he gave me when we first met. Now, it just looked like cheap scrap metal tainted by empty promises. As I was sorting, Adrian came in and tossed a stack of bills onto my bed. "Here's your money." I glanced over and counted the money. It came to exactly 20,000 dollars. I nodded without even looking at him and kept packing. He stood there for a while, frowning, clearly annoyed that I wasn't paying him any attention. "There aren't a lot of seats on the trip to Southlands. I promised Hazel I'd take her." He paused and then added, "You don't need to pack." I acted like I hadn't even heard him and just kept organizing my things. He watched my cold, indifferent attitude and gave a frustrated huff. "What's with you lately? Didn't I say you don't have to pack? You're acting totally different these days." I sighed, finally turning to face him. I knew Adrian only wanted Hazel, but he had no idea I'd already put her name on the Luna registration form. If he found out before I left, it could get complicated. I wanted nothing more to do with him. "I'm just getting ready to move," I said simply. After the marking ceremony, Luna was supposed to move into the central packhouse. If he assumed that was why I was packing, I let him think so. He relaxed a little and then added, "It's not that I'm leaving you out, but Hazel's never been outside the pack before... "By the way, the Alpha King gave us one guaranteed spot at Emory University. Let Hazel have it, will you? There will be more spots next year. I'll put your name down then." I froze for a second. My wolf, though, was instantly on edge. "That was ours! Why should we give it away?" I simply nodded, but my fists were clenched tightly. That spot was meant for the Luna. It was never going to come around again. It was the Alpha King's way of making sure all Lunas received the right political training for easier pack management. But now, Adrian just handed it over to Hazel. In my previous life, I waited four years on his word, only to see Hazel marry the commander of the First Legion of Atlanta while Adrian came back alone. Back then, I used to try so hard to keep the conversation going. But now, I kept it short and didn't waste a single word on him. It seemed to make him uncomfortable. He tried again, a bit awkwardly, "Didn't you always want to look at wedding rings? How about we go take a look tomorrow?" I didn't want to go at all. I was planning to spend tomorrow dealing with the fixed assets my parents left me. As I was thinking of how to turn him down, Hazel walked in and asked, "Adrian, are you free tomorrow?" He tapped her gently on the forehead, smiling warmly. "I'm going to the mall with Caroline tomorrow. You can come too." I cut him off. "I need to see the High Priestess tomorrow, so I'll skip the mall." Adrian's face turned impatient. "You can see the High Priestess another time. We're going to look at rings tomorrow." His tone left no room for discussion. He was just as demanding as ever. Hazel batted her lashes, acting pitiful again. "Caroline, is it because you don't want me coming along?" I couldn't be bothered to argue. I just nodded and agreed to go. The next morning, as soon as I came downstairs, I saw Adrian fussing over Hazel's breakfast, piling food onto her plate. Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a reminder. Just five more days, and I'd never have to see either of them again. I sat there silently, watching as Adrian eagerly carried Hazel's bag for her after breakfast. In my previous life, I always thought that if I became his Luna, he would treat me the same way. I was still lost in thought when Adrian handed me a small box. Inside was a bracelet adorned with gemstones. "This is the token of the Luna. I'm handing it to you now," he said. I didn't reach for it. He'd never given me any so-called Luna token in my previous life. Hazel was quick to snatch it from his hand, her eyes lighting up. "Wow, the stone on this bracelet is so sparkly! I wish I could have one too..."

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

I just smiled and said, "Then it's yours." Adrian's face instantly darkened. He softly reprimanded Hazel, "No. This is the Luna's token." But Hazel had already slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, showing it off in front of Adrian. "Adrian, doesn't it look perfect on me?" Adrian looked at her with a tenderness that didn't even try to hide itself and nodded right away. Only then did he seem to remember I was still there. He turned and added in a softer voice, "Let Hazel wear it for a little while. I'll give it back to you on the day of the ceremony." I just answered casually, "Sure." Things like this happened so many times in my previous life. He never once returned anything to me. At the mall, Hazel made a beeline for the ring counter and tried on every style, dragging Adrian along to look at other jewelry. When it was finally my turn to browse, no matter which ring I picked up, Hazel had something negative to say about it. The saleswoman looked apologetic. "Sorry, these are all the styles we have." I couldn't help but laugh to myself. Adrian was the Alpha of our pack, yet instead of custom ordering rings for his Luna, he'd just brought me here to pick from what was left in the display case. That said everything about how little he cared. I stayed calm on the surface. "Forget it, I'll come back another day." As we left the mall, Adrian suddenly pulled a train ticket out of his coat pocket and handed it to me. It was a non-reserved train ticket to the Southlands, departing in four days. "I'm not leaving you behind," he said, "It's just that we only got one vehicle pass for this trip. Hazel and I will head to Atlanta first and get everything settled. Then, you can come join us." Staring down at that ticket, I felt the smile on my lips grow colder. It took three full days and nights for the Darkmoon Pack to reach Atlanta. How could he just buy me the cheapest ticket for such a long journey? Besides, he had already given the only spot at Emory University to Hazel. What did he expect me to do there? Be their housekeeper? The answer was obvious. When I finally took the ticket from him, Adrian seemed relieved. "Even if you've never gone to university, I'd never look down on you. You're my only Luna. I'll be with you till the end. What I feel for Hazel is just sibling love." I glanced at him in surprise. He'd never said anything like that in my previous life. Suddenly, a pack transport vehicle came speeding around the corner. Adrian reacted immediately, pulling Hazel aside and accidentally stomping on my foot so hard I couldn't even move. The next thing I knew, the truck swerved and slammed into me head-on. I was thrown several yards down the street, my body aching everywhere. The driver jumped out in a panic, horrified. "Are you okay? I swear, I didn't mean to! Let me take you to the hospital!" People in the crowd started calling for help. Struggling to lift my head, I caught a glimpse of Adrian standing there with his arms wrapped protectively around Hazel. He looked shaken, but he had completely forgotten about me. So much for his promise to stay with me until the end. The driver took me to the hospital. Thankfully, aside from some surface wounds, nothing was seriously wrong, but just to be safe, I had to stay overnight. I lay on the hospital bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. That night, Adrian came by looking guilty. When he saw I was awake, his expression shifted in surprise. "Caroline, are you okay? I'll handle your discharge papers tomorrow." I looked at him expressionlessly. He fidgeted. "Hazel was so scared. I've been trying to calm her down..." His voice trailed off, barely above a whisper. "It all happened so fast, and Hazel was right next to me, so I just reacted. I didn't know you'd get hurt." I cut him off coldly. "When are you leaving for Atlanta?" He replied in a low voice, "Tomorrow morning.""Good. You can go." I rolled over and closed my eyes, getting ready for sleep. He stood there for a while before finally walking out. ... The next day, Eleanor showed up at the clinic with a thermos of warm beef bone broth. "Caroline, Adrian told me what happened. Are you feeling any better?""I'm already cleared to leave today. Thank you for your concern." She set the thermos down and started to fuss. "You know, Adrian has never really taken care of anyone before. Hazel was so frightened..." Suddenly, she seemed to realize she'd said too much and stopped talking. Sensing the awkwardness, I spoke up. "Eleanor, the one who will bond with Adrian is Hazel." She looked at me in shock. "What?""I wrote Hazel's name on the Luna registration form." Eleanor's face lit up with joy. "Caroline, thank you for doing this. But what about your fated bond with Adrian...""I have my own way of handling it. Please don't tell Adrian or Hazel." She grabbed my hand tightly. "I understand! So, where will you go?""I'll be leaving in a few days," I said, not offering any more details. She seemed to want to ask more, but I closed my eyes and ended the conversation. When I was discharged, I didn't tell anyone. Before leaving, I wrote a letter to Adrian. "Adrian, I've already left. I'm on the train to the Northlands. I know Hazel is the one you truly love, so I'm letting you two be together. May the Moon Goddess bless you." I included the unused train ticket to Atlanta and a copy of the Luna registration form, mailing both to his address in Atlanta. Then, I boarded a train bound for Cambridge, Massachusetts.