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Nestled among the hills of the most beautiful countryside far from any city stood the New Dawn camp, part of Colon, led by Alpha Victor and Damian — the Alpha who would soon become the territory's sole leader by order of the Elders.

Alpha Victor had two daughters: Lyra, from his first wife, and Kiara, from his second.

Damian was the pack's Alpha. They'd built their own settlement out in those remote hills, but he and Lyra had known each other since childhood. Over time, they fell in love and got engaged.

Damian's mother was thrilled her son had chosen Lyra. She was young and beautiful, though it was strange that she still hadn't awakened her wolf. The Elders accepted the match and organized the marking ceremony for the first full moon of the month.

Mura, Lyra's inseparable best friend, was an elf who'd been taken in by Lyra's mother before she died. She'd rescued Mura from a pack of rogue wolves outside a bar, back when the elf was lost and wandering. The two had been together ever since.

That afternoon, the elf had gone out on an errand — picking up lavender and lilacs from a shop so Lyra could prepare the incense blend for her marking ceremony, while Lyra worked on the ceremonial mantle at home.

But something caught Mura's attention: Alpha Victor, slipping into the Dark Garden — the witch Lubina's domain. Everyone knew people didn't go there just to say hello. And Mura had never had a high opinion of her friend's father.

THE DARK GARDEN

"Only two more, or you'll kill her," the witch warned the Alpha.

"Just give me what I asked for," he snapped.

"But remember — no one can find out. If the Elders discover I've been helping you suppress Lyra's transformation, they'll burn me alive."

A short while later, Mura watched Alpha Victor leave the Dark Garden with something hidden beneath his furs. It was the third time she'd spotted him there.

"What are you up to?" the elf murmured. She'd always noticed how differently he treated his two daughters. His rejection of Lyra was no secret to her — while Kiara was the apple of his eye.

She stayed hidden behind the old oak, its trunk thick enough to conceal her from anyone passing by. Victor didn't notice he was being watched as he walked to his truck. But someone else caught her eye.

"Damian?" She frowned. "What's the Alpha doing with him?"

She watched them, uneasy, until they disappeared from sight.

Mura collected the supplies Lyra had requested. The marking ceremony was fast approaching, and the preparations consumed their entire days. Her friend was deeply in love and radiating excitement, but Mura couldn't shake the feeling that Damian wasn't what Lyra needed. He showed her no affection, as if being with her was an obligation. Everything about him suggested he wanted to push her away. And instead of supporting her, Lyra's father and sister made it their mission to tear her down.

ALPHA VICTOR'S MANSION

"You took longer than usual," Lyra said, glancing at the time. "What happened — did you run into another elf?" She grinned, knowing Mura had no love for her own kind.

Mura ignored the joke.

"I saw your father coming out of Lubina's Dark Garden." She studied Lyra's reaction. It was no secret, not even to Lyra, that her father couldn't care less about her.

Lyra's expression fell.

"Did you see him do anything?"

"No. But guess who was with him?"

Lyra assumed it was her sister — everyone knew those two were inseparable.

"My sister, obviously," she said without hesitation.

"Wrong." Mura held her gaze. "It was your fiance."

Lyra's brow furrowed.

"Did you see what they did?" she asked, her unease growing. Lately she'd noticed them spending more time together, even though Damian always claimed he didn't care for her father.

"I'll ask him about it," Lyra decided, eyeing the parcels Mura had brought back. "Well — I'll ask him, but not directly." She'd already read the elf's thoughts.

"What do you still need? I'm going to the hall in the morning — I have some things to take care of there."

"Want me to come?" Mura asked. She only had to deliver the herbs and fruits to the sanctuary where the ritual would take place.

"If you want to come, I'd love the company," Lyra said with a smile. Mura was like her shadow — always by her side, wherever she went.

But before they could leave, Lyra spotted Damian's truck parked out front. He was here and hadn't said a word to her? She turned back and found him sitting with her father and Kiara. When Damian saw her, he sprang to his feet as if he hadn't expected her — a reaction Mura read as guilt. Nervous, maybe?

Before anyone could speak, Kiara stood up, showing off her wrist.

"Look, sister — see the gift Damian brought me for my birthday." She held up an expensive bracelet. The tightness in Lyra's chest was instant. In all the time she and Damian had been together, he'd never given her anything this valuable. She only ever got trinkets — like the pendant around her neck that she'd never taken off since the day he gave it to her.

"It's beautiful. And expensive," Lyra said, emphasizing the last word as she watched her fiance's face.

Damian had no words. It was Alpha Victor who stood up, visibly annoyed.

"Lyra, you've come to interrupt an important conversation I'm having with Damian," he scolded.

Lyra raised her eyebrows but chose not to fight. Not again. She walked out quickly without looking at anyone, though something hard and sharp lodged itself in her throat.

Damian moved to follow her, but Kiara's hand on his arm stopped him.

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