My voice sounded dull, hollow. Because the only thing worse than breaking… was letting them see it.
The ballroom glittered in soft pink and gold, the walls covered in roses and glowing candles. Pack members laughed and chatted, the air thick with sweet perfume and wolf scents. Then I heard him.
My father.
Laughing loudly among high‑ranking Alphas and Betas.
“So, the Grey Wind Pack’s Alpha himself chased after my Gwyneth!” he boasted.
“Gareth, of all wolves. I always knew my daughter was special!”
Someone asked about me.
He didn’t hesitate.
“Freya?” he scoffed.
“A troublesome pup. Not like Gwyneth. She brings honor to the pack. Freya only brings problems and wants attention.”
I froze behind a marble column, hidden but listening. His words sliced through me like claws. Then Gwyneth’s voice rang out through the hall.
“Everyone!” she called sweetly.
“Before we cut the cake, I want to say something!”
The crowd gathered like pups chasing a treat.
She smiled beautifully, her eyes sweeping the room until they landed on me. She lifted her hand, inviting me forward like I was part of her little show.
“I know things have been… tense,” she said softly.
“But I want you all to know that my sister and I have made peace.”
I blinked.
She turned to me with fake sadness.
“I’m sorry for making you angry and jealous, sister. I never tried to compete with you. No matter how much you hate me… I always looked up to you. We are pack.”
The crowd murmured in admiration.
She turned back to the giant cake and cut it gracefully.
“To my sister,” she said. “May she one day find peace and purpose.”
Then she stepped closer and held the first bite toward me.
I didn’t take it.
Her whisper hit me like poison.
“The last thing you’ll ever taste as a Silverfang Pack’s member, bitch. First your mother died, and now it’s your turn to follow her. Father isn’t yours. Your ex‑fiancé wants me. Even your fated mate, your precious warrior, chooses me over you.”
My vision burned red. I turned away, refusing to let her see me break. But then my dress jerked sharply.
Cold air hit my back. Gasps filled the hall. The silk slid down my body in a cruel wave, leaving my breasts exposed. I grabbed the fabric too late.
People shouted. Wolves whistled. Voices hissed in shock. My hands shook as I tried to pull the dress up, but the clasp had been cut. Clean. Deliberate.
I knelt on the ground, tears stinging my eyes.