Chapter 1

Aria's POV

Five years. I'd finally crawled back from hell.

The prison cart's wheels ground over the stone road, each jolt reminding me of those DAMNED days with the Crimson Pack. I gripped the iron bars, watching Shadow Ridge's familiar houses blur past.

Everything had changed.

Terry was Alpha now. Five years ago he'd been just a warrior. Now he ruled the entire pack—had even conquered the Crimson Pack. And me? The former Alpha's daughter, sitting in a prison cart being "rescued."

How fucking ironic.

"Look! Alpha Terry's back! Victorious return!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. I looked up to see Terry mounted on his black stallion, soldiers trailing behind. Sunlight hit his face, making him just as handsome as five years ago.

Back then I'd been naive enough to think he was my destined mate.

"Our warriors defeated the last resistance!" Terry shouted to the gathered pack. "I kept my promise and brought our people home!"

"Oh my god, is that really Aria?"

"She looks so pitiful..."

"She used to be such a beautiful girl, and now..."

"Shh! The Alpha bringing her back at all is generous enough!"

I listened to their whispers stone-faced. Every word was a needle in my heart, but I couldn't let it show.

The cart stopped at the pack center. Night fell, bonfires lit the square. Then I saw her.

Sera. My half-sister. The current Luna.

Seeing her fake face made my stomach churn. She wore elaborate Luna robes—MY rightful position. For five years she'd been enjoying everything she STOLE from me.

"Aria!" She practically ran over, tears brimming. "Oh god, baby, you're alive! I've prayed every day!"

When she opened her arms to embrace me, every muscle in my body tensed, but I didn't push her away.

Her hands touched my skeletal shoulders, voice choking. "You're so thin... you must have suffered terribly."

"I'm fine." My voice was raspy. Five years of screaming and crying had destroyed my throat.

Sera stepped back, addressing the watching crowd. "I know this is difficult, but Aria needs time to readjust to our way of life. I hope everyone understands her current... condition."

"Of course, Luna." A warrior nodded. "After being in such a savage place so long..."

"What did those Crimson Pack animals do to her?" someone whispered.

"Don't ask. Just look at her—you can tell..."

I stood there, letting them gossip about my tragic fate.

"Thank you for Luna's concern," I said calmly.

Faced with my coldness, Sera was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered her smile. "I've arranged lodging for you. You must be tired."

Next I was brought to the great hall. In the massive stone room, Terry sat on the Alpha's throne. Torchlight flickered across his face, making him look both majestic and strange.

When I entered, he stood. Our eyes met and the air seemed to freeze.

Five years ago, in this very hall, he'd rejected me in front of everyone. "I, Terry Blackwood, reject you, Aria Blackwood, as my mate."

Now he looked at me with something complex in his eyes.

"Aria." His voice was slightly hoarse. "I said I'd bring you back."

"Yes, Alpha." I bowed my head respectfully. "Thank you for keeping your promise."

Terry's expression shifted. He opened his mouth to say something, but after seconds of silence only said, "You... you look exhausted."

"Just from the long journey." No inflection in my voice.

"I..." He hesitated. "I'll make sure you get the best care."

"No special care needed, Alpha. Just a place to sleep."

Terry's hands gripped the throne's armrests, knuckles white. "Then... rest well."

The evening feast was held in the hall. The room blazed with light, pack members raising cups to celebrate victory. I was seated at the last table—even behind the kitchen help.

Sera walked over smiling, carrying an elegant wine cup.

"Aria sweetie, could you help pour wine for the elders?" Her voice was sickeningly sweet. "You need to relearn how to... fit in with everyone."

"Of course, Luna."

I took the wine bottle and walked to the elders' table. Elder Morrison didn't even look at me, deliberately moving his cup away when I poured.

"Thank you," Elder Sarah said quietly, eyes full of pity.

I continued pouring. Passing the head table, I heard Terry talking to his deputy.

"Make sure she has a safe place," he said quietly. "Keep an eye on things. Don't let anyone bully her."

Bully me? My hands trembled slightly. The biggest bullying happened five years ago—and HE did it.

Late that night, I was taken to the most remote broken house in the servants' quarters. Cracked walls, broken windows, moldy mattress. This was the "suitable lodging" Sera arranged.

I sat on the bed, going through my meager belongings. A few torn clothes, stale bread, and...

I felt the necklace—my only treasure hidden in the clothing's lining. The silver crescent pendant gleamed faintly in the dim moonlight.

I gripped it, remembering that gentle voice: "Don't let them defeat you, Aria. You're stronger than they think."

Suddenly, emotions I'd suppressed all day burst like a dam. I bit my lip to stay silent, but tears fell uncontrollably down my cheeks.

One drop, two drops, then silent sobs.

Five years, and I was finally home.

But was this still my home?