Chapter 1
THE YEAR 1950
www
THE MAIN HALL buzzed with murmurs as the eldest daughter of Alpha Robert and Luna Emilia, made a surprise appearance at tonight’s banquet. The celebration was in honor of Serena and Calix’s third wedding anniversary, but all attention was now on the ginger–haired woman who walked in with the pack’s beta.
Her clothing was worn and torn, giving the impression that she had struggled to survive in poverty–stricken slums. If it weren’t for her striking resemblance to the Luna, no one would believe she was the missing heir of the Crescent Pack
“M–Marga?” Tears welled up in Luna Emilia’s eyes as she rushed towards her first daughter, with the Alpha close behind They embraced each other, tears streaming down their faces, in a heartwarming scene of a family reunion that no one had thought possible after all these years.
Meanwhile, the second daughter, who was supposed to be the star of the evening, stood rooted to her spot. Serena could feel the divided sympathetic eyes of everyone in the room, including her own pack members, who were aware that she would now be completely disregarded since the true heiress had returned.
“Hon, are you okay?” Calix’s voice jolted her out of her daze, prompting Serena to smile gently at him before responding.
“Of course, I’m fine,” she replied, trying her best to remain composed despite the uneasy feeling inside her. Why wouldn’t I be? My long–lost sister, whom my parents had been searching for Moon Goddess, knew how long was finally here. I should be happy, right?”
If that’s the case, then why aren’t you joining them? You’re a member of the family too,” he suggested, but she shook her, head.
“I don’t think I’m needed for their reunion…” A bitter smile formed on Serena’s lips as she thought about how she was technically a legitimate child of the Alpha and Luna, but never truly treated as if she belonged to their family. “Remember? My sole purpose of being born was to fill the void left by Marga. I only existed because my family needed an heir, Now that she’s back, I doubt they’d want me anywhere near.”
When Serena’s words caused Calix to furrow his brow in disapproval, even though he could empathize with her perspective, they first met five years ago and learned they were destined mates, they made a conscious effort to get to know each other
It was during that time that Calix learned Serena’s story…
She wasn’t born out of love or desire, but out of necessity. Her parents had lost their first daughter, Marga when she was only two years old. After two years of searching, the Alpha and Luna of the Crescent pack decided to try for another child, which led to Serena being born.
“I can already tell what my life will be like from now on,” Serena muttered, tearing her envious gaze away from her family and shifting it to Calix. “You and Nanny Annie were the only ones I have now, so please promise me that you’ll stay by my side.”
“That goes without saying.” He smiled before planting a kiss on top of her head and pulling her into a tight hug. “Don’t feel discouraged, alright? Even if your family doesn’t show you the love and care you deserve, Lam still here to do all of that. I will always protect you and make you happy. I promise.”
That was what he said, but it didn’t take long for him to start changing and becoming less and less attentive to his mate.
As Serena slowly opened her eyes, she rubbed them to clear away any sleepiness. She then pulled the blanket up to cover her bare chest when she saw her husband already getting dressed in his new clothes as if he were running late for something.
“Hon? Where are you going?” she asked because it was still early, and she couldn’t recall him having any work scheduled for today.
11:21 Thu, Nov 28 .
Chapter 1
“Oh, Calix swiftly turned to face her and walked over to the bed, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Good morning, hon, I have to leave; your mother asked me to accompany your sister to buy more clothes and accessories for her.”
“What? Again?” Serena’s brow furrowed, watching him spray perfume all over his clothes. “You went with her to the border and through the pack’s territories yesterday and the days before that, and now you’re even accompanying her to go shopping? Aren’t you spending too much time with her?”
“That was because you refused to get along with her,” Calix sighed as he wore his wristwatch, making Serena’s eyes widen, “If you had just made an effort to fit in with your family, things might have been different. Instead of complaining, at least be grateful that I took on the role that was meant for you.”
The words that escaped his lips caused Serena to frown and sit up straighter. She was at a loss for words, and by the time she gathered her thoughts to respond, he had already left in a hurry, promising to return before dinner.
But he didn’t come back.
Ever since Marga had returned, the entire pack house had been focused solely on her, ensuring she was comfortable and well cared for. After all, she had revealed that she lived an awful life in the slums, causing everyone to pay special attention to her needs–with Calix included in the effort to care for her.
Even though Serena also made countless efforts to bond with her older sister, she was repeatedly rejected. She even suggested touring their territories together, helping her get familiar with the pack members and family business but Marga always turned her down, smiling all the while telling her to stop being so clingy
Serena thought Marga was just uncomfortable. But eventually, she came to terms with the fact that she was being naive and imply went along with her sister’s demands,
Since then, she stopped trying and approaching her, not wanting to be a nuisance.
THE NEXT DAY, Serena made her way to her father’s study after the beta informed her that the Alpha wanted to discuss a serious matter with her. She had no idea what it could be about, but considering her father never wanted anything good to happen when it came to her, it must be something bad.
me in Alpha Robert said even though Serena hadn’t knocked yet. She gathered her nerves and grasped the doorknoby taking a deep breath before gently pushing the door open and walking hesitantly inside. “Sit downL
Serena’s heart raced as she sat across from her parents on the couch, stealing a glance at her mother before meeting her father’s gaze.
“The Alpha King sent word that he was planning to wage war in a month and needed assistance from each pack to reclaim the country’s land effectively along with his pack,” Alpha Robert began, and the mere mention of war sent a chill down her spine. It has been a while since a dispute broke out between two neighboring countries, but she thought both Alpha Kings would be able to resolve it through diplomatic negotiation but apparently not
“And why are you saying this to me, Dad?” Serena asked nervously, but deep down, she already had an inkling of what kind of answer she would receive.
“Because your mother decided to send you off instead of your sister.” the words the Alpha spoke struck Serena like lightning, freezing her in her tracks. She felt her blood run cold, staring ather parents in utter shock
“The King only requires one member with Alpha blood from each pack. The heir would usually take part in every war that breaks out, but since your sister was not officially the heir yet and had just reunited with us, your mother convinced me to let her stay behind while you participate in the upcoming war.”
“Just say that you wanted to get rid of me now that your first daughter came back.” Serena clenched her fist, unable to stop herself from talking in a venomous tone despite trying hard to keep her voice calm
wolf, you are still “Don’t act this petty.” Her mother scolded. “You had it easy your whole life, while your sister was just starting to live the life she deserved. It would be cruel to send her off to war. Don’t be selfish. Even if you can’t shift into your
Chapter 1
skilled in combat and weapons–you will make it through.”
Serena was at a loss for words. Life had never been easy for her in the 23 years she had been alive. Despite her efforts, she always felt neglected by her parents who never paid attention to her. In a desperate attempt to gain their affection, Serena would even purposely harm herself, only to be scolded instead of comforted. In addition, the other members of their pack looked down on her and she was subjected to emotional and physical abuse whenever she made a mistake.
She clenched her fist and was about to respond, but a knock at the door cut her off. Marga’s voice followed, prompting their father to invite her sister inside. The door then swung open, revaling Marga and her husband.
As if on cue. Serena immediately stood up and embraced Calix, which surprised him.
“What’s wrong? Sorry, I wasn’t able to come home yesterday. The sudden downpour forced us to stay in a nearby hotel until it cleared,” Serena listened to her husband’s explanation, but at that moment, she didn’t care about the reason he didn’t come home last night.
“Mom and Dad’s sending me off to war, they said I should go instead of my sister,” she explained, “Of course, I don’t want Marga to partake in the war, too but sending me
“What’s wrong with it?” Serena’s face went ghostly pale as Calix asked that question. She slowly released her grip on him and regarded him with a look of disbelief, as if she were seeing a stranger before her. “I’m sure your parents had a valid reason for sending you. So, listen to them and think of it as doing your sister a favor.”
