Faylen's Pov

　　My blood freezes as I hear Varian's voice behind me, cold and sarcastic, like a sinister echo from the past. My eyes widen, and I see Daniel frowning at the man behind me, his expression turning into a mix of confusion and concern. Varian's hand appears on my shoulder, his touch burning me like an invisible mark. I try to pull away quickly, but Varian slides his hand to my arm, his touch cold and calculated, coming into my line of sight.

　　"I almost did not recognize you, Faylen, without your long and beautiful black hair. You have changed so much, you are so..." Varian comments, his eyes scanning my body from top to bottom with a malice that makes me shudder. He examines every detail, his eyes full of judgment and something more, something that makes me feel like I am back in that dark room where he kept me trapped.

　　I hated my long hair because of Varian. He always grabbed it, dominated me by it, made me even more vulnerable. I discovered because of Varian that long hair is a risk when fleeing and during combat, the adversary can grab your hair and immobilize you. It's been years since I had long hair, and I will continue like this for the rest of my days.

　　"And you, who might you be?" Daniel questions, breaking Varian's gaze in my direction, his voice firm like an anchor in the midst of a storm. Varian claps his hands, the sound sharp and thunderous, making me flinch in my seat with fright.

　　"I am Alpha Varian Dulock of the Blood Moon Pack. We are a distant wolf pack, very far from here," Varian responds with pride, his voice full of venomous superiority. "And you would be?"

　　"Daniel Garcia, of the Direwolf Pack. Direct ally of Alpha Emma Smith, the architect of the peace treaty," Daniel declares firmly, his body straightening, his presence emanating a calm strength.

　　Varian is not as muscular as Daniel, but I know how he fights, the tricks he possesses, and his battle skills. Daniel would stand no chance against Varian, who has over thirty years of battle experience, each scar a reminder of his victories.

　　"Ah, you are the young man who gave the speech. Congratulations, young man, you have a way with words," Varian praises, his voice dripping with falsehood. Daniel does not accept the words with gratitude, his eyes narrowing in distrust.

　　Varian turns his attention back to me, and his lips curl into a wicked smile in my direction.

　　"Fay, where have you been, huh? The Blood Moon Pack has not been the same without you, my rebellious little bitch..." Varian declares with a feigned nostalgic voice, each word a poison that corrodes my resistance.

　　"Do not call me that," I respond angrily, my voice trembling with the intensity of repressed emotions. Varian blinks in surprise, a gleam of amusement appearing in his eyes.

　　"What? Fay or rebellious little bitch?" Varian provokes, his smile widening. He turns his face to Daniel, his eyes gleaming with malice. "She is very skittish, always trying to run away, like an ungrateful bitch."

　　I feel my anger boil, burning my insides. I stand up furiously, slamming my hands on the table, the sound echoing through the bar and facing Varian.

　　"I am not your bitch! I am not anyone's bitch, Varian!" I retort through gritted teeth, controlling myself from attacking him here and now. My whole body trembles with the force of my rage.

　　Varian's eyes light up with my outburst, a perverse gleam illuminating his face. He moves closer, his presence suffocating. "Ah, Faylen, how you still amuse me. Always so impetuous, always so full of fire," he whispers, his face so close I can feel his hot breath.

　　The tension in the air is palpable, every muscle in my body is ready for a fight, every survival instinct sharpened. Daniel, by my side, stands firm, his presence a source of silent strength. Varian's anger is an ancient fire, a monster that haunts me, but Daniel's determination is a beacon in the darkness, a promise that I am not alone.

　　"I think you better leave, Varian. Faylen is the beta of Alpha Emma. You do not want to cause any harm to Faylen, the beta of Alpha Emma, on a day where everyone agreed on the peace treaty, do you?" Daniel says firmly, his voice sharp as a blade.

　　"Beta, huh? Hmm..." Varian comments with a voice full of surprise, his eyes narrowing in my direction. "I didn't see any harm done. As you said yourself, we're all here for peace. Aren't we, Faylen?"

　　Varian laughs, a cold and cruel sound, but I do not let it shake me. I stand tall, strong and determined, ready to face the monster of my past.

　　"This isn't over, Faylen," Varian whispers, his gaze promising revenge. But for the first time in a long while, I feel a spark of hope. I am strong, I am free, and I will no longer allow Varian to control my life.