ISADORA'S POV

I was unable to sleep.

Even though the curtains were closed, the music and laughter from the court seemed to reach me and make fun of me.

The festivities were still going on, and Beatriz's success was celebrated with a toast. Because of Rafael's obedience, I was deeply embarrassed.

I leaned against my bed, my fingers playing with the sheets.

How could he act like I didn't matter to him?

I hadn't saved him from the wolves in the war.

I didn't hold him when he was too weak to change back.

You should have expected that to happen.

You were always beneath her in her eyes.

I was startled by what I was thinking.

A gentle knock at the door made me turn my head.

"Isadora?"

His voice.

I didn't say anything.

May I please come in?

I didn't say anything.

The knob was turned.

He came in as if he still belonged.

You need to go.

"I know. I had to come and see you."

You made it obvious when you picked her.

I didn't have a say in who she was.

What was that, then? Some artists perform for the audience. What about the Council?

He let out a sigh and ran his hand through his dark hair.

They made threats against my family. My pack. They told me that if I didn't reject you—"

You would be left with nothing? So you chose to give me up instead?"

He moved closer to me. I stood.

"Don't."

I would like to explain what happened."

"Explain what? That you allowed her to make me feel ashamed? In the presence of everyone? You acted as if I were a stranger you didn't know"

I interrupted him before he could say anything.

You can't explain your actions, Rafael. You saw her tell a lie, and you didn't say anything."

He seemed ready to argue, but instead, he apologized.

Sorry, it isn't enough to make this better.

You still hold your title. You'll manage just fine."

"Wow. You think that's the only thing I care about?"

"You're strong. You can do this without me."

That's the first honest thing you've said all evening.

He walked away without saying anything else.

I waited until the hallway was empty once more.

After that, I moved to a new place.

Something strange has happened since Beatriz came back.

She moved around the court with confidence.

Smiled in a way that was too sweet.

It seemed too harmless.

Rafael was a different person the moment she appeared.

I wanted to understand the reason.

I moved quietly through the east corridor in the middle of the night.

No guards.

Only the shadows and the moonlight were visible.

I stopped in front of the old mirror.

Opposed to it.

It made a noise and opened up.

A hidden way.

The air was filled with the scent of dust and forgotten promises.

I continued up the narrow stairs until I found a locked wooden door.

It was easy to break it.

The room was small and lit by a cracked lantern.

The walls were covered with papers.

Letters.

Maps.

Seals that include Beatriz's name.

There was a letter addressed to Rafael, my name, and a document signed by the judge.

I picked it up.

Read it.

And froze.

She had this planned out. All of it is important.

The fake involvement.

The danger facing Rafael's pack.

The court's consent.

She also made a fake seal using my father's name.

I took a step back, feeling my heart pound.

She told lies to everyone.

Used Rafael. Used me.

It wasn't only jealousy that was at work here. It was a time of war.

What was her goal?

Power?

Or could it be even worse?

I moved away from the wall. I was trembling as I held the gun.

That's when I heard the sound.

Footsteps.

Slow. Heavy. Getting closer.

I picked up a candleholder.

I stopped breathing.

The door handle was turned.

They were present.

Did she realize I had discovered the room?

I searched for another exit. Nothing.

The only way out was the way I had entered.

The door opened with a creaking sound—

And stopped.

I stopped breathing.

A shadow appeared at the doorway.

Then, a voice that was low and cold.

Why are you here, sister?

Beatriz.

She walked into the room, her eyes becoming more focused.

Taking things that aren't yours?"

"You lied."

I kept you safe. You never had any idea what they were up to.

You chose Rafael as your character. You put his pack in danger.

She gave a gentle laugh.

He chose me anyway.

You made him do it!

Is that something you care about now? I am the future, Luna. You? You will be forgotten."

I held the candleholder more firmly.

"Move aside."

"Or what? You'll end up crying on the Queen's lap once more?"

"Try me."

We looked at each other.

She smiled after that.

"Fine. Go ahead. Let the court know. Ask them if they think the rejected sister or the future Luna is the right choice.

She turned away and flipped her hair.

If I were in your shoes, I'd get out of there as fast as possible. Before things get even more difficult."

What happened, Beatriz?

You'll understand soon enough.

She left the room.

The door was slammed shut as she left.

I accidentally dropped the candleholder.

I needed to leave. Tell someone. Let them see the documents.

However, who could I rely on?

They had all witnessed me fall tonight. Weak. Alone.

I hurried to my room and hid the letters in my cloak.

The halls were deserted. Too empty.

Something's wrong.

I walked down the main corridor and stopped.

Two guards were found lying on the ground.

Unmoving.

Blood collected under their bodies.

I took a step back and gasped.

Someone put their hand over my mouth.

Someone gently breathed on my neck.

If you scream, you will die.

I kicked. Bit.

The grip became less firm. I turned and hit him hard in the nose with my fist.

He took a step back.

A rogue. Wild eyes. No crest.

He lunged. I dodged. Ran.

Another one came at me from the side.

I hit him in the ribs with my elbow. I heard a cracking sound.

"Grab her! Now!"

Three more attacked me.

I was surrounded.

Then...howls.

They weren't the typical wolves you encounter in a courtroom.

They were wild animals. Savage.

They were already inside the palace.

Someone had opened the door for them.

No. She allowed them to enter.

Beatriz had this planned out.

The betrayal continued.

It was only the beginning.

I was right there in the middle of it all.

I started to run away.

And everything faded to black.