|| Lilac's POV ||

The morning sun spilled through my bedroom window, golden and deceptive in its warmth. I stood before the floor-length mirror, adjusting the delicate silver embroidery along the neckline of my dress—a deep emerald green, the color of our pack, the color of royalty.

My reflection stared back at me, hollow-eyed.

You can do this. One step at a time.

I exhaled slowly, pressing my palms flat against the cool surface of the vanity. The bruises from last ...