aiLIANDREN'S POV

"Princess LIANDREN, welcome back to Eastern Wolf Territory."

The guards chanted all at once, their heads bowed, bodies stiffened, with their gaze fixed on the floor.

Slowly, I took off my sunglasses, another hand clutched onto my Hermes purse.

"How long has it been," I mumbled. Slowly, I closed my eyes to let myself breathe in the air, and then my eyes snapped open, narrowing my gaze toward the estate.

"That's right. It's been six years." I let out a slow smirk.

I took my time to adjust my sleeves and Mariah, my beta, gestured toward the entrance. "Everyone awaits you..." Her hand outstretched, and I gave a curt nod.

I continued in my track.

My guards, all dressed in black, flanked by my side as we made our way through the door.

Six years ago, my life ended, and I was reborn.

I was reborn as the daughter of King Kendrick of House Greymond.

One of the prominent and oldest families in the Eastern werewolf faction. They were feared and revered not just because of their family name but because they were hybrids—part wolf and part vampire. That was one of the reasons why we had to die for our powers to be fully awakened.

But due to mixed marriages over the years, the vampire side had become dormant, so we don't get to drink blood, but we are stronger, faster, and even more feral.

"Andren." A voice cut through the air as I stepped inside our home.

The sound of light music and the soft chattering of guests filled my ears, nudging me back to the present.

I scanned my eyes through the room, and I tightened my jaw. As usual, my father didn't close his mouth about my arrival, and now the whole family came to see his long-lost daughter...

Don't get me wrong. I cared about my father, but he was a bit too much—sometimes or most times.

I forced a quick smile. "Hello, Grandmother." I pressed a soft kiss on her cheek as I placed my hand over her shoulder.

"It's good to see you again. How was your training abroad?" She arched a brow as she leaned in. "I hope you are ready to take on the family business."

I forced another smile, giving a curt nod.

Aside from being just werewolves, our family held half of the city. Draven Corporation was a conglomerate empire run by many of my supposed relatives, but the head of the seat was left for the chairman—or woman—regardless of who was chosen within our family.

"Mommy!"

Soft thuds reached my ears as they perked up. I didn’t hesitate to crouch down as I picked him from the floor while he giggled.

He peeked my cheek. "I'm so glad you are back. I missed you so much."

I used the tip of my nose to tickle his, and he chuckled. "I missed you too, pumpkin."

It was good to be back home with my son.

Home? The word nudged my chest.

I never expected that I would have a family that day I jumped out through the window, but the Moon Goddess had other plans.

And that is why I promised myself I would do anything to protect my home.

"My lady, you are back." Alice sighed with relief, her eyes shone even brighter as she stared at me. "You look amazing."

My smile lowered for a moment as I reached over to touch my face. It was smooth. Almost flawless. Those hideous birthmarks had gone from my face, and it was like I was a new person.

"Thank you." I let my gaze move back to hers. "Alice."

I scanned the room, the music pulsing louder with each beat, vibrating through my chest. The crowd blurred at the edge as everything seemed to slow, the air thickened around me.

Then slowly I caught it.

A faint scent—but it was unmistakable.

My wolf stirred with a faint howl, a low growl rumbled at the back of my mind. The fine hairs on my neck prickled, standing on end as the scent curled around me, teasing my senses.

My gaze locked on him.

He was standing a few feet away, casually talking to someone.

He seemed oblivious—or maybe he was pretending to be. But I felt it.

The scent was his.

His body stiffened.

And then, as if drawn by a string, his eyes lifted to meet mine.

The music. The crowd. The room.

It was just him and that pull.

"Who are you looking at, Mommy?" Gabriel, my son, tugged at my shirt.

I instinctively woke up from my trance.

"Nothing, sweetheart." I mumbled, tearing my gaze from the man.

"Where is my father? I can't find him here?" I asked, tilting my head toward Alice.

"He's not feeling too well. He's upstairs," my grandmother cut in, and I nodded.

I cradled Gabriel gently. "How about you stay with Aunt Alice and Grandmother while I go speak to your grandfather?"

Gabriel nodded, but I could see the hint of disappointment in his eyes, so I pressed a kiss on his head, and his smile widened.

I was about to take a step when I was blocked by one of my Cousin Lucy, Just like me she has shown exceptional ability.

"Hey sis. What's up. I'm so glad to see that you're back."

"Hmm." I narrowed my gaze. "Are you? "

Her smile widened but I could see the faint sign of fear in her eyes.

I was certain that if my father hadn't brought me back. She would have been the successor of the Draven Lycan bloodline.

No doubt she saw me as her enemy.

I already had my experience with Melody and I would never make that kind of mistake.... Ever.

I made my way upstairs, after skipping through the series of relatives that wanted to drown me with conversation.

Finally, I got to the hallway, and I let out a deep breath—one I had been holding for a while.

The soft glow of candlelight flickered along the walls as I moved forward. I paused, instinctively stopping in my tracks with my ears straining for any sound.

I could feel it. Something felt off.

Then came a quick, heavy thud behind me.

I spun around as my heart raced.

"Who's there!"

No answer. I gritted my teeth, snapping my claws out, ready to strike whoever was playing games with me.

Slowly, I noticed a shadow, looming at the corner, and my heart stopped—but my eyes blazed with determination.

"Show yourself," I groaned.

"Are you sure about that? Because if I'm out, there's no going back." The rasped voice echoed inside my ears.

I let out a scoff. I had faced so many dangers and even death—what could possibly be there that I couldn't handle?

I took a step forward. "Who are you?"