The next day, I woke up with a heavy heart, full of anger about still caring about Evan and of pain for the way he still chooses her over me. I stormed out of my chamber to his, to confront him, to let him understand how hurt I was feeling inside. I didn't think properly, I just acted out of anger and pain.

Why did I still care? I kept asking myself. Does it mean I still love him? No, that can't be...

I didn’t want to admit it. I didn’t want to accept that a part of me still longed for him.

I almost entered his room when I turned and saw four wolves gathered around, sparking a fire, with Evan in their center.

"I messed up," he said. His voice was low and quiet. "I have wronged Lila many times, and I still don't know how to make up for all my mistakes."

I froze. Evan… he knows he has been wrong. Then why does he keep on hurting me?

He ran a hand through his hair. "Last night," he continued, "she risked her life for me, but instead of appreciating her, I defended the woman who had tried to kill me."

"Who tried to kill you?" one of the wolves asked.

But Evan didn't answer. He just stood there with his mouth wide open. Perhaps he didn't want to expose Clarissa because he obviously still cared for her.

Why couldn't he just say it? I asked myself. I doubted if what he confessed about me was even true. My heart tore into many pieces. I stood there, pissed off and angry. I hated that I still existed in the same place, and just then, I remembered where I could go — a place I would have peace, even if it were just for some moments.

I ran out, sobbing in my heart as I went on my way. I ran to the mountains where I had hidden Mariya and Leo with the old man.

I was about to knock on the door when the old man opened it.

"How did you know I was standing at the door?" I asked him in a shocked tone.

"I always know these things," he answered.

I went in and sat on the chair by the fire. My body was already cold and I needed the fire. Mariya arrived moments later carrying Leo in her arms.

"He said he still loved me,” I murmured, "but he still chooses her over me. He still let her win against me."

“I don’t know who I am anymore,” I continued. "Each time I tried moving on with my life, he would find a way to make me think I still love him. I know deep down, my heart still wants him."

The old man stood where he was sitting and came close to me. He brought out a worn letter in a leather bag and handed it to me.

“I’ve waited years for this moment,” he said quietly. "Each time I think of telling you, I fear it might break you, but now I think this is the right time."

"What's this letter and what are you talking about?" I asked him, looking confused.

"This letter," he began, "was written by your mother." I have buried this truth for your protection, but now, Lila, you are grown, and you deserve to know so you can stand and fight for your rights."

My breath caught. “What are you talking about?”

He opened the letter and placed it on the floor.

"Your mother," he continued, "was not just an omega." Her name was Seraphina, and she was a seer who descended from an ancient royal bloodline."

My heart began to race as I wondered where the story was headed.

“She was hunted, even within her own pack. Back then, omegas with gifts were considered a threat to the alpha line, so she was always hiding — until she met me.

Then I was among the Lycan elite warriors and part of the guard in Moonveil. The ruling alpha despised her and hunted for her death every time. He was against our union and when she became pregnant with you, I took her away to hide her, but she died while giving birth to you."

My heart raced so fast. "So you are my father?"

"Yes, I am your father, Lila, and Seraphina was your mother."

"Ah!" I exclaimed. "My life has been more complicated than I thought." "Who then was the old woman that raised me?" I asked him, still in shock.

"Her name was Maya. After your mother died, I came back with you, but then my brother had already reported me to the king, and I was banished. Out of confusion, I handed you over to her and asked her to raise you as an omega because I didn't want you to be hurt, and I didn't want to take you with me into this lonely forest."

I stared at him, not knowing whether to be angry or not. "You lied to me. You should have found a way to tell me."

“I protected you,” he corrected softly. Your mother’s enemies still exist, and there was no way to tell you. I am forbidden from entering the pack."

“I’m not just Evan’s rejected mate,” I whispered.

“No,” he replied. “You are the daughter of Seraphina Moonborn, and you carry the bloodline in you." Now you must choose to fight with all of your strength to get what belongs to you."

“Clarissa will never stop trying to destroy me,” I said. “And Evan… I don’t even know where he stands anymore.”

“Then stand on your own,” he replied. "Don't let anyone manipulate you." Fight as though this war belongs to you only. Fight for yourself and your child."

I closed my eyes, letting the truth sink in.

I had been living in the ruins of my own silence for too long, letting Evan and Clarissa manipulate me. But now, I know who I am — Lila, a Lycan descendant of the royal bloodline.

By dawn, I was back in the palace. I walked through the halls with a different kind of energy. Everyone was astonished by the way I carried myself. I learnt Evan was in the war chambers, so I went straight to see him.

They all turned when I entered.

Evan came forward to me. "Where have you been, Lila?" he asked. "I have been sick and worried about you."

"Don't be," I answered rudely. "I'm not a small wolf and can take care of myself."

"Lila," he said quietly, "I'm sorry for not believing you and for defending Clarissa instead."

I laughed out loud. "You don't have to apologize to me, Evan. Remember, whatever we have between us is just to fulfill the blood pact. I just came here to ask you to stay out of my life.

And as for Clarissa, you need to be careful of her. "She has an evil mission," I said, and stormed out of the chamber, leaving him wallowing in his own thoughts.