Seraphine’s voice filled the room as she recounted her latest training session. Her parents watched her with glowing admiration, their smiles wide and approving.
“You’re so gifted, Seraphine,” mother said. “You’re everything a future Luna should be.”
“Seraphine has such natural grace,” father added. “She’s practically destined to be Luna.”
Seraphine tossed her golden hair back, a satisfied smirk flashing briefly. Across the room, Isla sat at the edge of the sofa, small and silent, trying to fade into the background.
“Anyone could be good with that much practice,” Isla said quietly, her voice barely audible.
Her father’s scoff was sharp. “No, Isla. This takes talent. Real talent.” His eyes rested on her, full of disappointment. “Maybe you should try harder. Learn from your sister.”
The words stung, sharp and cold, but Isla bit her tongue. The room fell quiet except for the sound of Seraphine leaning closer, her voice honeyed and mocking.
“Maybe if you stopped daydreaming, you’d be decent at something,” Seraphine said with a saccharine smile.
Isla stayed silent, but her mind churned with bitter memories—Seraphine sneaking into her room, tearing pages from her journals, scrawling cruel notes like You’re worthless or No one will ever want you.
She’d always been the better daughter.
Seraphine’s beauty was undeniable, her dirty-blonde hair shimmering like gold, her piercing blue eyes both commanding and captivating. Isla, by contrast, felt like a pale reflection. Her soft, silvery-blonde hair catching the light like moonlight, her crescent-shaped birthmark marking her cheek, a feature Seraphine mocked endlessly.
The name “ugly” had followed Isla like a shadow.
But that evening, as she slipped out of the family room into the cool night air, a flicker of hope replaced the ache in her chest. She had felt it for days—a pull, deep and magnetic. Somewhere in the Midnight Crest pack, her fated mate was waiting for her.
The thought warmed her. Her lips curved into a small, secret smile as she imagined a life where she was finally free.
But two days later, her world shattered.
The pack’s main hall buzzed with energy as Isla stepped inside, her heart pounding. Her eyes locked on Kael—a warrior with broad shoulders and an air of raw strength. Her chest tightened as recognition struck like lightning. He’s mine.
But before she could move, a familiar voice rang out.
“Kael! There you are,” Seraphine called, sliding her arm through his with ease.
Isla froze as her sister leaned close to him, whispering something that made him chuckle softly. His arm wrapped around Seraphine’s waist, possessive.
“Kael?” Isla managed, her voice trembling.
He glanced up, his expression polite but distant. “Isla,” he said curtly, nodding.
Seraphine’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Oh, Isla, didn’t you know?” She ran her fingers along Kael’s chest. “Kael and I…well, we were just talking about our future. Looks like he’s my mate.”
The words crushed her, the air leaving her lungs.
“No,” Isla whispered, shaking her head. “You can’t—he’s mine.”
Seraphine’s gaze sharpened, her smirk growing colder. “Yours?” she echoed with a soft laugh. Her eyes swept over Isla dismissively. “Did you really think someone like him would want you?”
