The sound of laughter and music filled the air, but my heart felt heavy. Everywhere I looked, there were smiling faces, people dancing and laughing as if the world was perfect. But inside, I felt nothing. It didn’t matter how bright the sun was or how beautiful the decorations looked—none of it could change the truth.
Today was supposed to be my day. My birthday.
But it didn’t feel like mine.
I stood near the stairs, watching everyone move around the grand hall. My father, Alpha Hendrix, was busy greeting the pack elders and important guests. He looked proud, powerful, and untouchable—as always. I knew he was doing all this for show. He wanted everyone to think we were happy, that the Pack was stronger than ever.
But behind all that, he was controlling every part of my life.
Harper s
