Crowned by Fate

Elara Silverfang moved quietly through the halls of the Silverfang Pack lodge, scrubbing floors and tidying rooms. Her hands were raw from constant labor, but she had learned long ago that complaining brought only ridicule—or worse. Her sister, Selene, lounged on a polished chair, smirking as she watched Elara work. “You missed a spot,” she said sweetly, the venom in her voice obvious. Elara didn’t look up. Ignore her. Just get it done. Her wolf, Lunaris, stirred in her chest. They think you’re weak. Show them otherwise… someday. I can’t! You know she will just smack me—or worse, break another bone. I have to hold out until I can leave this place. I know, Lunaris replied. Her three older brothers and parents paid her no mind. Selene and her friends made sure she suffered more than anyone should—with broken bones, deep clawed gashes, cuts, and bruises. They even used silver objects to burn her—werewolves are vulnerable to silver. She survived only because the pack doctors, begrudgingly, provided the antidote each time. By nightfall, Elara returned to her small room in the basement. She pulled out her laptop and logged into her online business—her secret life. Between studies and business, she was slowly saving for freedom. She had graduated high school early, enrolled in online college at fifteen, and was finishing her bachelor’s in computer science. She even owned a hidden car, waiting for her grand escape. Soon, she whispered. Soon, I leave.