His False Mate, Her True Rise

Elena Hayes knew she did not belong in that hall long before anyone said it. The way people looked at her made it obvious, their eyes sliding past her like she was not worth noticing. Even standing next to her own sister felt wrong, like she was in a place that was never meant for her. Two girls stood in the center while the nobles gathered around them, whispering softly but without kindness. Elaine held her head high and met every stare without hesitation, as if all the attention belonged to her. Elena kept her eyes down, her shoulders tense, already expecting something to go wrong. Elaine looked completely at ease, like confidence came naturally to her. She showed no doubt, no hesitation, not even for a second. Elena felt the opposite, a tight pressure in her chest as her fingers curled against her palms. If she stayed still enough, maybe no one would notice her and everything would pass without her being seen. But the silence stretched too long, and something about it felt off, like the moment was building toward something she could not stop. A young woman stepped forward, and the room went quiet at once. “The goddess has spoken,” she said clearly. “The goddess has chosen both of you as candidates to marry the prince.” The room reacted immediately, voices rising in surprise. Two girls from the same family had never been chosen before, and no one tried to hide their curiosity. Most of them were already looking at Elaine, as if the choice had already been made. “Silence,” the priestess said, and the room obeyed. “Only the prince will decide.” Her eyes moved over both girls, but paused on Elena for a moment, making her chest tighten. Then she began to chant in a low, unfamiliar language, the words sounding strange and almost alive. “Helium cranthos.” A few elders stiffened, recognizing it as part of an old ritual where lies could not exist. When the priestess finished, her expression turned cold and unreadable. This time, she looked directly at Elaine, and the shift, though small, was noticed by everyone in the room. She raised her hand and pointed. “You have something that belongs to your sister,” she said clearly. “Return it.” For a second, Elaine did not react, and although she still looked confident, something small changed in her expression. Elena noticed it, and a cold feeling settled in her chest. The whispers started again, louder and sharper than before. They were no longer curious, but judgmental. For the first time, the attention in the room felt dangerous. “Elena, my child,” the priestess said, her voice softer but firm, “your path will not be easy, but if you endure it, you will win.” The words settled heavily in Elena’s chest. Before anyone could respond, the priestess turned and left. The moment she disappeared, the hall erupted into noise. People spoke over each other, confusion quickly turning into judgment. Elena lowered her head as the stares returned, stronger than before. It felt like people were not just looking at her but deciding something about her. The accusation had not stayed with Elaine, and somehow that made it worse. “Mum,” Elaine said, sounding surprised, “that was the Moon Priestess, wasn’t it?” She let out a small breath and smiled faintly. “She said both of us might marry the prince, but I’m the only werewolf here, so the choice is obvious.” The whispers shifted immediately. Someone called Elena human, another called her weak, and the words spread quickly until they sounded like truth. Elaine gave a small, dismissive laugh and looked directly at Elena. “What could I possibly take from you?” she asked. “If I wanted something, I wouldn’t need to take it from you.” A few people laughed quietly, and the tension broke. It was easier for them to believe that. Elena felt the shift happen without anyone saying it. The blame moved away from Elaine and settled somewhere else. She stood still, her fingers tightening around her sleeve as the familiar pattern repeated itself. Rumors spread quickly across the duchy, carried by messenger birds and glowing rune-slates. Within days, everyone had heard the story. By the time it reached the outer courts, no one questioned it anymore. Elaine enjoyed the attention, accepting praise as if it had always belonged to her. Her confidence never wavered. Elena stayed in her room, the silence pressing in until it felt heavier than the crowd ever had. She traced faint lines of light along the stone windowsill, watching them glow softly under her fingers. This time, the light stayed longer and curled slightly against her skin before fading. Elena froze, her breath catching at the strange response. “ELENA HAYES, OUT. NOW.” Clara’s voice cut through the quiet. Elena hesitated before opening the door, her hand tightening slightly on the handle. Each step toward the sitting room felt heavy. “Planning to hide forever?” Clara asked sharply. Elena lowered her eyes, unable to answer. Elaine leaned back, her voice calm with a hint of amusement. “She’s just embarrassed,” she said. “You can’t blame her.” Elena stepped forward slowly. “Why did you call me?” she asked quietly. Clara handed each of them an envelope. “Your acceptance letters,” she said. “Remember your duty. Protect the prince’s mate, no matter what.” Elena opened the letter carefully, her hands unsteady. The words blurred before coming into focus. A small smile appeared on her face. “I got in,” she whispered. “I got in,” Elaine said at the same time, her voice confident and certain. Clara’s expression softened as she looked at her. “I expected nothing less,” she said. “I got in too,” Elena added quietly. No one responded. Clara nodded once. “Good. Stay close to her and do what you’re meant to do.” Elena turned slightly, her jaw tightening. No matter what she did, it never changed anything. She was always there, but never chosen. Her father had never treated her that way. He had protected her without hesitation, standing between her and danger. The memory stayed with her, reminding her that she had once mattered. Elena looked down at the letter again, holding it tighter. Lycoria Academy was not just a school. It was a place where people were tested and changed, where mistakes were not forgiven and futures were decided. The priestess’s words came back to her, quiet but impossible to ignore. She had pointed at Elaine, but the feeling had stayed with Elena instead. Elena stood still, her thoughts restless. If Elaine had taken something, why did it feel like she was the one carrying it? And if nothing had ever been hers, why did it feel like she was about to lose something anyway?