Prologue
Violet’s POV
They used to say the Moon Goddess created mates, so no wolf would ever walk this world alone.
But the story changed, and so did we.
They say a thousand years ago, we twisted love into hunger, into greed, into something sharp enough to kill. And so the Goddess took her gifts back.
Now true mates are a bedtime myth.
Love is a contract.
Marriage is a strategy board.
Hearts are collateral.
And still, my father used to tell me a different story; He used to swear there would come one child, born of divine blood and alpha blood combined. A king not crowned, but chosen. A ruler of all packs.
The one who would return the bond to all wolves.
The Child Of The Bond Breaker.
Once, I used to believe him… I believed in that prophecy. I huff a small laugh now as I fold the last of my clothes into my suitcase. The fabric smells like home, but even that memory feels distant now.
Believing in myths is probably why I’ve spent the last ten years running, hiding, starting over, repeating the same cycle;
Changing towns.
Changing names.
Always listening for footsteps behind me.
Because of him.
Alpha Merrin.
The one-eyed Alpha who laughs at flames.
Whose pack razed villages for the thrill of power.
Whose shadow swallowed my childhood whole.
I could pretend I wasn’t scared of him. But I’m so tired of being haunted. I’m done running.
I zipped the suitcase close. My hands weren’t shaking this time.
Not anymore.
Luna-Light Pack is the last safe place left, or the last illusion of one. But for once, I have a way in.
Silvan.
My boyfriend. Future Alpha.
He told me he’d take care of everything.
A home.
A job.
A chance to stop holding my breath.
For me. For my family.
I whispered into the quiet room, “This is it. I’m going home.”
Not the home I lost.
But the one I might build.
Piece by piece.
I hook my fingers under the suitcase and drag it toward the doorway. The cardboard scrapes across the floor, soft, steady, final. Rubber soles squeak as I move.
My chest rises. Falls.
One breath.
Then another.
No more running.
No more disappearing.
No more fear.
Merrin chased me across half the territory, but the hunt ends here.
I chose to return to Luna Light, knowing the risk, knowing eyes will turn, knowing whispers will rise.
But I need work. I need stability. I need a life that is mine again.
I will stand on my own feet.
And this time, nothing will tear me down.
