TWENTY YEARS LATER
Alice's POV
I stirred to the sweet melody of birdsong outside my window, a tranquil morning with the sun rising and the air brimming with freshness. Stretching, I couldn't shake the tinge of disappointment, knowing another day of pretense lay ahead.
I'm Alice, a lycan orphan adopted by the Lycan King and Queen who saw me as a perfect fit for their son, Albert, unlike the others in my pack I can't shift, just that I have all other qualities for a future queen. I'm the only one unable to shift, carrying the burden of shame and insecurity. Caution from the Supreme Pack on this was natural; after all, I stood apart from them.
Hastily dressing, I joined the others at the pack's gathering spot. Laughter and chatter filled the air as I approached with hesitation.
"Hey, Ali
