The Forsaken Queen’s Reawakening

Eden's POV This is the seventh time I’ve called Alpha Caleb tonight, and as usual, he hasn’t answered. It’s our two-year anniversary, and because I don’t have a wolf, I had to call my husband like a human. I could only shoot him a text: Caleb, I know you’re busy. Just wanted to confirm when you’d be home tonight? I’m making your favorite steaks. “Stop wasting your time on stupid phone calls,” said Alice, the omega maid leader, rolling her eyes as she dumped a basket of clothes at my feet. “Make yourself useful. You’re the Luna, and you have nothing to give to this pack. No wolf. No kids. The least you could do is help with the laundry.” No wolf. No kids. The words stung. I bit my lip. More than anything, I wanted to be a good Luna for Caleb, for our pack. “If I catch you slacking off, I’ll report to the Alpha and have you locked up in the dungeon,” Alice added, her gaze turning malicious. “You know how tough it is in the dungeon.” She brushed past me, deliberately bumping my shoulder. I shivered with dread. I knew all too well how terrifying the dungeon was. Alice had falsely accused me of theft before, and Caleb had locked me up there. Alice would whip me and hurl insults at me every day, not allowing me to eat or sleep. To survive, I had to admit guilt and apologize to her. Since then, the pack members had become more disdainful, and Caleb grew distant. I absolutely did not want to be locked up there again. I quickly checked my phone. Still no response from Caleb, so I started sorting his laundry. As I picked up his dress jacket, I felt something—an invitation. It was addressed to Alpha Caleb and me. It was an invitation to a banquet to honor the return of the Lycan King! The Lycan King? He had returned? He’d been gone for almost 100 years! This was a major event. I scanned the invitation for more details, and my eyes widened in shock when I read the date. 7 p.m. November 1st. That was tonight! How could this be? Caleb hadn’t mentioned anything about a banquet. Odd, since this was the first formal invitation he’d received since becoming Alpha. How could he forget to tell me? He couldn’t attend the banquet without me. It was against the rules: Alphas must attend all events with their Lunas. If an Alpha showed up alone, it could signal internal pack issues, which was the last thing I wanted for Caleb. I had to get ready fast and meet him there. I glanced at the clock. It was already ten past six! Caleb was probably busy preparing for the big event. I’m sure he meant to tell me; it had probably just slipped his mind. I ran upstairs, threw on a blue silk dress, and piled my brown, curly hair on top of my head. I quickly applied some pink lipstick and mascara. The Lycan King was back! This was going to be a very exciting night. Caleb and I could celebrate our anniversary tomorrow. Tonight was his first official event as the new Alpha of our pack, and I would be right by his side, as his loving Luna. When I arrived at the venue, the outdoor area was stunning. It was decorated with string lights glowing softly under the moon. There was a massive tent ahead, heavily guarded by two strong warriors. The banquet was taking place inside the tent. People were already gathered, and I recognized several Lunas and Alphas from nearby packs. The air buzzed with excitement as people whispered about the return of the Lycan King. I scanned the crowd, searching for Caleb, but I couldn’t find him. Strange, I thought. Maybe he’s just not here yet. My breath caught in my throat when I noticed a group of people to my left. In the center stood a tall, imposing figure with his back turned. He wore an elegant fur robe and was flanked by two warriors. Despite the distance, his powerful presence was undeniable. I knew it was him—the Lycan King. Rumored to be one of the strongest, most intelligent, and most handsome Kings of all time, I couldn’t help but admire him from afar. He was just about to turn around, so I could see his face when something caught my eye. A necklace flashed in the light. I turned and saw Caleb. There he was, dressed in one of my favorite suits—navy, with a matching silk tie. I lifted my hand to wave, but it stopped in mid-air. There was another woman on his arm. She was elegantly dressed in a long, flowing gown, and her necklace flashed again. She was beautiful and laughing happily with Caleb. If I didn’t know better, I’d think they looked like a couple… Then the woman turned, and I saw her face. Scarlett. My half-sister. And Caleb’s first love.