bChapter /bb2 /b

ra’s POV

“You look like you’re about to jump off the balcony. Should I worry?”

I turned away from the window, letting the silver curtains fall back into ce. Cael stood at the doorway, arms folded, his brow pinched with that familiar protective worry.

“I’m fine,” I said, smoothing the front of my dress. “Just gathering my thoughts.”

The floor–length silver gown shimmered under the suite’s soft light, hugging my frame without being loud. A cluster of diamonds rested against my corbone, cool and steady–nothing like the chaos I used to wear on my fa

face every day.

Cael walked in and nted a warm kiss on my forehead. “My little sister is stealing all the spotlight tonight. You’re absolutely stunning.”

I smiled and rested my hands lightly on his arms. “ttery won’t keep me from attending that meeting.”

He rolled his eyes. “I still say you shouldn’t be here. The doctor said you needed more rest. You almost died.”

“Six months is a long time, Cael. And my recovery’s not up for debate.”

He exhaled sharply but nodded. “You’re tougher than anyone I know. Still… it’s hard to forget how we found you.”

My mind flickered briefly–ropes cutting into my skin, the cold floor, Thorne’s voice like ice.

But I tucked it all away.

“I’m not going to hide from the world. I represent Blood Moon Pack now. This g matters.”

Cael gave a reluctant chuckle. “And you’re stubborn, too. Definitely a Manning.”

Six months ago, they found me near death. Covered in blood, dumped like I was nothing. But then… the moon–shaped birthmark. The test results. The whispers. The truth.

I wasn’t ra Diaz.

I was ra Manning–Alpha Cael’s long–lost sister. Stolen at birth, raised in a family that never wanted me.

Now? I had a pack that did.

I had a real home.

“Are you ready for tonight?” Cael asked, voice quieter. “Because he’ll be here. Thorne.”

“Let him see me,” I replied calmly. “Let him choke on regret.”

Cael’s jaw clenched. “He rejected you. He left you to die. That bastard doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you.”

“Then don’t waste your fists on him,” I said, brushing a speck from hispel. “If he tries anything, I’ll handle it myselfb./b”

“Damn right you will,” he muttered, pride flickering through his tone.

b“/bCome on. We’ve got a g to open.”

He extended his arm. I took it.

Side by side, we left the suiteb. /b

15.07

Thorne’s POV

O

“Alpha, we’re expected inside.”

b+38 /b

I nodded at the guard and stepped out of the car, buttoning my jacket. The Blood Moon Pack’s territory had always had a reputation for power–but bthis /bhotel was something else. Massive. Opulent. Intimidating.

Behind me, Mi clicked her heels hurriedly on the pavement.

“Wait for me, Thorne!”

She jogged up beside me, her makeup wless, though her eyes looked tired.

“This ce is incredible,” she said softly, scanning the marble pirs. “Do you think we could talk to the Alpha about booking this venue for our wedding?”

I didn’t break stride. “We have our own hotels.”

“So… you’re saying yes? You’d marry me there?”

“I said no such thing.”

She faltered, the smile sliding off her face.

“This isn’t a date, Mi. It’s a political summit. Keep

tep

or

The sting in her expression didn’t faze me. I didn’t have time for her moods today.

Truth was, I hadn’t stopped thinking about ra. Not since that day. Not since I heard the patrols found a body but no name. Not since I rejected her and felt the bond tear in my own soul like a knife.

“Alpha Thorne, wee. May I see your invitation?” the usher asked.

I reached into my jacket, but something caught my eye. A figure, pale and graceful, moving just past the corridor.

No…

1

Could it be-

My pulse mmed against my ribs. I shoved the invitation at the usher and took off.

“Alpha, wait!” Mi called.

The usher tried to stop me,

but I didn’t listen.

bI /bturned the corner.

There she was.

ra.

Standing by the ballroom doors, a vision in silver, Alive. Regal. Untouchable.

bShe /bpaused.

And turned.

bHer /bbgaze /bmet mine–cold,posed, unreadable.

b2/3 /b

19:07 MON, b28 /bbJUI /b

“Long time no seeb,/b” she said, with the faintest smile curling her lips

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