Chapter 2

I entered the ceremony hall, which was crowded with males from various wolf packs. Their muscular forms and the heavy air of testosterone filled the room. Unlike my sister in our past lives, I didn’t take this moment to seek revenge or humiliate her. Instead, I gracefully greeted the crowd, explaining that my sister had been delayed but would arrive shortly. I asked for their patience. The males smiled in understanding, their eyes lingering on me with curiosity. Each of them was eager to impress, showcasing their charm in hopes of winning me over. If I had been the naive girl from my past life, I might have blushed and been swept away by their flattery. But now, my heart carried a bitterness that made it hard to even smile. In the midst of the crowd, one figure stood out—a man with a commanding presence and a calm, steady demeanor. It was Jack Thornton, the Alpha of the Thornton Pack. His aura was magnetic, and he held himself with the quiet strength of a leader. Unlike the others, Jack didn’t try to charm me or seek my attention. He stood at a distance, observing. Yet, the hint of awe in his gaze told me he wasn’t entirely indifferent. Just then, Rose entered the hall, her face flushed with sweat. Her eyes flickered with surprise as she took in the room full of eager suitors. Did she think I would stoop to her level, using this moment to repay old grudges? She underestimated me. Rose spoke confidently, “I’m sorry, everyone, but my heart is already taken. I’ve decided to marry him.” Her announcement caused a ripple of disappointment among the males. But their disappointment quickly shifted into renewed enthusiasm as they turned their attention toward me. I caught the flash of jealousy in Rose's eyes before she smiled slyly. She pointed to Jack Thornton, standing at the edge of the crowd. “That one. He’s perfect for my sister. Since our mother is no longer with us, I’ll take it upon myself, as her elder sister, to arrange this match.” Her smile was meaningful, her motives clear. She wanted me to endure the same suffering she had in our past lives. I lowered my gaze, hiding the storm of emotions brewing within me. My sister’s cunning had not diminished in this life. Through Rose’s skillful persuasion, the matter of my marriage to Jack was decided then and there. The Elder, displeased by Rose’s improper conduct—professing her love while still participating in the selection ceremony—punished her lightly with house confinement. I discreetly calculated the time. The envoy from the Blackwood Pack should be arriving soon. What I didn’t expect was that this time, Wyatt Blackwood himself would come to propose. The news startled the Elder. Our Moonlight Pack’s status had long been in decline, and even in its prime, we had never warranted a visit from the Blackwood Pack, let alone from their heir. The Elder bowed deeply, speaking with reverence to Wyatt. Rose, now released from her confinement, stood beside the Elder, gazing at Wyatt with a mixture of hope and longing. “I’ve been waiting for you,” she said softly, “but the Elder locked me away.” Her words caused both the Elder and Wyatt to stiffen. Wyatt’s expression darkened with annoyance. “Why was my future Luna locked away?” he demanded. Wyatt’s temperament was as domineering as ever. To him, the Elder’s actions were a direct insult to his authority. The Elder’s face paled as cold sweat beaded on his forehead. His lips trembled, but in the end, he bowed his head in defeat. “Please punish me, Alpha heir.” The sight of the Elder, who had cared for us like a father, bowing in such humiliation was unbearable. I stepped forward, speaking calmly. “Your Highness, you may not be aware, but my sister participated in the selection ceremony despite already being promised to someone. The Elder acted only to protect her reputation. Without his intervention, the other packs would surely have condemned her actions.” Wyatt’s gaze shifted to me, a spark of interest flickering in his eyes. Sensing his attention, Rose clutched his arm tightly, her demeanor turning coquettish as she tried to draw him back to her. Watching her frivolous behavior, the Elder’s expression darkened. He looked as though he might collapse from despair.