Emerald stared at herself in the tall silver-framed mirror, fingers brushing over where the scars had been on her back.
But she barely noticed the pain and the wounds that used to be there days ago.
It was the power behind her gaze.
Gone was the broken girl, discarded like trash by a mate she had willingly sacrificed everything for.
Gone was the weak Luna, who begged and bled for a crime she didn’t commit.
Standing in her place was someone else. Someone reborn.
She adjusted the deep emerald cloak that cascaded over her shoulders, pinned with a silver wolf-shaped brooch.
Her gown was a fitted midnight-black corset dress, cinched at the waist and slit high on one side to reveal her tattooed thigh and high-heeled shoe beneath.
Her black hair, with its natural green streaks, had been brushed smooth and braided into a single plait down one side, adorned with silver clasps.
Emerald didn’t recognise the woman staring back at her.
She closed her eyes, breathing slowly, as her father’s voice echoed through her mind.
"Wolves do not survive because they are the strongest. They survive because they remember who they are when the world tries to make them forget."
She opened her eyes again, the green and gold in her irises glinting like fire.
"I remember," she whispered. "And I’ll never forget again. Not for anyone."
Her thought was broken by a knock, and a moment later, the door burst open.
"Whoa," Nessa’s voice rang through. "Okay, first of all, goddess damn."
Emerald smirked without turning. "Too much?"
"Of course not. Is that the leather corset?" Nessa gasped. "The one your mom swore you weren’t allowed to wear until your Luna ceremony?"
"Guess tonight’s a better occasion."
"Forget Luna. You look like a prophecy about to be fulfilled," Nessa said, stepping aside with wide eyes. "If you told me you were going to murder five Alphas tonight and walk out with their titles, I’d say, ’Yes, Queen, do it again.’"
Emerald finally turned. "Good. That’s the vibe I was going for."
Nessa grinned. "You ready to show them who the real Alpha is?"
Emerald’s smile was slow but dangerous. "Let’s give them something to remember."
The great hall of the Western Shadow Fang Pack was packed with high-ranking wolves from various packs and backgrounds. Beautiful chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting light on the shiny black floors. The walls were adorned with beautifully carved wolf designs.
Emerald stepped into the room, barely recognising more than half of its occupants.
She walked next to Darius, standing tall and confident.
People noticed her; some were surprised, while others started to whisper, questioning her presence beside the Beta of the most feared pack in the West.
She felt eyes lingering on her, but that didn’t bother her. Good, she thought. Let them see. Let them remember.
Darius paused and started introducing her to a few representatives from nearby packs—some were from the Council, and others were from far-off places.
"This is Alpha Terren of the Duskwind Pack," Darius said.
"Pleasure," the grizzled old man nodded. "You favour your father."
"This is Elder Harrow," Darius continued, gesturing toward a thin man with sharp eyes.
"A beauty should be Luna," Harrow said. "Not a warrior."
Emerald tilted her head. "Then it’s a good thing I’m neither."
The man blinked. Darius chuckled softly and moved on.
Importantly, Darius never once introduced her as the Alpha.
Emerald understood. He was setting the stage.
And when the moment came, it would be hers.
Her eyes scanned the crowd, and then stopped when they landed on one person.
Her lungs nearly stalled.
He stood near the back, arms linked with Alia, who was dressed like a widow and a queen at the same time. Emerald’s chest tightened, and her heart gave a painful lurch.
She felt a rush of emotions: fear, anxiety, grief.
But above all else, she felt rage.
Emerald clenched her jaw.
She straightened her shoulders and let her gaze go flat as Rick’s eyes met hers.
For a moment, they just stared.
Then a smirk crossed her face.
Rick’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, just a fraction. Without another thought, Emerald turned away from him as if he were just a stain on her shoe.
"Alpha Jake," Darius said, drawing her attention back.
Emerald blinked as the name sank in.
He was one of the men who had watched her suffer and endure pain that night, standing next to Rick and remaining silent.
She scoffed quietly and turned her head dismissively.
He stood before her now, tall, fair-skinned, with dark auburn hair slicked back, dressed in ceremonial red and grey. His eyes met hers with a flicker of confusion.
"You look very familiar," Jake said.
Emerald raised a brow. "That pickup line seems overused."
He smiled. "It’s not a line. Just an observation."
"Well then," Emerald said coolly, "since you’re good at observing, I hope you enjoy the rest of the show."
Jake blinked, then gave her a sharp nod.
As he turned away, he slid a phone from his pocket and texted under his breath.
What happened to your previous Luna? The Western Shadow Fang Pack’s Beta’s niece looks exactly like her.
Across the room, Rick looked down at the message.
Then up again, just in time to catch a glimpse of Emerald’s back, her hair swaying as she walked toward the dais.
A knot formed in his stomach.
Alia tilted her head. "What is it?"
"Nothing," he muttered, jaw tightening. But deep down, a whisper stirred in his gut.
The moment Darius stepped up onto the raised dais, the murmuring fell to a hush
"We gather," he began, "to remember Alpha Vale Lycanis, who led this pack with wisdom, strength, and honour... and to acknowledge the one who now carries his legacy."
He looked out over the crowd. "The rightful heir stands among us. And she is no longer just my niece. She is your next Alpha."
Gasps echoed. A ripple of disbelief spread through the crowd.
"Alpha Emerald Lycanis of the Western Shadow Fang Pack."