2. Bitter whispers.

I descended the long, grand flight of stairs in the same simple black dress I wore to my family's previous funeral. Facing the prospect of reliving that dark hour filled me with more than disbelief; it was a sense of vulnerability, unsure if I could endure it without breaking down again or losing my mind entirely.

In my previous life, I managed to steel myself against the overwhelming grief with the help of Ronald, but now, armed with the knowledge that their deaths were no accident, that someone had taken it all from me, I couldn't breathe.

Being sent back to this moment was a cruel twist, yet having my wolf back gave me solace and a chance to right past wrongs. It fueled my determination to ensure justice for all who had a hand in their deaths and in my death. Though I suspected it was the same person responsible for it all.

At the Crescent Pack hall, three sturdy coffins awaited me. Tradition dictated that I bid farewell by peering into them, an ordeal the pack silently awaited. The solemnity of the church made the journey to the coffins agonizingly slow, but my wolf kept me steady until I stood before them. With a nod to the undertakers, I signaled to open the coffins.

They moved in unison, revealing a sight that stole my breath anew. Despite having faced this before, nothing prepared me for the visceral impact. I nearly fainted, but a gesture of my hand halted the Elder who was rushing to my aid. I needed to do this alone.

I moved forward, whispering, "You were burnt to death. The same fate will I give to your murderers. An even worse fate awaits them. I swear on the goddess. I'll join you soon, papa, mama." Stepping back, I gave a slight nod to the undertakers to proceed.

The procession to the private cemetery was accompanied by solemnity and grandeur fitting for royals. Unlike my previous life, where I would have retreated, this time I stayed, resolved to see it through.

Natasha kept her distance, though I watched her from the corner of my eye, seething with rage at the memories of what she would do to me in the future.

As the coffins were lowered and dirt filled their graves, my resolve hardened, and my soul died. I'll take back everything that was meant to be mine. I'll serve my revenge cold.

My wolf screamed in anger as Natasha approached in her black dress, making my eyes turn red. Only now did I notice that the cemetery had emptied, save for us.

I exhaled, and my eyes turned back blue.

"Are you okay, couz? I'm worried. You haven't said a word all day," Natasha said to me, her voice dripping with faux sympathy, but her grey eyes betrayed her. Despite my rising bile, I decided to play her game.

"I'm fine, Tash. There's nothing to worry about. I just need to rest."

I gave her a dismissive nod and walked away. It was midnight, yet I couldn't sleep when I returned to my chambers.

“I need a run,” I exhaled.

I debated whether to release my wolf but decided against it. Lena's pearly white fur would attract too much attention, especially with threats on my life. So instead, I wore a hoodie and ran through the woods, navigating every twist, pothole, and tree stump by heart, until I reached the clearing where I found Loki in his wolf form—a grey, huge wolf with black eyes.

I could see the murderous glint in his eyes as he prowled and growled in the darkness. I tried to approach him, but I did so carefully sensing his wolf's anger.

"It's me, Loki. It's just me." I raised my hands cautiously, but his growl intensified. "I came to offer my condolences, Lo. I mean no harm."

His wolf began to whine, then abruptly turned away. I turned my back to give him privacy as he changed back to his human form.

The crescent moon peeked through a cloud, illuminating the clearing. I heard shuffling behind me but dared not turn.

"Take your condolences elsewhere, ma'am. A 'mere driver's son' isn't worthy of your kindness." I spun around to see him still shirtless and quickly turned away, my heart racing hard.

"Loki, I don't see you as just the son of one of the staff—"

"Bullshit. I call bullshit. You're here seeking comfort. I owe you none. Seek it from your mate!" With that, Loki transformed back into his majestic greyhound form and bolted from the clearing, leaving me alone.

All over again.

Dejected, I walked back to the castle. I couldn't blame him for his reaction; I hadn't expected a warm welcome, especially after what I'd done to him. I'd hoped for a chance to apologize for hurting him, to offer comfort for his loss—his father had been driving the vehicle my family was in, and he'd lost his only surviving family member too when the car was burnt down.

I had offered him no condolences before.

As I approached the castle, spotting the familiar Maybach in the driveway and a male figure leaning on it with his back to me, my heart raced.

I almost stopped, but adrenaline pushed me forward. I came face-to-face with the man who had ruined my life and caused my death in my past life—Ronald.

And in his embrace, his accomplice, lover, and my cousin—Natasha.

"I see someone's feeling jealous. You know I only have eyes for you, darling. Natasha was upset, and I was consoling her," Ronald explained as soon as he saw me.

"I didn't ask for your explanation," I told him, making to walk away, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me.

"Why don't we go out to dinner? We can talk things through, and I can comfort you properly," Ronald suggested.

I wasn't eager for his hollow comfort, but I felt trapped. If I don't go with him, then he will know that I'm no longer the naive Erica I used to be. However, it was this dinner that had brought us closer in my past life, and I wasn't about to make the same mistakes twice.

What do I do?