Chapter 4 Bitter Taunts

Lya's POV:

The silver chains burned against my skin like liquid fire, each link a reminder of what I was—different, unwanted, dangerous. I'd spent the entire night curled in the corner of our basement, the cold cement seeping into my bones, the darkness my only companion besides Kate's occasional whispers of comfort.

"Stand up," Mom commanded as she unlocked the door, harsh light spilling down the stairs. Her silhouette loomed large against the brightness. "Elaina's engagement celebration is over. You can come out now."

I struggled to my feet, the chains dragging and burning new patterns into my flesh. A sharp hiss escaped my lips as a particularly tight link seared my wrist.

"What, can't even handle a little pain? Pathetic." Her eyes narrowed with disgust. "This is nothing compared to what would happen if others discovered what you are."

She unlocked the chains, revealing angry red welts across my skin. The wounds began healing almost immediately—faster than a normal wolf's would—and her lips tightened with disapproval.

"Come," she ordered, leading me upstairs to the kitchen.

The scent of champagne and cake still lingered, remnants of my sister's perfect night while I'd shivered alone in darkness. Mother yanked open a cabinet, removing a familiar glass bottle filled with murky liquid.

"Drink it. All of it," she demanded, shoving the bottle into my hands.

The bitter herbs burned my throat, and my stomach revolted instantly. I fought the urge to vomit as Kate growled in frustration within me.

"Those herbs are poison to us," Kate hissed in my mind. "They're suppressing your true nature."

But I had no choice. Mother watched with cold satisfaction as I drained the last drop, immediately feeling the fog descend over my senses.

"If you ever breathe a word about last night, or embarrass this family again, I will make you disappear permanently. Do you understand?" Her fingers dug into my arm, leaving fresh bruises.

"Yes, mother," I whispered, the title feeling like ash on my tongue.

"Now clean this kitchen. Elaina will be home soon, and she doesn't need to see this mess."

I scrubbed until my hands were raw, trying to ignore the way the herbs dulled my connection with Kate. By the time I moved to the living room floor, my knees ached against the hard tile.

The sound of the front door opening announced Elaina's arrival. Her scent—perfume, champagne, and Damian's woodsy musk—filled the room before she did.

"Look at you, on your knees like the dog you are," Elaina smirked, towering over me. The diamond on her finger caught the light as she twisted her hand for maximum effect. "Right where you belong."

I kept my head down, focusing on the repetitive motion of the scrub brush against the floor.

"Alpha Richard and Luna Isabella announced last night that I'll begin Luna training," she continued, voice dripping with pride. "It's unprecedented—usually they wait until the mate bond is confirmed, but they're all certain Damian and I are fated mates."

She circled me like a predator, each step calculated to stay just out of reach of the wet floor, yet close enough to make me feel her presence.

"I'm almost twenty now. Soon, Damian and I will mark each other, and I'll become the next Luna of Moon Shadow Valley." She paused, crouching to force me to look at her. "And you, poor pathetic Lya, sixteen without a wolf. The pack's disgrace."

"Congratulations," I murmured, desperate to avoid conflict.

Elaina leaned in, her face inches from mine. "I know you've always been jealous of me, but look at our differences—I have a fated mate, while you don't even have a wolf. That's why everyone loves me and despises you."

She settled onto the couch, watching me work with cruel amusement.

"Damian kissed me under the moonlight last night," she sighed dreamily, twirling a strand of golden hair. "He said I'm the most beautiful girl he's ever seen. His wolf Luke loves me just as much as he does." Her eyes glittered with malice. "You can't possibly imagine what it's like to have a wolf spirit, that connection, that power..."

I scrubbed harder, focusing on a nonexistent stain to channel my frustration.

"When I become Luna, my first act will be ensuring weaklings like you are removed from the pack. The rule of the strong is the foundation of our pack, and you simply don't belong here."

My hands burned from the cleaning chemicals and friction, but the pain was preferable to letting her see how her words affected me.

"Do you know why Dad barely looks at you?" Elaina asked with savage delight. "Because you're worthless, an embarrassment to our family."

I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood, refusing to let her see me break. Kate's presence flickered within me, weakened by the herbs but still there, urging me to hold on.

"She's wrong," Kate whispered faintly. "You're stronger than she could ever imagine."

"You'll never know what it feels like to be loved," Elaina continued, reveling in her cruelty. "No one would want a defective mate who can't shift. You'll always be alone, always an outsider. How pathetic. Hahaha."

The brush in my hand trembled, but I maintained my composure. Each insult she hurled was familiar—I'd heard variations of them throughout my life. But somehow, after connecting with Kate, they cut less deeply. A small, defiant part of me knew the truth now: I wasn't defective. I was different, special even.

"Oh, by the way," Elaina stood, smoothing her designer jeans, "Mom told me we're hosting a small family gathering for Damian tomorrow." She gave me a saccharine smile. "Of course, you can help in the kitchen, but don't show your face to the guests. Damian says seeing you ruins his appetite."

She sauntered away, leaving me on my knees with the scent of her satisfaction hanging in the air. I waited until the sound of her bedroom door closed before allowing myself a single, shuddering breath.