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171
Lucy
Remembering Dalma’s warnings about those who had tried to kill me, I disguised myself, binding my breasts and cutting my hair, adopting the persona of a male healer.
The disguise became a second skin as I traveled from village to village, offering my healing skills to any who needed them.
While exploring, I met a strong Alpha who saw my skills and wanted me to be the healer for his pack.
I hesitated, valuing my freedom and fearing being tied down. I also worried about my enemies tracking me if I stayed in one place for too long.
After much negotiation, we reached a compromise—I would serve as his pack’s healer, but maintain my independence, coming and going as I pleased. This arrangement satisfied us both, and for a time, all was well.
Years passed, and then, like a bolt from the blue, my memories returned.
The shock of it brought me to my knees, the truth of who I was crashing over me in merciless waves.
Every moment of my former life played before my eyes in vivid detail—my love, my betrayal, my child.
With memories came purpose. I returned to the Alpha’s pack with vengeance burning in my heart, only to discover he had already been killed.
I knew the poison that had done the deed; I recognized the handiwork of his son. And when that son came to me, begging for my help, I saw my opportunity.

Present day.
“He isn’t fit to be the Alpha,” I declared, savoring the words as they left my lips.
A cold smirk twisted my features as I watched him grovel before me, his eyes wide with desperation.
His pleading stirred nothing in me—my heart had turned to stone the moment my memories returned.
Why should I show mercy to the son of the man who had tried to destroy me?
My memories had returned with crystal clarity. On what should have been my deathbed, my mate Alaric, the man I had given everything to, who had repaid my devotion with betrayal, had whispered to me to seek Alpha Patrick if I ever returned as a spirit seeking vengeance.
How ironic that I had survived instead. I had come for Alpha Patrick’s blood, only to discover someone had beaten me to it.
The disappointment was bitter on my tongue. I had wanted to watch the life drain from his eyes myself, to tell him who was sending him to his grave.
But I quickly redirected my wrath. If I couldn’t end Patrick, I would end his legacy.
“Why?” the elder asked. I could feel their excitement rolling off them.
“Because he killed his father.”
The events that unfolded were swift and brutal. Diana’s son was promoted to Alpha status, while Patrick’s son was executed.
I observed the proceedings with a sense of detachment as my own brand of justice was carried out.
“Lucy, is that you?” Diana asked.
I turned to face her slowly, feeling emotions breaking through my tough exterior.
Diana, my beautiful and loyal friend. Though she looked older with worry lines on her face, her eyes still held the same fierce loyalty.
“Yes, I’m back.” The words came out choked as we fell into each other’s arms, tears streaming freely down our faces.
Finally. I am back.
Diana led me to her residence, her hand clutching mine as if afraid I might disappear again. Once inside, she couldn’t stop staring at me, her eyes drinking in every detail of my face.
“So, tell me how you survived?”
I sat down on a comfortable chair, took a moment to collect my thoughts, and then began to share the story of my incredible rescue and the events that unfolded in the years that followed.
Diana was completely engrossed, her face reflecting a range of emotions from shock to wonder to deep appreciation.
“Hail the Moon Goddess,” she whispered reverently when I finished, embracing me again with fierce protectiveness. “She returned you to us.”
“I couldn’t believe I survived,” I confessed. “I hated him.” My hands clenched into fists so tight my nails bit into my palms, drawing blood.
“Despite loving him and giving him my all. Instead of loving me back, he paid me with death.” Raw fury surged through me, setting my blood afire. “I will kill him with my own hands.”
“We will revenge,” Diana vowed. “Now that my son is the Alpha, we will launch an attack on his pack.”
“No,” I countered, a sneer curling my lip. “I have already released news of Alpha Patrick’s death. I am sure he will be here.” My voice dropped ominously. “Soon.”
Diana’s expression changed, a dark and pained look crossing her face. “Your daughter,” she started slowly, as if reluctant to continue. “She endured a terrible ordeal at the hands of him and his foolish Luna.”
“What?” I screamed.
I had believed, or rather needed to believe, that Alaric only wanted to get rid of me because of my Alpha rank. But my daughter?
My innocent child? The idea that he would mistreat his own flesh and blood had never crossed my mind.
Diana’s words poured out in a torrent, each revelation about my daughter’s suffering, feeling like a dagger twisting in my heart.
I listened in horror as she described years of abuse, neglect, and cruelty inflicted upon my baby by the man who should have protected her with his life.
Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, my heart aching with unbearable pain.
A gut-wrenching cry escaped my lips as I held onto my chest, feeling like my heart was being ripped apart.
“Oh, my sweet baby,” I managed to say through my sobs. “Why did this happen? Why?”
I fell to my knees, overwhelmed by a surge of maternal grief and guilt that threatened to engulf me. Through tears, I cried out to Diana, “I feel like such a terrible mother. Why did I remember so late? How could I let my baby suffer?”
Diana was beside me in an instant, pulling my shaking form against her chest, her own tears falling into my hair. “I’m sorry,” she murmured brokenly. “It isn’t your fault, Lucy. You’re a good mother.”
Her comfort couldn’t penetrate the depths of my self-loathing.
I had failed in my most basic duty - protecting my child. No amount of understanding or forgiveness could erase that stain.
“I will make him suffer,” I vowed. “I will peel his skin before burying him alive. But right now, I need to see my daughter.”
I was consumed by the desire to hold her, beg for her forgiveness, and make amends.
Any vengeance against Alaric could wait. My daughter had waited long enough for her mother’s return.