The weight of revenge

Author's POV 

The silence in the grand hall was deafening after Alpha Ezra's proclamation. The Pack struggled to process his words. The revelation that Mia —an outsider, or rather an outcast to their ways and norms of life was meant to be their future leader left many shocked and speechless.

Then the murmurs rose.

"She's been gone all her life —living in the human world. How can she lead us?" Elder Mark whispered, his voice laced with anger.

"We have Sylvia! She has been bred for this all her life. She's prepared. Why choose a girl who doesn't even know our traditions? I can't believe this," Elder Scrolls scoffed.

Despite the rising opposition, Alpha Ezra stood firm, his decision unwavering, his expression unreadable. The Pack's elder's, seated in their designated positions, exchanged wary glances Elder Magnus, the oldest and most respected among them, stepped forward, clearing his throat.

"Alpha," Magnus said, his voice soft yet firm with authority, "this decision is.... unexpected. We've always known about the existence of your long lost daughter, but we can't deny the fact that she isn't one of us. She doesn't have the knowledge, the strength, the discipline needed to lead the Lunarstrike pack. So we beseech that you change your mind and allow a more competent person lead."

Another elder, a sharp tongued woman named Elder Seraphina, crossed her arms. "Sylvia has always been here. She has proven herself beyond reasonable doubts. She is strong. She is wiser. She is loved by the people. Wouldn't it be wiser for her to succeed you?"

Ezra's jaw tightened, his mind made up. He was a king and he definitely knew what was right for the Pack. And besides, if it weren't for the several schemes of the wicked ones, Mia wouldn't have grown up outside the pack. And it was his fault— for not protecting his wife and child enough, and now, he was ready to take responsibility irrespective of whatever anyone said.

"Mia is my blood. My firstborn. Her place is in this pack whether she grew up here or not. The moon goddess had chosen her."

Seraphina sighed. "The moon goddess chose her, or you did, Alpha?" Her voice was measured, but the doubt was clear. "And besides, would the Council of Werewolves even accept her? And the other Packs —they will surely look down on us."

Ezra's eyes darkened, his anger spilling over. "Mia is my heir. That is final."

The hall fell into suffocating silence. No one dared challenge their Alpha outrightly, but their dissatisfaction still lingered in the air.

As Ezra turned away from the elders, the murmurs amongst the Pack members grew louder with each passing seconds.

"She doesn't belong here.".

"She looks more like a human than a werewolf."

"Sylvia would have made a better ruler."

“I heard she was living with a rogue before she came here. What if she brings trouble to our pack?”

Mia heard every word, felt every of their piercing gaze like daggers against her skin. But she remained calm, refused to let them know how much it affected her. She kept her back straight, her head high, even though her heart pounded with uncertainty.....but the thoughts of Jasper weighed on her more.

Is he looking for her? 

Does he regret it? 

Will there ever be a time they would see eachother again?

And how would she even—

"Sister." 

A soft, melodic voice pulled her out of her reverie.

Mia turned and found Sylvia standing behind her.

Her half-sister was beautiful —elegant in a way that came from years of being raised in power. She had silver, shiny hair, piercing forest eyes, and an air of effortless confidence. She smiled at Mia, but there was something calculating about it—the s mile wasn't genuine.

Mia didn't say anything, she stood awestruck of Sylvia's beauty. How can one person have this level of beauty and grace?

"I'm Sylvia. Welcome home," she said, leaning forward and then pulled Mia into an embrace. She withdrew from the embrace and continued. “You must be exhausted from your journey,” Sylvia said sweetly. “Come, let me show you to your room.”

Mia hesistated. She wasn't so naive to believe all these show of affection, especially since she knew this was the competent Sylvia every one has been talking about. And she did argree with them. Sylvia was worthy of being a leader. But why is her father hellbent of making her lead instead?

Ezra was watching them closely, she had no choice but to nod and follow her.

As they walked through the corridors of the palace, Sylvia spoke in a please, almost sisterly tone.

"You must be overwhelmed with everything," she said. "It's not easy stepping into a world totally different from the one you know."

"I'll manage," Mia replied quietly.

Sylvia hummed in amusement. "We'll see about that."

Finally, they reached a large wooden door. Sylvia pushed it open, revealing a spacious but oddly looking room.

"This will be your room," Sylvia said smoothly, stepping aside.

Mia walked in, looking around. It was...fine. But devoid of warmth. Like it belonged to no one.

As Mia turned to look back at  Sylvia, she caught the way her eyes darker, the fake warmth totally disappeared.

Sylvia stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I don't know your schemes, but this pack was supposed to be mine," she hissed, her forest eyes flashing with hatred. "I've trained for years. I've earned my place. And then you show up, expecting to take everything away from me?"

Mia's fingers curled into fists, but she refused to react. "I never wanted any of this," she said coldly.

Sylvia scoffed. "Oh, but here you are, enjoying everything, huh?" She tilted her head, smirking. "Let me give you a little warning, dear sister. You will never be accepted here. The pack hates you. The elders question your capability. And me? I will make sure to make your life a living hell, and make you regret bringing you pathetic self into my world."

With that, Sylvia turned and walked away, her heels hitting the floor sharply.

Mia stood there, her stomach twisting in painful knot.

She had come here with the hope to start all over again. But how would she do that when it was crystal clear that no one wanted her here.

Had she made a mistake coming here?