Chapter 57 Chapter 57
Lila's POV
I stared at my reflection in the still water of the lake.
Unrecognizable.
My black hair was gone. Replaced by soft golden blonde that fell in waves past my shoulders. My violet eyes, the ones that always gave me away, were now a warm hazel brown. Even my face looked different. Softer. More innocent.
The transformation spell had worked perfectly.
I ran my fingers through the blonde hair. It felt real. Looked real. Because it was real. Dark magic didn't create illusions. It changed reality itself.
No one would recognize me now. Not Marcus. Not Sophia. Not that insufferable blue-haired witch Violet.
I was someone new.
Someone harmless.
Someone they'd never suspect.
I stood up from the water's edge and smoothed down the simple cream-colored dress I'd stolen from a merchant's cart two days ago. Gone were the elegant gowns of a Luna. Gone was the carefully crafted image of Lila Shadowvale.
Now I was just a traveler. A lost wolf seeking refuge.
Perfect.
I'd spent the last week hiding in the forest. Healing. Planning. Perfecting this new identity.
The transformation ritual had taken three days. Three days of chanting. Of bleeding. Of pouring every ounce of magic I had into reshaping myself.
But it was worth it.
Because now I could walk right into Wolfalpine Pack and no one would know.
I gathered my small bag of belongings. Not much. Just some clothes. Some herbs. The bare minimum to look like a refugee.
I started walking. Following the path that would lead me closer to Wolfalpine territory.
My feet were still sore from days of traveling. The simple shoes I wore weren't made for long distances. But I ignored the pain.
Pain was temporary.
Revenge was forever.
As I walked, I thought about my plan. It was simple really.
Infiltrate Wolfalpine Pack. Get close to Sophia and Ethan. Learn their weaknesses. Their secrets. Their vulnerabilities.
And then destroy them from the inside.
Just like I'd done with Marcus.
Though that hadn't gone exactly as planned.
My hands clenched into fists at the thought of Marcus. That ungrateful bastard. After everything I'd done for him. After all my planning. All my manipulation.
He tried to throw me away.
Like garbage.
He'd pay for that. Eventually. But first, Sophia.
Sophia was the real prize. The one who'd exposed me. Who'd ruined everything.
She thought she was so clever. So righteous. So perfect with her precious fated mate and her happy ending.
I'd destroy that happiness. Piece by piece.
I'd make her watch as everything she loved burned.
Just like she'd done to me.
The forest began to thin. I could see the edge of Wolfalpine territory ahead.
I stopped. Took a deep breath. Composed myself.
When I crossed that border, I couldn't be Lila anymore. I had to become someone else entirely.
Someone sweet. Innocent. Trustworthy.
I thought about my new name. I'd chosen it carefully during the transformation.
Elena.
Simple. Forgettable. Perfect.
Elena Cross. A wolf who'd lost her pack in a rogue attack. Alone. Scared. Looking for sanctuary.
They'd take me in. Wolves always helped their own. Especially Ethan. He had that annoying hero complex. Always wanting to save everyone.
I'd use that against him.
I stepped forward. Crossed the invisible line that marked Wolfalpine territory.
Almost immediately, I sensed them. Guards. Watching from the trees.
I made myself look small. Vulnerable. I wrapped my arms around myself and walked slowly. Like I was exhausted. Frightened.
Two guards stepped out from the shadows. Both male. Both armed.
"Halt," the taller one said. His hand rested on his sword. "State your business."
I let my eyes widen. Let my voice shake. "Please. I don't mean any harm. I'm just looking for help."
The guards exchanged glances.
"Where's your pack?" the shorter one asked.
"Gone," I whispered. My eyes filled with tears. Real tears. A simple spell. "Rogues attacked two weeks ago. I'm the only one who survived."
The taller guard's expression softened. Just like I knew it would.
"What's your name?"
"Elena. Elena Cross."
"And you came here seeking refuge?"
I nodded. "I heard Wolfalpine Pack was kind to wolves in need. I didn't know where else to go."
The guards looked at each other again. Communicating silently.
Finally, the taller one sighed. "Come with us. We'll take you to the Alpha. He'll decide what to do with you."
Perfect.
I followed them through the forest. Keeping my head down. Playing the part of the traumatized survivor.
Inside, I was smiling.
This was almost too easy.
We walked for about twenty minutes before the palace came into view. It was massive. Beautiful. Much grander than Marcus's palace had been.
Of course Ethan would have something like this. Mr. Perfect with his perfect territory and his perfect mate.
Sickening.
The guards led me through the gates. Past more guards. Past servants bustling about their duties.
Everyone we passed looked at me with curiosity. Some with pity.
Good. Let them pity me. Let them think I was helpless.
We stopped in front of a large set of doors. The taller guard knocked.
"Enter," a deep voice called from inside.
The doors opened.
And there he was.
Ethan Stormridge. Alpha of Wolfalpine Pack. Sophia's precious fated mate.
He sat behind a large desk. Papers spread out in front of him. He looked up as we entered.
Those hazel eyes. Sharp. Intelligent. Assessing.
I kept my expression neutral. Scared. Innocent.
"Alpha," the guard said. "We found this woman at the border. Says her pack was destroyed by rogues. She's seeking sanctuary."
Ethan's eyes shifted to me. Studied me.
For a moment, I worried. Could he sense something? Did he recognize me somehow?
But no. His expression remained neutral. Curious but not suspicious.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"Elena Cross, Alpha." I kept my voice soft. Respectful.
"And your pack?"
"Riverside Pack. We lived near the eastern mountains." A pack that had actually been destroyed by rogues six months ago. I'd done my research. "I'm the only survivor."
Ethan leaned back in his chair. "That's a long way to travel alone."
"I had nowhere else to go." I let my voice break. Let a tear slide down my cheek. "I've been running for weeks. Hiding. Trying to stay alive."
His expression softened. Just like the guards'.
Men were so predictable.
"You're safe here," Ethan said gently. "We'll find you a place to stay. Get you some food and clean clothes."
"Thank you, Alpha." I bowed my head. "Thank you so much."
He nodded to the guards. "Take her to the guest quarters. Make sure she has everything she needs."
"Yes, Alpha."
As the guards led me out, I caught one last glimpse of Ethan.
He'd already turned back to his papers. Dismissed me from his thoughts.
Perfect.
He had no idea what he'd just let into his territory.
The guards took me to a small but comfortable room in the guest wing. They left me with promises of food and fresh clothes.
As soon as the door closed, I let the innocent expression drop.
I walked to the window. Looked out over the territory.
Somewhere in this pack was Sophia. Living her happy life. Thinking she'd won.
I smiled.
Not for long, Sophia.
Not for long.
I'd take my time. Be patient. Earn their trust. Become part of their lives.
And then, when they least expected it, when they thought they were safe?
I'd strike.
And this time, there'd be no coming back from it.
For any of them.