Chapter 4

• Aysel's POV
• I didn't even know what kind of storm I'd stirred until dawn bled over the Moonvale estate.
• The moment I stepped through the gates, still reeking of dried blood and smoke, my father-Alpha Remus-met me with a snarl and a hand faster than thought.
• The slap cracked across my face, sharp as a whip. My head snapped to the side, and for a second, the world went white.
• "I should have known," he growled, his voice shaking the walls. "No daughter of mine would dare bring shame to this Pack!"
• The metallic tang of my own blood filled my mouth. My wolf bristled, teeth bared under my skin. I didn't move. I didn't even blink.
• Around us, the room froze.
• Luna Evelyn gasped softly. My brothers-Fenrir and Lykos-stood tense, eyes bright with anger. And on the sofa, Celestine Ward-our precious family guest, our beloved ward-watched everything with the smallest, most poisonous smile.
• So that was it.
• Last night's ambush by those filthy rogues, the one I barely survived-it wasn't random. I'd suspected as much. And judging by the calm in Celestine's eyes, I'd been right.
• The little snake had planned it.
• She'd tried to have me ruined-or dead. And now, she'd turned my own family against me before the bruises on my skin had even faded.
• I didn't say a word.
• I just moved.
• Three strides, and I was in front of her. Her perfume-sweet amber and deceit-burned my nose.
• Then my palm connected with her face.
• The sound cracked through the hall like thunder.
• For a heartbeat, no one breathed.
• Luna Evelyn screamed, "Aysel! What are you doing?!"
• Before anyone could stop me, I struck again-the other cheek this time. "That's for last night," I hissed. "For the rogues you sent after me."
• Celestine staggered, one hand pressed to her now symmetrical face, shock twisting into fury. She'd always been the serene one, the fragile one-the saintly sister everyone adored. Now she looked ready to shred me apart.
• Fenrir lunged forward, grabbing my wrist and throwing me back. My spine hit the cabinet with a dull thud, right against the bruises from the night before. Pain flared, sharp and deep. My wolf snarled, but I bit it back.
• No one noticed.
• Of course they didn't.
• Everyone's eyes were on Celestine-checking her skin, soothing her, murmuring comfort.
• No one cared about the Alpha's daughter covered in dirt and blood.
• "Why would you hit your sister?" Alpha Remus's voice roared again, shaking the chandelier.
• I lifted my chin, tasting iron. "Then why did you hit me?"
• He froze for a fraction of a second.
• I smiled without warmth. "You taught me that, didn't you? Strike first. Then talk about justice later."
• His face reddened with fury. "You dare compare yourself to me? You bought rogues to attack your own blood! Do you even realize what you've done?!"
• "Bought rogues?" I echoed, my voice colder than moonlight. "Then where's the proof?"
• "The rogue confessed!" he barked. "He said you paid him to crash Celestine's car. If it weren't for her mercy, you'd already be locked in the Enforcer's cell!"
• I laughed under my breath. "So all you have is a liar's word."
• Celestine's lips trembled. "Aysel, I don't know why you hate me so much. If you want me gone, I'll leave Moonvale. I'll leave the Eastern Territories forever. Just... stop hurting everyone because of me."
• Her voice shook, fragile and pure. Her wolf lowered its head, radiating submission and heartbreak.
• Perfect. She knew exactly how to play them.
• Alpha Remus's growl deepened. "Enough! Celestine stays. She has every right to this house. If you can't accept that, you can leave."
• The words hit harder than any slap.
• And the worst part?
• He was right.
• Celestine's mother had died protecting me. It was the sin no one let me forget-the reason I'd spent my life paying penance to a girl who'd learned to weaponize forgiveness.
• I couldn't argue it. I didn't even try.
• Lykos shoved a first-aid box into Fenrir's hands, muttering, "If anyone's leaving, it should be her. Having a sister like this is a disgrace."
• Fenrir scowled. "Aysel, apologize to your sister."
• I met his gaze, my voice steady. "It wasn't me. I won't take the blame."
• Father raised his hand again-but I was faster this time. I dodged easily, wolf instincts flaring.
• I turned toward Luna Evelyn and Damon Blackwood-the man who was supposed to stand beside me. The man who used to. "You believe them too?"
• Neither spoke. Their silence was louder than any verdict.
• Fine.
• I pulled out my comm crystal and dialed the Enforcer line. "If I'm accused of a crime," I said clearly, my voice ringing through the room, "then let the law decide. Not my pack."
• Gasps.
• "You dare-!" Father's voice shook.
• But I'd already pressed send.
• Celestine's mask cracked for a flicker of a second. I saw panic there, raw and ugly, before she hid it again.
• "Aysel," Luna Evelyn said sharply, "Pack business is not for outsiders. Celestine was ready to forgive you, and you throw it away. You disappoint us again."
• "Then disappointment is mutual," I said quietly.
• Fenrir's jaw clenched. "If you're found guilty, don't expect the Moonvale Pack to protect you."
• Of course not.
• They all looked at me like I was feral-an embarrassment, a stain on the Moonvale name. I could almost hear their thoughts: Let the Enforcers break her spirit. Maybe then she'll learn obedience.
• Damon stepped forward, his scent-smoke and cedar-washing over me. His voice was low, pleading. "Aysel, if this is about me and Celestine-there's nothing between us. Please, don't ruin your future over pride. Just apologize. Once. That's all it takes."
• My laugh came out hollow. "Apologize? For what? For fighting back? For not dying when she sent rogues after me?"
• Lykos glared. "Watch your mouth."
• "I am," I said softly, meeting Damon's eyes. "I'm just done watching my back."
• The air thickened. Wolves stirred. The pack bond buzzed with tension.
• Finally, I straightened, blood still crusted along my jaw. "Those slaps were fair," I said. "One for Father's hand, and one for the snake who thinks the Moonvale Pack belongs to her."
• Silence.
• Luna Evelyn's voice broke it, cold and final. "You've lost your mind, Aysel. Truly lost it."
• "Maybe," I said, smiling faintly. "But at least I didn't lose my teeth."
• The Enforcers arrived minutes later.
• And just like that, for the second night in a row, I walked into their custody-head high, unrepentant-while my family watched from the doorway, pretending it was justice.