Crowned by Fate (Skye) novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Skye’s POV

The sun cast long shadows across–the orphanage courtyard as I supervised the pups‘ outdoor playtime.

Nearly two weeks had passed since I’d officially joined Oasisborn Pack, and already the rhythm of pack life felt familiar–morning combat training with Nadia, days at the orphanage with Venus, and occasional evenings studying herbs with Lydia.

I smiled, watching the twins chase each other in circles, their laughter echoing against the adobe walls. These abandoned wolf cubs had quickly claimed a piece of my heart.

Mira, the silent girl who had lost her parents to hunters, now sat beside me on the bench, methodically braiding tiny desert flowers into a crown. She hadn’t spoken yet, but she’d begun seeking out my company–a victory Venus assured me was significant.

When the courier arrived, I barely registered his presence until he stood directly before me, an envelope extended in his hand.

“Miss Skye? This arrived for you today.”

I accepted it with a distracted ‘thank you,” expecting it to be pack business–perhaps new protocols from Venus or training schedules from Nadia. But the handwriting that formed my name sent a jolt through my system.

I would recognize it anywhere, having spent childhood summers competing with its owner to produce the neatest lettering.

Ethan.

My fingers trembled slightly as I tore open the envelope, Mira momentarily forgotten beside me. The familiar scent of Alaskan pine clung faintly to the paper, a ghost of home that made my throat tighten unexpectedly.

Dear Skye,

Your letter arrived on my birthday–perfect timing as always, little sister. I can’t tell you how happy I was to hear from you after all this time, to know that your wolf has finally emerged. I always knew she would. She just needed the right moment.

Your news about joining Oasisborn Pack caught everyone by surprise. Mother cried when I showed her your letter (happy tears, she insisted). Father tried to hide it, but I saw how his eyes glistened. They miss you terribly, as do I.

I should tell you that I’ve found my mate–Lily, from the Northern Ridge branch of our extended pack. We completed the marking ceremony last month. She’s gentle but fierce when needed, reminds me a bit of you, actually. I think you’d like her.

But there’s something else you should know. Leon was with me when your letter arrived. He opened it first, believing it to be pack busines When he saw your name, Skye… I’ve never seen our Alpha so affected. He was angry–furious, really–that you’ve pledged yourself to another pack. N

ise he rejected you as his mate, but because he never intended for you to leave Frostshadow permanently. He expected you would return eventually.

I have to ask–is there a reason you chose Oasisborn specifically? Have you found a Second Chance mate there? If not, I beg you to reconsider your decision. Qasisborn is a fledgling desert pack with little standing or resources. Compared to Frostshadow, they’re practically valueless in the werewolf hierarchy.

Mother and Father are well and happy, though they would be happier if you came home. Leon would welcome you back–he would forgive your absence. Think about it, Skye. Think about where you truly belong.

Your brother always, Ethan

I read the letter twice, conflicting emotions surging through me with each word. Joy at hearing from my family warred with indignation at Leon’s presumption.

He was angry that I’d joined another pack?

After publicly humiliating me, rejecting me as his mate, and effectively forcing me to flee?

What right did he have to feel betrayed when he was the one who had shattered our bond?

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Chapter 37

And Ethan–my own brother–still defending him, still prioritizing Leon’s feelings over mine. Still trying to guide me back into the fold like a wayward sheep. His dismissal of Oasisborn as “practically valueless‘ made my blood boil,

He had no idea what Adrian and the others had built here, the community they had created from nothing, the home they had offered to those other packs had discarded.

Mira tugged at my sleeve, her solemn eyes questioning. I hadn’t realized how tightly I was gripping the letter, nearly tearing it in my anger. I forced a smile, gently accepting the flower crown she had finished and carefully placing it atop my silver hair.

“It’s beautiful,” I assured her, tucking the letter away. “Thank you.”

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