Deanna’s POV: “I broke up with Jake,” I said without blinking. Kathryn’s voice jumped in pitch. “What? Broke up? Did I just hear you right, or have you completely lost your mind? Deanna, what kind of childish fit are you throwing now? “You know how much Mistbane Pack’s growth has relied on the Olsendreich Pack these last few years. As part of this family, you should be thinking about the pack’s future too. “And let’s be honest, with Jake’s status, you marrying him was already a reach. What else could you possibly be unhappy about? “He just threw a mating ceremony for Peggie, and she’s a half-blood,” I fired back. “Do you think I have no dignity left? That I should beg him to take me back after that?” The anger rose before I could stop it. Ever since I returned to Mistbane, Kathryn had never treated me like I mattered. In her eyes, I was always the outsider, the one who had been raised wrong. She only started pretending to care once she found out I was dating Jake. But that didn’t mean I owed her my silence. And I sure as hell didn’t owe Jake anything either. … Kathryn’s POV: So, she brought up the mating ceremony. Of course. That little display? It was exactly why she lost control of him in the first place. If Deanna had half the cleverness I did, she would’ve kept Jake wrapped around her finger. But she let her emotions get the better of her, and now a low-class half-blood had waltzed right in and taken what should’ve been hers. She was my daughter by blood, but she didn’t have even a sliver of my wit. That was the price of being raised by that human woman. Dorothy had completely ruined her. “I heard about the ceremony, but it meant nothing. Just a childish game between young wolves,” I said, trying to sound reasonable. “As women, we have to know when to wait. Once you officially become Luna of the Olsendreich Pack, you can put that mutt Peggie in her place. But for now, you haven’t even secured your spot. If you make a scene now, Jake might walk away for real.” “I don’t care what Jake wants anymore,” Deanna said, her voice flat and final. “I’m done. I’m never going back to him.” “Deanna, don’t—Deanna!” I shouted into the phone, but she had already hung up. She didn’t even hesitate. My chest tightened. The pressure sat there, heavy and burning. After a moment, I picked up the phone again and called Jake. “Jake, it’s Kathryn. “Yes, I know. Deanna’s being childish. Please don’t take it personally. She’s just jealous. You know how girls are—she wants you to comfort her, that’s all. If she said something out of line, then let me apologize on her behalf.” “There’s a banquet tomorrow for Mistbane Pack. If you’re free, your uncle and I would love to talk about finalizing your bond with her.” … Deanna’s POV: A century ago, on this day, Mistbane Pack left the frozen wastelands and found its new home in the center of the continent. The founding anniversary was our way of honoring that moment. That night, Mistbane was alive with celebration. Bonfire smoke curled into the air, thick with the scent of pine, smoke, and werewolf pheromones. Inside the main lodge, the glow from chandeliers shimmered on polished marble floors. A pianist played rich, flowing melodies from the grand piano. Waiters in black tailcoats moved between the crowd, carrying crystal flutes and silver platters. I wore a simple, black, high-neck dress with one bare shoulder. It hugged my figure without being too revealing. The fabric covered the fading kiss marks Luis had left behind. Kathryn had sent over a revealing gown—deep-V neckline, backless, dramatic. There was no chance I was putting that on. As I stepped into the banquet hall, my eyes landed on Jillian right away. Her hair was pinned up in a glossy chignon. Her makeup was flawless. She wore a royal blue velvet gown that dipped low in the front and showed nearly her whole back. The hem of her gown swept across the floor behind her, twinkling with tiny crystals. She looked like she had stepped out of a fairytale. She clung to Kathryn’s arm with one hand and carried a crocodile Hermès in the other, parading her place in the family for all to see. From a corner of the room, I caught murmurs rising in quiet waves. “Look at Jillian strutting around like she owns the place. It’s like she wants everyone to know she’s still the favorite.” “Everyone knows about the switch. It was Mistbane Pack’s biggest scandal. Can you believe they still treat the fake one like royalty and ignore the real daughter?” “I saw Kathryn at the mall with her last week. Bought her armfuls of designer bags. Two werewolf guards had to carry all the shopping.” “Deanna’s just pathetic. Got recognized by the pack, yet she still lets that fake sister walk all over her.” “Of course they’re biased. They raised Jillian for twenty years. She’ll always be the one they love.” “If Deanna wants to turn the tables, the only shot she has is marrying Jake.” “Speaking of Jake… did you hear about the ceremony he threw for his ex? Whole d*mn thing was like a fake wedding.” “Poor girl. Even her parents love the wrong daughter. Her fiancé only loves his first love.” I ignored the whispers and walked straight toward Kathryn. She looked past me first, searching for someone else. When she didn’t spot Jake, her face dropped. “You came alone? Where’s Jake?” I caught a glimpse of Jillian tightening her grip on Kathryn’s arm, like she was guarding a throne. I didn’t bother with excuses. “He didn’t come with me.” The truth was, I hadn’t returned a single call from him since the kidnapping. He had tried once. Tried to call me. It did not matter to me in the end. The moment he gave that order—to have me marked—I let go. Jillian piped up suddenly, her tone sharp and sweet. “Deanna, your dress is so plain. Don’t you know who’s attending tonight? This is elite company. You’re still our parents’ daughter. At least try to dress like it.” Kathryn gave me a second glance, and her mouth twisted with disapproval. “I told Delilah to send you a proper gown,” she said. “Why would you show up looking like this?”