a

mber anything from t

covered. Until i Figure out what is reall

ur. Everyone kept staring like some sort of miracle happened. So

inally came and all I could feel was intense anxiety. I

sn't entirely mine. The dress was exquisite, a silken gown of shimmering gold, with intricate embroide

en trying to learn the basics-who Ria's family was, how she walked, talked, what she liked, what she wore. It was exhaustin

eyes bright with excitement. "Ria, you look bre

ing me since I woke up in Ria's body. I hadn't told anyone how terrified I was of what mi

ill felt strange on my tongue. Thesa bea

s, my love. Tonight you'll meet your mate, and the whole pack will rejoice." He

the lump in my throat

ntered, his eyes assessing me with a slight nod

of the Cresthold estate. The entire palace was decorated for the occasion-candles lit

the ceremony, all eyes on me, their princess. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as

ed beside me as we approached. "This i

moment, not mine. I was just a

we are gathered to witness the sacred mating rite of our beloved princess, Ria of Cresthold. By the ligh

ront of the altar. The prophetess moved her hands in intricate patterns, her voice chanting in a language I

e placing them on my forehead. "By the will of the goddess, your fat

I didn't even know if I believed in this ritual or the bond it promised. B

e rising as she called out the name that woul

pun. Cypress? No. It

he same Cypress who led the attack on my village. The same Cypress who had watched as his war

e Moon Goddess punishing me? I had been given a second chance a

were rejoicing-thrilled at the prospect of an alliance between Cresthold

"This is a glorious day, my daughter. The Darwood pac

, every nerve in my body screaming at me to run. How co

ut as she looked at me more closely, her expressio

't tear my gaze away from the prophetess, who stoo

concerned growing in her eyes

the noise of the crowd dulling into a distant hum. My vi

ia! Ans

ath me swayed, and the last thing I saw before everything went dar