The Alpha’s Secret Mate Is the Lost Princess

I am Alpha Bruce’s fated mate. But for eight years, I’ve been his dirty little secret, hiding in plain sight as his Beta. When I saw him preparing the grounds for the Luna ceremony, I thought he was finally going to announce me. But on our eighth anniversary, I saw a video posted by Seraphina, the daughter of the Silvermoon Pack’s Alpha. In it, she was coyly showing off the mating mark on her neck. The caption read: [Eight years apart, eight years you waited. I'm finally going to be yours!] And the hand holding her—I knew it instantly. It was Bruce’s. Only the spot on his wrist where my name had been tattooed now read ‘Seraphina.’ I ran out, desperate to confront them, but I was attacked by rogues on the way. I called for Bruce through our mind-link, over and over. The last time, I heard his voice, low and thick with desire: “Isadora? She was just a placeholder for you. A worthless, parentless she-wolf. She wouldn’t dare make a scene even if she knew.” Lost in despair, the fragile life I carried inside me flickered and died. But they didn’t know that a month ago, my birth parents—the Alpha and Luna of the Silvermoon Pack—had found me. I am the true Alpha’s daughter of the Silvermoon Pack. Seraphina is just an impostor. After the sterile cold of the surgery, the first thing I did was call my mother. “Mom, I’ve made up my mind. I’m coming home to take my place. I agree to the alliance you mentioned, but I want Seraphina exiled from the Silvermoon Pack!” Chapter 1 I lay alone in the hospital bed, a ripping pain in my gut. The doctor’s words echoed in my head: “I’m sorry, we lost the pup. But you're stable now. You’re young, Miss Isadora. You’ll have other chances.” I had no tears left to cry. My tiny, two-month-old pup was gone, without me ever getting the chance to meet them. A nurse asked me, “Should I call any family?” Family? Did she mean Bruce? The man who was tangled up with another woman while I was fighting for my life? Just then, my phone rang. It was the Luna of the Silvermoon Pack—my birth mother. She was even more thrilled and decisive than I’d expected. “Of course, sweetie. If it wasn't for Seraphina's mother—that venomous Omega who switched her own pup with you at birth—we never would have lost all these years! I’ll make them pay.” “In one week, I’ll hold a grand ceremony for your return. The entire North American werewolf community will know you are the true Silvermoon heiress.” “As for the alliance, Julian, the Alpha heir of the Shadow Ridge Pack, is young, capable, and powerful. If you’re willing, I’ll arrange a meeting at once.” I answered in a low voice, “Okay, Mom. Whatever you say.” “But about the return ceremony… let’s not tell Seraphina just yet.” Just then, another message popped up. It was Seraphina. I could feel her smug smirk through the screen. “How does it feel to have your dreams crushed, Isadora? Let me tell you something else. A month ago, while you were sick, he was in my bed. He said you're lifeless in bed, that only I can unleash the animal in him.” “Oh, and today’s attack was just a warning. If you don’t learn your place and stay away from Bruce, next time it’ll be more than a few scratches.” My fingertips trembled. A chill that cut to the bone spread through me. So the rogue attack today wasn’t an accident. She did this. She killed my child. I clicked on the image she’d sent. It was a photo of her and Bruce tangled in bedsheets, time-stamped from the night a month ago when I had a raging fever. I’d been alone in our apartment, so sick I passed out. When I woke up, Bruce told me he’d been handling urgent pack business. So this was his “urgent business.” My heart felt like it was bleeding, but my face was a mask of calm. I even had the presence of mind to screenshot the evidence. I opened Seraphina’s video again. After she and Bruce shared a deep kiss, his pack members clapped and cheered for their “touching” love story. “Alpha waited eight years for Miss Seraphina! They’re finally together!” “An Alpha and a powerful Alpha’s daughter—a perfect match!” At their words, Seraphina nestled shyly into Bruce’s arms. Tears fell from my eyes again. For eight whole years, all his pack members knew about Seraphina, while I, his fated mate, was a ghost. How could I have been so foolish to think he ever loved me? My gaze fell back to the glaring tattoo on Bruce’s wrist. The small, delicate script of “Isadora” was gone, replaced by a bold, fresh “Seraphina.” I remembered what he’d said eight years ago when he got it. “Isadora, even if I can’t make us public, my body will always remember that you are my fated mate. This mark is the proof.” “Trust me, the day my pack is strong enough, I will proudly announce you to everyone!” Fated mate. What a joke. Turns out his “permanent mark” could be rewritten at any time, and his “fated mate” could be replaced just as easily. As I was drowning in my pain, the hospital room door creaked open. Bruce walked in holding a bouquet of moonflowers and a small cake. He wore the same gentle smile I used to love, acting as if nothing had happened. “Happy eighth anniversary, Isadora.” He sat by the bed, his voice soft. “I have a surprise for you. Sorry I’m late, I had to deal with some pack business.” I just stared at him, as if he were a stranger. He still didn’t know I had just lost our child. He saw my pale face and his expression filled with concern. “Is it from the accident? Are you still hurting? Tell me.” I said nothing. My phone screen was still open to Seraphina’s post. Bruce glanced down, and his face shifted. He took the phone from my hand. “Don’t look at that.” Chapter 2 A complicated look flickered in Bruce’s deep eyes. He stroked the back of my hand, soothing me like he always did. “Isadora, I can explain.” “Explain what?” He was silent for a few seconds, then said slowly, “Marking Seraphina was just to secure an alliance with the Silvermoon Pack. You know our pack needs stronger allies.” I watched him, waiting for him to spin the rest of his lies. “Seraphina is just an ex from eight years ago. We haven’t spoken since. There are no feelings involved.” His hand tightened on mine, his gaze as earnest as a master actor’s. “I’m only getting close to her to meet the Silvermoon Alpha at her birthday party in a week.” Her birthday party in a week. My return ceremony. “That’s right,” Bruce’s voice was a low, mesmerizing hum. “Once I have the Silvermoon Alpha’s support, I’ll break it off with her and have her mark removed. Isadora, you are my fated mate. Nothing will ever change that.” He kissed my forehead. “Just bear with me for seven more days. Just seven. When the pack is stronger, I’ll give you the grandest Luna ceremony of all, so everyone will know your place.” I listened quietly, feeling utterly exhausted. Eight years. I was sick of the endless mind games, tired of hearing “just a little longer,” “soon,” and “almost there.” But I still nodded. “Okay. I’ll wait for you.” Until the truth came out, I would play along. A relieved smile spread across Bruce’s face. He reached over to light the candle on the cake. “Come on, let’s make a wish for our ninth year together.” Our ninth year. I laughed bitterly to myself. There won’t be a ninth year, Bruce. Just as he held up the cake, his phone rang. The screen flashed with the name “Baby.” The pet name was a punch to the gut. So intimate. Not like the formal way he always addressed me. Bruce glanced at the caller ID, and his expression changed instantly. He answered the phone. “What’s wrong?” “Bruce~” Seraphina’s cloying, sweet voice oozed through the speaker. “My tummy hurts… can you come be with me? I’m scared…” I saw a wave of panic cross Bruce’s face. “Where are you? I’m on my way.” He shot to his feet, completely forgetting the anniversary he was just celebrating with me. He gave me a quick, dismissive kiss. “Isadora, I’m sorry, she needs me. You rest up. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I just said flatly, “Go.” Bruce looked at me, as if he wanted to say something else, but another pained moan from Seraphina stole his attention. “I’ll be right there, don’t be scared,” he cooed into the phone, then rushed out of the room. The door clicked shut, leaving me alone again. I stared at the flickering candle and blew it out by myself. I made a wish. I wish to be free of Bruce and start a new life. Then I threw the moonflowers and the cake into the trash. The next morning, I insisted on being discharged. I had more important things to do. I went straight to the Bloodmoon Pack headquarters, the place I’d helped Bruce build for eight years. I found Sarah, who handled pack personnel. Her face lit up when she saw me. “Isadora! Congratulations on your promotion to Head Beta! Alpha said he’s making the official announcement next week.” Head Beta. The position I once dreamed of now sounded like a sick joke. I pulled the documents I’d prepared from my bag. “Sarah, I’m resigning from my position as Beta.” Sarah stared at me, her mouth agape. “What? Isadora, are you kidding? You’re about to be Head Beta. Why would you quit?” “I found my family. I’m returning to my own pack,” I said calmly. “Family?” Sarah was even more confused. “But… aren’t you an orphan?” Right. In everyone’s eyes, I was just Isadora, the orphan nobody, a charity case who only survived because of Bruce’s kindness. “It’s complicated. The point is, I’m leaving.” I handed her the papers. “This is my resignation and all the handover documents.” Sarah was about to say more when a familiar, cold voice cut in from behind me. “What family?” I turned. Bruce was standing there, his expression grim, his eyes locked on the papers in my hand. “What family?” Chapter 3 Before I could answer, the office door opened again. Seraphina glided in, walking straight to Bruce’s side and leaning affectionately against his arm. She was wearing a light purple dress, a silk scarf artfully draped to half-conceal the mating mark on her neck. She looked fragile and lovely. “Sorry to interrupt, Bruce,” she said with a sweet smile. “I brought breakfast for everyone.” Bruce’s expression softened instantly. He wrapped an arm around her waist. “Are you feeling better?” “Much better. With you by my side, I’m not afraid of anything,” Seraphina murmured, pressing against him. I watched them, a familiar sting piercing my heart. Just then, the other core pack members started trickling in. Bruce looked around the room and cleared his throat. “Since everyone is here, I have an official announcement.” His arm tightened, pulling Seraphina closer. “Seraphina will soon be my Luna.” The room erupted in applause and congratulations. “Congratulations, Alpha!” “An Alpha and a true Alpha heiress! A power match made in heaven!” “Our pack is going to be stronger than ever!” Seraphina beamed. “Thank you, everyone. Bruce and I will have our official mating ceremony soon. I hope you can all be there.” “Of course! We’ll be there to celebrate!” Everyone crowded around them, offering their best wishes. The atmosphere was electric. I stood in the corner like an outsider, silently gathering my things from my desk. That’s when Seraphina noticed me. She walked over gracefully, a gentle smile on her face. “Isadora, you’re here. I’ve heard you’ve always been Bruce’s most capable assistant. Thank you so much for taking care of him all these years.” Her voice was sweet as honey, but her eyes held a flicker of contempt that only I could see. “I’ll be the lady of the pack now,” she continued, her voice as soft as a whisper. “Could you tell me some of Bruce’s preferences? I want to take the best possible care of him.” I looked up at her. She was playing the part of the gracious Luna, but every word was a declaration of ownership, every glance a mockery of my low status. Before I could answer, Bruce walked over. He draped a possessive arm around Seraphina’s shoulders, his voice tender. “Darling, I’ll tell you everything you need to know. You don’t need to ask an outsider.” Outsider. The word struck me like lightning, and I froze. Eight years of partnership, eight years of devotion, and to him, I was just an “outsider.” Seraphina snuggled closer to him. “You always know how to take care of me. Can we go see your office? I want to see where you work.” “Of course.” Bruce kissed her temple. “I’ll give you a tour.” They walked away, leaving me standing there alone. The others eventually dispersed, returning to their work. Only Sarah remained, looking at me with concern. “Isadora, are you okay? You look terrible.” I shook my head and continued packing. My heart was being torn to shreds, but I couldn’t break down here. Ten minutes later, I had all the handover documents ready. I took my signed resignation and walked to Bruce’s office. Through the glass door, I could see Bruce showing Seraphina the things in his office. She listened intently, letting out a silvery laugh now and then. They looked so perfect together, so in love. I took a deep breath and knocked. “Come in,” Bruce’s voice called. “Isadora? What is it?” He frowned, clearly annoyed by the interruption. Without hesitating, I placed the resignation letter on his desk. Chapter 4 The moment Bruce saw the letter, he snapped, “What do you think you’re doing, Isadora?” He slammed the letter on the desk, his voice filled with an Alpha’s authority. “Do you think quitting is a game?” Seraphina stood beside him, gently rubbing his back. “Bruce, don’t be upset. Maybe Isadora is just going through something.” She turned to me, a flash of triumph in her eyes, though her expression was kind. “Isadora, are you in some kind of trouble? You can talk to us about it.” Her words made me sick. She was standing there playing the part of the perfect mate, as if she were already the true Luna of this pack. “My decision is final,” I said evenly. “It’s all explained in the letter.” My response only seemed to make Bruce angrier. He stood up, towering over me. “Isadora, I made you Beta out of pity. Don’t forget your place.” His voice was ice. “Without me, where would a wolf who doesn’t even know her own parents be?” His words stabbed me like a knife. My hands began to shake, but I forced myself to stay calm. “That’s exactly why I should leave. So I won’t be a burden to you anymore.” My coldness seemed to infuriate him. I could practically feel his Alpha aura pressing down on me. “Fine. If you insist on leaving, I accept your resignation,” he said coldly. “But before you officially leave, you have one last duty to perform.” My stomach tightened. I knew he wouldn’t let me go that easily. “Tomorrow, you will accompany us to choose the gown for the Luna ceremony.” Bruce issued the order as my Alpha, his voice leaving no room for argument. “This is your final task.” I knew he was doing it to humiliate me—to make me witness their happiness and drive one last knife into my heart. But as his subordinate, I had to obey my Alpha’s command. “I understand,” I said, lowering my head. Seraphina watched it all, a flicker of jealous hatred in her eyes. The next day, I went to the custom gown shop as ordered. The boutique catered exclusively to werewolf nobility. Every gown was priceless. Bruce and Seraphina were already there, discussing the ceremony gown with the head designer. When she saw me, Seraphina immediately took Bruce’s arm and walked over. “Isadora, you’re here!” she chirped. “I’m having such a hard time choosing a gown.” The designer showed her several gorgeous dresses, each one sparkling with precious gems that shimmered like moonlight. “What about this one?” Seraphina asked, pointing to a silver-white gown. “I think it’s perfect for the Luna ceremony.” “Absolutely perfect, miss,” the designer gushed. “This is one of our signature designs, made for a Luna.” “But I’d like to see how it looks on someone,” Seraphina said, turning to me with a malicious glint in her eyes. “Isadora, could you try it on for me? I want to see the overall effect.” I froze. The dress was custom-made for her. There was no point in me trying it on. “I don’t think that’s necessary…” I started to refuse. “Isadora, that is a request from my Luna,” Bruce’s voice cut in, sharp and cold. “You will cooperate.” I had no choice but to agree. A sales assistant led me to the fitting room. I robotically changed into the magnificent gown. It was made for Seraphina’s measurements, and on me, it was a disaster. The bust was too tight, the waist too narrow. I looked ridiculous and pathetic. And a cruel realization hit me. Bruce had never once considered my measurements. In his mind, I was never the one who would wear the Luna gown. When I stepped out of the fitting room, Seraphina watched my humiliation with a satisfied smile. She stepped closer, her voice a venomous whisper only I could hear. “See? A gown this beautiful will never be yours. Because you’re not worthy.” The shame of the past eight years, all the little insults and humiliations, boiled over. I couldn’t take her taunting anymore. “I don’t want this stupid dress anyway.” I reached behind me to unzip the gown that felt like a cage, but as I did, a loud ripping sound tore through the air. A seam in the back, which should have been strong, had split wide open. Seraphina let out a sharp gasp, her eyes instantly filling with tears. She looked at me with a wounded, innocent expression. “Isadora, I just wanted you to try it on… How could you? Did you want to ruin our ceremony that badly?” Chapter 5 Faced with Seraphina’s accusation, I tried to explain. “I didn’t do it on purpose. The dress didn’t fit—” But whispers were already spreading around the shop. “Oh my god, she ripped the gown on purpose!” “Do you know how much that costs? How could she ever pay for it?” “That’s just evil, ruining the future Luna’s gown…” Trapped under their accusing glares, I felt helpless. Just then, Bruce rushed over. He saw Seraphina standing there with tears in her eyes and me in the torn gown, and his face turned to thunder. “What happened?” he demanded, immediately going to Seraphina and pulling her into his arms. “Bruce…” Seraphina sobbed. “I just asked Isadora to try on the gown for me to see how it looked, but she… she ripped it on purpose.” I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Bruce whirled on me. His eyes were burning with rage. Without asking a single question, he slapped me hard across the face. Crack! The sharp sound echoed in the silent shop. My cheek stung, a fiery pain spreading across my face, my ears ringing. “Isadora! How could you do something like this?” Bruce roared, while gently stroking Seraphina’s back to comfort her. “Are you insane?” I clutched my burning cheek, the pain in my heart far worse than the physical sting. In eight years, he had never laid a hand on me. But today, for another woman, he hit me without a second thought. The force of the slap knocked my purse from my shoulder, its contents spilling onto the floor. Two small, beautifully carved wooden wolves rolled out. He had carved them for us when we first got together, a symbol of our eternal bond. I had treasured them for eight years, carrying them with me everywhere. But now, when Bruce saw them, a flash of panic crossed his face. As if desperate to erase any connection to me, he raised his foot and brought it down, crushing the small carvings into splinters. Crunch! The wood shattered beneath his boot. “Isadora, you will pay for this gown,” Bruce commanded, his voice like ice. “This custom dress is worth three million dollars.” Three million. In eight years of working day and night for him, I had only managed to save one million. I looked up, trying one last time to explain. “I told you, I didn’t rip it on purpose…” “I am so disappointed in you, Isadora,” Bruce cut me off. “I know why you did this. You just wanted to be my Luna, didn’t you?” “Well, let me tell you something. Right now, you’re acting like a jealous, crazy bitch. You can’t even compare to Seraphina. I guess trash blood will always be trash blood.” Of course. Because of my birth, he’d always looked down on me. That was the real reason he’d never made our relationship public. I gave up trying to make him believe me. “I demand to see the security footage to prove my innocence.” “Don’t be ridiculous. Why would the daughter of a top-tier pack need to frame you?” Bruce refused without a moment’s hesitation. He turned and wrapped Seraphina in a gentle embrace, his voice softening. “Baby, don’t cry. I’ll have them make you an even more beautiful gown to make up for this.” “As for you,” he said, his cold gaze returning to me, “after a mistake this big, you can no longer hold any position in this pack. Your resignation is approved. Get out.” Just like that, my choice to resign was twisted into a humiliating dismissal. I stared at the shattered remains of the wooden wolves, and the last shred of feeling I had for him died. I reached up and tore the wolf-fang necklace from my neck. It was the first gift he’d ever given me, a treasure I’d worn for eight years. As Bruce watched in shock, I threw the symbol of our bond into a nearby trash can. Clang! The sound was deafening. Then I turned and walked away without looking back. Behind me, I thought I heard him call my name, but in the end, he didn’t follow. Chapter 6 I returned to the home we had shared for eight years and started to pack. Every piece of clothing in the closet, every book on the shelves, every piece of jewelry on the vanity… I threw it all in the trash. On the nightstand was a photo of us. It was from the Full Moon Festival five years ago. Bruce was smiling, kissing my forehead, while I leaned against his chest, my eyes full of happiness. Now I knew that happiness was just a lie. I ripped the photo in half and threw it away. It took me only an hour to erase eight years of my life. Late that night, as I was getting ready for bed, I heard a key in the lock. Bruce was back. He reeked of cheap whiskey and Seraphina's signature jasmine perfume, a nauseating mix that clung to the air. He stumbled towards me, looking for comfort like he always did. “Isadora… my head hurts…” I pushed him away coldly. “Stay away from me.” Bruce froze, surprised by my rejection. For the past eight years, no matter when he came home or in what state, I had always taken care of him. “Isadora, are you still mad about what happened today?” He sank onto the edge of the bed, swaying. “I… I didn’t want to do that to you, but Seraphina, she…” “Enough,” I cut him off. “Sleep in the guest room. Don’t bother me.” The next morning, Bruce knocked on my door, holding a glass of warm milk. He hadn’t yet noticed that the apartment was nearly empty. “Isadora, I’m sorry,” he said, his face full of apology. “I shouldn’t have treated you like that at the shop yesterday. You know I only did it to calm Seraphina down. I never really expected you to pay for the gown.” He reached for my hand like he used to, but I pulled away. I didn’t take the milk. He stiffened, a flicker of unease in his eyes. Then, he suddenly pulled me into a hard embrace, as if trying to prove something. “Isadora, three days. Just three more days and this will all be over.” “You still love me, right?” I remained silent. Seeing my silence, Bruce forced a smile. “Tonight, let’s go to the Moon Altar, just like we used to. We haven’t had a date, just the two of us, in a long time.” The Moon Altar. The place that was so special to us. Eight years ago, we made our vows there and buried a stone engraved with our names, a testament to our eternal love. This time, I nodded. “Okay.” Bruce let out a visible sigh of relief. He had no idea my only reason for going was to dig up that stone and end our past for good. But that evening, a text from Bruce arrived: “Isadora, I’m sorry. Urgent pack business came up. We’ll have to cancel our date. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” The same old excuse. Just as I was about to put my phone down, a new post popped up on Wolfgram. It was from Seraphina. The picture was an ultrasound, clearly showing a tiny life developing inside her. The caption read: “My little baby, Mommy can’t wait to meet you. And your daddy says everything he has will be yours one day.” And the very first ‘like’ on the post was from Bruce. My pup had died alone and unnoticed, while theirs was being celebrated by the world. So his “urgent pack business” was taking Seraphina to her OB-GYN appointment. I turned off my phone and took a deep, shaky breath. That night, I went to the Moon Altar alone. But as I approached, I saw two familiar figures in the distance. Bruce and Seraphina were sitting in our spot, nestled closely together. I hid behind a cluster of trees and listened to their conversation. “Bruce, this place is so beautiful,” Seraphina’s sickly sweet voice carried on the wind. “No wonder you come here every year.” “Yeah,” Bruce replied gently. “It’s a very special place to me.” Then I watched as Bruce walked to the spot where we had supposedly buried our stone eight years ago. He carefully dug up a stone and wiped the dirt off with a handkerchief. “This is our promise stone,” Bruce said, his voice full of emotion. “It has our names carved on it. When you left eight years ago, I buried it here. I’ve come back every year to watch over it.” I squinted, and I could just make out the engraving: “Bruce & Seraphina.” So… this place was never mine to begin with. “What about Isadora?” Seraphina asked, her voice tinged with jealousy. “You were with her for eight years, weren’t you?” Bruce quickly pulled her into a hug, his voice both tender and cruel. “You know she was just a placeholder for you. Why would I ever truly love a low-born she-wolf?” “As for the stone I had with her…” He waved his hand dismissively. “I tossed that piece of garbage out ages ago.” Hearing those words again, my heart was too numb to feel any more pain. The token I had cherished for so long had been thrown away like garbage. My trip here was pointless. I wiped away the tears I hadn’t realized were falling and turned to leave. Back at the apartment, I immediately took out my phone and booked a flight to the Silvermoon Pack. There was nothing left for me here. It was time to go. And in three days, at my return ceremony, I was going to give Bruce and Seraphina a “gift” they would never forget. Chapter 7 The Silver Moon Pack’s estate was even grander than I’d imagined. When the private jet touched down on the airstrip, my mother, Luna Celeste, was already waiting for me. Tears welled in her eyes the moment she saw me. "Welcome home, my daughter," she whispered, her hand gently caressing my cheek. For the next three days, my mother personally coached me on high-society etiquette. As the heir to the Silver Moon Pack, I had to learn from scratch how to carry myself with the grace of a high-born she-wolf. "Shoulders back, Isadora. You are the Alpha's only daughter. You carry an innate authority." "Hold your knife and fork like this… your movements must be elegant." "When you speak with other Alphas, your gaze must be steady, your voice strong. You are not an accessory to anyone." Surprisingly, I was a fast learner. It was as if the etiquette was coded into my DNA, dormant for eight years while I’d learned to keep my head down. "Very good, Isadora," my mother said with a satisfied nod. "You were born to be on top." Meanwhile, Bruce and Seraphina were on their very public honeymoon. Seraphina’s Wolfgram account was updated almost every hour: "Sunrise with my Alpha by the sea ??" "Surprise dinner Bruce planned for me." "He says I'm gorgeous even with my pregnancy glow." The comment section was flooded with envy and blessings. In one post, she made a special announcement: "My birthday gala is in three days, and we'll be live-streaming the whole thing! Come witness our happy moments with Bruce and me!" She was drowning in her own happiness, completely oblivious to Bruce's growing agitation. He hadn't been able to reach me for three days. Our mind link was blocked, and my phone was off. "Alpha, are you alright?" his Beta, Tom, asked cautiously. "Should I send someone to find Isadora?" "No," Bruce said, taking a deep breath and forcing a calm he didn't feel. "A she-wolf like her? Who else would take her in besides me? She'll come crawling back sooner or later. This is just a tantrum." But he alone knew the unease coiling in his gut. Three days later, Seraphina's "birthday gala" went off as planned. The venue was lavishly decorated, and the guests were all Alphas and Lunas from major packs. Tens of thousands of viewers had already gathered in the live stream. "Welcome, everyone, to my birthday gala!" Seraphina announced, dressed in a shimmering silver gown. Around her neck was a priceless Moon Goddess gemstone necklace—a traditional symbol of a Luna's status. I stood on the balcony above, a glass of champagne in hand, leisurely watching Seraphina's final moment in the spotlight. As I turned to leave, Seraphina looked up and caught a glimpse of my retreating figure. A flicker of panic crossed her eyes. Tonight was her big moment to officially announce her relationship with Bruce. She couldn't let me ruin it. An idea formed in her mind. A moment later, Seraphina gasped dramatically. "Oh my goddess! My necklace is gone!" Her voice was loud enough to command the attention of the entire room. The live stream chat exploded. "That's an heirloom-quality Moon Goddess necklace!" "It has to be worth tens of millions!" "A thief must have snuck in!" Bruce immediately stood up, his voice booming. "No one leaves the premises! Lock this place down! We will find that necklace!" Just then, a few of Seraphina's closest friends started searching the room. I was on my way to the dressing room to change when they blocked my path. "Stop right there!" I turned, my expression calm. Seraphina feigned surprise. "Isadora? What… what are you doing here?" The live stream camera immediately swiveled to focus on us. "Isadora, I don't know how you got in, but you're welcome here, of course," Seraphina said, playing the part of the gracious host for the camera. "But I seem to have misplaced my necklace just now. I don't suppose you've seen anything?" The words were meant to sound like a defense, but every syllable was a thinly veiled accusation. "I bet the necklace disappeared right after she showed up!" one of her friends added, playing her part perfectly. The live stream comments followed suit: "She's just a poor nobody." "Search her!" Seraphina chimed in with a display of fake sympathy. "Everyone, please don't say such things about Isadora. She may not have come from much, but her character is…" She paused deliberately, then sighed with feigned helplessness. "Never mind, I shouldn't have said anything. But Isadora, just to prove your innocence, maybe you should let us check? What do you think?" Chapter 8 Facing this blatant accusation, I stared at them coldly. "On what grounds? You have no right to search me." "Grounds?" one of the she-wolves sneered. "Someone of your breeding sees a necklace that valuable? It’d be stranger if you didn't steal it." "Exactly! You're just jealous of Seraphina!" another girl added sharply. The live stream comments were even more vicious: "She has the face of a thief." "Pat her down!" Seraphina furrowed her brow for the camera, looking conflicted. "Please, everyone, that's too cruel to Isadora." She paused, a cunning glint in her eyes, before looking at me with a pleading expression. "Isadora, to keep this from getting ugly, just give the necklace back. We can pretend this never happened." Her words sealed my guilt in everyone's eyes. I took a deep breath, refusing to get dragged down to their level. I pulled out my phone. "If you're so sure, then let's check the security footage." Just then, rushed footsteps came from outside. Bruce stormed in and grabbed my wrist. He gripped it so hard that my phone slipped from my hand, the screen shattering on the marble floor. "Isadora! So this is where you've been!" His eyes were filled with a wild sense of relief. I ripped my hand from his grasp in disgust. Before I could speak, Seraphina sobbed, throwing herself into his arms. "Bruce, my necklace… it's gone. It disappeared right after Isadora showed up…" She choked on her sobs, looking so fragile and heartbroken. Bruce's face instantly darkened. He stared at me in disbelief. "Isadora, did you steal Seraphina's necklace?" He didn't even hesitate. He just accused me. I laughed coldly. "If I said I didn't, would you even believe me?" Bruce’s gaze flickered between me and Seraphina. Finally, his voice turned to ice. "First you ruin her dress, now you steal her necklace. You're becoming more pathetic and vicious by the day!" "And I bet ignoring me all this time was part of your little game, wasn't it?" Every word was a knife to the heart. "I want to see the security footage," I said, struggling to maintain my last shred of composure. "What footage? We all saw what happened!" Seraphina's friend shouted. "Just confess! Where did you hide it?" Bruce stepped closer, his voice low as if he was doing me a favor. "Isadora, just admit it. I can still ask for leniency for you. Otherwise, don't blame me for forgetting the bond we once shared." "I told you, I didn't steal anything!" I tried to push past them, but they cornered me, forcing me back. "Still denying it? Then we'll search you in front of everyone! Let them all see how shameless you really are!" someone shouted. The live stream audience roared in agreement: "Search her! Expose her!" "Bitches like her need to learn their place!" In the chaos, someone shoved me hard. I stumbled back, my spine slamming against a marble pillar. The sharp pain almost made my knees buckle. My purse fell to the floor, its contents spilling everywhere. "Look! See what's in her bag!" someone yelled. One of Seraphina’s friends lunged for it, rummaging through my things before crying out in feigned shock. "Found it! The necklace is here!" She held the Moon Goddess gemstone necklace high in the air, letting it sparkle under the lights. The crowd gasped. The live stream went absolutely wild: "Caught her! There's the proof!" "So disgusting, and she kept denying it!" Seeing the "irrefutable evidence," a look of deep disappointment crossed Bruce's face. "Isadora, you've let me down more than I can say. Guards, take her to the pack warriors!" As he reached for me, my eyes held no more hope, only a bone-deep chill. Just then, an enraged roar echoed from the entrance of the hall. "Unhand her! Who dares lay a finger on my daughter?!" The entire hall fell silent. My mother, Celeste, stormed in, her face a mask of fury. Her eyes immediately found Bruce's hand on my arm and my pale face, still reeling from the impact. Without a moment's hesitation, she marched forward. SMACK! My mother slapped Bruce across the face. The sound was sharp and loud, echoing through the silent hall.