The pack had gathered in the wide courtyard under a cloudless sky. Isla stayed close to the edge of the crowd, her hands clenched at her sides. She already knew, deep down, why they’d all been summoned. But part of her clung to hope that maybe— just maybe—her parents would be fair.
“As you all know,” her father began, “we have been blessed with two daughters, but only one can lead the pack. Today, we’re here to announce that Seraphine has been chosen as your future Luna.”
The pack broke into applause, some even cheering. Isla’s breath caught. She could barely process his words before her gaze fell on Seraphine, who was standing a few paces behind their father, her hand intertwined with Kael’s. The look on her sister’s face was a mixture of triumph and satisfaction, each glance toward Isla a dagger of mockery.
Desperation clawed at Isla’s throat. She forced her way through the crowd, her voice shaking but resolute. “Father,” she called out, stepping forward, “I’m the elder twin. I’m supposed to be the rightful Luna.” She looked out at the crowd, seeking support, but found only blank stares, a few skeptical glances, and Seraphine’s smug smile.
Her father’s gaze hardened. “Isla,Seraphine is more suited to lead. She’s stronger, more respected. The choice is clear.”
Isla’s heart twisted painfully, the humiliation setting in as her father’s words echoed across the gathering. She felt every eye on her—judging, dismissing, pitying. “But…I’m the firstborn.I’ve trained just as hard, done everything—”
He cut her off with a sharp gesture. “Enough, Isla. Don’t embarrass yourself and our family. Seraphine has proven herself. This is for the pack.”
Seraphine’s voice rang out, laced with mock sympathy. “It’s not personal, Isla. Some of us were just meant for greatness.”
The crowd murmured approvingly. Kael looked down at Seraphine with open admiration, and Isla’s heart splintered as she watched him press a kiss to her sister’s forehead, as if sealing the betrayal.
The weight of it all crashed down, the realization sharp and bitter. She’d always been an outsider, a placeholder, tolerated but never truly wanted. Her family had betrayed her, choosing Seraphine to lead—to take everything Isla had dreamed of.
Swallowing hard, she turned away, her shoulders hunched as she forced herself to leave the courtyard. But as she did, her mother leaned close, her voice a venomous whisper, meant only for Isla.
“We only ever needed one daughter to rule. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”
