With the silver knife, I stabbed him. I can't see his face, but I can see his blood-splattered body. He's not going to be able to withstand the number of stabs I gave him.

I did the right thing.

He assassinated the mate who was supposed to be mine.

He ended the life of the wolf I should have spent the rest of my life with. He has no right to live!

"AHHHHHHHH!"

I yanked the knife from his chest, intending to stab it again with my force and bury it too far in his heart, but...

"Elle!"

I awoke from my slumber. Sweat had gathered on my brow and down my neck. I was also catching my breath, and as I opened my eyes, I saw Hugo, the Alpha leader of the Shadow pack, my pack— his expression is full of concern.

I tapped my chest and took a deep breath.

That dream all over again.

I don't know if I'll be able to sleep well without being haunted by that nightmare.

I still can't see his face since it seems to be blank. I'm not sure what my opponent looks like, but my rage towards him is boiling up. I have the right to be outraged with him.

I dropped my foot to the floor and looked at Hugo with my dagger eyes.

I knew it was against the rules to be high in front of Alpha, but his unannounced presence in my room irritated me.

"Alpha, what are you doing here?" I lowered my sight and moved over to the table to get some water. I gulped it once and returned my focus to Hugo.

"Everything is in order. All we need is for you to depart."

My body went straight because of what he said. I swallowed many times in a row because I couldn't move while standing up; I felt like a stump that couldn't be trodden on, and it felt like someone was pointing a knife at me.

The perspiration on my hand was the reason I released my palms from the clasp. I took a big breath before responding to what he mentioned.

"Don't let someone come after me. Archer is no longer alive, and you have no obligation to me since I shall take measures to avenge him." I spoke it firmly, and there was no hint of any emotion other than rage in my voice.

Alpha Hugo's cousin is Archer Poer.

Archer embraced me and denied the reality that I was merely a beta and not his true mate. Nonetheless, we both feel we can breed with one another.

"In front of my cousin's grave, I made a vow to him that I would take care and protect you—"

"I'm capable of dealing with myself. I am Elle Harris, the General of the Army of Minbury Stronghold!"

I could see the surprise in his eyes.

He had the ability to murder me in these seconds if he ever desired, but I could see he had no intention of doing so.

I'm baffled as to why he feels compelled to remain here next to me regardless of the fact that he no longer has that obligation. This is his opportunity to chase down his Luna in order to have a companion with whom to head the Shadow pack.

I am planning to leave the pack once I get the vengeance I am seeking.

When his canine tooth came out, I was able to restore my composure. I was still standing but didn't even feel terrified at that point. Since Archer's death, the word ‘death’ has become normal to my ears and eyes. I'm prepared for anything that comes my way.

He stormed out of my room without waiting to hear what I had to say next.

I was surprised.

I don't put any pressure on him to give me everything I want or to tolerate what I'm doing right now. He has every right to be angry since I am just one of those who are lower to him and who bow before him when he orders me to do so.

I decided to forget about what had happened and went about my business of preparing.

When I strolled to my bedroom, I had a look at the gown I was planning to wear. The dress and mask for the masquerade hosted by the royal Darkmoon pack cost me some numismatic coins. I even spent part of my own gold and bronze on them.

If I don't spend money, I will miss a good chance of getting into their territory. I grip the "moon mask", which could only be seen through my eyes, and look at the black balloon gown in front of me.

Because our paths were going to cross, I wanted to confine him to the silver cell while I slowly tormented him until he met his death.

When I stepped out, the carriage was already waiting for me.

I have never seen Hugo again, even my eyes search for him.

Some wolves part of my group were waiting for me since, even though I am a beta female, I was in charge of the Shadow pack's military operations. Perhaps the reason I have the bravery to confront my enemy, the Lycan King, who murdered my beloved, is because I am confident in my ability to defeat him in combat.

I boarded inside the carriage and flew away from my home territory.

After reaching the end of the terrain held by the Shadow pack, the carriage came to a complete halt since I said that this was the only location where they should bring me to.

I don't want them to become extinct any longer. They also departed right away and I was worried that someone may come upon them. I rearranged my attire and tried for a means to avoid them seeing that I wasn't a member of their pack.

I am not sure if I could do it without getting discovered. I have a unique ability to conceal my scent, which only Luna and Alpha have or some royals, which allows me to blend in. I don't tell anyone about it because I don't want them to become weary of my presence.

Now, I'm only going to rely on my abilities, but I'm worried that, since it's the Lycan King I'm going to confront, he'll be able to determine who I am.

However…

When I tried to move—

I couldn't…

Because someone was gripping my shoulder and preventing me from taking a step forward.

Who the hell is this? How long has he been here?

“Don't try to move,” a dead voice whispered.