4#04

4

Ragnulf's absence that day was a relief to me.

I decided to venture beyond the pack's territory with my attendant, not bothering to inform Ragnulf of my whereabouts.

We journeyed for several hours to a place called Death's Hill. Despite its ominous name, the town was tranquil and its inhabitants welcoming. I was familiar with this place, as it was where I had spent my early years before Ragnulf discovered and took me away.

As we moved through the community, locals noticed the royal insignia on my transport and began whispering amongst themselves. I clenched my fists, disliking the attention but feeling relieved when we finally reached our destination.

My heart sank as I gazed upon the decrepit dwelling I once called home. Outside the ramshackle structure stood a strikingly attractive woman with golden hair, wielding an axe, apparently in the midst of splitting logs.

She observed my carriage's arrival, and as I disembarked, I slowly approached but maintained a distance.

In my previous life and this new one, I had wronged my sole friend - Bette.

We had grown up as orphans, surviving on meager scraps and barely having enough to eat. Bette, who practiced dark magic, would use her abilities to ensure our survival and keep us warm during winter.

But it was never enough for me. I always craved more.

So when Ragnulf found me and declared me his mate, I was overjoyed to leave behind my miserable existence and live out a fairy tale.

Naturally, I wanted Bette to join me, but she refused. She warned me that Ragnulf was dangerous and would ultimately betray me, but I dismissed her concerns. Instead, I insulted her and accused her of envying my good fortune.

Now I understand the truth and I've returned to apologize.

"How's your second chance at life treating you?" She called out, and I broke down in tears.

Without hesitation, Bette dropped her axe and rushed towards me as I ran to meet her. As we embraced, I sobbed harder, holding her tight. She smelled of apple pies and woodsmoke, feeling more like home than anyone else ever had.

"I'm so sorry," I wept. "I was so foolish and ignorant."

"You were inexperienced, and that's understandable. What's important is that you now know the truth and act accordingly."

Soon after, I found myself inside her house, where she offered me tea. I then recounted everything that had transpired.

"What you experienced is known as rebirth," Bette explained. "I anticipated that something might go wrong, so I enchanted your pendant to grant you another life."

My jaw dropped and fresh tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at her in disbelief. "You did that for me?"

Bette sighed. "You're like a sister to me. Of course, I'd do anything for you."

I knelt and hugged her waist while she gently stroked my hair.

As I gazed into the fireplace, my head resting on her lap, an idea formed. "I want revenge," I declared after a while.

"What do you need?" Bette replied.

"I need to make them all pay for my murder, starting with Jeanette. She's the mastermind behind it all."

"Consider it done," Bette assured me. "I'll provide all the assistance you require."

Hours later, I returned to Ragnulf's mansion and noticed a small gathering of packhouse members outside. Intrigued, I stepped out of the carriage and joined the crowd to see what was causing the commotion.

To my astonishment, I saw Jeanette, a blonde barbie doll type, standing at the main entrance of my house.

"Jeanette, it's dangerous for you to enter that way!" Someone exclaimed. "Only high-ranking officials can use the main door. Everyone else must use the back entrance!"

Jeanette simply tossed her golden hair. "Don't worry, I told you my mate is a high-ranking official. I'll prove it to you." She smiled confidently, then walked into my house and shortly returned with a slice of cake from my birthday celebration.

The onlookers gazed at her in amazement as she beamed with pride.

Suddenly, our eyes met, and her smile faltered.