CHAPTER 04

**The Werewolf Kingdom** 

"Luna Elizabeth, she is transforming," Linda said, watching through the window of Elizabeth's chamber. 

"And today is her birthday—her sixteenth birthday. A crucial moment for every werewolf. She is experiencing changes, just as all of us do. But you know the human world isn't the right place for her. It could bring danger—not just to her, but to our world as well. Luna, we need to bring her home." 

Elizabeth remained silent, her gaze distant as she stared out the window. She looked almost lifeless, lost in thought. 

Memories flooded her mind—memories of sixteen years ago. The night her mate, the Alpha, was killed. The night she gave birth to their daughter and sent her away to the human world for her safety. Now, sixteen years had passed, and it was time to bring her back. 

A single tear slipped down her cheek, the pain as raw as an open wound. But she wiped it away quickly. She was the Luna. She couldn't afford to be weak. 

Turning to Linda, who had always been like a sister to her, she steadied her voice. 

"Tell the others to bring her home," she commanded. 

Linda bowed and left swiftly. 

Elizabeth clenched her fists. She had no choice. Whether she wanted it or not, the time had come. 

***

*Rory's POV*

We had picked out so many designer clothes, and they looked amazing on us. Mom decided we should celebrate by going to Liche & Linen, one of the best restaurants in the city. But as we walked through the mall, something strange happened.

I started hearing voices—dozens of them—whispering, murmuring, overlapping. The sound of heartbeats pounded in my ears, each distinct and overwhelming. And then, I heard *his* voice again in my head.

My vision blurred, and my body wavered. A cold sweat broke out on my skin, and before I knew it, I stumbled.

People turned to stare, but Mom caught me just in time.

"Honey, are you alright?" Her voice was laced with concern. Even Anna and River looked worried.

I straightened myself, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine, Mom. I just need to use the restroom for a moment."

"Okay, sweetheart. We'll be waiting for you outside. Please take care." She squeezed my hand before letting go.

I hurried to the mall's restroom, my breath shallow. Leaning over the sink, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to calm my racing heart. I couldn't let my family find out what was happening to me. Not when I didn't even understand it myself.

Then, his voice echoed in my mind again.

*"Rory, you need to calm down. I am here. There's no reason to be afraid."*

I jolted upright, my pulse spiking. My hands clenched the sink, and a sharp pain shot through my fingers. I glanced down—my nails had elongated into claws, curving slightly, gleaming under the restroom lights. A strangled gasp escaped my lips as I yanked my hands away, my breathing ragged. My breath came out in sharp, uneven gasps. 

"No," I whispered, shaking my head. "You're not real. You can't be real."

The room felt smaller, suffocating. The air itself seemed heavier, pressing down on me. My own heartbeat thundered in my ears, drowning out everything else. 

*"Who are you? Why are you haunting me? In my dreams, my visions—and now my head?"* I demanded, my voice rising. Desperation clawed at me. 

Frustration flared in my chest. I was tired of feeling different. Tired of not being normal. Why couldn't I just be human like everyone else?

His voice remained calm, almost amused. *"Relax, Rory. I will answer your questions. I am you. We are connected. You are me, and I am you."*

My breath hitched as I looked at myself in the mirror. My normally soft orange hair shimmered into a vibrant orange hue. My hazel eyes glowed with an electrifying yellow. I gasped, stumbling back, my back hitting the stall door. 

*No. No, no, no. This isn't happening.*

*What does he mean, 'I am him, and he is me'?*

*"Yes, Rory,"* he affirmed. *"I am your wolf spirit. I have been calling to you for the past sixteen years, but you refused to listen. That's why you kept seeing me in your dreams and visions."*

I pressed my hands to my temples, squeezing my eyes shut. *Wake up. Wake up. This is just another vision.* 

"But how?" I croaked, my voice barely above a whisper. "How can a wolf be a spirit? And why are you—" I hesitated, my voice dropping even lower, "—a male wolf?"

Aerie chuckled. *"Because that is how we were created. You are something new, something extraordinary. And I am your destiny."*

I gritted my teeth. "No," I snapped. "I don't want this. I don't want to be different!"

I clutched the edges of the sink, my knuckles white. My mind swirled with confusion, disbelief, and something else—something almost like relief. But I refused to accept it. 

*"Rory,"* he continued, his tone more serious now, *"you are not normal. You are not human. You are a werewolf."*

The words slammed into me like a tidal wave.

*I am… a werewolf?*

I looked back at the mirror, and for the first time, I truly saw him. The wolf inside me. His golden eyes mirrored my own, glowing with power and certainty.

A shudder ran down my spine. My stomach twisted, torn between fear and understanding. 

And for the first time in my life, I felt whole. I finally had answers. I finally understood.

I was different. But maybe—just maybe—that wasn't a bad thing.