Chapter 90
Lisa’s POV
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“Hey,” Katherine said as we stepped out of the art room. Her eyes were still gleaming with excitement. “I was thinking… since you’re already up and moving, maybe I could give you a tour of the pack grounds? Just to help you get familiar with everything. It might help you
settle in better.”
She was smiling so sweetly, her arm looped through mine before I could even answer. But my heart wasn’t in it. Not after what I just saw. The image of that childhood painting with my name carved onto the locket was burned into my mind like fire on paper.
I forced a tired smile. “That sounds great, Katherine, really… but I think I might just lie down for a bit. My head is kind of spinning.”
“Oh no, are you okay?” Her smile faltered. “Do you want me to call someone? I can bring you
tea or….”
“No, no,” I interrupted gently. “You’ve already done so much. I think I just need a nap. Maybe later this evening?”
She studied me for a second like she was trying to figure out if I was lying. Then she nodded. “Alright. Rest well, Lisa. We’ll chat later, yeah? Maybe after dinner.”
I nodded and offered a small wave as she walked away down the hall.
The second she disappeared, I shut the door to my room and locked it.
Sierra was instantly in my head.
We need to talk about that painting.
I know.
Why was it here? Why did they have a painting of you as a child?
I started pacing the floor. My arms were crossed tightly around myself. My thoughts were running wild. They were too loud to silence.
I’ve never been here before. Not to this pack. Not even near this territory.
Unless…
Unless Susan was right. Unless my mother really did come from a royal bloodline. Could it be that she was part of this pack? Could this be where she came from?
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Chapter 90
Or Susan lied, Sierra muttered.
That too. I wouldn’t put it past her.
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I moved toward the dresser and pulled open every drawer. They were all clean and filled with folded clothes which Katherine had given me. I checked under the bed. The closet. Even behind the curtains. But there was nothing out of place. Nothing that gave me any answers.
“Ugh,” I groaned while sinking onto the edge of the bed. My fingers pressed into my temples as I tried to think. I needed answers. Real ones. But all I had were whispers and guesses.
I tried to lie down and get some rest. But it was impossible. My body tossed and turned beneath the soft covers. The mattress was comfortable, but my thoughts were a mess.
What if they’re hiding something?
They are, Sierra said.
I stared up at the ceiling.
I felt trapped and lost. But I couldn’t leave. Not yet. I had no place to go.
Breathe, Lisa. Just breathe.
I sat up and closed my eyes. If I was in danger, Sierra would help me. I had felt my powers before–in the woods, during training, in those moments where life and death danced too close. If I focused, if I trusted her… I could protect myself.
But Goddess, I didn’t want it to come to that.
When I couldn’t take the silence anymore, I got up and searched the room again. There was nothing. No hidden letters. No family photo albums. No strange items tucked away in drawers.
It wasn’t long before evening crept in.
A soft knock echoed at the door.
“Lisa?” Katherine called sweetly. “Dinner’s ready. Dad’s waiting.”
I took a breath and composed myself. “Coming.”
I followed her down the hall. The house was quieter now. It was cloaked in warm orange light from the setting sun. We walked side by side in silence for a moment.
Then Katherine said, “By the way, I showed Dad your painting. The one of Sierra. He loved it. He said you had a rare eye for emotion.”
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“He said that?”
“Mmhmm.” She grinned. “I think you impressed him. He is not easy to impress.”
I forced a smile. “I’m glad.”
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When we entered the dining hall, the Alpha was already seated at the head of the table, just like before. He looked up as we entered and gestured for me to sit on his right.
Katherine took her usual seat on his left.
“Lisa,” he said as I sat down, his voice deep and calm. “You are a talented artist.‘
“Thank you, Alpha,” I replied softly. “I… I’m self–taught. Just something I picked up over the years.”
“Impressive,” he said with a nod. “Your wolf was fierce and strong in the painting. That’s not easy to capture.”
Katherine giggled beside him. “She’s being humble, Dad. You should’ve seen how fast she did it. It just flowed right out of her.”
I chuckled lightly. “It helps when your wolf is as opinionated as mine.”
He raised a brow. “She has a voice, then?”
I nodded. “Very much so.”
He tilted his head. “And her name?”
“Sierra.”
Something flickered in his eyes. But it was gone as fast as it came.
“Beautiful name,” he said simply.
The conversation drifted after that. Katherine talked about her favorite artists. I nodded along, offering comments when I could. She made jokes, teased her dad about his terrible sketch of a deer he had once done. I smiled, even laughed a little.
But my appetite was gone.
The food smelled delicious. There was roasted meat, fresh bread and steamed vegetables.
But I could barely chew a few bites.
My heart was pounding too loud.
What are they planning? Sierra whispered.
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I don’t know.
They’re hiding something. That painting wasn’t random.
I know.
And then it happened.
The Alpha reached for the potato gravy. The bowl was placed just out of his reach. He stretched across the table to grab it.
His sleeve slid back.
And I saw it.
A tattoo.
On his inner arm.
A triangle. With a crescent moon inside.
I froze.
My blood turned to ice.
Sierra gasped. That’s your mark.
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