Chapter 4 Rumors and Fangs

The forest at night wasn’t quiet—but now, every sound made sense. No more threats, just information. I moved like a silver shadow, slipping between trees. My torn wedding dress wasn’t a shame anymore—it was armor for my rebirth.

I needed food, water, a safe spot. The Carters had their fingers in every pie here; by dawn, they’d be hunting me.

Luckily, my awakened body came with crazy survival skills. My nose picked out edible berries and roots; my ears kept me away from big predators. At a stream, I washed my face—no more tears, just silver light in my eyes, sharp and cold.

As I cupped water to drink, I heard crying on the wind. I dropped into a crouch, alert, and looked over.

Under a big tree, a young Omega girl sobbed, knees to her chest. She wore servant clothes with the Carter crest on her shoulder.

“…too cruel… Miss Ava spilled Dana’s perfume, got whipped… now Dana’s in charge, we’re all gonna die…” she mumbled.

Dana in charge? Already?

I snuck up. “Why are you crying?” My voice made her jump.

She looked up, scared—then her eyes went wide. “L-Miss Emily?! You’re… not dead?”

“Sorry to disappoint,” I said coldly.

“No! That’s not it!” She waved her hands like she was grabbing a lifeline. “Miss Emily, help us! Mr. Carter’s bedridden, can barely talk. Dana’s the new matriarch, and she’s getting rid of anyone loyal to you! Ava got whipped just for bringing you flowers…”

Rage flared—cold, controlled. Dana, you impatient bitch!

“Getting rid of people?” I smiled, icy. “Who does she think she is?”

“The pack’s a mess,” the girl said, relieved to vent. “Elders say you triggered an ancient bloodline—you’re important. Dana says you used witchcraft, cursed Mr. Carter. She’s got everyone looking for you… to execute you!”

Execute me? I almost laughed. Her? Seriously?

“What else?” I pressed. “What else are they saying?”

“Some say you’re his true fated mate—Mr. Carter broke the covenant, so the Moon Goddess took his power. Dana punishes anyone who talks about it.” She looked at me nervously. “Miss Emily, are you really…”

I didn’t answer. “What’s your name?”

“Mia Davis.”

“Mia,” I said, staring her down. “Go back and tell them Emily’s alive. Dana wants to be matriarch? Ask if she’s got what it takes. Carter’s power? It was never his. I’m just collecting interest.”

Mia’s eyes went wide. “But Miss Emily, you can’t—”

“By myself?” I felt power surge, silver light at my fingertips. “Who says I’m alone?”

I held my hand to a waist-high boulder, pressed lightly. A crackle—spiderweb lines spread across the rock.

Mia gasped, eyes wide with wonder.

“Go,” I said, pulling back. “Deliver the message. Don’t let Dana catch you.”

Mia nodded like crazy and ran.

I knew it was risky—but my enemies needed to know I wasn’t hiding. I wanted them up at night, scared, suspicious. Rumors would work for me.

Dana, you wanna play games? Let’s play to the end.

We’ll see who faces the executioner when the dust settles.