Liyah's POV

It was four days to the full moon. I sat at my bedside window, wondering what the festival would be like. To be in the midst of so many wolves. Everyone in the pack was up and busy making preparations for the moon festival which would consist of different packs assembling together to celebrate the full moon.

Though my father had organized it to boast about his success yet again as the world most powerful and influential werewolf, it was also a medium to advertise the bravery of his beloved daughter, Barbara. His daughter who had more blood on her hands compared to her peers. Soon she would find her mate, and once again emphasis would be applied on just how much of a perfect daughter she was.

I readjusted on my bed, sighing heavily. I'm not a wolf anyways, so what business does a mere man have with the moon festival? I shook my head. None of these things were my concern. I was insignificant in the picture and my pack. So I shouldn't be thinking about things like this.

"What are you thinking about now?"

I jumped to my feet in a flash, not giving my brain a chance a analyse who the voice belonged to.

When I saw the smiling figure of Maria, I exhaled, placing a hand on my chest.

"Did I scare you?" She laughed, moving forward to whip open the curtains.

"Argh," I complained, shielding my eyes with my hand. "Maria?" I pouted.

She placed her hands on her hips defiantly. "Oh no you don't! I'll be darned if I let you sit here and wallow in your self pity all day, Li. It's a beautiful morning. You should enjoy it."

I tried to stop the smile that began spread all over my face and failed woefully. "But there's nothing to do, Nan," I groaned. "Let me stay here." I sank into my pillow, gazing up at her.

She hadn't said a word since she was struck in the face by Barbara's mom yesterday, and I could still see the purple bruise under her eyes, although she had tried to cover it up by wearing her large, white hat.

We both always had each other's back whenever we were treated like punching bags by the pack. Yesterday, I had expected her to come over to my room so we could discuss and try to make each other feel better. But she had wanted to be alone. Several times Nanny Maria and I would get hit for not handling nearly impossible tasks the way it was required of us. And no one in the pack batted an eyelid. It hurt most because Maria was older than the ones who bullied her; Mira and Barbara. Most of it stemmed from the fact that Nanny Maria had been unable to transform to her wolf her entire life.

Nanny Maria was the only person I was comfortable keeping a secret with. Each time I needed a shoulder to cry on, she'd turn up and lend me hers. She raised me since I was a kid and loved me like her very own.

"Get up, baby girl," She prodded. "What you wearing for the festival?" She asked, wiggling her eyebrows at me.

I was so confused I could've laughed. "I'm not going. Why would I?"

She folded her arms. "Nonsense, child. Of course you're going."

I shook my head sharply. "There's no need to be there. I'm not one of them and so I have no business there."

"Li, your father is celebrating..."

I glared at her and watched as she tried to stifle a laugh.

"Okay. I know that doesn't count. But please, I need you to go. Besides, it's a good chance to leave this hell hole," She added, looking round my room, aka cage, in disgust.

I shook my head stubbornly.

"Liyah."

I refused to look up. Whenever she mentioned my full name I knew she was serious.

"You are 22, and you've lived within these walls your whole life. Only the heavens know how long you'll remain here. And you never get the chance to leave, go out, have some fresh air and breathe. Attending this... festival would be nice for you. You might make friends, who knows? Remember wolves from other packs will be there too."

I knew she might be right. I didn't say a word.

"Please," She begged again.

I was silent for sometime, considering everything. I did feel suffocated in here. And the festival might be my one and only opportunity to be let off my leash for a day. They would all be so busy they wouldn't even realize.

But... what was the point of freedom for a while if it wasn't going to last?

"I'll think about it," I finally responded to my Nan.

"Yay! Iffy but positive. I think we're on the right track."

I rolled my eyes, giving a loud laugh.

Maybe she was right.

****

NIKOLAI'S POV

Two nights to the full moon, I summoned Drew to my chamber. I had already given him the task of prepare my costume for the forthcoming festival. Everyone was instructed to wear an armor with mask as a dress code, to look like warriors from Greek mythologies.

"Alpha, you sent for me," Drew said.

"Yes," I barked, hating that he wasted time with the pleasantries. "Is my costume ready? We have less than three days to the full moon."

Drew bowed his head a little. "Well, sir, there's a slight problem with-"

"What's the problem?" I interrupted, feeling the depth of my voice go deeper as irritation filled me.

He could sense the anger in me increasing, as he backed up a little. "Alpha, the costumes aren't ready yet. I've been overly committed to training for the festival too as your backup defense as you've instructed me to do, so I haven't had time to check up on the worker. They'll be ready by-"

Before he could finish, I succumbed to the burst of anger raging within me, the left side of my body shifting into my wolf form as I approached him and strangled him with my left hand. "You can't even handle such a simple task you fucking moron!"

My grip tightened. "I don't care what you have to do. Just get everything done," I spat, letting him fall to the floor as he had begun to tap my hand frantically.

"Y-yes, Alpha," He gasped, still clutching his throat.

I waved him away, settling down in my chair. Anything that seemed like it was going to stand in my way of revenge, be it friend or foe, I would completely destroy.

I had my plans all set. And I wouldn't let a flimsy mistake ruin anything. I would carry everything out as planned, and make them all suffer. How my Elle had suffered.