e mark on her young heart. Yet, paradoxically, it was also the day that had sown the seeds of hope within her. The words of her young savior, the Celesti

ard to swallow. Her mother, Divina, harbored no love for her. In fact, she was t

" Divina would often spit out,

nona's twin sister, was allowed to mingle and play with the other pups

he other children," Divina would say, her v

in the pack. It was as if the Moon Goddess herself had conspired against

e the others. While most children had eyes that mirrored the hues of the sea or the earth, and hair that ra

nd hair that shone like spun gold. She was often referred to as the golden girl, her radiant beauty il

ing pack gatherings, she was treated like an outcast. She was often alone, s

iful! You look like a pr

as radiant as yours! The goddess must

the same blood as that curs

re them in silence, never retaliating, never defending herself. I

tolerate her differences, he celebrated them. He was a constant source of enco

l," he would affec

ood, her father was there to ensure she was fed. When Divina would vent her frustrat

rds, and the cruel starvation, Winona clung to the hope that her

attlefield, stripped of her armor and weapon, left defenseless against the harsh realitie

ond the confines of her household, permeating the entire pack. E

ecause Divina refused to drop her off or pick her up, unlike with Hayley. Sh

turn to. She found herself yearning for the comforting presen

-

m the relentless work. As she struggled to finish the dishes

washed those clo

not a machine. How was she expected to juggle multipl

to intensify as the years passed. In the absence of her father, Winona had l

ed. Divina approached her, pointing out a spot she claimed was still dirty. Winona didn't utter a word, knowing any response would only fue

hought she would grow accustomed to the pain over time, but who could e

ply because she could, and because she wanted to. After enduring the verbal and physical abuse, Winona was instructed to fini

reakfast and washing dishes simultaneously, D

ty clothes still t

early to start her chores. It wasn't as if she hadn't

you a question?" Divina's voice s

I'll wash the clothes," Winona replied, l

rderous glare. To Divina, she was nothi

like him, you've come into my life and ruined everything. I

that Divina seemed to never tire of repeating. Winona often found herself wondering

ur father, a lowly Gamma, claimed to be my mate! As if being his ma

Hayley. At least I can find solace in her. She's beautiful and graceful, a mirr

slaught of venomous words that were sure to escape her mother's l

mirror image of him! A blight on my l

of soapy water. Having vented her fury, she spat at Winona and stormed off. Wino

lief that once she turned sixteen and underwent her shift, she would have her wolf as a c

ht? Her wolf would stand by her side, an