Isabella confronted Norah

The party was long over, but Norah lingered in Alpha William’s chamber, her fingers brushing over the polished oak desk, the velvet drapes, the scent of power and dominance heavy in the air. She twirled slowly, her lips curling into a satisfied smile.

"I am Alpha William’s mate," she whispered to herself, savoring every word. "The place I’ve always wanted—finally mine."

Meanwhile, across the packhouse, Isabella sat curled on the edge of her bed, tears streaming down her face. Her chest rose and fell with broken sobs, one hand protectively resting on her stomach.

"He pushed me away like I was nothing… like I was trash," she choked out, her voice raw. "And yet, I carry his child."

Clara sat beside her, struggling with her own emotions. She had never trusted William, but seeing Isabella shattered cut her deeply. She drew in a sharp breath and said, “I am as shocked as you are. But Isa… maybe he never truly loved you.”

Isabella lifted her swollen eyes to her friend. “I gave him everything, Clara. My heart, my trust, my loyalty. I let him see every corner of my soul. And all this time, while I was blinded by love, he was hiding her—his secret with Norah, the very friend I called my sister.”

Clara clenched her fists, bitterness sharpening her tone. “He doesn’t deserve your tears. Do you know how he spoke of you after you left the bonfire tonight? Like you were nothing more than a burden. He called you weak, Isabella. Weak.”

Isabella’s lips trembled, pain slicing through her chest. “Weak?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes,” Clara snapped, her voice low with fury. “He told the others you were too fragile to ever stand beside him as Luna. He paraded Norah at his side as if she had already taken your place. And not one of them— not one— spoke up for you.”

Isabella’s whole body shook, but this time it wasn’t just sorrow—it was anger beginning to stir.

“After everything I sacrificed for him…” she muttered, pressing her palm harder against her stomach. “He thinks he can cast me aside so easily?”

Clara placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, her voice cold with rage. “Let him think about it. Let him gloat with Norah while he believes you’re broken. Because one day, Isabella… you will rise. And when you do, he’ll regret every scar he left on your heart.”

---

“Did you say rise?” Isabella shook her head in disbelief.

“Yes, you heard me right,” Clara answered firmly.

“I wish I had done that earlier. I wish Alpha had revealed to me that all he wanted was to sleep with me, to treat me like a harlot.” Isabella’s voice broke, grief clawing deeper into her chest. “If you say rise, then that should be my word.”

“You don’t believe that?” Clara asked gently.

“Since he has decided to take me unaware, I will make sure Alpha Williams begs to set his eyes on his child,” Isabella swore, her tone trembling with both pain and defiance.

Clara sighed. “I think you were right from the start, hiding the pregnancy from Alpha Williams. It has truly saved you a lot.”

From the window, Isabella caught sight of Norah’s shadow drifting across the yard.

“That must be Norah, walking around… I guess she’s happy with what she’s done to me,” Isabella muttered bitterly. She rose from her seat. “I have to confront her.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” Clara urged. “Why don’t you let her have her few moments with Alpha? This won’t last forever.”

“Did you hear yourself?” Isabella snapped, her eyes burning. “Every night, my tears run down my cheeks. I feel wounded, broken, each time I remember that I once gave myself to a cheater. An Alpha who stabbed me with my best friend, Norah. No—this is the time I confront her.”

“Please, don’t land yourself in trouble,” Clara pleaded. “Norah has already done her worst. You don’t need to weaken yourself further.”

“I can’t remain calm,” Isabella said, fists clenched. “I’ll confront her. I’ll make her feel the pain I carry in my heart.”

“Then… at least be wise,” Clara whispered.

But Isabella was already gone.

She found Norah by the moonlit pathway, her head held high as if the entire pack already belonged to her. The smug smile on her lips was enough to shatter Isabella’s fragile resolve.

“So, you finally crawled out,” Norah sneered when she noticed Isabella. “I was wondering how long you’d keep hiding in your little corner of shame.”

“I came to tell you to your face—what you did is unforgivable,” Isabella said, her voice trembling but steady. “You betrayed me. You destroyed the bond I shared with Alpha Williams.”

Norah let out a cruel laugh. “Destroyed? Darling, there was nothing to destroy. If your bond with him were real, no one—least of all me—could have broken it.” She stepped closer, circling Isabella like a predator. “You were weak, Isabella. Too soft. Too… ordinary. Did you really think an Alpha like Williams would stay bound to someone like you when he could have me?”

Isabella flinched as each word struck her chest like a blade.

“I… I was his mate,” she whispered, as if trying to convince herself.

“Mate?” Norah scoffed. “Oh please. You were his experiment. A mistake he quickly corrected. Now, I’m the one he wants by his side. You? You’re nothing but a fading shadow, a woman clinging to a past that never belonged to her.”

Her words were poison, and Isabella felt her knees weaken, her breath shallow. Tears welled in her eyes despite her desperate attempt to remain strong.

Norah smirked, watching her crumble. “Look at you. Pathetic. You can’t even stand tall against me. No wonder he chose me.”

Isabella’s fists tightened, but her strength failed her. She could only stand there, trembling, broken by the harsh truth carved into Norah’s mocking tone.

“ I will be back for you.!” Isabella pointed at Norah.

“ That should be in hell?” Norah rudely replied.

“ Bitch.!” Norah called Isabella, as she turned to leave Isabella present. “. The next time you cross my path I will make sure I crush you with my legs.” Norah pointed dangerously at Isabella. “ Get out,” she pushed Isabella aside.

“ And to you, Clara.” Norah pointed at her, eyes glittering with cruelty. Clara stood frozen, fear trembling through her body.

“ Don’t be afraid,” Norah sneered. “Instead, be happy. From today onward, you’ll be my personal maid.”

“No… no way!” Clara stammered, but before she could finish, Norah’s hand struck her cheek with a harsh slap.

“Shut your filthy mouth, you gods-forsaken maid!” Norah barked, her voice ringing with authority. “The last I checked, you served Isabella. You have no right to question me.”

Clara pressed her lips together, falling into silence.

“You should be grateful I chose you out of many. Do you really think you’re special? Do you think you have what it takes to serve me?” Norah’s smile curled into something darker. “You and your so-called mistress, Isabella, are worth nothing—like broken birds with clipped wings.”

“Norah…” Isabella’s voice broke as she tried to interrupt.

But Norah cut her off coldly. “Mark my words, Isabella. I’ll strip you of everything. You’ll leave here with nothing, and if fate is cruel enough, you’ll end up begging on the streets.”