Chapter 1 Author: Cher After my rebirth, I watched coldly as my "fallen" mate, Liam, returned in disguise-posing as my sister's mate, Jacob. In my past life, I had believed that same lie. This time, I would make him pay for his betrayal. I stood before Liam's coffin, staring at the face identical to Jacob's. "Elena, you must decide." Alpha Arthur's voice echoed through the great hall. "As his fated mate, you may remain loyal to Liam's memory and serve as the eternal guardian of our pack. Or..." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the gathered werewolves. "You may plead with the Moon Goddess to release you from the bond... and reclaim your freedom." Jacob and Liam were Arthur's twin sons. A year ago, during the council, Jacob had been named heir and acknowledged as my sister Isabella's destined mate. The hall fell into silence, every breath held as they waited for my answer. Isabella touched my shoulder gently, her voice sweet as honey. "Elena, Liam loved you so much. How could you..." "I choose to sever the bond." My words cracked like thunder. Shock rippled through the room, followed by a storm of whispers. Even Alpha Arthur was stunned, knowing how deep my love for Liam ran. He asked again, "Are you certain?" "I am." My voice was steady. "I will sever my bond with Liam, and I ask the Moon Goddess to grant me a new mate." At that, "Jacob's" face drained of color. Rage twisted his features. "Elena, are you insane? Liam's body is barely cold, and you dare-" I raised my head, meeting his furious eyes as his fingers intertwined tightly with Isabella's. He still dared to condemn me? My lips curled in a silent, bitter laugh. Go on. Keep pretending. Last time, I had been blind enough to believe it. Though I had faintly sensed the weakened mate bond between us, it had taken me months of torment to confirm the truth-that the wolf before me was Liam, not Jacob. He had diluted our mate bond through a blood pact, masking his deception. But now, reborn, I knew exactly who he was. Every word he spoke reeked of poison.