Lucias didn't deny it.
"After everything she's been through your parents tried to sell her, locked her in a cellar for days, no food, no light… and yet she survived. She's extraordinary."
Niora thoughy that was not enogh reason but her voice quivered. "You barely know her."
Lucias sneered, each word a blade. "We grew up together…"
His eyes hardened. "So what??.."
Words failed her. She stood frozen in the middle of the roses.
His tone turned colder. "Our marriage was never about love. It was duty. And now that duty lies with Linda."
"will be Alpha and an Alpha needs a strong Luna, I have to think for the pack, surely you can understand"
Without another glance, he turned and walked away.
Niora collapsed to her knees among the petals, clutching her chest as though she could hold what was breaking inside.
Through her tears, she saw Linda on the patio hand resting on Lucias's arm smiling as if everything stolen from Niora had already been gifted to her.
A voice broke through the haze. "Niora?"
Her old nanny, Emma, knelt beside her, gentle regret in her eyes.
"I heard what happened," Emma whispered. "I'm so sorry."
"Did you know?"
"Did everyone know and not tell me?"
Emma swallowed. "They informed the staff this morning. We were sworn to tell you."
Niora's breath caught. "So… you pretended all day?"
"Not everyone," Emma said, gripping her hand. "But Linda… she's been asking strange questions about your schedule, your weaknesses, even about Lucias."
Niora blinked, horror building. "What are you suggesting?"
Emma's expression turned grave. "I've served the Blackwoods for decades. Linda… she doesn't truly fit. Apart from the eyes and the hair, something's off."
Niora shook her head. "No. They did a DNA test. She's their daughter. I'm not."
Emma narrowed her eyes. "Still, she watches you too closely studies you in ways you don't see."
"She's just traumatized," Niora insisted, though a cold knot formed in her gut. And got up to leave.
Emma leaned closer. "Be careful. I don't trust her."
Niora paid no attention to her. She doesn't know how long she has been nkeeling there her knees were aching. She could barely walk properly.
Back inside, Linda was surrounded by pack leaders, her voice trembling as she recounted horrors with heart-wrenching clarity.
"They used to hit me and locked me in the dark for days," she wept, eyes wide with remembered fear. "I thought I'd die in there."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some covered their mouths. Others whispered sympathetically, their eyes glossy with tears.
Niora stepped closer, feeling like an outsider in her own house.
Linda turned toward her, eyes shimmering. "Oh, Niora… I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your birthday."
"You didn't," Niora said, voice quiet but kind.
She knelt beside her. "You're my sister now. We support each other."
Linda beamed, her tears glinting like precious gems. "You're so kind. I always dreamed of having a sister."
The crowd softened around her again, expressions turning from sympathy to near reverence. Niora felt their eyes judging, comparing.
"If there's anything I can do to help" Niora began.
Linda gave a delicate smile. "Maybe… I could help serve the guests? I'm used to serving."
Before Niora could respond, Mary swept in.
"Absolutely not," she said firmly. "You're our daughter. Niora can manage that."
Niora's throat tightened. "Of course," she murmured, rising to take a tray from the kitchen.
As she moved among the guests, offering drinks and slices of cake, her eyes kept drifting toward Linda.
She was standing beside Lucias smiling, laughing, brushing his arm as if they'd known each other forever. Lucias leaned in, visibly charmed.
James appeared at Niora's side, watching the scene with a proud smile. "She's quite something, isn't she? Strong. Poised. We're lucky to have her back."
Niora's lips formed the shape of a smile, but the sound that came out was hollow.
"Yes," she said. "Very lucky."
Later that night, after the guests had left, Linda curled up on the living room sofa, tearful and trembling.
"I'm… afraid of the dark," she whispered, voice shaking. "Could I… maybe stay with someone tonight?"
Mary was by her side in an instant. "Of course, darling. You'll stay in Niora's room tonight it has the best lighting and is close to ours."
Niora stiffened. "No!!" she blurted, then
caught herself. "I mean… I've always been afraid of the dark too.
"Silence fell like frost.
Mary's eyes narrowed. "You've slept alone for years. Don't be selfish."
James's voice was firm, absolute. "Linda deserves comfort. You'll move to the east wing. It's the only unoccupied room. Just for tonight. Be understanding."
Niora's voice was barely a breath. "But it's dark. I…"
Mary cut her off. "Then learn to be considerate."
Linda curled into herself, voice soft with guilt. "I don't want to be a burden…"
"I can sleep on the couch,"
she offered through trembling sobs. "I don't want to cause a trouble in your family."
"Absolutely not," Mary said, gathering her into an embrace. "You're our daughter. You deserve a proper room."