She Chose Fire

From the moment she was born, Seraphina Grant was doomed to live a life without being loved.

Her dad, the Alpha of the pack, said to her, "You owe Layla too much. Give her the Moonshadow Blade blessed by the Moon Goddess."

Her mom, the Luna, asked her, "Are you really going to stand by and watch Layla die? We're just asking that you give her a bit of your life essence each day. You'll be fine."

Later, Seraphina met Damien Norman. He swore that across lifetimes, whether as a wolf spirit or in human form, he would love only her.

But later still, Damien told her, "Layla ended up like this because of you. Staying with her is my way of helping you atone."

Even her son said, "I don't want you to be my mom. I want Aunt Layla!"

In the end, every single one of them demanded that she give her life for her sister, Layla Grant.

All because she belonged to the legendary Sunfire bloodline and possessed the power of Ember Rebirth.

So Seraphina did what they wished and set her own life ablaze, not to trade it for Layla's, but to erase them all from her heart forever.

When her parents and mate abandoned her for her sister for the 99th time, Seraphina Grant was finally exhausted.

She knelt before the statue of the Moon Goddess and said, "I'm willing to erase all my memories, sever every emotional bond, and go to Howlpeak to become its eternal guardian, to suppress the wild spirits of the abyss and protect the balance of the supernatural world."

The Moon Goddess's majestic voice echoed in her mind. "Once you go to Howlpeak, you will never be allowed to leave. You will never return to your pack's territory.

"And you will be completely alone, with no companion. Are you sure about this?"

Seraphina did not hesitate for a second. "Yes."

"Then it shall be as you wish." A beam of silver light poured from the statue and sank into the center of Seraphina's forehead. "In seven days, this Mooncrest will sever your ties of love, erase your memories, and send you to Howlpeak."

Seraphina bowed deeply. "Thank you for your mercy, great Moon Goddess."

On her way back to the Sunfire Pack's territory, heavy snow began to fall.

Seraphina caught a snowflake in her palm, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.

Today was supposed to be her 100th birthday, an important milestone in a werewolf's life.

But early that morning, her sister, Layla Grant, had suddenly collapsed and fallen unconscious.

Her mate, Damien Norman, rushed to her side in a panic. "Layla!"

Her Luna mother, Miriam Grant, cried out and nearly fainted on the spot.

Her Alpha father, Bryan Grant, hurried to steady Miriam and then followed Damien in a rush.

Even her child, Leo Norman, cried, "What's wrong with Aunt Layla? I don't want anything to happen to her!"

They all hurried away with Layla. Not one person