Chapter 2

Isadora’s POV

"You haven't signed the consent form."

His voice was ice—not a trace of warmth.

Even now, after everything, I had still dared to hope.

"Fine." I heard my own voice, faint as a sigh.

"Oh, and Isadora—"

Mother's voice came from behind me.

"You won that diamond necklace at the auction, didn't you?" she said. "Give it to your sister."

"Calliope adores that necklace." Her tone was matter-of-fact, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Besides, it's not like you'll have much chance to admire it anymore."

That necklace—Tristan had bought it for me at the auction.

He had been determined to win it, raising his paddle again and again until he'd claimed it at a staggering price.

"For my beloved wife," he'd whispered in my ear as he clasped it around my neck. "It matches your eyes perfectly."

Instinctively, I glanced at Tristan.

He stood there, expression blank, saying nothing.

"Fine," I said. "I'll go get it."

Calliope leaned into Mother's embrace, the corner of her mouth lifting ever so slightly.

The expression vanished in an instant, but I saw it clearly.

She was smiling.

Ever since we were children, she had loved taking what was mine.

My toys, my dresses, my snacks—if it belonged to me, she wanted it.

Then we both fell in love with Tristan.

For once, I thought I had won.

Because Tristan chose me.

He said my eyes were the most beautiful he'd ever seen. He said he only wanted to be with me.

Calliope had been beside herself with rage, but there was nothing she could do.

I thought this one thing, at least, she couldn't take from me.

But now?

My eyes would go to her.

My necklace would go to her.

Even my husband had taken her side.

I dragged my exhausted body home.

I leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.

The symptoms of silver poisoning were flaring up again.

I tried to summon the wolf within me, but the power that had once surged through my veins—the ability to shift—had vanished completely.

I struggled to the bed and collapsed onto it.

I closed my eyes, hoping for just a moment of rest.

The shrill ring of my phone jolted me from my stupor.

It was Mother.

"Isadora! Look what you've done!"

"You agreed to everything to my face, then went running to the media behind our backs! Have you lost your mind?"

I frowned, utterly confused. "Mom, what are you talking about? I don't understand—"

"Don't play dumb!" Her voice was sharp, frantic. "It's all over the news! They're saying Calliope framed you and forced you to donate your eyes!"

"The whole pack knows now! Everyone is attacking Calliope!"

"Your sister is being torn apart online—are you satisfied now? Are you happy?"