Viktor looked straight into Liliana’s dark eyes, which didn’t flinch at all. A faint smile played at the corners of his lips.
"I can’t tell you yet what task you’ll have to carry out for me. But one thing is certain, it’s not something just any werewolf can handle."
Liliana clenched her fists tightly. "Will I have to risk my life?"
Viktor kept smiling calmly. "It’s possible."
"Viktor," Olive called softly. She walked closer slowly. In her heart, she thought that her Alpha really wasn’t very good at winning over young women. "If you’re willing to become our daughter, at least you can secure your future. We’ll protect you," Olive continued, addressing Liliana.
Liliana looked at Olive, then turned to Viktor. She realized this family was very powerful. But she understood all too well that in this world, nothing comes for free. She couldn’t expect to have the same good fortune as Valerie, who received her family’s love without having to try.
Liliana bowed her head, then knelt. "I, Liliana Forst, am willing to do whatever Master Alpha and Mistress Luna ask of me. As long as you provide me with protection until I’m strong enough to stand on my own, I accept those terms."
The entire room fell silent as they witnessed Liliana’s resolve. Then Cassian Draven stepped forward.
"In that case, try calling me ’big brother.’"
Liliana’s fingers clenched tightly. She looked up at Cassian. The man before her was notorious at the academy, some even said he was far more ruthless than Adrian and Alaric. Rumor had it that he had once killed a soulmate he had rejected.
It was said that he willingly suffered severe injuries and was bedridden for a full month as punishment from the Moon Goddess for that act. Not a single woman who had come close to him had been able to stay by his side.
Will I also end up dead like her lunar partner? Do they just want to use her as a plaything before killing me? Liliana shuddered inwardly.
"Big brother..." she said softly, bowing her head and closing her eyes. Perhaps dying in front of this family would be more honorable than dying at Valerie’s hands or in front of the two Alphas who had rejected her.
Cassian hadn’t expected Liliana to be this obedient. Unconsciously, his ears turned red a reaction only Olive and Viktor noticed.
"My name is Viktor Draven, the Alpha of this pack. From now on, you may call me Father. You are my daughter."
"And my name is Olive, the Luna of this pack," she said as she helped Liliana to her feet. "I’m your mother from now on."
Liliana looked up at them both. A strange, warm feeling spread through her chest. "Dad... Mom..."
Olive smiled contentedly. "Now sit down and eat with us."
"But... my face..."
"The scar on your face is proof that you’ve been in a fight. To us, it’s a sign of courage. I’ll find some medicine to heal it."
"Thank you," Liliana replied softly. She wasn’t expecting much, after all, she hadn’t done anything for Draven’s Pack yet.
"Finish your breakfast. Starting tomorrow morning, you’ll undergo rigorous training aristocratic etiquette, the art of combat, and other matters related to your future duties."
Liliana nodded firmly. "All right, Father."
Viktor waved his hand. "In a week, I’ll hold a ceremony to officially welcome you into the pack and as my daughter. Make sure you understand everything before you appear before my pack. Don’t let me down because of this decision."
"I will, Father," Liliana replied, her eyes brimming with confidence.
Cassian said nothing, he simply stared at the girl who had suddenly become his sister today.
"Next month, you’ll be entering the academy as a member of the Draven Family. Cassian will be watching over you while you’re there," Viktor added.
Cassian tapped the table with his finger, causing Liliana to turn her head. "Did you hear that, you stupid wolf? I’m your older brother from now on. I’m the one who’ll be watching over you," he said firmly, as if imprinting that identity deep within her.
Liliana didn’t answer, she just stared at him the future Alpha, the man who might not hesitate to kill her.
The next morning, when the sun was high in the sky, Liliana walked toward the training hall. Viktor had assigned Cassian to teach her self-defense and build up her physical strength.
"Use your right leg, you stupid wolf! Do you think you can block my attack with just your left leg?" Cassian snapped as Liliana staggered and fell, having lost her balance.
"Can you stop calling me a stupid wolf?" protested Liliana, who couldn’t take it anymore. This was the hundredth time she’d heard it since yesterday.
"Hurry up and get up! Get into position strike the same stance as before!" Cassian shouted, unconcerned.
Liliana snorted in annoyance but obeyed anyway. Her schedule was packed in the morning, she studied etiquette with Mrs. Mega in the afternoon, she practiced martial arts with Cassian and in the evening, she deepened her spiritual connection with Silver under Mrs. Olive’s guidance.
"Still no luck?" Olive asked as the clock struck eleven at night. This was the fifth time Liliana had failed to summon her wolf.
Liliana shook her head. "He still won’t respond to me."
Olive nodded in understanding. "I’ll discuss it with your father. Don’t worry, I’ll find another way. It’s possible he can’t respond because he was injured in last night’s incident."
Liliana lowered her head, a pang of regret creeping into her heart.
"Go back to your room. Apply this ointment to your face. If you run out, let Mom know. As for Silver... he’s different from other wolves. He won’t just die like that."
"Thank you, Mom. I understand."
Liliana walked calmly toward her room. Her eyes sharpened with determination. No matter what she had to do, she had to be strong. Starting today, she would no longer be a burden to anyone.