Chapter 9

Ari

I stood up, trembling, in front of the mirror. My gaze fixed on the stranger staring back at me, and I forced a bitter smile onto my lips. My fingers traced the shortened strands of my once-long hair, and I hated the way it looked. It served as a stark reminder of the humiliation and loss I had endured because of my stepmother. I couldn’t help but wonder when this series of misfortune would come to an end, silently pleading with the moon goddess.

Tears welled up and streamed down my cheeks, distorting the reflection I could no longer bear to confront. My hair, once a source of pride and dignity, had become just another casualty of my stepmother's cruelty. She had taken everything from me—my family, my happily ever after, the dream of a fairytale wedding, the loyal people who had faithfully served us, and even my deceased father's honor. The Ironwolf and my malevolent stepmother had left me with nothing. I felt utterly depleted, my will to live extinguished.

Sinking to the floor, I