Defying The Alpha

Isabella Winters never asked to be the heir to the Blackthorn Pack, but fate has other plans. Raised by an adoptive family after her parents were murdered in an ambush, she returns to the pack she never knew, only to find herself isolated, ridiculed, and caught in a dangerous power struggle. Her grandfather, Alpha Evan, is dying, and with him goes the future of the pack. To secure its future, he demands Isabella marry Lucas Blackwood, the pack’s golden boy and most likely successor to the throne. But Lucas has his own secrets. As the most adored member of the pack, he fears Isabella’s return might take away everything he’s worked for—the throne, the pack, and his future. Though he plays the part of the perfect gentleman in public, behind closed doors, he resents the very woman he’s supposed to marry. That is, until he begins to see the strength, wisdom, and leadership hidden beneath her quiet exterior. When the Blackthorn Pack is thrown into chaos by betrayal from within and a shocking assassination attempt on Alpha Evan, Isabella must confront her destiny. As dangerous enemies close in, Isabella discovers a hidden power that could make her the true leader the pack needs—but only if she can overcome the lies, betrayal, and her own doubts.

Two centuries after the Great War, peace between humans and werewolves was finally achieved, or so everyone believes. Werewolves reign like gods, and humans remain blissfully unaware of their true place in the new world order. To maintain this fragile balance, each year, a handful of "lucky" humans are selected from various districts to attend Lunaris Academy, a prestigious institution that promises glory, status, and a chance to mingle with the elite. Those chosen are hailed as the lucky few, destined to marry powerful alphas and rise as luna. This year, Violet Purple is among the chosen, much to everyone's surprise. For an orphaned girl adopted by a disgraced prostitute, this is a golden ticket to a better life or so she's told. But Lunaris Academy isn’t the paradise it’s painted to be. Everything Violet and her fellow humans have been taught is a lie. Humans are far from equal; they're pawns in a much larger game. The academy is nothing but a gilded cage, and the students are lambs led to slaughter, playthings for the alphas to toy with in their ruthless games. To make matters worse, Violet catches the attention of the most dangerous players in this game, the Terror Four: the Alpha of the North, Alpha of the South, Alpha of the East, and Alpha of the West. Each one is more dangerous, more twisted, and more powerful than the last. But even among themselves, the alphas are divided, each with their own deadly ambitions. Yet, they all have their eyes on her. They expect Violet to play along, to fall in line like the others who worship at their feet, to break under their games. But Violet isn’t like the others. She refuses to bow. She’ll defy them all. *********** With a grin that made her uneasy, he handed the application to her. “Approve this one.” Principal Jameson’s curiosity got the better of her as she took the paper from him, her eyes scanning the text. Almost immediately, her breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in disbelief. “What the...?” “It’s perfect, isn’t it?” Asher’s voice was almost gleeful. Fucking psychopath! Jameson could hardly believe what she was reading. “Mr. Nightshade, with all due respect, this applicant….this girl just admitted to—” She couldn’t even finish the sentence, still horrified at the explicit nature of the application. Taking a deep breath, she continued, “I’m sorry, but I cannot approve this.” “She’s issued me a challenge,” Archer said, a dark gleam in his eyes. “What?” “‘Wait till you see me in bed,’” he repeated the bold line from the application, his grin widening. “And I can’t wait to find out.” “Mr. Nightshade—” He stood up, cutting off her protest as he fixed her with an intense stare. “Approve the application. I won’t ask again.” Without waiting for her response, Asher strode out of the office, confident she would follow his orders. He always got what he wanted. Archer Nightshade walked down the hall, a spring in his step. For the first time in a long while, he felt alive, his blood pulsing with excitement. The other Cardinal Alphas had no idea what he was up to, but it would soon hit them. He’d just set the game in motion. And the target was Violet Purple. It was game on. Note : This is not your average werewolf story. Eveything you think you know about werewolves would be challenged in this book. And yes, it is reverse harem. Do give the book a try.

When Aria turned five her grandmother told her that their family has never been blessed with a mate and not having a mate doesn't mean they won't find love. When Aria turned eighteen, her desire to have a mate became stronger because her best friend whom she had a crush on found his mate and the pure joy in his eyes when he told her about the mate bond, place a emptiness in her heart. "You are special, Aria. You have the power to turn back time." That was what her grandmother told her when she claimed she was cursed and even though she was not satisfied with that answer, she never asked again. Two years later, Aria got a call from the hospital and found out that her grandmother has been poisoned and the only way for her to save her grandmother was to accept this deal made by the Alpha of the Shadow Moon pack "Marry Alpha Tristan, have him fall for you and then kill him." It was the only way to saved her grandmother so she agreed despite knowing that she was walking into a lion den, because how was she going to kill a man who despite losing both his sight and his mate, command enough power and authority to still be called a Alpha. How will Aria feel when she realized that the man she has been task to kill has been waiting for her for five lifetimes and have just two years left to live? What situation will Aria find herself that will require her to turn back time and what price will she pay for altering time itself? ----------- Excerpt Aria felt uneasy by his silence and wondered if it was the right moment to use the techniques, Hailey has taught her. Taking a deep breath, Aria stepped closer and closed her eyes as she brushed her lips against Tristan's. Tristan stiffened when he felt her lips on his and without thinking, he immediately pushed her away. Seeing the angry look on his face, Aria felt like it was all over; she was definitely going to be killed now. But Tristan expression was shadowed by more than anger. How had she gotten so close without him sensing her? And why--why was his heart racing like this?

"Where did he go?" I murmured, realizing I was alone. My heart sank as I scanned the room for any sign of him. But It was just me, an empty wine bottle on the floor, and memories of the night before. I pushed myself up, feeling the dull ache in my body. The alcohol still lingered in my system, and I had no idea how many times we had... well, how many times we had done it. But despite everything, I couldn't deny I had enjoyed it. "You're such an idiot Kim!" I scolded myself, running a hand through my messy hair. "You didn't even ask for his name." I sighed, embarrassed at my recklessness. How could I let myself go low with a stranger like that? I glanced down, realizing I was completely naked. "Oh my gosh!" I yelped, grabbing my dress off the floor and quickly slipping it on... ★★ Humiliated and betrayed, Kimberly Fray's life as a powerful Alpha's daughter of the Moon Stone Pack crumbles when Alpha Derrick of the Night Walkers Pack rejects her. But as she uncovers her true identity, Kimberly finds herself caught between two ruthless Alphas who desire her. Torn between Alpha Derrick, who begins to see her worth too late, and the Alpha King, Kimberly's strength and courage are tested like never before. In a world where love, revenge, and power collide, Kimberly must decide who she truly is, and who she's meant to be with between the two Alphas chosen by the Moon Goddess!

With the heavens as an adversary, the joy is boundless. The story is brimming with passion and rebellion, narrating the journey of a young man in a world filled with decisive violence, as he grows and transforms through his own wisdom and courage. The protagonist, Ning Que, goes from an obscure youth to one who has endured countless hardships and challenges, rising against the weight of destiny to embark on a fiery adventure. He must not only confront various enemies from the outside world but also face the choices and growth within himself.

Dear Reader, Have you ever had thoughts that questioned the reality around you? What is my true purpose in life? Why doesn't anybody like me? What do others have that I don't; what is this hidden secret behind the feeling of happiness? "Null is he...," that voice, "... who defies the creator," it all started with that dying whisper. He who was once just another speck of the tiniest speck of the universe would have to become the strongest for the sake of his true purpose in life. His lover? Blazing ambition? Treasured new friends? Witness the lengths that Null had to go through to understand what it meant to accomplish one's dreams and triumph over those who sought to crush them. His journey to defy the creator will leave him beaten, battered, and bruised as he chases a lost flame across the cosmos in a bid to keep his lover's soul from dying out. Will he meet his end the same as his predecessor, or will he and his misfit band of allies defy the natural order of the universe as chaos reigns wherever they go? If you've found yourself on a boring rock, craving adventures in an infinitely expanding vast of nothingness, then you're in for the time of your life! Gods and Devils, Angels and Demons, Unicorns and Rainbows, Laughter and Crying, Life and Death, Winning and Losing— all of that and tons more await!!! I've said my piece, now it's time for you, The Reader, to enjoy my most prized creation. Yours Then, Now, and Forevermore, The True Creator

Daniella hates the holidays. To her, they’re anything but magical. Christmas? A snowy night stole her parents in a car crash. New Year’s Eve? That’s when she caught her fiance cheating. Even Halloween is cursed, her beloved cat died on that very night. Every holiday brings heartbreak, so Daniella does the only thing that keeps her sane: she escapes to her secluded beach house, far from festive cheer and painful memories. But this Christmas, peace isn’t on the agenda. A storm delivers an unexpected guest, a mysterious, storm-battered man lying unconscious on her beach. Naked, injured, and with no memory of who he is, the man she calls Alpha is both a puzzle and a challenge. As Daniella cares for him, she discovers that Alpha is not from her world. He’s brave, loyal... and hilariously clueless. Whether it’s figuring out a coffee machine or misunderstanding basic human customs, his antics turn her quiet life upside down, filling it with unexpected humor and warmth. Alpha isn’t the only one out of his depth. When Daniella is drawn into his world, where packs, titles, and deference to her new role as Luna await, she finds herself equally lost. Why does everyone bow when they see her? What’s with all the formalities? Together, Daniella and Alpha stumble through their new realities, bringing laughter and light into each other’s lives. As their bond deepens, Daniella begins to rediscover the magic she thought she’d lost of holidays, love, and belonging. But as Alpha’s memories return, so do the responsibilities of his true identity. With Valentine’s Day approaching, Daniella must decide: will she embrace the life and love Alpha offers, or will the pain of her past keep her from claiming her destiny?

In the brutal world of Humbra, young Neumond Leonard seeks vengeance for the massacre of his village. Haunted by loss and driven by rage, he embarks on a perilous journey, confronting monstrous creatures and a web of conspiracy that threatens to consume the realm. But in a land where even the gods seem to have abandoned hope, can vengeance truly bring redemption? Will Leo's uniqueness be enough to face the dangers of Humbra? In this tale of survival and despair, you will witness: A world teetering on the brink: Humbra, a realm scarred by war, where survival is a daily struggle and the future is uncertain. A hero consumed by vengeance: Leonard's quest for retribution is a dangerous path, one that threatens to consume him with the same darkness he seeks to destroy. A struggle against insurmountable odds: Leirions, monstrous creatures that stalk the land, while a web of conspiracy and betrayal tightens its grip on those in power. Dare to enter the world of Alpha Instinct, where the fight for survival is a relentless struggle against the encroaching darkness. But be warned: in Humbra, hope is a rare and precious commodity, and even the bravest hearts can be broken.

To Sloane, she was a human girl who was cursed by the heavens. Death to her loved ones always seemed to follow her despite how innocent or antisocial she was. Her life had been filled with darkness ever since she was a child, and she never knew the reason why. After her encounter with the southern werewolf tribe's prince, Nathan, her life is further pulled into an inescapable abyss. She learns why her life had always been miserable and realises how much of her life had been built on lies. All her experiences while growing up as a child, had always led to life walking all over her. The more she learns, the more steps she takes which always led back to the words Nathan told her whenever she was discouraged "Turn your kindness into your greatest weapon" A fallen fighting to reclaim what she has lost. A naive girl turning into a decisive woman. That was who she was and who she slowly became. Her experiences with Nathan, became the stepping stone for her to become a powerful queen. She is the fallen alpha

Nashit, a young adventurer, had been mercilessly sacrificed by his companions in a ruthless bid to save the kingdom. When they encountered an invincible monster in the depths of a dark cave, they left Nashit behind as bait, unknowingly dooming him. Wracked by poison and the beast's relentless assault, Nashit met a painful end. His former comrades sealed the monster within, entombing Nashit’s body alongside it, viewing his sacrifice as the price of victory. But fate had other plans. On the brink of death, Nashit’s soul found an unexpected escape. In the darkness, it was drawn into the body of a young noble child—a tragic heir to a crumbling noble family. Now trapped within this unfamiliar form, Nashit was given a second chance, yet his new world was fraught with intrigue, peril, and powers far beyond anything he had ever faced as an adventurer. Haunted by the bitter memories of his companions’ betrayal, Nashit must now navigate life as a noble child, striving to uncover his new family’s secrets while confronting his own dark past. Now, he fights not just to survive but to seek vengeance and unravel the mysterious destiny that has bound him to this new body. Is this punishment... or an opportunity to avenge himself against those who betrayed him?

A group of wolves, a gathering of witches, a trio of bears. An engaging narrative... Alpha Yona is struggling with his emotions towards Chhaya. He is hesitant to pursue a romantic connection with someone who is not his destined wolf partner. Despite his reservations, does he harbor romantic feelings for her? Cedric, Colton, and Connor are formidable bears with a significant issue involving the wolf pack. Both groups are attempting to eliminate the demons and are feeling irritated by the competition. Cedric is infatuated with Saturn, the leader of the coven, who is fixated on Alpha Yona. Can Saturn maintain focus to lead the witches effectively? Will Alpha Yona be able to navigate this complicated love triangle while maintaining order?

“That night was just pleasure." Amaya’s life changes when the man she broke the rules of her workplace as a club dancer by having sex with him ends up being the alpha of the known notorious wolf pack in the town. Her life now becomes a game of target when his enemies come after her once they realize that she now carries the heir of the most dangerous Alpha. Amaya is forced to change her life and live with a man she now realizes is the most dangerous man alive. She has to fight falling for him and protecting herself despite how he claims he will never love her and only keeps her as the woman carrying his heir. Falling for a man whose heart is set on never falling in love or pairing with anyone, much less a mate becomes a struggle as she lives under the same roof with him and werewolves who are bound to keep her safe no matter what. Her greatest fear is getting abandoned once the heir is born.

Still getting frequent death threats from the Blood Lord, Rey Reed Smith was forced to abandon his friend and loved one in the Middle Land and embark on the Blood Lord’s quest. As much as Rey didn't want to do the Blood Lord's bidding, he had no choice because the man now had access to his soul. For starters, Rey was killed during the war against Dylan Knoll, and his spirit went straight to the underworld, forcing him to lose his Alpha and Hellhound powers. In the underworld realm, the Blood Lord forced Rey Reed Smith to drink from the water in his fountain, granting him special powers, speed, reflexes, and the ability to read minds. This water took away Alpha Rey’s power, making the Blood Lord have absolute control over Rey’s soul and life. The blood lord forcefully trained Rey, drilled all his skills into his body, and made him a great fighter. Did he do this to send Rey back to the middleland so he could create a breach between the world of the living and the underworld?

The mighty heavens exist, ruling over all things. Those favored by its will are granted power and fortune, while those who dared to oppose it perished, leaving none behind. This is the tale of a man who once defied the heavens, underwent multiple reincarnations, and returned once more to the cultivation world. But here’s the twist. This young man remembers nothing of his past lives and is simply a teenager from Earth. How will he who has no knowledge of cultivation and experience in fighting, survive this grim world while being an inner disciple of a lower realm force—or so Xiao chen, the teenager thought till he heard a systematic sound in his mind. [Ding! Host has awakened the heaven's destined villain system!]

(Mature Content) "He's a monster.... a real menace of our world" In the grand Wisteria Kingdom, Prince Ryan stands as an outcast, a royal burden shrouded in the hatred of his people. He navigates a world where every gaze is laced with disgust and every word is a reminder of his unworthiness. Attempting to escape the confines of his reality, Ryan crosses paths with Jihoon, the prince of Alyssum—a radiant force who shatters his world and rebuilds it in ways he never imagined. In a world ruled by hierarchy and primal instincts, their bond is anything but simple. As their fates intertwine, Ryan is drawn into an unfamiliar whirlwind of emotions: yearning, jealousy, and the aching desire to belong. "We need to stop this. If we don't, the prophecy that has haunted our kingdom for generations..... I fear it could become reality-.....the destruction our ancestors feared most." As Ryan struggles with these strange emotions, which are blooming inside of him for Jihoon, an old evil rises-the legend of the long-feared Alphas, that which evokes hatred by the very people he's fighting. Hints of the past begin to become more defined and threaten to become reality. What will Ryan do as he learns that the true battle is not against his people, but the existence of himself: that which is destined to be the world's overthrow? . . . . . "He was destiny, my power. I wasn’t born for this world but only for him. He was my power and death. So I shall be only for him." -Smut -Omegaverse -Royal family -Kingdoms -Modern royal family Every 2 days after the next chapter will be uploaded.

The Dorack men are brutes who come from a long line of shapeshifters. They can no longer shift and have all but lost the instincts to mate. The men are presented with human wives in hopes of breeding. But DaThoren, the brute prince of Dorack, discovers the scent of not his new human bride but the slave girl covered in dirt at her feet. She is nothing more than a dog at their feet, but she seems to pull something from DaThoren, and soon he sinks more than just his fangs into her. "Do you think to trick me into breeding you, Pet?" Only one problem, shapeshifters can't pair mate with a human. Thus begins her story, for she was never just a dog, and she is far from being human. Only a dragon can carry the seed of another dragon.

Rio Hollar is a loving and crazy girl. Mayhem follows her everywhere and she always thinks she's not the problem. Before her 20th birthday she met Cole Valley, a white haired guy who seemed to have this strange air around him. She hate him at first glance and decided to distance herself from him, but certain situations have them almost always together. And soon their each others unhealthy obsession, but Cole still has a secret.

"She didn't want his heart to protect it, she wanted it to break it." Amara, a woman who was found mysteriously in the woods, her innocent-looking eyes filled up with tears. She couldn't speak properly but suddenly, she was all over the Alpha, Nicolas. The same guy who gave her shelter in the pack. "Behave, Amara, you won't like the consequences later," he said. "I don't want to behave, I want to be disciplined by you. F*ck me, daddy."

--- Shu Yi was born into the prestigious Shu Family, where her talents as an alchemist were overshadowed by her gender. When she refuses an arranged marriage meant to strengthen her family’s power, she is cast out and forced to fend for herself in the martial arts world of Xia Continent. Determined to live life on her own terms, Shu Yi faces countless challenges—rival clans, powerful sects, and her own self-doubt. But when she discovers a shocking truth—that the family who raised her is not her real family—her journey takes a new turn. Shu Yi sets out to find her true parents, only to learn they are captives in a distant continent, oppressed by the strongest sect in the martial world. Armed with her wits, alchemical skills, and a sharp tongue, Shu Yi must pass through a world that constantly underestimates her.

This starts with a girl who never knew her parents and was banned to speak about them when she was born later on was told her parents died but she didn't know they were alive and she met Zach who was looking for his mate and finally recognized her as his mate but one thing they didn't know was that the girl was very power ful she was giving the moon goddess power and power of the strongest few meal female wolf but people didn't know that they thought she was just an Omega as her grandmother said to avoid anybody from suspecting her to be the the blasphemy that happened by mistake so please interested please just come and read this story goes my first time let's see what happened unless he how she meet and how the Love story between her why she juggles finding her parents had let's see how it goes goodbye for now and I hope you enjoy the book goodbye

In a world devastated by the Great War, where governments have collapsed and nations fight for dominance, the Novare Organization rises to govern the fractured lands. Tasked with maintaining order until a leader is chosen to ascend the legendary Mighty Chair, Novare holds the fragile balance of power in its hands. Yoto, a brilliant but physically weaker member of Commander Hataki’s elite squad, dreams of protecting his teammates, who have become his only family since his orphaned childhood. However, his resolve is shattered when his powers fail to awaken during the squad’s Awakening Ceremony, leaving him to grapple with despair and self-doubt. Everything changes when Yoto unexpectedly unlocks a mysterious and otherworldly power that defies human understanding. This development catches the attention of President Genta, the enigmatic and calculating leader of Novare, who seems to have an unsettling interest in Yoto’s potential. Unbeknownst to Yoto, a masked figure, an ally of Commander Hataki, has been silently protecting him from the shadows. As Yoto struggles to control his newfound abilities, he is drawn into a web of secrets surrounding the true cause of the Great War, the purpose of the Mighty Chair, and Genta’s ultimate ambitions. With forces beyond human comprehension in play, Yoto must confront his doubts, uncover the truth, and determine if Genta is a savior or a threat. As the line between mortals and gods blurs, Yoto’s awakening may hold the key to humanity’s survival—or its destruction.

"I told you not to touch me," Audrey said. "In front of people," He reminded her. Audrey could feel the smirk in his voice. ~~~ Audrey's seventeen years in the Grey Blood pack were like a caged animal. She lived each day dreading the next unexpected thing the Alpha could punish her for. Audrey tried hard to understand the mysterious dream she'd been having, but nothing made sense to her, she was lost. She wished to be freed from the Grey Blood pack, but she lost all hope of survival when she found herself locked and chained in the cold dark dungeon. She hated him, she cursed him as her blood drained from her. She was happy to die and go away from that monster-alpha. Audrey awoke in a magical world where she learned everything about herself, she cultivated herself to become the strongest wolf and witch alive. One item though, led her back to the last place she wanted to be. Alpha Aloha Lake ruled the Grey Blood pack, the largest and strongest pack in the States. He was known to be brutal, even the mafia feared him. Nothing or anyone bothered him, except one; the damned bitch Audrey. He hated her, and he would make her pay for her mother's sins. But he could not kill her...yet. Alpha Lake emotionlessly stared at Audrey's bleeding body that lay on the cold dungeon floor, he ordered his beta to dispose of her without a second thought. One year later the enemies met again. Will hatred be the only emotion they share? Could they resist the fatal attraction they felt for each other?

Woven into the fabric of society, they amble earth just like humans do. You won’t see them unless they allow it. Even the full moon can't unveil their nature like it used to. They’ll fool you; those wolf shifters. They fooled the exceptionally intelligent Rosemary Reed. Cursed or… Perhaps blessed was the day the veil dropped before her eyes, and one single date with a charming stranger was all it took, thus shattering the illusion of reality she beheld through her human eyes. Left with no other choice in order to protect herself and her loved ones, Rose leaps headfirst in the abysses of a world that stood on its own axioms. Fortunately for her, she does not have to walk that path alone. From a complete stranger to far more than she ever wanted him to be, ‘til the flames of their forbidden love burned too bright to smother. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Updating once a week for now. -The novel does include some dark themes, violence, blood and sexual content- You may contact me on discord here: mavisruss

In a world of gifted werewolves and deadly Lycans, Nina, born into the Crescent Pack, inherits the responsibility of leading her pack after her father's injury by the vengeful Lycans who target their pack due to their deathly bite that can kill a Lycan. Desperate to save her pack from extinction, she seeks help from Christopher, the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, who she learns is her mate. However, their union turns treacherous, when on their wedding day Christopher mates with her best friend and orders the destruction of her pack before killing her as well. Reborn as a wolf within Lycan territory, she forms an unlikely alliance with Rider, the Alpha of the Lycans, to stop Christopher's genocidal plans to end the Lycan population. Together, they must defeat their common foe and establish a new era of harmony between werewolves and Lycans.

"A weak, broken omega as my mate? The moon goddess must be kidding me!" "I would rather kill him than accept him as my mate." Those were Chloe's angry words immediately she found out who her mate was. Chloe was not only the female Alpha but the most powerful Alpha that the werewolves' community ever had. She was feared and revered, brutal and fierce. She was also known as the ruthless leader who would kill for fun and at will. Not even the councils could call her to order. She was out of control and lived ruthlessly. However, there is a backstory that not many people knows about, except her best friend, Liam. On the other hand, Aiden was a weak and fragile werewolf who was considered an abomination. That was because he was a product of rape and his mother died immediately after giving birth to him. His grandfather maltreated him, claiming he caused the death of his only daughter. The maltreatment from toddler made him not to get his wolf on time and he was bullied and considered weak. That damaged him and he lived his life in fear and isolation. However, during Chloe's brutal attack on Aiden's pack, the two discovered they were fated mates. How would Chloe deal with that package of unpleasant surprise?

Liam always thought his first lover and best friend would turn out to be his mate. But after leaving him for two years, and the contact between them disappearing, he might just be a tad bit wrong. Author lemon sunflower (on Wattpad)

Rewriting Fate

Liana has always been the outcast—a forgotten daughter living in the shadow of her perfect sister, scorned by her parents, and betrayed by her pack. Stripped of her position as Alpha heir and cast aside, her life takes a darker turn when she is forced into an unwanted bond with Kieran, a rogue cloaked in mystery and secrets. Kieran is not what he seems. Beneath his rugged exterior lies a powerful secret, one that could shatter everything Liana thought she knew about her world. Bound together by circumstances beyond their control, their initial hatred ignites into an undeniable, dangerous passion. As their fates intertwine, old wounds resurface, enemies plot in the shadows, and loyalty is tested. Liana must decide whether to trust Kieran or let her anger and betrayal consume her. But with everything at stake—her family, her pack, and her future—she must find the strength to rise, even if it means facing the darkest parts of herself. Can Liana reclaim her destiny, or will the weight of her past drag her under?