“It’s time, Aria!”
I stared at my reflection in the mirror and released a slow, unsteady breath. Today.
I smoothed the wrinkles from the borrowed blue dress clinging to my body and licked my dry lips, trying to calm the frantic pounding of my heart.
“You look beautiful, Aria. You’ll make a lovely bride.”
Talia’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to find her standing by the door, a gentle smile on her face. She stepped closer and rested a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
“Come on,” she urged softly. “You don’t want to make Luna Daria angry.”
A chill ran down my spine at the mention of my aunt. Not today—not after this morning.
At dawn, Selene had stormed into my room with a pair of scissors, slicing through the gown prepared for me simply because I hadn’t polished her shoes fast enough. I could still picture myself sitting on the bed, trembling, torn fabric draped uselessly over my body while Luna Daria begged Selene to lend me one of her dresses.
I flinched slightly when Talia’s fingers brushed my skin. “Come on, Aria,” she repeated.
I nodded and stood.
I had always known this day would come. From birth, my fate had been sealed—I was meant to be mated to the future Alpha of the Silver Pack. Our bond had been decided long before either of us could speak. I’d only met Tobias five times, but each encounter had lived vividly in my memory. The promise of becoming his mate was the only thing that had kept me going through years of isolation and quiet cruelty.
Today, I will finally be his.
The thought made my lips curve into a small smile as I quickened my steps. No matter what I’d endured, it would all be worth it if I became Tobias’ mate.
I heard Talia chuckle behind me. She was my only friend in the entire pack. Though older than me, she’d never treated me as lesser—not even when Selene ordered her around.
“You really are excited to be Alpha Tobias’ wife,” she teased gently.
I laughed softly, unashamed. Tobias was my escape, even if he didn’t know it yet. I’d spoken about him endlessly—he was hope given a name.
As we neared the hall, the low chant of the wedding rites reached my ears. My heart raced.
This is it.
Today, all the pain would finally mean something. Today, I would be chosen.
But the moment I stepped through the doors, my world shattered.
Tobias stood at the altar.
And beside him—dressed in a white gown that should have been mine—was Selene.
My feet refused to move. My chest tightened painfully as if something had wrapped itself around my heart and squeezed. Tobias held her hand, smiling softly, as though this was how things had always been meant to be.
The room spun.
Eyes turned toward me—pack members, elders, guests—all watching. Whispering.
Luna Daria noticed me first. The triumphant look she gave me twisted my stomach. She leaned toward Selene and whispered something. Selene smirked, shooting me a sideways glance filled with pure disdain.
I forced myself forward, rushing to the one person I believed would never betray me.
My uncle.
He had always been differet, kinder. Surely this was some terrible mistake.
“Uncle,” I gasped, clutching his arm. “What’s going on? Why is—”
He shoved my hand away and looked at me coldly. There was no warmth in his eyes.
“There has been a change of plans, Aria,” he said flatly. “You will no longer be Tobias’ mate. Selene will take your place. She will rule beside him and bear strong heirs. This alliance strengthens both packs.”
My breath hitched. “What…?” My voice barely carried. “That’s not possible. We were promised. My father—he planned this. He wanted—”
His eyes hardened. “Your father’s wishes are irrelevant. That agreement is dissolved. What difference does it make who mates him? Selene is my daughter. She is the Alpha’s blood.”
“I am the Alpha’s daughter,” I whispered desperately. “I should be the one—”
Pain exploded across my face.
Luna Daria’s slap sent me staggering back. My cheek burned as I clutched my face, staring up at her in shock. Her lips curved in satisfaction.
“How dare you speak out of turn,” she sneered. “You are nothing here, Aria. Nothing but a burden we’ve tolerated for far too long. Selene will bring honour to this family—not you.”
“My father was the Alpha,” I said weakly. “I am his heir—”
Another blow struck me, this time from my uncle. I fell to the ground, blood filling my mouth as tears streamed down my face.
“Your father was a failure,” he growled. “He abandoned you like a useless stray. The only reason you’re still breathing is because we pitied you. And this is how you repay us?”
“Please,” I sobbed. “I’ve done everything you asked. I waited… I waited for this day. I’m your niece.”
I looked toward Tobias’ parents, begging silently. They turned away.
Then I looked at Tobias.
He didn’t meet my eyes. Instead, he tightened his grip on Selene’s hand.
“I love Selene,” he said coldly. “She is the one I want as my mate. Leave, Aria.”
Something inside me broke.
“Enough of this pathetic display,” Luna Daria snapped. “You’ve embarrassed us enough.”
“Take her away.”
Talia’s arms wrapped around me as she pulled me toward the exit. I resisted weakly, my gaze locked on the altar. Just before the doors closed, I saw Tobias lean down and kiss Selene.
The soundless scream in my chest nearly destroyed me.
Behind me, Luna Daria glared after my retreating figure before turning to her mate.
“This is enough,” she hissed through the mind-link. “I can’t tolerate her existence any longer.”
Hugh followed her gaze, his expression dark.
“Tonight,” he replied, “will be her last night.”
