Chapter 1

I was the only female General of the Silver-Mane Pack, and I had been in love with Alaric for a hundred years.

During the Great War against the Blood-born, Alaric's arrogance led him straight into a vampire trap. He was on the brink of death.

I used myself as bait to save him. I was tortured in the dark dungeons of the vampires for three days and three nights. I even sacrificed half of my wolf's essence to ensure his escape.

After he was rescued, Alaric held my hand and swore to the Moon Goddess that he would never betray me.

But on the eve of our wedding, I stood outside the hall and heard him laughing after a few drinks.

"A woman like Lyra is just damaged goods now. Who knows how many vampires had their way with her in those dungeons?"

"The thought of marrying her makes me sick. I'll keep her around as a lowly servant at best..."

I stood there, feeling my blood turn to ice.

I couldn't believe that the man who claimed to love me was actually such a hypocrite behind my back.

My heart shattered. I sent a telepathic message to the High Matriarch.

"I agree to the marriage alliance with the Supreme Alpha."

It took a long time before she replied.

"Marriage is a serious matter, Lyra. Are you certain? Has Alaric mistreated you?"

I fought back my tears and whispered to her.

"Marrying the Supreme Alpha is my duty as a daughter of the Frost-Fire Pack. I was too selfish in the past."

The High Matriarch sighed softly.

"Very well. I will inform the Supreme Alpha. He returns from the border in three days. We will announce the wedding then."

I looked at the people laughing inside the hall and pretended I had never been there. I turned and walked back to my own quarters, Moonview Manor.

I began to prepare for a wedding that would happen in three days, but not with Alaric.

Looking at the brand-new white gown, I remembered the day Alaric gave it to me.

Back then, Alaric had just earned his title as a legendary Commander.

My Frost-Fire Pack was small and lacked influence in the Great Council.

He had taken my hand under the Sacred Oak, swearing to make me the happiest woman in the territory.

Now, those memories felt like a cruel joke.

While I was lost in thought, Alaric walked in.

The scent of bourbon followed him, but he seemed mostly sober. Seeing me, he smiled and pulled a small box from his coat.

Inside was a delicate silver hairpiece shaped like a blooming lily.

He pinned it into my hair and grinned. "My Lyra looks most beautiful in soft pink."

We had known each other for a thousand years, yet he still didn't know that I hated pink.

I took the hairpiece off and handed it back to him. "This is too expensive. You should keep it."

Alaric seemed stunned by my coldness, but he quickly tried to play it off.

"My Lyra deserves the most expensive treasures in all the seven packs."

I didn't say another word. I put the gift aside and continued smoothing out the wedding dress.

Alaric noticed the gown and frowned.

"The wedding is still two weeks away. Why did you bring that out now?"

I put the dress down, intending to tell him the wedding was off. But he spoke first, his voice full of feigned frustration.

"Right, I just got word. The rogue vampires near the East Coast are stirring up trouble again. We might have to push the wedding back."

"Let me handle those leeches first, and then we'll get married, okay?"

He pulled me into his arms. My heart was full of bitterness.

Everyone knew the Supreme Alpha had sealed those rogues months ago. There was no way they were causing trouble.

He was a terrible liar.

Still, I looked into his expectant eyes and simply said, "Okay."

He looked relieved and gave me a quick, excited kiss.

"I knew it! My Lyra is the best!"

Just then, the communication stone on his belt lit up.

He glanced at it, and the joy on his face flickered for a second. He looked at me with fake annoyance. "Probably more trouble at the border. I have to go."

Without waiting for my reply, he hurried away.

In the past, Alaric used this excuse all the time.

I never doubted him. I used to urge him to go quickly so he could protect the innocent.

But now that I saw his true face, I couldn't believe a single word.

I watched his retreating back.

I put down the gown and followed him in the shadows.

He didn't head for the border. Instead, he turned toward the Gilded Manor.

Alaric had told me that place was a high-security prison for dangerous captives.

Every time I tried to go near it, he told me I was too weak and shouldn't expose myself to such darkness.

I had believed him. I had never stepped foot inside.

But the manor was decorated luxuriously. It didn't look like a prison at all.

A sickening feeling rose in my chest.