Chapter 2

2

I recognized that woman. She was Elara Moonveil, a low-ranking wolf we had saved from the vampires years ago.

I remembered it clearly. After we rescued her, Elara had offered herself to Alaric to show her gratitude.

Back then, Alaric had barely looked at her. He had said coldly, "I already have a mate. You should give up on that idea."

But now, Alaric was holding her as if she were his entire world.

"Elara, I've missed you so much these past few days."

Elara giggled and kissed his cheek before running her hands over his chest.

Alaric's eyes clouded with lust. He swept her off her feet and carried her into the bedroom.

I followed silently to the door. I could hear Elara sobbing softly.

"Alaric, you're getting married in two weeks. Does this mean we can't see each other anymore? If Lyra finds out, she'll be furious."

Alaric laughed darkly. "I knew you'd be upset. That's why I lied to her and pushed the wedding back."

He became more forceful then. The sound of their passion filled the room without any shame.

Elara laughed through her fake tears and kissed him hard.

"I knew you loved me the most."

Alaric kissed the tears from her face and smiled.

"Lyra saved my life. As long as you don't cause a scene in front of her, I'll give you anything you want."

The sounds of their intimacy filled the Gilded Manor.

I practically ran away, stumbling back to my own room in a daze.

I pulled out every gift Alaric had ever given me over the years and threw them into the fireplace.

Watching the ashes, my tears fell like broken strings of pearls. My heart felt like it was exploding.

I didn't just lose my lover. I realized he had been keeping another woman right under my nose.

And that woman was someone I had personally saved from death.

Suddenly, the communication stone in my hand glowed.

Elara's high, sweet voice came through.

"Lyra, I'm sure you saw everything just now. Alaric was especially energetic today."

"Oh, I almost forgot. He said today that you're just a piece of trash. He thinks you're dirty and he'll never touch you again!"

Elara wanted to keep talking, but I cut the connection.

Everything was clear now. Why should I listen to her lies?

I was going to marry the Supreme Alpha.

Alaric was too filthy for me. I didn't want him anymore.

The day before the Supreme Alpha returned, Alaric came to see me.

The Alpha was throwing a massive banquet to announce a secret engagement. Alaric wanted me to attend as his partner.

He dressed in an elegant black suit and smiled.

"I wonder which lucky girl the Supreme Alpha has chosen. He's making such a big deal out of it."

I put away the pink dress he bought for me and answered casually.

"The High Matriarch arranged a marriage for me and the Alpha years ago. That girl might be me."

He scoffed instinctively.

"The Supreme Alpha is royalty. Why would he marry a piece of damaged..."

He realized what he was saying and quickly changed the subject. "How could you say that! Lyra, I won't let you talk about other men!"

He tried to touch my cheek, his eyes full of fake apology.

"I've been so busy hunting rogues lately. I've neglected you. Once this is over, I'll make it up to you."

I sneered inwardly and pulled away from his touch.

After Alaric left, I pulled a stunning silver dress from the bottom of my trunk.

It was a gift from my mother when I was born.

She told me I had to wear it on the day I truly found my happiness.

Alaric had delayed our wedding so many times that the dress had gathered dust.

Now, I finally had a reason to wear it.