ISADORA'S POV

No matter how many socks or shoes I put on, the cold floors of Crescent Court always made my feet hurt. Every step I took made a clicking sound as if I was counting the moments until I couldn't escape. Today, they dressed me in a silk gown that was too small at the waist, painted my lips red, and pulled my hair so tight it hurt my scalp.

Beatriz had chosen the dress. Of course, she did so. This morning, her eyes cold, she told me I should be grateful. Not all girls are given the chance to save their families by being chosen.

Chosen. As if I were a special possession. Not a human being. Not my sister.

I felt weighed down, but I continued to walk. People stared. I could tell that everyone was staring at me. Some were curious, some were judging, and most were bored.

She is not strong enough to represent the Valez family.

He'll probably turn her down the moment he sees her.

Rafael Moreira is not known for being weak.

I acted as if I hadn't heard anything. I tried to act like my hands weren't shaking.

The throne room was full of people. Lavender and smoke filled the air as candles were lit everywhere. I recognized him before the announcer introduced him.

Rafael Moreira.

He seemed like a storm. Black suit, hair combed back, tall, sharp, and terrifying—my mate.

I could feel that spark and that pull. The wolf inside me was restless, pushing and clawing for something. I opened my mouth, but the words wouldn't come out. He stared straight at me. So I waited. I waited for the connection, the little sign, the smile. Anything.

Nothing.

His eyes didn't soften. It froze. After that, it moved away. He moved one step away—one breath.

I do not accept this connection.

Laughter. Gasps. Whispered curses.

Beatriz smiled as she held her wine glass.

I didn't feel my heart break. It cracked. Quiet. Deep.

I felt my legs shake, but I didn't lose my balance.

I didn't shed any tears.

I lowered my head and moved back, allowing the guards to come closer to me.

Someone said quietly, "She should be thankful." He didn't hold her for long.

She probably knew that her request would be turned down.

Do you think Beatriz played a role in what happened?

Once I was back in my room, I slowly removed the pins from my hair. Every piece of metal that fell sounded like a bell being rung, and the air around me was full of buzzing silence.

I was unable to breathe.

What was his reason for doing that? He treated me as if I were nothing.

Was it because I didn't measure up?

Or because someone made sure I wasn't seen as anything?

Beatriz.

She entered the room as if she were the queen she always dreamed of being. The scent of her perfume came before we heard her speak.

"You're so dramatic, little sister," she said, shaking her curls. Try to smile more the next time you meet someone. It might help you avoid looking too eager.

I stood. You made this happen.

She shrugged, showing no emotion. "You? Being in a relationship with Rafael? That would have been a terrible outcome. You're barely managing to keep everything under control.

You said something to him. You made him run away.

Her smile grew bigger. "Did I? Or was it that he saw you for the real you?"

I gripped the steering wheel tightly. I could hear my voice trembling. You won't be able to win, Beatriz. Not forever."

Yet, I am the winner today. Today is important, too."

She left the room. Didn't close the door.

I listened to what they said.

Two men whispering to each other. Guards.

So, everything went as planned? She managed to do it?"

It worked perfectly. Rafael's group has already departed. She is no longer involved."

Has she been told about the blood deal?

Blood deal?

"No. She believes it was a rejection. She has no clue that her father treated her like a piece of livestock.

I froze.

What deal?

What did they mean by signing me off?

I moved my ear close to the doorframe to listen.

Beatriz insisted on having complete control. She said she would look after Isadora if the Council gave their approval. All they wanted was for Rafael to do his job.

Do you think he'll keep quiet?

He has to do it. The pack is struggling with a huge amount of debt. Beatriz promised the men silver."

I felt my stomach turn.

Silver.

That was money made from blood.

I was the one who paid the cost.

I closed the door gently and sat on the edge of my bed. My hands trembled, and my mouth became very dry.

They betrayed me: my mate, my family, and everyone else.

All for the sake of silver.

However, Beatriz made a wrong decision.

She allowed me to understand the truth.

And now?

I now understand how to cause her pain.

Is there anything else she's not telling us?

What sacrifices did Rafael make to protect his people?

Why did my wolf continue to feel the pain of a bond that was never given a chance?