Ava's POV

Time flies quickly when you are expecting something dangerous to come your way. And it turned out that today is my wedding.

"Princess, it is time for your make-up." Two maids bowed their heads before me, and instantly, I recognized who they were, but I didn't say much and followed them, letting the beautiful blue gown I wore drag on the marble floor.

"We will make you a more beautiful princess." They bathe me with flattery words, but I know that they only did all of this for survival, because the power struggle and hierarchy can make someone commit the unthinkable, and at the same time, make you wish you were dead.

They didn't want to get punished for their past actions, since I have suffered enough from them, and I think the change of titles shocked them greatly, just like it did to me.

"All done," The shorter one sighed in relief and quickly placed the makeup on the table, then I stared at the beautiful lady in the mirror who was also staring at me. 'Is this me?' My eyes widened in complete amazement as I stared at the beauty in the mirror.

Though I do not know the type of makeup they applied to my face, but I loved it. Then, all of a sudden, a sad smile appeared on my face as I thought more about the life I had lived in place of someone.

"It's time to dress your hair." The taller maid said as her voice brought me back to reality, with that, I nodded and let her have her way. Then, she took out a brown box and placed it before me, it has various beautiful patterns on it with a golden luster.

"The queen asked us to use this for you. She said it's very special," The taller one said as she gently opened the box.

"What's in there?" I asked curiously, as all the royal rules were still foreign to me.

"It's the royal family heirloom and the previous bride's earrings and hairpins," She replied.

"Wow," I muttered, then looked down at my nails. My hands curled into a small fist as I waited for them to do their job as they should.

" I am not willing, but there's nothing I can do about the situation." I began speaking freely to them. "I have to get married to him even though my heart doesn't accept it, and at the same time, I don't have the heart to put the people in danger. Everyone is counting on me, and I don't have the heart to let them down." I continued as the maids listened without questioning.

"But what if I escape from this situation? It wouldn't hurt or be an eyesore, would it?" I uttered as I thought deeply about it, failing to notice the transformations in my looks.

" I need someone to talk with. Someone who knows me very well and understands me, and there's only one person who can be this considerate. Grandmother, I have to see her," I clenched my hands tightly.

If I can't escape from the pack, then I should see the lovely old woman for the last time, even though I don't know if she would accept me or not.

"Everything is complete, ma'am. You just have to wait for the bell to ring, and then we can move to the palace," The taller maid said to me. So I nodded, and stood up, then I noticed the beautiful heirloom giving off a majestic aura. Seeing it, I was mesmerized for a short time, then looked away as I knew I had to attend to this urgent situation, which I needed answers to.

"I have somewhere to go. I'll be back in a few minutes," I told them, and immediately I proceeded to leave the place. But before I could leave completely, the shorter maid countered. "The sound of the towel bell will ring if you are not here before that time. I am afraid we will get killed, and that's not what we want,"

" What are your names?" I asked in a calm and reassuring tone.

"I am Avi," The short one said.

"Aria," The tall one replied.

"I'll return before you know it," I said, then when I'm back, I'll walk out before they can stop me. With that, I shut the door and proceeded to walk out of the place.

So I rushed down the quiet hallway and soon arrived at an exit where the noise was usually through.

"I hope I don't get caught by someone," I looked around and quickly opened the door. I gently walked through the door, making sure to look at the other side I came from.

"Phew!" I heaved a sigh of relief and turned to leave when I accidentally bumped into someone and stepped on my heels, causing me to lose balance.

I saw the sky going down and knew at that moment that I'd ruin my wedding dress. But! A strong force pulled me forward, and the next thing I felt was a warm surface and a beating heart.

With that, I slowly raised my head and saw the most beautiful eyes. Our eyes locked, and I felt an instant connection and a fast-beating heart in his presence. We were momentarily captivated by each other's presence, lost in the intensity of the moment.

"Is it what I think it is?"

"M-Mate?" The words sounded in my ears like tides. I didn't care to know which among us said it, as I was completely engrossed in the moment.

"Is he my second chance, mate?" I thought in my head, but then I felt a soft, warm hand cup my cheek.

"You are beautiful. I never expected to encounter my mate here." His eyes turned into a slit, and that was when I noticed the smile on his face. I felt my heart racing fast, and I was afraid that my chest was going to explode.

'Accept me. Why are you hesitating?' I stared into his eyes, hoping that he would seal his words. But the serenity of the moment is interrupted by Ethan's voice, which was filled with possessiveness and anger.

"What do you think you are doing?" His voice jolted me back to reality, and the next thing I felt was a strong pull, and I was in the arms of someone else.

"And you are?" The stranger asked, causing me to look up at him. I turned towards Ethan and pulled away from him, standing alone. I decided to ignore the look in his eyes, knowing fully well that it was rage in them.

"You touched my mate and still dares ask me who I am? You got some balls in you," He coldly replied.

"Oh? I never thought of that. It seems you didn't check well," The stranger replied, his voice filled with sarcasm and mockery.

"Pardon me, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Adrian Mackenzie, Alpha of the Blood Moon pack. I was invited by the family to the princess's wedding. I never expected to meet an interesting one," He smirked evilly.

Ethan's response was immediate, an assertive step forward that communicated his dominance, and his very stance radiated authority, his words a declaration of his position. "And amidst that invitation, you felt justified in laying your hands upon my chosen mate?"

The tension in the air was visible, tangible electricity that hung like a charged storm. The clash of wills and the unspoken struggle for dominance played out in the space between them.

Two powerful figures, each holding their ground, confronted each other with an intensity that echoed beyond words. The accusation in Ethan's words hung heavy in the air, a declaration of ownership that sent a shiver down my spine.

The possessiveness in his tone was a stark reminder of the reality I was trapped in, a reality where I was a pawn in a game of power and tradition.

Alpha Adrian’s gaze didn’t waver, his voice calm but laced with challenge. “I bumped into her by accident, Ethan. There was no intention.”

The tension between them crackled like lightning waiting to strike as I stood frozen between them, caught in the storm of two powerful Alphas—one bound to me by duty, the other by fate.

Ethan’s possessiveness wrapped around me like chains, but Adrian’s touch still lingered on my skin like a promise I never knew I needed. This wasn’t just a clash of dominance. It was a war for me, and I didn’t know who I was supposed to be anymore.

Then Ethan stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous, and said. “Stay away from what’s mine.”

However, Adrian smirked, his gaze never leaving mine as he responded. “Maybe you should have claimed her before fate did.”

At that moment, my breath hitched as I knew I was caught between two Alphas and bound by a single mate bond. And with only moments left before the wedding bell rang, one thing was painfully clear: I was either about to become a bride… or a runaway.