Ava's POV

A lump lodged in my throat as I stood before the packed hall. Physically, I was beside Alpha Ethan, but my heart, my mind, and everything else were with Alpha Adrian.

The words of the officiant faded in and out like background noise. I stared blankly ahead, numb to the applause, the endearing vows, and the perfumed joy that filled the air. Ethan's voice rang with certainty and charm as he exchanged vows with me, but mine came out barely audible, choked with sadness.

Tears pricked my eyes—not of joy, but grief. I tried, truly tried, not to think of Adrian, the one who stirred feelings I didn’t even know I had. I wished it were Ethan I loved. I wish this moment didn’t feel like a lifetime sentence dressed in silk and lace.

Marrying Ethan was the only way to protect our pack. I reminded myself of that truth over and over, but no matter how noble the sacrifice was, it couldn’t fill the emptiness clawing at my chest. I just wanted these feelings for Adrian to vanish, to free me.

All around me, the pack rejoiced, but their cheers made the moment more bitter. To them, it was a celebration, but to me, it was a slow burial of dreams I hadn’t dared to speak aloud.

I walked down the aisle with Ethan, our hands clasped, and my soul disconnected from the entire occasion. The other maids beamed at me, whispering congratulations, blissfully unaware that I was silently screaming inside. I wished desperately that all of this was just a cruel dream I’d wake up from. But it wasn’t.

Then my eyes swept the crowd, searching for the one person I thought I could count on—my grandmother. I frowned when I realized she wasn’t beside my parents. This was supposed to be my great day, and though I was hollow inside, I had hoped she’d come, if only for me.

Maybe she was in some quiet corner of the hall, or maybe she'd avoided the spotlight, but whatever it was, I clung to that hope, to the idea of hugging her even just once tonight.

Luna Anastasia and Alpha Zeth were beaming at me from the front, clearly pleased now that their most sought-after wish had come true. I didn’t blame Luna Anastasia for what she did—she was old, set in her ways, but it still stung. With that, she approached me with a smile and kissed my forehead, then wrapped me and Ethan in a warm hug. “Darling, you look dashing. Congratulations, Ava...and you too, Ethan,” she said. However, I stepped back, gently breaking from the embrace as the ceremony was done, and what was left now was the grand reception.

Above us, the full moon glowed like a silent witness. Ethan took my hand, and together we walked into the reception hall, now buzzing with joy, every pack member had gathered to honor our union, even the slaves.

My gown shimmered under the lights, an exquisite ivory creation that flowed behind me like a river. A delicate silver tiara sat atop my styled hair. And Ethan, in his classic black tuxedo, looked every bit of what a powerful Alpha should be—handsome, composed, and commanding.

Laughter echoed through the space, mingling with the scent of roasted meats, spiced wines, and fresh blossoms. Music pulsed gently through the hall, but all I could think about was the one person still missing.

Where was she? I wondered to myself silently as I tried to keep my expression neutral, but the worry inside was building. I just wanted all of this to be over so I could strip out of the dress and breathe.

Then a soft touch pulled me from my thoughts as Ethan brought my hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles. “I’ll be right back, my love,” he whispered, placing a kiss on my temple before disappearing into the crowd. I watched him go, finally letting out the sigh I’d been holding.

My gaze drifted to my parents, laughing with old friends as if this were the happiest night of their lives. I wanted to scream. I wanted someone to notice how wrong this felt. But suddenly, Ethan returned, and this time with a microphone in hand.

“I hope everyone’s enjoying the party,” he said, voice rich and smooth. “I just want to make a quick toast to the love of my life, my Luna—Ava.”

The moment my name left his lips, I flinched as I knew this was all an act. I knew it. He didn’t love me, not truly. And I didn’t love him. But the hall erupted in applause, and I forced a giggle, my smile practiced and brittle. Warmth spread through me, but it wasn’t affection. It was the heat of eyes watching, judging, expecting.

Soon, Ethan raised his glass and continued. “To the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.” At that moment, I became the center of attention, and it made my skin crawl, but I kept up the act, flashing my prettiest fake smile while tears shimmered in my eyes.

Abruptly, the DJ switched to romantic songs, the kind that tried to stitch memories into hearts. Couples began dancing. The lights dimmed, casting golden shadows. Then the spotlight fell on us—the newlyweds. With that, Ethan pulled me close, and our bodies moved in sync. My arms obeyed, but my heart? It strayed.

Then, I found Adrian in the crowd. He looked... devastatingly handsome. His eyes found mine, and my breath hitched. I smiled before I could stop myself, and he smiled back—just faintly—but it was enough. Ethan noticed this, so his grip on my waist tightened as he pulled me closer.

Adrian shook his head slowly, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. I could feel the electricity between us, like we were still tethered by something unspoken. A part of me clung to that glimmer of connection, irrational as it was. And as the music swelled into its final notes, Ethan signaled the DJ to announce the last dance, and all the couples paired off, but I was still locked in Ethan’s arms, though I felt further away than ever.

And as soon as the dance ended, I excused myself with a soft smile and slipped away from the reception hall. I needed to find her. I needed to see my grandmother. Getting to the palace corridors, it was eerily quiet, as my heels echoed on the marble floors. I searched for Isabella or one of the maids to ask if they’d seen her, but no one was around.

So I opened the door to Isabella’s old quarters and found it empty. “Where on Earth could she be?” I whispered to myself.

Frustrated, I exhaled slowly, dread creeping in, and at that point, I knew something wasn’t right.