Annika's POV

Before I went to my chamber, I had to look in the ballroom where the wedding would occur. The glittering chandeliers lit up the ballroom, and the musicians' romantic and enchanting music created an almost magical atmosphere, making the place even more dreamy.

Laughter and music filled the place, a fitting celebration for my wedding to Alpha Kios Ferir, the man my string was attached to.

After the artist finished my makeup and hair and helped me put on the white grand dress, I couldn't help but admire my reflection. My heart was pounding because of excitement.

My long blonde hair was arranged in soft curls cascading down my back, and a delicate crown of gold leaves adorned my head.

I spun around and wondered how Kios would react when he saw me.

Just hearing his compliments makes the butterflies in my stomach flutter in glee.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts and pulled me from my daydreams. I sat quickly on the chair and fixed my dress.

"Come in,"

My heart leaped when Kios stepped into the room. His broad shoulders filled the doorway, his sweet scent lingering in the air. He is my mate.

He wore my chosen suit, which perfectly hugged his form, highlighting his sharp jawline and the deep blue of his eyes.

His lips parted slightly when his gaze landed on me, and he stepped closer.

"Annika," he murmured. His voice was low and affectionate. "You look beautiful."

A blush heated my cheeks, and I felt my heart race faster.

"Kios," I whispered, his name tasting sweet. He held my hand as his thumb traced gentle circles on my knuckles.

"I have waited my whole life for this moment." He looked me directly in the eye. "To call you mine, to see you as my Luna." My hand trembled.

He chuckled, "Are you nervous?"

I nod, "A little, but knowing you will be by my side makes everything better."

His eyes softened even further, and he leaned to kiss my forehead.

"Always," he whispered. "I will always be by your side, Annika."

For a moment, the world around us seemed to vanish. It was just the two of us, and I felt safe and cherished. I leaned into his embrace. His warmth made me feel at home. Kios is the only one I need. I don't need my father, who forgets me as his daughter, my stepmother, who only loves to enslave me and treats me like trash, and my half-sister, who loves to get everyone's attention, even stealing my spotlight.

But before we could savor the moment, a sharp knock at the door interrupted us.

I stepped back, and Kios pulled away. We both turned as the door opened.

And there stood Fiona, my half-sister. She wore a deep emerald gown, but her usual proud expression disappeared. Her eyes shimmered with tears, and her hands twisted anxiously.

"Annika, I need to speak with you. Alone."

I sigh before looking at Kios. He smiled at me, "I will wait for you in the grand hall."

He kissed my cheek and shot Fiona a glare before leaving the room.

After he left, I faced Fiona and crossed my arms. Her remarkable, tear-streaked face, which won everyone's favor, will not be effective on me. She can be an actress and make millions from it. Instead, she used it to make my life hell.

"What do you want?" I asked, exhaustion from this kind of scenario creeping into my voice.

Fiona stepped forward, her face crumpling as she fell to her knees. "Annika, please," she begged. Her voice is breaking.

"I love Kios. I have loved him for years. I can't bear to see you with him. Please, Annika. Let me be with him."

The anger I kept in my chest for years flared up. "What are you talking about, Fiona? You want me to give Kios to you like a toy?" My voice was laced with disbelief. "What do you think the bond is for? He is my mate!"

Fiona's tearful gaze only fueled my anger. She had always been the favored child, doted on and cherished by our parents. She had everything, yet she was eager to have my mate.

"Don't tell me you pleaded with our parents? I swear I am going to kill you if they do something to stop this wedding for your sake!" I shouted. I heard a gasp behind the door and saw a maid entering the room.

"Sorry," she whispered and closed the door again.

"You have always been selfish, Fiona." I snapped. "You have taken everything that should have been mine, but not Kios. I will not let you!"

A smirk and devilish laugh replaced her innocent crying face.

"You can't have everything, Annika—even Kios. You will understand if you know what's been going on behind your back for years. You were always in the study room, doing everything you had to be the best, Luna, unaware of what Kios and I were doing. "She wiped her fake tears. Those lies will not deter me.

"See you at the wedding, my dearest." She looked at me triumphantly, "I had warned you, Annika. I can help you escape a cruel destiny if you want to."

I pointed to the door, "Leave! Now!" 

She sways her hips like a model and shuts the door with force.

I seek refuge in the chair since I am losing my balance. For unknown reasons, my body feels weakened. I rub my hands together as the chill crawls up my body.

Minutes later, I was asked to stand at the door of the grand hall as the wedding was about to begin. I saw a familiar figure walking down the grand hallway to the venue. I gasped when I realized it was the King.

I stopped walking and bowed my head.

"Thank you for attending my wedding, Alpha King Deus." He looked at me straight in the eyes. He removed the mask he had been wearing for a long time. I may have seen him a hundred times, but not this close. His eyes were glimmering red. This is why some councils did not want him to reign, as he was labeled a cursed alpha.

I was in awe, captivated by the King's beauty. How can they judge such a beautiful face because of the color of his eyes? Also, it was so far from what Kios had described to him. Why do I feel upset remembering how Kios slandered the King's physique?

An intoxicating blend of elegance and masculinity effortlessly draws the eye. Why did he hide it? But even when his mask is on, his jawline is still visible. It is perfectly chiseled, muscular, and sculpted by the goddess herself.

I look away because I have a mate, for goddess' sake. How can I admire someone? Especially since he is the King.

Before I could fix my posture, he knelt on the ground and kissed my hand.

"Do you want to run away with me, my lady?" A playful smirk displayed on his perfect face.

I gulp, taking a look at what he said. I took away my hand as I heard the passing servants gossip.

King Deus put his mask on. "I was just joking, Lady Annika."

The way my name came out of his lips has a hint of warmth, comfort, and longing.

I smiled awkwardly, bowing my head again before walking past him. Our hands accidentally brushed each other.

My heart is pounding so hard that I worry the servants who help me with my gown can hear it.

It was faster and more delightful than seeing Kios.

This was the first time I hated myself this much. I can't believe I am attracted to someone else when I will soon be married to my mate.

I also hate how my wolf acknowledges him as my other one. It can't be. I am only made and will always be for Kios.