Selene’s POV

It’s been few days, the morning came too quickly.

I barely slept. The hours blurred together—hair, makeup, people bustling in and out of my room like bees in a hive. It felt mechanical. I moved when they told me to, nodded when they spoke, smiled when they insisted. My thoughts were far away.

I was getting married today.

To a man who broke me.

The venue was a grand outdoor courtyard, surrounded by ancient marble pillars and long vines of roses that curled like whispers against the white stone. The grass was trimmed to perfection, and a royal blue carpet stretched from the mansion’s double doors to the altar beneath a giant arch wrapped in gold and ivory silk. It was beautiful—so breathtaking it made my throat tighten.

But not in a good way.

Guests filled the chairs on both sides. Alphas, betas, and warriors from our pack and neighboring ones were dressed in regal finery. Laughter echoed through the air like bells. Everyone looked so happy. Beaming faces, flutes of wine raised in excitement, pride glinting in their eyes.

I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

My dress… gods, the dress.

It was the kind of gown a little girl dreams of. Pure white, layers of soft, flowing fabric that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. The corset bodice was embroidered with tiny pearls and moonstones that hugged my waist, and the off-shoulder sleeves were made of delicate lace that caressed my arms. A long, sheer veil trailed behind me, glittering with tiny crystals like fallen stars. I was a vision of everything a Luna should be.

And yet, I had never felt more unlike myself.

My stomach twisted as I stood by the mansion’s arched entrance, arm hooked in the old Beta’s—he was meant to walk me down the aisle, a symbolic gesture for the ceremony. My parents were long gone. They would’ve wanted this, they would’ve been proud. But I couldn’t even pretend to smile.

I hadn’t seen her all morning. Marla.

Until now.

There she was, seated among the crowd, hair styled to perfection, eyes painted like innocence, and lips that dared to curl into a smirk when our gazes met. I wanted to throw my bouquet in her face.

She had the nerve to show up. In white.

Alaric’s parents were glowing, practically floating on air. His mother kept dabbing her cheeks with a satin cloth, eyes full of joy. His father stood tall, shoulders back, pride beaming through his stiff posture. They had no idea the truth behind the show.

And then there was him.

Cassian.

He stood a little off to the side, not seated like the rest, but positioned with a clear view of everything. His arms were crossed over his chest, dressed sharply in dark navy and black—clean, commanding, every bit the man the whispers described him to be. Silent. Watching. His expression unreadable.

When my eyes flicked to him, he didn’t look away.

His stare lingered.

The priest was already at the altar, dressed in ceremonial robes, book in hand, his aura calm and sacred. Alaric stood beside him, dressed in silver and white, a smug little smirk tugging the edge of his mouth like he had already won.

And then… it began.

The music started. Soft, elegant notes from a piano that drifted through the warm morning air.

"Time to walk," the Beta whispered gently to me.

One step.

Then another.

I walked down that aisle like a puppet, each step heavy, dragging me toward something I didn’t want—something I never asked for. Applause. Smiles. Rose petals floating in the breeze. My heart was breaking beneath that d*mn dress.

When I reached the altar, Alaric reached for my hand. I gave it to him—cold, limp fingers barely holding his.

I kept my gaze forward.

The priest smiled. “Today, we gather to witness the sacred union of Alpha Alaric Davenwood and Selene Alder…”

His voice droned on. Ceremonial words. Blessings. Pack traditions.

I barely heard them.

My ears were ringing. My pulse was rapid. I felt sweat beading beneath my veil. The priest’s words faded, and I found myself staring at the binding cord in his hand—the symbol of eternal vows. Once tied, it couldn’t be undone without public shame or exile.

My mouth went dry.

And then… it was time.

“Selene,” the priest said gently, “do you vow to stand beside your mate, honor him, lead your people with him, and love him above all others—until the stars fall from the sky?”

I blinked.

Eyes wide.

Vows.

The words that mattered. That would seal everything.

My hands trembled in Alaric’s.

The crowd was watching. Cassian. Marla. My soon-to-be in-laws. All eyes were on me.

But my heart whispered one thing.

Don’t.

I could feel it rising inside me—a scream I’d buried for days, a truth I couldn’t ignore anymore.

What should I do?

Do I lie and bind myself to a man who cheated and betrayed me? Who only stood here for politics and power?

Or do I take my fate and rip it off like the veil suffocating my soul?

What if I walked away?

Could I live with the shame… or would I finally taste freedom?

My lips parted.

The silence stretched.

And everyone leaned in, waiting for the answer I wasn’t sure I could give.

"Now," the priest said with a gentle, rehearsed smile, lifting the ceremonial cord once more, "you may begin your vows."

My breath hitched.

This was it.

My gaze darted around—faces everywhere, staring with glowing eyes of anticipation. I could see Marla, seated just a few rows back, legs crossed, her mouth curled in the faintest smile. Shameless. Her presence was like a slap to my soul.

Then… my eyes met Alaric’s.

He was watching me, sharply, intently. A flicker of warning danced in his eyes. It said don't you dare. His jaw clenched. His fingers tightened around mine.

But it was too late.

I turned to face the crowd, heart pounding, throat dry.

“I… I can’t do this.”

Gasps rippled through the garden.

The priest blinked, caught off guard. “I—pardon?”

“I can’t have this wedding,” I repeated louder, my voice steadier now, sharper. “I’m calling it off.”

Murmurs broke out like thunder through the crowd.

"What is going on?"

"Is this a joke?"

"Did she say she’s calling it off?"

I heard Alaric’s mother’s panicked voice. “Why? What is the meaning of this?” she demanded, eyes darting between me and her son.

Alaric's expression darkened, brows furrowed. “Selene—what the hell are you doing?” he hissed through clenched teeth.

I turned fully toward him, my voice now a blade. “Oh? You’re confused? Maybe ask Marla.”

Another wave of shocked gasps from the guests.

His eyes widened just slightly.

“I can’t marry someone who’s been f*ck*ng my best friend behind my back all these years,” I said, loud and clear, not caring whose perfect fantasy I just destroyed.

Chaos. That was the only word for it.

People clutched their pearls—literally. Alaric’s mother stumbled back in horror. The priest stood frozen, unsure what to do with the binding cord still in his hand. Marla had gone stiff, her smile long gone, color draining from her face.

Alaric’s voice was sharp now, defensive. “That’s not true. She’s lying. Selene—don’t do this. You're embarrassing yourself.”

But it wasn’t working. The cover-up was unraveling too fast.

“I’m lying?” I snapped. “Then tell them the truth, Alaric. Tell them how long you’ve been sneaking around with her while I played the loyal little Luna-to-be.”

His face twisted in frustration—and finally, he snapped.

“Fine!” he barked. “You want the truth? I never wanted you in the first place!”

More gasps.

“Happy now? You were a f*ck*ng arrangement,” he spat. “A duty. You think I actually looked forward to mating with you?”

I didn’t even flinch.

Instead, I smirked, stepping back. “Then I guess we’re both free now. Because I’m done. And you know what?” I turned my gaze to the crowd. “I’m not even alone.”

The murmuring paused, waiting for my next move.

I walked toward Cassian.

His eyes met mine with quiet confusion, arms still folded over his chest.

I stopped beside him. “I’ve always had someone. Your uncle.”

“Since I found out you have been f*ck*ng my bestfriend, he has been there.” I added.

Gasps so loud it felt like a storm passed through.

Cassian’s brow shot up in pure confusion. “Wait, what?”

Alaric barked out a laugh. “You’ve lost your f*ck*ng mind,” he said. “Everyone knows he’s never been with a woman. He’s gay as hell.”

I tilted my head, slowly turned to Cassian… and without warning, grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him down into a kiss.

The crowd lost it.

More gasps. Some people stood. Someone dropped a glass.

Cassian froze beneath me—he didn’t kiss back, didn’t even move. But I didn’t need him to. I pulled away with a smirk and turned back to Alaric.

“Still think I’m lying?” I said coldly.

The crowd leaned in, stunned silent.

“Then explain how I know,” I continued, voice sharp, “that he has a crescent moon tattoo on his back, just beneath his shoulder blade?”

Cassian was still frozen, brows furrowed like I’d slapped him in the face. “Selene—what the hell—”

I didn’t let him finish. My hands moved swiftly. I grabbed the hem of his shirt and lifted it high enough for the crowd to see—bam, there it was: the black-inked crescent moon.

An explosion of reactions.

 “Holy sh*t—”

“She’s not lying?”

“What kind of wedding is this?!”

I let his shirt drop back down, turned to Alaric and said, “You might not have wanted me, but Cassian—? He was so good in bed, I forgot your name.”

Utter destruction.

Cassian’s head jerked toward me again, mouth parting slightly. The man was too stunned to speak.

Alaric was fuming. “You’re insane! You’re making all this up! You think anyone believes you?! You’re just bitter because you lost.”

I turned on my heel, chin raised high. “Maybe. But at least I didn’t lose with my dignity in tatters like you.”

The guests began standing, muttering to each other.

“This wedding is cursed—”

“Biggest disaster of the year.”

“Who knew the Luna was this wild?”

Even the priest looked like he needed a shot of whiskey. I heard him murmur, “I—I’ve never seen anything like this…”

And then, Alaric growled low, loud enough for all to hear:

“I reject you, Selene Alder, as my mate.”

Final gasp.

The bond snapped. I felt it—like a thread cut loose from my chest.

“Enjoy your f*ck*ng life, f*ck*ng a wh*r*!” I huffed.

Everyone began to leave. The ceremony, completely ruined. Alaric’s parents stormed off. Some guests were laughing, some whispering in horror. The wedding was over, done, scattered in the dust.

And I?

I walked away without looking back.

But of course, fate wouldn’t let me off that easily.

I’d barely gotten to the back courtyard of the estate, breathing in fresh air, when I heard footsteps behind me.

“Selene!”

I rolled my eyes and kept walking.

“Selene!”

Then a hand grabbed my wrist and yanked me back, spinning me and pinning me against the wall. My breath caught in my throat.

Cassian.

His eyes were sharp, burning with questions. “What the f*ck was that?”

I swallowed. His body was close. Too close.

“What exactly was all that?” he asked me and I sighd.

He leaned in. “How did you know about the tattoo?”

My lips parted, but I said nothing. He pressed me closer to the wall, towering over me now.

“No one’s seen that before. Not even pack physicians. You better start talking.”

Still, silence.

I stared at him, my heart racing.

And then… his voice dropped, low, gravelly, right against my ear.

“I’m sorry, just borrowed for some seconds…” I muttered but he scoffed, “Some game huh?”

“You like playing with fire, Selene?” he murmured darkly. “Because if you’re gonna drag me into your little games—then next time… I’ll make d*mn sure you scream for real.”

Shivers. Straight. Down. My. Spine.

He pulled back slowly, jaw clenched, then walked away—leaving me breathless, pinned, and wondering if I’d just awakened something I couldn’t put back in a box.