The wedding hall was filled with music, laughter, and the scent of roses.
Fia Vale stood near the back of the crowd, her hands trembling slightly as she watched her half-sister walk down the aisle.
Hazel looked perfect in her white dress, smiling brightly as the entire pack admired her.
Everyone loved Hazel.
Fia lowered her gaze.
She had always lived in Hazel's shadow.
"Why are you standing there like a statue?" her stepmother hissed beside her. "At least try to look happy for your sister."
"I am happy," Fia murmured softly.
But her chest felt tight.
Because tonight was supposed to be important for her too.
Tonight was the night she would finally meet her fated mate.
In werewolf society, the Moon Goddess destined every wolf with a mate.
The moment they met, the bond would awaken.
Fia had waited twenty-two years for that moment.
She didn't know who it would be.
But she hoped… just once… fate would choose something good for her.
The ceremony began.
The Alpha of the neighboring pack, Darius, stood proudly at the altar.
Tall. Handsome. Powerful.
The entire hall admired him.
Hazel walked toward him slowly, her veil flowing behind her.
The pack clapped and cheered.
Fia smiled politely.
But suddenly.
Her heart jumped violently in her chest.
A strange warmth spread through her body.
Her wolf stirred restlessly.
Her breathing quickened.
No…
It couldn't be.
Her eyes slowly lifted toward the altar.
Toward the groom.
The moment Darius turned his head and looked directly at her…
The bond snapped into place.
Her world stopped.
Mate.
The word echoed through her mind.
Darius was her fated mate.
Shock flooded her entire body.
Her mate…
was marrying her sister.
Before Fia could even process what was happening, Hazel suddenly grabbed the microphone.
Her bright smile turned sharp.
"Before we continue the ceremony," Hazel said loudly, "there's something everyone should know."
The crowd quieted.
Fia felt a sudden chill.
Hazel turned and pointed directly at her.
"Fia claims that Darius is her fated mate."
Gasps spread through the hall.
Fia froze.
"I never said that"
"Oh?" Hazel laughed mockingly. "Then why were you staring at him like that?"
Whispers filled the room.
"Did she really try to steal her sister's groom?"
"How shameless…"
Fia's face burned.
"I wasn't trying to"
"Enough."
Darius' cold voice cut through the hall.
He stepped forward and looked at Fia with pure disgust.
"Yes," he said loudly, "the bond exists."
The entire hall exploded with murmurs.
Fia's heart leaped with desperate hope.
Maybe he would explain.
Maybe he would stop the wedding.
But instead…
Darius took Hazel's hand and pulled her closer.
"And I reject it."
The words hit Fia like a knife.
Her breath caught.
"You heard me," Darius continued coldly. "I reject Fia Vale as my mate."
Pain shot through Fia's chest as the bond shattered.
Her wolf cried in agony.
Tears filled her eyes.
"But don't worry," Hazel added sweetly. "Darius would never choose someone as weak as you."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
Fia felt like the ground had disappeared beneath her feet.
Her mate…
her own sister…
they had humiliated her in front of the entire pack.
Unable to bear the stares any longer, Fia turned and ran.
She ran past the pack houses.
Past the forest path.
Past the border she was never supposed to cross.
Her vision blurred with tears.
She didn't stop until she collided with something hard.
A strong hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.
"Careful."
The deep voice was calm but powerful.
Fia froze.
Slowly… she lifted her head.
The man standing in front of her was tall, broad-shouldered, and terrifyingly handsome.
Dark hair.
Golden eyes.
An overwhelming Alpha aura.
The moment his gaze locked onto hers…
His expression changed.
His nostrils flared slightly as he inhaled her scent.
Then his eyes darkened.
"Interesting," he murmured.
Fia's heart pounded nervously.
"W-who are you?"
The man leaned closer.
His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
"I am Lucian Blackthorn."
Fia's blood ran cold.
Everyone knew that name.
Lucian Blackthorn.
The most feared Alpha King on the continent.
And right now…
He was looking at her like she belonged to him.