001
Sara’s POV
“Perfect.”
The word slipped from my lips as I stared at my reflection. I leaned closer to the mirror, lifted the dark crimson lipstick, and brushed a final touch over my lips.
“Just a little more,” I whispered. “Now it is perfect.”
Moments later, confusion took over.
“This is impossible,” I muttered, staring at the gowns arranged in the wardrobe. One after another, I pulled them out, studying each with a critical eye. No. No. Definitely not. This was not just any gathering. It was the Grand Moon Ballroom, a night reserved for mates and bonded pairs, a celebration held once every moon cycle.
Then I saw it.
A black ball gown, adorned with delicate crystals and soft pearls. Elegant. Regal. Worthy. I had seen Lucien earlier choosing a white suit, and for a brief foolish moment, I imagined us walking in together, Luna and Alpha, perfectly matched.
I slipped into the gown, adjusted the fabric, and turned before the mirror. My breath caught.
This was the one.
I had just settled onto the edge of the bed, admiring the reflection I rarely allowed myself to love, when a cold voice came from behind.
“Where are you heading to?”
My body stiffened before I slowly turned.
Lucien stood there, dressed in white from head to toe, power and arrogance radiating from him. I forced a smile, though it felt heavy and unnatural on my lips.
“You are wearing a ball gown,” he said flatly. “Is there a ballroom party I do not know about?”
“I thought we could go together,” I replied softly.
“Together?” he echoed, brows lifting in mock surprise. “And where exactly are we going together?”
“The Grand Moon Ballroom. It is a couples’ celebration.”
He laughed, low and cruel.
“And who told you I was going with you?” His eyes darkened. “I never agreed to that. Do not assume things, Sara.”
My voice cracked. “I just thought that since we are mates…”
He did not let me finish. He turned and slammed the door behind him, the sound echoing through the room like a final verdict.
My knees gave out. I collapsed onto the floor as tears streamed down my face, washing away hours of careful effort. The reflection in the mirror blurred, just like my life had since the day the Moon Goddess bound me to Lucien.
He never loved me. Never protected me. Each day was a quiet torment. Sometimes it was his hands, other times his words. Public humiliation came as easily to him as breathing. Worst of all, he never hid his betrayal. His mistresses walked freely through the pack house, sometimes when I was away, often when I was not.
I had watched other Alphas cherish their mates, and envy burned in my chest like a curse. I hated myself for wishing my fate had been different. I hated the Moon Goddess for choosing him.
This night was sacred to wolves. A night every mate dreamed of sharing. And yet, here I was, abandoned again.
I wiped my tears, jaw tightening.
I would not let him take this from me too.
Even if I had to stand alone, I would attend.
——
The ballroom glowed beneath crystal chandeliers as I entered the hall. Soft music drifted through the air while Alphas and their mates danced in perfect harmony. Laughter echoed, glasses clinked, and love filled every corner of the room.
I took a seat at the edge, hands folded in my lap, watching what I could never have.
“If only,” I whispered.
Then my heart dropped.
A familiar presence brushed against my senses. I looked up and my breath hitched.
White suit. Strong arms. A woman pressed against him.
Lucien.
He held her by the waist, drawing her close, his touch intimate and possessive. Before I could stop myself, he leaned down and kissed her. It was deep and unapologetic, as though the world did not exist beyond them.
Something inside me shattered.
“Lucien!” I called.
They broke apart. He turned, annoyance flashing across his face.
“Sara? What are you doing here?”
The woman frowned. “You know her?”
“Yes,” he replied dismissively.
“He did not tell you, did he?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“Tell me what?” she said.
“That I am his mate. His Luna.”
Lucien’s eyes blazed.
“Enough,” he snapped. “Shut up.”
Gasps rippled through those nearby as he stepped closer, his gaze filled with contempt.
“I told you I did not want you here,” he growled. “And why are you dressed like that? You look ridiculous.”
The woman laughed softly.
“Look at her,” Lucien continued, gesturing to his companion. “Then look at yourself. Can you compare? That dress you are wearing is nothing but trash.”
Tears slid down my cheeks.
“And your face,” he added cruelly. “You look like a monster.”
That was it. I broke completely.
“Why?” I whispered. “Why do you hate me so much?”
“Leave,” he ordered coldly. “I do not want to see you here.”
“Do you truly mean that?” I asked.
“Get out,” he said without hesitation.
"Or did I stutter"?
I turned and walked away, my heart heavy, my soul burning with humiliation and each step felt like a wound reopening.