The Torment Comes to an End
CHAPTER ONE
Roseline POV
My heart beat so hard I thought it would burst out of my chest.
Today… today was finally the day I would be called Luna.
Not just any Luna, Alpha Kael’s Luna.
The last of the Silver Band clan.
Royal blood.
Feared by every kingdom in the wolf realm.
My wolf twirled in excitement, brushing against the walls of my mind, howling like she had waited centuries for this moment.
I pressed my wedding dress to my chest and spun in front of the mirror, trying to imagine how he would look at me tonight. Would his eyes soften? Would he finally acknowledge me as his mate?
I didn’t know.
But I hoped.
Gods, I hoped.
“Rose, keep spinning like that and you’ll fall on your face before the ceremony,” Selene teased as she tightened the corset.
I laughed breathlessly, turning to face her. “I can’t help it. I’ve waited too long.”
She placed the dress carefully in my hands. “You’ll make a beautiful bride, Rose.”
Her voice cracked.
I looked up and found tears clinging to her lashes. The moment we hugged, her shoulders shook with small sobs, and my own eyes burned. Only Selene knew how much I had endured. Only she knew why this ceremony meant everything.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “I don’t think I’ll ever repay you.”
“Then don’t try, ugly duck.”
I gasped. “Mother hen!”
We ended up wrestling playfully until we hit the floor with a thud.
“Ow! Rose, are you trying to kill me before your big day?” Selene complained, holding her head.
“I hit my head too,” I said, faking hurt.
“Your head should have cracked open.”
“You’d cry if I died.”
“You think I care that much?”
I stuck my tongue out at her. She glared… then burst into uncontrollable laughter. I joined in, clutching my stomach. The room felt lighter, for a moment.
But then the quiet crept back in.
My smile faded. “Selene… what if something goes wrong tonight?”
She froze and looked at me sharply. “Don’t start.”
“What if he changes his mind? What if he picks someone else? What if”
“Roseline.” She pressed her palm gently to my mouth. “Stop. You are his mate. Fate chose you.”
But her words couldn’t silence the whisper clawing at my heart.
What if fate has other plans?
“Has he sent word?” Selene asked softly.
My silence was her answer.
She cleaned the room quickly, but I barely noticed. My thoughts spun circles around me. Why hadn’t Kael said anything? Not a message. Not a call. Nothing.
Was he even looking forward to this?
Selene walked back and cupped my cheeks. “Look at me. Nothing will go wrong.”
I nodded weakly, trying to believe her.
Her wolf growled low, a protective warning, as if she sensed my fear. I inhaled her familiar scent and leaned into her warmth.
“You’re coming to the clan square, right?” I asked.
Her body stiffened immediately.
“You know I can’t,” she whispered. “Not after what happened there.”
“It’s been five months..”
“The memory is still fresh.” She turned away, wiping a tear quickly.
Before I could speak again, a loud, unexpected knock slammed against the door.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Selene and I jolted to our feet.
My wolf rose instantly, ears alert.
“Who is that?” Selene whispered, her voice trembling.
I opened my mouth to answer, but another sharp bang shook the door — harder this time — almost urgent… almost panicked.
“Roseline!” A male voice barked from outside. “You’re needed at the clan square. Immediately.”
My heart dropped.
Selene’s eyes widened. “That doesn’t sound normal.”
No, it didn’t. Not at all.
I swallowed hard, forcing my shaky fingers to grab the gown. My chest tightened with dread and anticipation as I stepped toward the door.
“Rose…” Selene caught my arm. “Something’s wrong. I can feel it.”
The knocking returned, three fast, violent hits that echoed through the room.
BANG. BANG. BANG.
“Roseline,” the voice called, breathless this time.
“Alpha Kael has made an announcement.”
My blood ran cold.
Selene’s hand covered her mouth. “Rose… you’re pale.”
I could barely breathe.
Barely think.
“What… announcement?” I asked through the door, my voice cracking.
There was a long, heavy pause.
Then the voice spoke, low and hesitant… almost apologetic.
“Alpha Kael just declared that…”
Another pause.
A painful one.
“He will no longer be choosing his Luna tonight.”
My heart stopped.
My wolf howled, not in excitement this time, but in agony.
Selene gasped, gripping my arm so tight her nails dug into my skin.
The messenger added quietly,
“He has chosen… someone else.”
And the world around me shattered.
