AGONY OF A FATED MATE

CHAPTER FOUR

AURORA’S POV

“Yes, I was the one. We need to keep this a secret,” Orion's words echoed in my head as I saw myself in the mirror again, getting ready for my wedding to him.

Sadness wrapped around me like a heavy cloak. The door creaked open, and a servant entered—one of Alpha Kane's.

"Alpha Dane seeks your audience before the wedding," she said, her voice gentle and calm.

“Alpha Dane?” My eyebrows shot up. Why does he want to see me? I stood up instantly, unease creeping in. It felt strange for him to request my presence. Walking in my wedding gown towards his room, I opened the door and stepped inside.

“I’m here, Alpha Dane,” I called out, my voice echoing in the silence. I walked around the room, but there was no response. My instincts told me to leave, but curiosity kept me rooted. Then I heard a faint, strange sound coming from his bathroom.

“Help me,” the voice was weak and faint. “Oh no, something must be wrong,” I whispered to myself, not caring about the risks. I hurried into the bathroom.

My eyes widened in shock, my jaw dropping. I rushed to his wooden tub. “Alpha!” I screamed, seeing him in a pool of blood. I hurriedly went towards him, struggling to pull him out.

“Somebody help!” I yelled, but there was no response. Looking at Alpha Dane's face, it was pale, drained of life. “He killed me,” he rasped before coughing up blood and taking his last breath.

“Alpha! Please wake up!” I screamed. The door flung open, and everyone rushed in. “Help him!” I pleaded, seeing Orion's face amidst the crowd. The sorrow etched on his face was unmistakable.

"Someone help the alpha!" The frantic shouts filled the air, a mix of panic and urgency. Guards rushed in, lifting the alpha's motionless body and carrying him out of the room.

"Call a doctor, now!" Orion commanded, his voice tense. He left the room, leaving me standing there, unable to move. Everything felt strange and confusing. He had wanted to say something before he died. Who could have done this?

A loud clap of thunder shook the room, bringing me back to reality. It was Alicia, her face full of anger as she stormed out. I walked to my room in Alpha Dane's house, feeling heavy with worry. I sat down, taking off my dress, and remembered seeing Alpha Dane in a pool of blood.

My wedding was canceled. I doubted he was still alive. My thoughts were interrupted by a loud bang. The door burst open, and guards grabbed me.

"Let go of me!" I cried, trying to break free, but it was useless. They ignored my pleas, dragging me to where everyone had gathered. My eyes met Orion's burning gaze. He looked furious.

My eyes fell on everyone as their eyes were on me, disappointment written all over their faces. "What's going on?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

"Is this how you will repay Alpha, you slut?" Alicia's voice filled the whole room, her words cutting through me like a knife. Confusion and curiosity swirled within me.

"Sorry, what was that?" I finally managed to say. "Don't you dare say a word," Orion yelled at me, his voice dripping with hatred. I looked down, feeling the weight of his anger.

"After all I am about to do, is this how you will pay me?!" Orion shouted again, his voice echoing through the room, making me flinch.

"How dare you kill the great Alpha of the New Moon Pack?" His words made my heart skip a beat. Panic filled me, my mouth dropped open in shock. I blinked my eyes twice, hoping it was a dream, but it wasn't.

"I didn't kill the Alpha," I shook my head frantically. "Not another word from you, Aurora," my stepmother yelled.

"You brought nothing but disgrace to this family. I'm so disappointed in you," she added, her words adding to my pain. "Father, I promise I didn't kill him," I screamed, tears streaming down my cheeks. I wanted to explain, but everyone was against me.

"I will make your life a miserable hell for killing someone close to me," Orion's voice was hot with anger. I shook my head again and again.

"I swear to the Moon Goddess, I never did such a thing," I screamed, crying harder.

"From now on, I reject you as my mate," he said, and my heart shattered into pieces. I needed him to believe me.

"From now on, you will just be a worthless slave, more like a rogue. Take her to the dungeon, now!!" Hatred burned in his eyes.

"Orion, I'm innocent. I didn't kill your father," I cried out.

The guards dragged me roughly, their grip like iron. I stumbled, my heart pounding with fear and confusion. The cold, damp air of the dungeon hit me as they threw me inside, the heavy door slamming shut behind me.

Darkness enveloped me, the only sound was my own ragged breathing. I sank to the floor, tears streaming down my face, feeling the weight of the injustice crushing my spirit. I was innocent, but here I was, trapped in a place meant for the guilty.

Coughing loudly and parched with thirst, I fell asleep on an empty stomach after hours of shouting for help, but no one came to my aid. I woke up to the sound of the lock clicking.

A wave of nausea hit me as I saw a maid entering with a tray of food. My stomach churned, and I threw up.

The maid looked at me, surprised, and dropped the tray of food on the floor. "You are pregnant," she uttered. Annoyed, I snapped, "Leave me alone. I didn't kill him, and I don't want your food!" I yelled, my voice echoing in the cold, dark dungeon.

She held my hands gently. "I know you didn't do it," she said, her words sending a wave of calm through my body. "You believe me," I muttered, a glimmer of hope flickering in my heart.

‘’You are pregnant’ she stated, standing up before taking her leave.

‘’Wait’ i tried calling her back but it was abortive.