Bound by the Alpha's Betrayal

CHAPTER 3

Raven's POV

The world around me titled, the sounds of the party fading into a suffocating and ominous silence. My heart beat painfully against my ribs, each beat echoing kane's words in my head like a cruel mantra.

I, kane Blackwood, accept Ava Cross as my mate."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by a tense, expectant silence. My breath seized in my throat, my vision blurring as I stared at him, waiting —praying—thatthis was some kind of cruel joke.

But then she appeared, dressed in a different clothes from earlier.

Ava Cross.

My step sister.

She stepped onto the stage with the grace of a queen, her golden curls cascading over her shoulders, her sharp gray eyes glistening with triumph. Dressed in a midnight-blue gown that hugged her curves, she looked every bit the strong warrior she was trained to be. Unlike me.

She reached kane's side, curling her delicate fingers around him possessively like I was the villain in their true love story. And then as if to put the last nail on my coffin, she titled her head up and kissed him passionately.

The hall erupted in whispers and murmurs. Some gasped in shock, while others chuckled knowingly. My body turned cold, my stomach knotted painfully.

No.

No, this can't be happening. This shouldn't be happening.

My legs felt like numb underneath me as I forced myself to take a step back, my trembling fingers clutching the fabric of my dress as if it could hold me together. The silk material now felt rough, and suffocating. I wanted to tear it off. I wanted the ground to open and swallow me.

Kane finally pulled apart from Ava's lips, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before landing on me. A cruel smirk curled his lips, his next words stripping whatever still remained of my dignity.

You didn't actually think I would choose someone as weak and as naive as you to be my queen, did you?" His voice dropped with mockery, his eyes filled with sheer disdain. "I need a warrior, a leader. Not a fragile little girl who still clungs to fairytales. Ava is strong, powerful. She's the kind of Luna, I need to stand by my side and rule a kingdom."

Laughter rippled through the room, the sound like a dagger stabbing my chest.

Kane wasn't done yet. He stepped forward, his smirk deepening. "Though, I'll admit, you do have one talent, Raven. You're good for one thing—fucking."

The laughter grew louder, crueler, echoing off the walls and drilling into my skull. I couldn't breathe. My chest tightened. My eyes burning with unshed tears. My legs wobbled, but I forced myself to remain standing, even as my whole world crumbled before me.

I turned, shoving past the crowd, my vision blurred by tears, but just as I thought I had escaped, his voice came again, rooting me in place.

"You haven't accepted the rejection, Raven," he taunted. "Or were you hoping that I would change my mind?"

Asshole! I steadied myself. I don't know how I was able to do it, but my voice was firm. Without turning, I said, "I, Raven cross accept your rejection." In that moment, I felt the bond broken and pain coursing through me. But I didn't crumble. Not yet. Not here, where they could see.

With that, my feet carried me out of the grand hall, away from the laughter, away from the betrayal, away from him. Away from the man who had just ripped my heart out and crushed it under his feet.

Tears streamed down my face as I ran, my body trembling violently. The cool night air bit at my exposed skin, but I didn't stop. I couldn't. I needed to get away. I needed to escape the humiliation, the torment, the pain.

As I reached the academy ground, a sob tore from my throat, my knees gave out beneath me. I collapsed onto the damp grass, burying my face in my hands, my entire body wracked with uncontrollable sobs.

How could he do this to me?

I had given him my body, my heart, my dignity. How could he betray me like this?

And Ava —my own step sister. The girl who had always been a thorn in my side, the girl who mother had seduced my father after my mother's death, taking my home, my family, and now....my mate.

I should've seen it coming. I should've that happiness wasn't meant for me.

But it still hurts.

More than I could bear.

My whole body throbbed in pain especially my head, and my vision went blurry. Before I could what was happening, I collapsed on the floor and gave in to the darkness.

*****

A sharp intake of breath filled my lungs as my eyes snapped open. The unfamiliar ceiling above me blurring momentarily before my vision cleared. My body ached, the pain dull but persistent, reminding me of the events that led me here.

Where am I?

I shot up, my heart hammering and I immediately regretted the movement because a wave of dizziness crashed over me. I swallowed hard, my gaze sweeping across the dimly lit room,. The bed beneath was far too soft, the sheets too smooth, and the faint scent of masculine and cedarwood filled my nostrils.

Then, the door creaked open.

My breath hitched as Professor Vaughan stepped inside, shirtless, wearing only a pair of low-hanging pants. His toned muscles flexed slightly as he moved, his eyes dark and unreadable. For a split second, my gaze betrayed me, flickering downward before I caught myself and quickly looked away, heat rushing to my face.

"You're awake," Vaughan said, his voice deep and steady.

I nodded, pushing myself off the bed, desperate to flee. "Thank you for.... finding me," I said, my voice barely audible.

His lips parted, as if he wanted to say something, but I didn't wait. I couldn't. I needed to get out of there before my emotions betrayed me further.

I hurried past him. Vaughan didn't stop me. He only watched as I slipped through the door and stepped into the cold hallway.

The moment I stepped out into the academy grounds, a suffocating wave of whispers and murmurs crashed down on me. My name that had been twisted into vile mockery was on everyone's lips. Eyes followed me, some filled with pity, otgers filled with amusement. The words cut deeper than any physical wound.

"Slut."

"No wonder he rejected her."

"Pathetic! How could she think Alpha Kane would accept her as his mate."

Each whisper hurt than the last and a dagger to my chest. My hands curled into fists as I kept my head down, forcing my legs to move faster. I reached my dormitory, my fingers fumbling as I pushed the door open and slipped inside quickly.

The silence was a relief, but only for a moment. Then my phone buzzed.

I grabbed it, my breath hitching as I saw Valerie's name flooding my screen. Missed calls. Dozens of messages.

Raven, where are you?

Call me!

Please, don't do anything reckless.

Tell me you're okay.

My throat tightened. Valerie was worried. But I couldn't stay. Not here. Not where my humiliation would follow me at every turn. I switched off my phone, my resolve hardening.

With shaking hands, I grabbed my bag, stuffing in whatever I could. Clothes, essentials, my phone charger. My vision blurred with unshed tears as I scribbledva note.

Valerie,

I can't stay here. I have to leave. I'm sorry.

Goodbye.

I placed the note on my bed, my pounding against my chest. Then, with one last glance around the room that had been my sanctuary, I slipped out into the morning sun, determined to leave everything behind.