BOUND TO THE ALPHA THAT HATED ME.

Chapter Five: The Palace Night

ANGEL'S POV

I tried to sleep again after Mum left my room, but my mind refused to rest. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Linda’s guilty face… and Clinton’s cold, shameless stare.

I went back to start getting ready.

If I must go to the palace, then I would go looking nothing like the “poor girl” Alex’s fiancée described. I opened my wardrobe and scanned through my dresses before my fingers stopped on my black dinner gown. It was simple but elegant, hugging my curves in a way that made me look older than eighteen.

I slipped into it slowly.

Then my stiletto heels.

I stood in front of the mirror and stared at my reflection. The girl looking back at me was not the same Angel from two days ago. She looked stronger. Harder. Almost untouchable.

“Tonight,” I whispered to myself, “you will not cry.”

At exactly 9pm, my brother blew the horn of his car.

The sharp sound echoed through the compound.

My heart skipped.

It was time.

I reluctantly came out, dressed in my black dinner gown and stiletto heels. My mother stood by the door, her eyes scanning me proudly.

“My daughter,” she breathed, adjusting a strand of hair behind my ear. “You look beautiful.”

I forced a smile.

Kingsley stepped out of the car and whistled lightly. “Who are you and what have you done to my sister?”

I rolled my eyes. “Drive.”

My mother watched us as we left, waving until we disappeared down the street.

The drive to the palace was silent.

Kingsley kept glancing at me like he wanted to say something, but he held back. And I was grateful. If he asked one wrong question, I might break.

As we approached the palace gates, the sight before me stole my breath.

Upon arriving at the palace, everything looked magnificent.

The entire compound was lit with golden lights that shimmered like fallen stars. Expensive cars lined the driveway. Music floated through the air, soft but powerful. The fountain at the center sparkled under the night sky.

Royal guards stood tall and proud.

It looked like something out of a dream.

Or a nightmare.

I swallowed hard and stepped out of the car.

Immediately, whispers filled the air.

“That’s Kingsley’s sister.”

“She looks stunning.”

“Isn’t she Clinton’s girlfriend?”

My chest tightened.

I started praying not to see Clinton so that it won't ignite my pain again.

Moon Goddess, please… not tonight.

We walked further into the palace hall. The decorations inside were even more breathtaking—white roses, crystal chandeliers, silver drapes cascading from the ceiling. The elite of the pack filled the room, laughing, sipping wine, celebrating.

And then—

My wolf stirred.

A strange warmth spread through my body.

My heartbeat quickened.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

It felt different.

Not fear.

Not anger.

Something deeper.

Stronger.

I froze mid-step.

Kingsley turned. “Ange

l? Are you okay?”

Before I could answer, the massive doors at the far end of the hall opened.