Chapter Three

Alpha Landon's question cut through the tension. "Where's your parents, princess?"

I bit my lip, suppressing a dark laugh. "My guardians are present," I replied, my eyes darting to my aunt and uncle.

He nodded sympathetically and held out his hand, inviting me to take it. "I'm sorry, but I'll have to take your daughter away," he said to my aunt and uncle, his smile polite but firm.

As we stepped off the podium together, my aunt rushed forward, her eyes welling up with fake tears. She wrapped me in a tight hug, sniffling dramatically. "I'll miss you, little one. You were literally my favorite."

I returned the hug, my arms around her back, but my mind raced with skepticism. Her words were laced with insincerity.

"I don't know how pathetic you'll think this sounds," I whispered, my voice barely audible, "but I really wish you meant anything you're acting out here today." I paused, my eyes locked on hers. "Though I know better."

My aunt's gaze flickered, a hint of fear dancing beneath the surface. She knew better than to cross an Alpha, especially one who had claimed me as his mate. Her theatrics were a desperate attempt to save face, but I saw through them.

Alpha Landon's presence gave me courage, and I stood tall, my voice steady. For the first time, I felt a sense of empowerment, a sense that I was no longer at their mercy.

As I left my old life behind, Aria trailed behind me, her presence a reminder of my complicated past. Though she'd been appointed as my maid, her attitude seemed to shift like a chameleon, hiding her true intentions beneath a veneer of obedience.

The initial days at Alpha Landon's pack were a blissful haven. I reveled in the freedom to sleep in, savor delicious meals, and indulge in leisurely days. The pack's warmth and acceptance enveloped me, and for the first time, I felt truly at peace.

Six months passed, and I'd grown into my role as a Luna-in-training. The pack's traditions and customs became second nature, and I was ready to solidify my bond with Alpha Landon through the official mating ceremony.

Yet, as I stood at the altar, gazing into the sacred flames, an unsettling emptiness gnawed at my heart. The priestess's words echoed through the air: "Do you accept Alpha Landon Night Shade as your fated mate?"

A smile danced on my lips, but it was tinged with a hint of uncertainty. This wasn't the first time I'd faced a similar scenario, but the contrast between then and now was stark. Before, I'd been a timid, resigned soul, whereas today, I was a woman transformed, radiating joy and anticipation.

Or so I thought.

As I opened my mouth to respond, a nagging sense of unease whispered that something was amiss. The Alpha standing beside me, his eyes locked on mine, didn't quite feel like the same man who had swept me off my feet six months ago.

A shiver ran down my spine. Was I truly ready to seal my fate with this man, or was I walking into another trap?

"I do not," I declared, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. The crowd's murmurs ceased, and an unsettling silence fell over the gathering.

Alpha Landon's expression softened, his eyes filled with concern. "What do you mean, Princess?" he asked, his tone gentle, reminiscent of our first meeting.

I took a deep breath, my words spilling out in a rush. "I've been living a lie, and I thought finding my mate would fix everything. But I was wrong."

My hands trembled as I lifted my gown, revealing the sleek trousers beneath. Gasps echoed through the crowd as I strode towards the audience, scattering the fabric of my former life like confetti.

The onlookers strained to catch a glimpse, their faces etched with horror and shock. My sister's eyes widened, her mouth agape.

"Sister, what are you doing? Your Alpha—" she began, but I cut her off.

"Save your words," I snapped, my voice laced with venom. "You didn't think of me when you betrayed me, when you let my mate violate me."

The audience gasped, and Alpha Landon's eyes widened in stunned realization. My sister's face paled, her guilt exposed.

I stood tall, my heart pounding, but my voice unwavering. "I won't be silenced. I won't be controlled. I'm taking back my life, and I'm starting now."

Alpha Landon's mother stepped forward, her voice dripping with disdain. "You dare to humiliate the Alpha like that? What's wrong with him having a few concubines?"

I stared, aghast, my mouth agape. Was she serious?

Before I could respond, Alpha Landon's father thundered, "This is treason! Ember Vaughn, you are hereby sentenced to six years of banishment from our pack and any other under our province."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Gasping, I turned to Alpha Landon, expecting some semblance of support or sympathy. Instead, his eyes gleamed with triumph, his expression cold and unyielding.

"Six years?" I repeated, my voice shaking. "For speaking the truth?"

The Alpha's mother sneered. "You should have thought of that before you embarrassed our son."

I took a step back, my heart racing. "You're condemning me for exposing your son's infidelity?"

The Alpha's father growled. "Enough! You'll leave our territory immediately. Any attempt to return will result in severe punishment."

As the guards closed in, I realized I was truly alone. Alpha Landon's expression remained impassive, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. I knew then that I had to escape, to survive on my own.

The darkness of the forest seemed to suffocate me as I stumbled through the underbrush, my legs trembling beneath me. Eighteen years of pain and hardship had prepared me for many things, but the events of this night were too much to bear. Banished on what was supposed to be my mating ceremony day, I felt like my world had shattered.

As I walked, the silence was broken by the sound of rustling leaves and hushed voices. My heart skipped a beat. I froze, my senses on high alert, and hid behind a tree trunk.

A group of rough-looking men emerged from the shadows. Rogues. My blood ran cold.

"Did you hear something?" one of them growled, their eyes scanning the darkness.

I clamped my hand over my mouth, stifling a terrified scream. My heart raced, and my body trembled. I held my breath, praying they wouldn't discover me.

The rogues paused, their ears perked up, but after a moment, they continued on their way, disappearing into the darkness.

I let out a silent sigh of relief, but my reprieve was short-lived. The reality of my situation crashed down on me. Alone, banished, and vulnerable, I was at the mercy of the forest and its dangers.