Chapter 4 The Engagement Ceremony

Caitlyn's POV

Like a wretched specter, I returned to my own graveyard, my mind plagued by confusion. 

The experiences of the past few days left me feeling as if the world around me had turned surreal and unfamiliar. In a haze, I heard a sharp knock on the door, followed by the familiar voice of my father.

"Caitlyn, it's time to get up. Jayce is here," he said.

At the mention of Jayce's name, my heart clenched violently, as if pricked by a needle. 

I was still trying to come to terms with the pain of his betrayal while attempting to adapt to my new identity: that of a forsaken woman left by her fiancé. Though my heart was shattered, I was determined not to reveal my despair in front of him. 

Unaware of the events of the previous night, my father made small talk with Jayce outside the door. "Caitlyn is always sleeping until noon," he said.

I hurriedly composed myself, tidying my disheveled hair and wiping away the traces of tears from the night before. 

Just then, Jayce entered the room. His blonde hair and tranquil turquoise eyes resembled a serene ocean. He was still dressed in the attire from the previous night, which only served to accentuate his attractive and refined appearance. 

However, unlike the vibrant persona I had seen before, his face now bore a tinge of remorse as he offered a brief and constrained smile.

"Caitlyn, I'm sorry, it's not what you think..." Jayce's words faltered as he sat down at the edge of my bed, his hesitation evident on his face.

As I struggled to find the right words, my heart weighed down with an overwhelming sense of sorrow, I pleaded, "Please, go away. I never wish to lay eyes on you again."

My face contorted, and the tears pooled in my eyes, threatening to spill over like a dam about to burst. The emotions within me were on the verge of shattering.

"Caitlyn, I'm sorry," Jayce began, trying to explain, "You know, you're just a human with no wolf, so I must marry Morgana, the Alpha's eldest daughter from the Glorious Moon pack. It can enhance my werewolf power, and it is also a condition for me to become the next Alpha of the pack. Our union would benefit our pack, and it was the will of both Alphas."

"Jayce. I..." I said in tears, having no idea how to explain what happened that night. 

I didn't know how everything happened that night, but it just happened.

"I'm tired. Let's just put an end to this and stop fighting," I said, turning around, determined to bring an end to this painful relationship.

"Caitlyn!! There's no way I can simply settle this. You need to trust me. It's all going to..." Jayce's voice trailed off into a wail of agony as he covered his face. In the midst of his sentence, he abruptly stopped, his voice silenced as if he were frozen, his gaze fixed on my neck.

"Caitlyn, who left that mark on your... your neck?!" Jayce's voice quivered, his tone unconsciously rising significantly. He pointed at my neck, his face displaying a mixture of disbelief.

I followed his gaze, lowering my head and running my hand over my neck, sensing a faint bump. It was a bite mark, undoubtedly the result of the man from last night.

My heart sank instantly, and my face lost some color. 

"Jayce, no, that's not it! You have to listen to me..."

"You deceitful woman! So, you've been betraying me all along! I should have walked away from you a long time ago!"

With those harsh words, Jayce stormed out of my room, slamming the door behind him. 

My emotions overwhelmed me, and I collapsed onto my bed, sobbing uncontrollably.

It seemed like an eternity before I heard a soft knock on my door and a heartfelt sigh from the other side.

News of Jayce and me parting ways spread like wildfire among the wolves, and rumors circulated about the reasons behind it. But soon, Morgana's presence revealed the truth.

They didn't need to know every detail of our story; they only needed to understand that as members of the Purple Moon Pack, we were bound to embrace our Alpha and the future Alpha.

For a mere human woman, especially one who was engaged to the future Alpha, there was no place left.

Soon, the news of Jayce and Morgana's upcoming engagement ceremony began to circulate, and it was rumored that the Alpha himself was pleased with the news. He saw the occasion as an opportunity to hold a gathering, allowing more wolves to find their destined mates.

Before me lay the bright red invitations, resembling droplets of blood that seemed to mirror the turmoil within me. 

"Don't attend," Leona said, snatching the invitation from my hand and tossing it aside. "They only want to witness your humiliation."

It was indeed unconventional to directly challenge the future Alpha of our own pack, but that was just Leona's way. 

The gathering had been scheduled at Sacred Heart Plaza, the very heart of the region where Jayce and I were meant to be wed.

As I stepped out of the car, I felt the collective gaze of the people converging on me. Though they quickly averted their eyes, their lingering glances betrayed their hidden flirtations. 

They probably thought I had no chance of becoming the Luna of the Purple Moon Pack, especially since, five years ago, Jayce had chosen me, a mere human, to be his girlfriend.

Struggling to maintain my composure, I tried to assert myself with confidence. 

"Caitlyn, if you're not feeling well, we can turn back. No one will dare to harm us," Leona suggested, as she scrutinized those around us, even those who had greeted me with a polite smile a week earlier.

With gratitude, I replied, "No, I'll stay. I haven't done anything wrong. I want to remind them that the one they see before them is not a loser."

"Look at you, Caitlyn, standing strong and different. Perhaps Jayce should have cheated on you sooner." 

Leona graced us with a rare teasing remark, and I sensed her intention to ease my nerves, just as Jayce and Morgana materialized on the scene.

The entire crowd fixed their gaze upon the duo, and an enthusiastic cheer resonated through the air. Jayce appeared dashing in his white suit, a gentle smile adorning his face, as he walked hand in hand with Morgana towards the elevated stage. 

Morgana, resplendent in a red gown with a white tulle veil adorned with sparkling diamonds, swayed gracefully, creating a mesmerizing arc.

Taking on the role of a gracious hostess, Morgana surveyed her surroundings with an air of superiority. In our eye-to-eye encounter, I couldn't help but sense a trace of triumphant mockery in her eyes.

Leona, with a touch of disdain, averted her gaze and muttered in a voice only a few nearby could hear, "That's revolting, she's like a flamingo in heat." 

Laughter erupted around her, but she managed to retain her composure due to the occasion.

The ceremony proceeded in an orderly manner, adhering to the customary rituals. Morgana confidently played the part of the Luna of the Purple Moon Pack, exchanging polite compliments with the Alpha and other influential members of the pack.

Leona and I sat in a corner, quietly observing the changing demeanor of those around us. It seemed everyone was eager to ingratiate themselves with the future Luna of the Wolf Clan, just as they had once done with me.

"Hey, isn't that Jayce's ex-girlfriend, Caitlyn? Why are you drinking alone here? Would you do me the honor of sharing a dance with me?" A boisterous voice intruded, none other than Jayce's closest companion, Swain.

Leona shot him a disdainful look before retorting, "Back off. You smell awful! Did you forget to brush your teeth this morning?" With that, she emptied her wine glass towards Swain in a rather forceful manner.

Swain was taken aback by Leona's unexpected move. He hastily dodged backward, narrowly avoiding the ground. His swift actions elicited laughter from the surrounding crowd.

"You reckless woman, do not think that Alpha is without rules just because he remembers your father's favor. Leave now, and take this shameless woman with you. Get out of here and return home," Swain grumbled in annoyance at Leona, all the while drawing the battle line toward me.

"Shameless?" I retorted, rising to my feet and delivering a resounding slap to Swain's face.

Surprise washed over Swain's face, and though my blow as a human caused him little physical pain, the insult carried a profound weight.

"You bitch..." Swain's eyes widened, and he raised his palm in preparation to strike back.

However, before he could retaliate, a sudden, commanding voice rang out, breaking the tension.

"Stop!" It was Jayce!