Chapter 1- You're pathetic

~ARIA~

Tonight was the night I had waited for—my Luna ceremony, where I’d be introduced as Alpha Luca’s mate. Cora, my maid, hummed softly as she fastened the delicate lace of my dress.

“You look perfect, Aria,” Cora said with a warm smile, adjusting the silver necklace around my neck. My heart fluttered. My skin, smooth and fair shone even in my silver dress. I couldn’t wait to see the pride in Luca’s eyes when he saw me. He was the one light in all the darkness of my life, and though he hadn’t been perfect, he’d been kind to me. I've loved him ever since.

My silver dress fitted perfectly, hugging my curves and cascading elegantly to the floor. My long, dark hair flowed in waves, framing my pale face. I couldn’t deny I looked beautiful. My cheeks glowed with anticipation as I imagined standing beside Alpha Luca, becoming his Luna. The ceremony would solidify everything our families had wanted for us.

“Thank you, Cora. I just want everything to be perfect,” I said, biting my lip nervously.

Cora’s eyes softened. “It will be, dear. No one can take this moment from you.”

Her words gave me the confidence I needed. I took a deep breath and left the room, heading down the hallway toward the grand hall. But as I passed Indie’s room, strange sounds caught my attention. It was impossible to ignore—the moans, the breathless whispers. My steps slowed, unease creeping in. I didn’t want to pry, but something felt wrong.

My heart skipped a beat when I heard the deep, unmistakable voice. “Indie, faster,” it growled.

I froze. No! It couldn’t be. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to convince myself I had heard wrong. But the sounds continued, and I felt my world crashing down. I should’ve walked away, but something inside me forced me to see the truth with my own eyes.

With trembling hands, I pushed the door open just a crack. What I saw shattered every piece of happiness I’d felt moments before. Indie, my carefree cousin, was tangled in the sheets with Luca. The man I was supposed to marry. The man

I trusted, loved, and admired. They were both so lost in each other that they didn’t even notice me standing there, watching them betray me.

Tears burned in my eyes as my world crumbled. I didn’t want to believe it. I couldn’t believe it.

“No… why would you do this?” I choked out, stepping into the room. I didn’t even recognize my own voice.

They both looked up, startled. Indie’s eyes shining with satisfaction, while Luca’s expression twisted into annoyance.

“Aria,” Luca said flatly, as if I were nothing more than an inconvenience. He pulled on his pants with a huff, not even bothering to hide his irritation.

“Luca, please, I thought you cared for me! We were supposed to be together! Our parents—” My voice was thick with desperation. I wanted to be angry, but all I felt was hurt and confusion. How could he betray me like this? I needed answers, needed him to tell me it wasn’t real.

Luca’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Cared for you? Don’t be ridiculous, Aria. You were just a duty, nothing more. But Indie… she’s who I truly want.”

Indie giggled, leaning into Luca’s embrace. “Poor, sweet Aria. Did you really think he wanted you?”

The humiliation burned deep within me. I felt so small, so broken. I took a step closer, pleading, “Luca, we can talk about this. I can be better—”

He sneered. “Better? You wouldn’t even give me what I wanted. You denied me sex, Aria, and you expect me to stay loyal? You’re not even fully active yet—no wolf, no real mate. You’re half of what I need.”

I couldn’t stop the tears. I had thought I was enough. I thought that despite everything, he saw me as more than my flaws. But all along, I was just someone he could throw away when it suited him.

“Please, Luca,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “Don’t do this. I’ll try harder, I’ll be whatever you need.”

His cold eyes cut through me. “You’re pathetic. Now get out and get ready for our ceremony.”

I stumbled out of the room, the walls spinning around me. The tears fell freely, and my heart felt like it was being ripped apart. Everything I’d hoped for, everything I’d dreamed of, was gone.

As I ran down the hall, I couldn’t stop the sobs from breaking free. My heart screamed in pain. I’d never felt more alone in my life. How could I go through with the ceremony now? How could I stand in front of everyone as his Luna, knowing I meant nothing to him

There was only one person who could help me now—Uncle Darius. He was harsh, cruel even, but he was powerful. If I could convince him, maybe he’d let me back out. Maybe he’d save me from this humiliation.

But as I reached his office, fear twisted in my stomach. I was terrified of him, always had been. But I had no choice. I wiped my tears and knocked softly.

“What do you want?” His voice was cold as the door creaked open and I entered silently.

“Uncle, I… I can’t go through with the ceremony,” I stammered. “Luca doesn’t love me. He’s with Indie. Please, let me back out.”

Uncle Darius sneered, his lip curling. “Love? How pathetic. This was never about love, Aria. It was about power. Do you think your parents or Luca’s ever cared about your little fantasies of affection? You were betrothed the moment your mother and father agreed to the arrangement. It was always about securing alliances, keeping the pack strong.”

The mention of my parents sent a fresh wave of pain through me. I clenched my fists, feeling the tears sting my eyes again. “But they’re gone now! Luca doesn’t want me, and I—”

“Silence!” His voice cracked like a whip, and I flinched. “You will go through with this ceremony.”

I shook my head, stepping back. “Please, Uncle, don’t make me do this. I’ll be humiliated—”

He cut me off, his voice lowering, but somehow becoming even more menacing. “Humiliated? You’re already an embarrassment to this family, but you’re too blind to see it.” He took another step closer, his eyes narrowing. “Do you think anyone will care that Luca doesn’t want you? He’s the Alpha. He can have whoever he pleases. You, on the other hand, will stand by him, smiling like the good little Luna you were bred to be.”

His words stabbed deep, twisting the knife in my already bleeding heart. “I’m begging you, Uncle—”

“And I’m done listening to your pathetic pleas.” His voice turned cold again, his gaze sharp. “You will marry him, and if you even think about defying me, I will tell the pack everything. About your mother, about your disgrace of a family. You think her death was tragic? You have no idea.”

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. “What… what do you mean?”

Darius’s lips twisted into a cruel smile, enjoying my confusion. “Did you really think your mother was just another victim of your father’s rage? Or that your father simply disappeared out of shame? Oh no, Aria… there’s much more to the story. Secrets that would make you wish you had never been born.”

My heart raced. “What are you talking about? What do you know?”

He leaned in closer, his voice barely a whisper. “Maybe if you’re a good little Luna, I’ll tell you one day. But until then, consider this your last warning. Marry Luca, play your part, and I’ll keep those whispers about your mother’s death and your father's disappearance quiet. Refuse, and I’ll make sure the pack knows just how much of a disgrace you really are.”