Chapter 1

Celine’s pov.

The silk gown clung to my body like a second skin, its shimmering feel mocking the cold emptiness I felt inside. I barely moved as I stood stiffly at the grand party, the chatter of wolves ringing in my ears. I shivered, despite the warmth emanating from the fireplace. It felt cold, which was a contrast to the atmosphere.  It’s a feeling I had grown accustomed to, one that haunts me in my dreams and remained long after I woke.

The plush carpet under my feet provided a little bit of comfort, but that was only for a while…a while until I caught sight of my husband. His chiseled profile was lit up by the soft glow of the chandelier. He threw his head back in laughter, as his eyes crinkled at the corner. Lucien…my mate, my husband—these words felt dry, as dry as the bond we both shared. Who knew marriage could turn into a nightmare?

I watched him closely, searching for something…anything that might explain how we got here. But deep down, I already knew.  Everything changed the moment we shared vows. Or maybe it never really changed at all. Maybe I had just been too blind to see the truth.

It’s bizarre how easily people can change. Or maybe he never changed. Maybe he was just pretending before, playing the role of the devoted mate because it was expected of him. Because fate had chosen me, not love. And honestly, I couldn’t blame him. How could a man like Lucien—powerful, and respected, be bound to me? An omega. A nobody. A girl born out of wedlock, carrying the shame of her mother’s sins.

I should have known better than to dream. My fantasies were too high.

Lucien, a man destined to become the next Alpha of our pack. And when that day comes, I’m supposed to stand beside him as his Luna. The highest ranking female in the entire Emerald forest pack. The idea feels laughable.

Me? A Luna? The thought is almost cruel. A title like that should belong to someone strong, someone worthy. And Lucien knows it too. That’s why he looks at me the way he does.

I downed the glass of champagne in one burning gulp, the liquid doing nothing to ease the storm raging inside me. All I felt was pure anger…hot, suffocating and relentless. My fingers tightened around the delicate glas, the urge to shatter the it against the marble floor nearly overpowering.

Without hesitation, I reached for another. The usher beside me barely had time to react before I snatched the glass from his tray. How many have I had…3? 4? I lost count.

I exhaled sharply, as every emotion pressed down on my chest. The champagne had done nothing to calm my nerves, and the air in the ballroom felt thick, suffocating. I needed to get away, even if just for a moment. However, my attempt to exit this hell of a room was ruined my own absentmindedness.

As I turned to leave, oblivious of whoever was behind me, I collided with someone. A sharp gasp escaped my lips just as the sound of shattering glass rang through the air. The tray hit the floor with a defeaning crash, crystal glasses splintering into hundred pieces, deep red wine spreading across the floor like spilled blood.

Shit!

Time seemed to slow. I stood frozen, my breath coming out uneven as I watched the chaotic aftermath unfold in horror. The usher…wide-eyed and stunned, stared at the mess, his hands still hovering in the air where the tray had once been.

The room fell silent, the only sound I could hear was gasps of the assembled guests. I felt my face burn with mortification as all eyes turned to me.

Lucien’s warning echoed in my head…

“Don’t embarrass me today.”

I could almost feel his displeasure and disappointment. I wanted to sink into the floor, to disappear from the face of the earth. I was frozen in humiliation as the room’s attention remained fixed on me, the helpless, clumsy mate of the future alpha.

Whispers echoed through the crowd, all eyes sharp and judgemental. My pulse pounded in my ears. But then, just as I began to move, to stammer out an apology, a deep voice cut through the tension. It was Lucien!!

“Excuse us.” He said to the room.

Those words sent shivers down my spine.

Before I could even look up at him, Lucien’s hand clamped around my wrist. His grip was unforgiven, his fingers digging deep into my skin.

As he slowly dragged me up from my chair, I felt a surge of fear mixed with embarrassment. I stumbled, my heels catching on the hem of my dress, but Lucien didn’t seem to care. He pulled me harder, his grip tightening around my wrist even more. I could feel dozens of curious stares on my back, the hushed whispers trailing after us like ghosts.

As we turned into a secluded corridor, Lucien’s grip on my wrist became even more brutal. I bit back a cry of pain as my eyes welled up with tears.

He suddenly yanked me forward, I stumbled, nearly tripping over my dress. My heart pounded against my ribs as I managed to steady myself.

“What is wrong with you?” He hissed, his teeth clenched in an effort to suppress a yell. The last thing he wanted was to attract the attention of the guests in the next room.

I opened my mouth, but the words tangled in my throat. “Hu—huh…”

Lucien let out a short mocking laugh. “Huh…” he mimicked, his lips curling in disgust. “Are you dumb?” He spat.

Fear crept up my spine but it was stained with anger, however I tried to keep my tone calm. “Lucien…I didn’t know he was behind me. It was a mistake.” I said, trying to reason with him.

That was the truth. But maybe my tone was too steady, too bold, because before I could take another breath, his hand shot up.

I froze. My heartbeat thundered in my ears.

Was he really going to…?