chapter 17

Chapter 17

Azalea knew it was time for her to go down and face the life Mack and Ophelia had chosen for her; she regretted all her past events right from crowning Mark the alpha of the pack and not standing up for herself when Ophelia spoke to her without respect.

Now as she thought about it she wished she had done something to change her fate and to change the way things were happening now but nothing could be done. Not anymore.

Two maids walked into her bedroom with a smile on their faces and she rolled her eyes mentally.

Azalea stood at the top of the magnificent staircase, feeling her heart race as she gazed down at the spectacle unfolding below. Ophelia and Mack were by the entrance, showing respect by bowing to Federico's pack members. Seeing the two of them together, smiling and being friendly, caused her anger to rise. Her claws' sharp edges trembled, her fingers moving involuntarily, as her inner wolf became agitated. However, she couldn't allow that to occur at this moment, particularly in this place. Not in the presence of these individuals.

Azalea took a deep breath and made a conscious effort to retract her claws to calm herself down. For now, she needed to remain calm and in control of her emotions. Her anger would have its moment, but now was not the time for it.

One of the maids softly murmured to Miss Azalea that it was time, gesturing towards the group below.

Azalea gave a nod of approval and let the two maids accompany her as she descended the stairs. Every stride was a struggle, burdened by the weight of her anger which made it difficult to maintain a neutral face. She kept her gaze on Mack and Ophelia, who continued to act as gracious hosts to the Red Moon pack, pretending nothing had happened despite betraying her terribly.

Upon descending the staircase, she directed her attention towards the three guests who had arrived to assess her before the wedding.

The elderly Mayor of Brooksville, a tall man with a serious face, was the first to advance. He gave a formal nod as he greeted Miss Azalea. I am the Mayor of Brooksville and I am in my senior year. This person is Elder Walter Hart and Mrs. Allysa from the Red Moon Pack.”

Azalea gave a slight nod in reply, her thoughts wandering as they carried on with their introductions. She understood that these procedures were essential, but she had little interest in their content. Her only focus was to make it through the day without completely succumbing to her emotions.

Mayor Brooksville, in a professional manner, stated that they had been commissioned by Prince Federico's father to confirm that everything was arranged correctly. The prince anticipates meeting you very soon.

Azalea mustered a strained smile, nodding as she kept up with the conversation. She responded to their inquiries with a dull voice, offering only the necessary information. She was distracted, constantly thinking about Ophelia and Mack, who seemed to always be on her mind like a nagging annoyance.

After the formalities were done and the elderly individuals escorted her to the entrance, Azalea's voice suddenly pierced the silence, bold and clear.

“I need to have a word with Mack and Ophelia.” She said calmly.

Ophelia's complexion became lighter briefly, her eyes widening with worry. She shared a brief look with Mack, who appeared just as uncomfortable, but neither of them was willing to decline.

"Sure," Mrs. Allysa responded with a courteous grin, although Azalea sensed their curiosity about her upcoming remarks.

Mack did not wait for additional approval and gestured for them to accompany him to his office. The siblings could feel tension as they walked down the narrow hallway, making it seem longer than it was. Azalea's thoughts were in a flurry with all the things she wanted to express, all the emotions that she had kept hidden within. Today wasn't only about the wedding, but also about the betrayal that had been growing in her heart for an extended period.

After they stepped into Mack's office, he shut the door, trapping the three of them in the intense silence that ensued. Leaning against the desk with his arms crossed, he attempted to maintain a relaxed appearance, but Azalea could detect the anxiety in his eyes. Ophelia stood by, playing with her fingers nervously, her usual self-assured manner waning.

Azalea stood proudly, her gaze fixed on Mack and Ophelia. "I have three statements to make," she stated, her voice icy and unwavering.

Mack lifted one eyebrow, his effort to appear confident proving to be a complete disaster. "What could those possibly be, Azalea?"

She formed a bitter smile on her lips. She started by saying, looking directly at Mack, "You will never experience peace." Her words oozed with malice, the threat of retaliation evident in each word.

Ophelia recoiled at her sister's manner, her complexion turning pale. "Azalea, you are not allowed to—”

Azalea shut her up with a glance, stopping her in the middle of her sentence. "Furthermore," she went on, her voice steady, "you will no longer have that child you're so proud of." Her eyes shifted towards Ophelia, her words aimed directly at the unborn child within her.

Ophelia let out a gasp, her hands immediately going to her stomach. She whispered, her voice shaking, "You wouldn't..."

Azalea's grin grew broader, lacking any hint of warmth. "You will observe," she whispered gently, her gaze fixed on Ophelia without wavering. "And next..." She redirected her focus to Mack, speaking in a hushed yet threatening tone. Your position as Alpha will be taken away from you. I want you to remember what I'm telling you, Mack. You are not worthy of that title, and I will ensure that you are stripped of it.

Mack's facial expression contorted with anger, yet a glimmer of fear shone through his eyes. Azalea, you can't do that. You have no power at this moment. You bestowed the title upon me. There is no action you can take.

Azalea moved forward, her eyes shining with sinister contentment. That is incorrect, Mack. While you may hold the title, the group will quickly realize you are a fraud. I provided the title to you, and I can ensure that you no longer have it. "You have deceived me, and there will be consequences for your actions."

Ophelia seized hold of Mack's arm, her complexion drained of color due to fear. Azalea, I beg you... we can discuss whatever this is. You are not required to—”

Azalea coldly interrupted, stating that all she had to do was watch both of them suffer, as she listened to Ophelia's pleas. "You have made decisions." Now reside with them.

The room grew quiet as her words lingered heavily in the air. Mack remained motionless, his hands tightly balled up, as Ophelia's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Both of them were caught off guard by Azalea's unexpected coldness, and now they had to deal with the outcomes of their behavior.

Azalea spun around and made her way towards the door. Before grabbing the handle, she stopped and looked back one more time. "I will no longer be manipulated by you," she said softly. "You will both face consequences for your actions."

Without saying anything else, she left the office, walking with confidence towards the house's exit. The servants awaited her, prepared to accompany her to her destiny with the Red Moon pack, yet Azalea no longer recognized herself as the individual who had descended the stairs before. Something had changed within her, something sinister and strong.

When she walked out, the impending marriage didn't feel as overwhelming as it did previously. She now had her agenda - an agenda that did not include being dominated by anyone, especially Mack and Ophelia. Regardless of what destiny had in store for her relationship with Federico, she was sure of one thing: she would

never let herself become a victim again.

Not for them. To nobody.