20.

Nova’s POV

I stood before the mirror, wearing the elegant white wedding dress, adorned with delicate werewolf-inspired lace. The full moon symbol on the bodice seemed to gleam in the soft light.

My reflection showed a fearsome face; my heart betrayed my doubts.

"Am I doing the right thing?" I whispered.

Marrying Alexandra, a cursed Alpha, meant embracing his pack, and danger came from being his Luna.

But a part of me was willing to take the risk. He may not have shown me direct kindness, but he has helped me out of a situation a number of times, and deep down, I could tell how much he cares about me, even though he is terrible at showing.

But then again, it’s the thought that counts.

As I pondered, Karen entered the room.

"Nova, are you sure about this? You can always back out of it,” she asked.

I turned to face her.

"I don't know," I admitted.

She walked to me, taking her hands into mine and settling us down.

"This mating ceremony binds you to Alexandra forever. I won’t assure you’ll