DANTE'S POVThe room was filled with excitement, everyone on edge waiting for the big reveal. Then, like a bomb dropping, the Elder announced that the Griffith princess would no longer make an appearance. Just like that, the excitement went out of the room.I glanced at my mother, and boy, that was a mistake. Her face crumpled like a kid who had just been told Christmas was canceled. She started muttering and huffing, acting more like a teenager than a grown woman."Mother," I said, shaking my head in disbelief, "you really need to snap out of it. You're making a scene."She turned to face me, her eyes flashing. "Don't you get it, Dante? If we don't see the Griffith princess today, when will we? This was our chance!"I sighed, feeling a headache coming on. "Sabrina," I called to my sister, hoping for backup, "a little help here?"Sabrina just rolled her eyes. "Leave me out of it, Dante. I'm not getting in the middle of this drama."Great. Just great.I was about to try reasoning with
ARIA'S POVThe words hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken past and hurt. I watched as emotions played out on Dante's face - surprise, anger, and something that looked a lot like pain.He opened and closed his mouth a few times, clearly struggling to find the right words. It was so unlike the confident, smooth-talking Dante I used to know.But then he squared his shoulders, his eyes hardening. "What matters is that you cheated on me, Aria. With him." He nodded in the direction where Adam was standing across the room."Cheated? Are you serious right now?"Before I could unleash the torrent of words I had been holding back, I caught sight of Adam over Dante's shoulder. He was walking towards us, his face filled with anger. I shook my head slightly, trying to signal him to stay back, but it was no use. He had this look on his face and I knew nothing was going to stop him."Dante," I said urgently, "you need to go. Now."Dante, as stubborn as always, stood his ground. "You have
DANTE'S POVI stood there, beyond shocked, as Linda's words echoed through the room. Part of me wanted to step in and put an end to this madness. But another part, the part still hurting from the insults and jealousy, held me back.Linda's voice broke the tense silence, each word filled with arrogance and spite. "Well, 'Adam'? Cat got your tongue? Or are you finally realizing that your little game is up?"I watched as Aria's face turned pale, her eyes darting between Adam and Linda. The man who claimed to be Adam Griffith just stood still, his jaw clenched tight."You know," Linda continued, her lips curling into a cruel smile, "Aria thinks she has managed to climb high the social ladder, but she's too dumb to know that she attached herself to some nobody pretending to be a somebody. How pathetic."I felt a rush of anger at her words. Aria might have hurt me, but she didn't deserve this public humiliation. I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could, Linda pressed on.She turned to
DANTE'S POVI felt shock, confusion, and yes, a hint of jealousy. The Blood Moon Club was legendary. The Griffiths created it.Linda basked in our surprised looks. "Oh, you know," she said casually, "I have my ways.”Mother's eyes were shining with pride. "Linda, darling, this is... this is incredible. Do you know what this could mean for us?"I watched as Linda's smile turned into a cunning expression. "Oh, I know exactly what it means," she said smoothly. "It means that little Miss Aria isn't the only one with connections."As the family gathered around Linda, showering her with attention and asking her questions about the invitation, I felt uneasy.There was something in Linda's eyes, a glint of triumph that went beyond just receiving a sought-after invitation."Linda," I said slowly, my voice cutting through the excited chatter. "What exactly did you have to do to get that invitation?"She turned to me, her smile widening. "Now, now, Dante," she scolded. "A lady never reveals all
DANTE'S POVThe day of the Blood Moon Club gathering had finally come.I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie for what felt like the hundredth time. My best suit, dark as midnight, fit like a glove, and I had to admit, I looked good.A knock at the door made me turn. "Dante? Are you ready?" Linda's voice called out.I opened the door and was taken aback. Linda looked stunning in a deep red dress that hugged her curves. She smiled, her eyes sparkling as she assessed me from head to toe.“Well, you certainly look presentable," she said with a playful wink."You don't look too bad yourself," I replied with a smile.A slight blush coloured her cheeks. "Thanks. Come on, we don't want to be late.”She linked her arm through mine as we walked to the car. Once we were both inside, I turned to her. “Linda, I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you absolutely sure that this invitation of yours is legit?"She laughed, a light sound that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Trust me, we're
DANTE'S POV"I believe I was invited," Aria said calmly. "Unlike some people."I winced at the remark, knowing it would only anger Linda more.Sure enough, Linda's laugh was harsh and bitter as it cut through the murmurs of the guests."Oh please," Linda snapped, her face red with anger. "We all know that you are just here to stir up trouble. Haven't you done enough damage already?”The surrounding guests began to whisper, their eyes shifting back and forth between Linda and Aria."Linda," I whispered, grabbing her arm. "That's enough. You should think about why we are here."She shook me off, her eyes fierce. "No, Dante. I am tired of her always showing up, always acting so full of herself. She needs to be put in her place.”Aria raised an eyebrow, her voice filled with disdain. "And I suppose you think you are the one to put me in it?”"You think you've won, don't you?" Linda shot back. "Well, let me tell you something, sweetheart. I am sure everyone here knows the truth about you.
ARIA'S POVI stood there, looking very surprised to see Evelyn come to my defense with so much anger, but I was truly grateful for her words.Evelyn had indeed been a close friend of mine as we were both studying under the same design teacher.What the world didn't know was that before I left my pack and married Dante, I had possessed an extraordinary talent for designing jewelry.It was actually I who had been blessed by the Moon Goddess, not Evelyn. But I had chosen to keep my identity hidden, letting Evelyn to bask in the spotlight while I worked in the shadows.Evelyn had learned almost everything from me. Not to brag, but I was literally the best.Our relationship had grown from that of mentor and student to a deep, lasting friendship. And now, here she was, fiercely defending me with all her might.The argument continued to worsen, Evelyn boldly protecting me in front of everyone as her words sharply rebuked Linda. However, Linda wasn't backing down. Her face was red with anger
ARIA'S POVThe night air had become much cooler when Evelyn got a call to deliver some materials as soon as possible. We had spent hours talking, laughing, and trying to forget the drama from earlier.As she gathered her things, she gave me a serious look. "Aria, promise me you'll stay clear of Linda," Evelyn said, her voice filled with worry. "She's just looking for attention, so please don't let her get to you."I nodded, grateful for her advice. "I promise. And thank you, for everything."We hugged, and I watched as Evelyn disappeared into the night. The moment she was out of sight, I felt a chill run down my spine.It was as if Linda had been waiting, because immediately Evelyn left she appeared next to me, her face twisted into a cruel smirk."Well, well," Linda drawled, her eyes glittering with hate. “If it isn't the fraud.”I took a deep breath, trying to steel myself against her insults. "Linda, please. I don't want any more of your trouble."Linda wasn't interested in peace.
ARIA'S POV A day later, the verdict for Linda was announced, quick and final. Exile. The word echoed in my mind as I stood by the open window of my room, watching the morning sun rising through the clouds. Linda’s punishment felt like the closing of a chapter, one filled with betrayal, pain, and chaos. Her exile was the beginning of a new order.I had heard the details from Adam earlier that morning. His voice had been calm but firm as he explained it.“Her and her family have been stripped of her title and banished permanently," Adam said, pacing in front of me. His broad shoulders seemed even broader with the weight of leadership on them. "Her pack is no more. It is now part of the Blood Moon Pack, under the Griffith Alpha.”I nodded, taking in his words, though I felt a flicker of sadness. Not for Linda, but for what could have been. She had ruined her own life, blinded by ambition and greed.“Did she say anything?” I asked softly, curious despite myself.Adam stopped pacing an
DANTE'S POV Standing in the middle of the room, my mouth fell open, and I froze. My entire body went stiff as I stared in shock.Outside the window, the sky changed like a living painting, its colours swirling and intensifying. It was mesmerizing and terrifying all at once. The pale blue of daytime changed into shades of red and gold, enveloping the hospital room in an eerie crimson light.“What… what’s happening?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.A loud, bone-chilling howl cut through the silence, making the hair on my arms stand on end. My eyes quickly snapped back to Aria.She wasn’t just lying in bed anymore. No. Her body was changing. Her limbs stretched, her frame twisted, and a silvery light surrounded her like a shield. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched in awe and fear.“Aria…” I breathed, taking a hesitant step forward.Her body shook violently, her skin glowing faintly under the changing light. Then, with one final shudder, she transformed. Where Aria had b
DANTE'S POV Before I could answer Adam's question, Aria’s soft voice broke the silence in the hospital room. It wasn’t loud, but it pierced through the stillness like a sharp blade.“Everything that happened, it's all because of you,” she said.Her words hit me harder than I expected. My chest tightened, and for a moment, I couldn’t even breathe. The air in the room grew heavy, suffocating, and I felt the weight of her accusation settling deep in my gut. She wasn’t wrong. It was truly my fault, no matter how much I tried to explain or justify it to myself.I looked at her, but she didn’t turn away or soften. Her eyes, even in her weakened state, held anger. Hurt. Maybe even fear.“I know,” I said quietly. My voice sounded strange in my own ears, low and heavy with guilt. I didn’t even try to argue because I knew it wouldn’t matter. Words wouldn’t undo what had happened. I had let this happen to her. I nodded, lowering my gaze. “I know, Aria.”It suddenly felt like my throat was mad
DANTE'S POV The drive to the hospital was a blur. My hands were holding the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white. I glanced over at Aria again and again. She was silent, curled up in the passenger seat, staring ahead with a blank expression. Her face was pale, and her body shook with every bump in the road."Aria," I said softly, my voice breaking. "Are you okay? Please, say something. Anything at all."She didn’t respond, only closing her eyes tightly as if she were trying to block out the world. My chest tightened, guilt suffocating me. This was my fault. Every tear, every tremble, it was all because of me.When we finally reached the hospital, I didn’t waste a second. I jumped out of the car, ran to her side, and lifted her into my arms. She didn’t resist but held onto me weakly. I burst through the hospital doors, my voice loud."I need help! Someone help her now!"A nurse rushed forward, her eyes wide. "What happened?""She’s been through… something terrib
ARIA'S POVThe three men had their filthy hands all over me, laughing as though they had just won a lottery.“Look at her,” one of them sneered, his eyes scanning me like I was some kind of prize. “This one is going to make us famous. Just wait till the camera gets this.”Another man chuckled as he adjusted the camera on the tripod. “Don’t rush, man. We’ve got all night. Let’s make this a show they’ll never forget.”My heart pounded as I struggled to move, to do anything, but my body wouldn’t cooperate. “Please,” I whimpered, tears streaming down my face. “Please, don’t do this. I’ll give you money, houses, cars. Anything. Just let me go. My family is rich.”“Money?” the tallest one scoffed, kneeling beside me. “What’s the fun in that? Nah, sweetheart, we’re here for something better.” He leaned closer, his disgusting breath hot against my face. “And you? You’re… so perfect and beautiful. I just can't wait to see what you got down there.”The third man smirked, crossing his arms as he
ARIA'S POV One of them smirked, his gaze raking over me like I was a piece of meat. “She’s pretty enough,” he said, his voice rough and cold. “We could have some fun with her.”My blood ran cold. My breath hitched as I stared at Linda, disbelief and terror washing over me. “Linda, no,” I whispered, my voice shaking. “Please, don’t do this.”She looked at me, her smile sharp and venomous. “Why not? You’ve ruined my life. Why shouldn’t I ruin yours?”Tears streamed down my face now, and I couldn’t stop them. “Linda, please. I didn’t do anything. I swear. Just let me go.”She squatted again, her face inches from mine. “You don’t get it, do you?” she said softly. “This isn’t just about today. This is about everything. Every time you smiled at him, every time he talked about you, every time I had to wonder if he was thinking about you instead of me. You took him from me, Aria. And now, I’m taking everything from you.”Her words cut deeper than any knife. I wanted to scream, to fight back,
ARIA'S POV I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing. Over and over, it wouldn’t stop. At first, I thought it was just my alarm, but when I opened my eyes, it wasn’t the usual beep. It was vibrating like crazy on the nightstand.Rubbing my eyes, I reached for it, still half-asleep. Messages lit up the screen. Missed calls too. I squinted, trying to focus. The first message I saw was from Adam: "Are you with Dante?"My heart jumped a little. Why would Adam ask me that? And why on earth would I be with Dante?I typed back slowly, still confused: "No, I’m at home sleeping. Why?"I hadn’t even hit send when Finn’s name popped up on the screen. He was calling. I swiped to answer, still lying in bed.“Finn?” My voice cracked.“Aria!” Finn’s voice was sharp, loud, and panicked. “Dante is gone! He ran away from the wedding!”“What?” I sat up so fast my blanket fell off me. “What do you mean he ran away? Where would he go?”“That’s what I’m asking you!” Finn snapped. “Are you with him? Di
LINDA'S POV The entire mansion was filled with a lot of activity. My mother, friends, and even the servants were all around me, moving around quickly like moths drawn to a warm light.The air smelled of lavender and sage, and the faint sound of chants could be heard from the ceremonial grounds outside. It was finally my wedding day, the moment I had waited for my entire life, and I couldn’t stop smiling.I was marrying the man I had always loved. Dante.“Hold still, Linda,” my mother said sharply, adjusting my veil for the hundredth time. “You don’t want to look like a mess walking down the aisle, do you?”I rolled my eyes but stayed still. “I’m fine, Mother. It’s perfect.”She stepped back and looked at me with a rare softness in her eyes. “You’ve finally gotten what you wanted,” she said, her voice quiet, almost emotional. “You’re about to marry the man you love. I hope you’re happy.”“I am, Mother,” I said, my voice steady but full of excitement. “I couldn’t be happier.”Her lips
ARIA'S POV I tried so much to look calm, though my heart felt uneasy. Dante hesitated, his eyes scanning the room before landing back on me. To my surprise, he asked softly, “Can we go outside? Maybe to the balcony?”I glanced at him, skeptical. Part of me wanted to say no and walk away, but his tone wasn’t demanding. It felt... vulnerable. After a moment of hesitation, I nodded and followed him.The balcony was quiet, with only the faint hum of voices from the banquet hall in the background. The night air was cool, and the moon hung low, creating a soft light over everything. Dante leaned on the railing, looking down at his hands as if trying to find the right words.For a moment, he didn’t say anything.I tilted my head, waiting for him to speak. When he finally did, his words caught me off guard.“Aria... do you still like the colour blue?”I blinked, not sure how to respond. “Blue?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow.He nodded quickly, almost nervously. “Yeah, blue. It used to be