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 POVThe cool night air had helped clear my head, but as I stepped back into the bustling banquet hall, the noise and heat overwhelmed me.I spotted Evelyn sitting at our table and made my way over."There you are!" Evelyn exclaimed as I sat down. "Where did you go off to?"I forced a smile, not wanting to rehash the drama. "Oh, I just had to make a quick call. No big deal."Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly. "You sure? You look a bit drained.”"I'm fine, really," I insisted, desperate to change the subject. "How was your trip out?"Evelyn's face lit up. "Oh my goodness, you won't believe what happened!" She went on to share a hilarious story about a mishap with her driver and a carton of materials for designing a dress. Soon, we were both laughing so hard tears were rolling down our cheeks."I swear," Evelyn gasped between giggles, "I've never seen cartons move like that in my life!"We were still laughing when a shadow fell across our table. I looked up to see Linda standing the
ARIA'S POVI looked away, desperately trying to gather my thoughts. The answer to his question was right there, on the tip of my tongue, but fear and hurt held it back. I had kept this secret for so long, and now, with Dante looking at me like that, I wasn't sure I wanted to let it go."Aria," Dante said, taking a step closer. "Answer the question."I stepped back, feeling the edge of a table press against my legs. "You have no right to question me about anything, Dante," I snapped, surprised by the sharpness in my voice. "Including this."He shook his head, frustration clear on his face. "Why didn't you say anything when we first met? If you're really a Griffith, why keep it a secret?”I let out a harsh laugh. "You didn't ask to know about me, Dante. What was I supposed to do, introduce myself with my entire family tree?""Oh please, don't be ridiculous," Dante said, his lips curling into a smirk that made my blood boil. "How could the Griffith's youngest daughter possibly be an ordi
DANTE'S POVAs I watched Aria leave with Evelyn, I felt a lot of things. Anger? Frustration? Regret? I couldn't quite define it, but I knew one thing for sure – I wasn't happy. Not by a long shot.Linda moved closer to me, her perfume overwhelming the stuffy air of the hall. "I didn't like the way you shouted at me, Dante," she said, her voice seething with anger.I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Maybe you should think before you speak, Linda. Your words can cut deeper than you realize."She scoffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Oh, please. Don't tell me this is all because of that... that nobody."I didn't answer. Couldn't answer. The pained look image on Aria's face was seared into my mind, making my chest tighten uncomfortably. Without a word, I started walking back to our table, with Linda's heels clicking annoyingly behind me.As she gathered her things, Linda suddenly cleared her throat, "It's such a pity we didn't get to meet the Griffith's youngest daughter.
DANTE'S POVFinn nodded, his eyes wide. "Yeah, can you believe it? The Moon Goddess's gift, right there for the taking. Well, if you've got deep enough pockets, that is."My mind raced. The Tears of the Moon Stone was legendary in the kingdom. Said to hold great power, it was the subject of bedtime stories and ancient prophecies. And now, somehow, it was up for auction."How the hell did the Griffiths get their hands on that?" I muttered, speaking more to myself than to Finn.Finn shrugged. "No idea, but it's legit. I double-checked with my sources."I sighed and leaned back in my chair.The Tears of the Moon Stone... could it be the answer to all my problems?"So," Finn said, breaking into my thoughts. "What do you say? Are we going?"I looked at him, then at the clutter of papers on my desk. Then I thought of the Tears of the Moon Stone, and the power it could bring."The Tears of the Moon Stone, huh," I said slowly. Finn nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling with excitement.After a m
DANTE'S POV"Looking for me?" I repeated, taking a step backward. "Why? What's going on?"She hesitated, her eyes searching mine, then suddenly closed the distance between us. Her lips met mine in a surprising kiss.For a moment, I froze and my mind was spinning. This was not what I had expected.I should have pulled away, but then her hand slipped down, brushing against my dick, and all thoughts of stopping went right out the window."Damn it, Linda," I muttered as I grabbed her, kissing her back with a fierceness I didn't know I had in me.Her body pressed against mine, and for a moment, it felt like nothing else mattered. But then reality snapped back, and I pulled away, breathless."We really shouldn't be doing this," I panted, stepping back. "Linda, you're pregnant. This... it isn't right."She just smiled at me, and without a word, she started unbuttoning her shirt.I quickly turned away. "Linda, stop," I mumbled, my voice strained. "What the hell do you think you are doing?"Bu
LINDA'S POVI woke up to the early morning sunlight filtering through the curtains, my body still warm from last night's passion.As I stretched, I realized that Dante was already gone. A small frown creased my forehead, but I pushed away the disappointment. After all, I was the one in his bed now, not Aria.A smug smile played on my lips as I remembered the way Dante had touched me, the hunger in his eyes. It wasn't love, not yet, but it was a start. I knew I still had work to do to erase Aria from his heart completely, but I was patient. I could wait.My phone vibrated on the nightstand, interrupting my thoughts. I reached for it, squinting at the bright screen. The name that flashed up made my heart skip a beat.It was Jake, the investigator I had hired from the Black Moon pack.I answered quickly, my voice still husky from sleep. "Jake? What's up?""Morning, Linda," Jake's rough voice came through. "Sorry for waking you up, but I figured you would want an update."I sat up, sudden
ARIA'S POV The sudden voice echoed through the hall, silencing the witches and stopping their chanting in the middle of a verse.My breath caught in my throat as I slowly turned to see who had interrupted.Standing there, tall and commanding, was Adam. His piercing eyes scanned the room, and his presence was like a beacon of hope in the midst of my despair. Behind him stood Finn and a dozen elite soldiers, their expressions hard and ready for a fight.In that moment, my legs moved before I could think. I managed to break free from Mason’s grip, my heart racing as I ran towards Adam. “Adam!” I cried, my voice cracking. “You’re here!”Adam caught me, his strong arms wrapping around me protectively. “Aria,” he said softly, his voice filled with concern. He pulled back slightly to look at me, his eyes scanning my face as if checking for injuries. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”I shook my head quickly, tears brimming in my eyes. “No, I’m fine. I’m just so glad you’re here. I thought…”
ARIA'S POV At that moment, the guards surrounding us suddenly shifted into their wolf forms too, their eyes glowing with anger, teeth bared and ready to attack. My heart sank as I realized we were completely trapped. Meanwhile Kieran didn't back down. His wolf form stood tall and powerful, his fur standing on end as he snarled back at them. I really thought he might stand a chance.He attacked the first wolf, his claws cutting through the air. The wolf yelped as Kieran struck and tumbled backward.The other wolves didn't hesitate. They leapt at him all at once, their jaws snapping and claws tearing into him."You are going to kill him!" I screamed, struggling against the guards holding me.Kieran's powerful jaws clamped down on one wolf's neck and tossed it aside like it weighed nothing. But for every wolf he took down, another quickly took its place.Suddenly , the designer and I were grabbed from behind, our arms restrained. I struggled, but it was no use.“Kieran!” I cried, wa
ARIA'S POV My heart was racing as I stood still. I gripped Kieran’s sleeve so tightly that my fingers hurt, trying to come up with the right answer to Alpha Mason's question.“I…I guess…it is,” I stuttered, feeling overwhelmed with fear.“Well, then,” Alpha Mason said, his voice calm. “Why don't we put an end to this nonsense, huh?” His eyes glinted with smug satisfaction as he spoke. “Come on, Princess. Don’t struggle needlessly. I'll take you just as you wish, so let’s go.” Mason’s words sent a shiver down my spine. I knew I had told him to take me, but I just thought that maybe he would call my bluff. Just maybe.I was terrified. Very terrified.He spoke as if he had already won, as if there was no point in resisting him. My mind screamed at me to fight, to say something, but the words caught in my throat.I glanced at Kieran, my heart pounding. His jaw was tight, his body coiled like a spring ready to snap. I could feel the barely contained anger simmering just beneath the surf
ARIA'S POV I really couldn't believe that we were completely surrounded. I was hoping that, maybe I was just imagining things.But I wasn't.The soldiers continued to walk closer with their weapons drawn, their eyes cold and unflinching. Kieran stood in front of me, his body tense and defensive, his gun pointed at the soldier in the front.I could feel the fear in my chest, but I couldn't let it take over.The leading soldier stepped closer, his weapon raised. The glint of the blade in the evening light sent a chill down my spine."Stay back!" Kieran barked, his voice strong and sharp. He didn't lower his gun. "Don't come any closer."The soldier didn't stop. Instead, he just kept walking toward us as if Kieran hadn't said a word."I said, stop!" Kieran yelled again.The designer, Elena, stood beside him, her voice filled with panic. "You need to back off! Don't you dare come any closer!"But it was like the soldiers were deaf. They ignored every word, their steps slow but deliberate
ARIA'S POV The tension in the room was thick, and my heart raced in my chest. Every sound, every breath felt louder, as if the very air in the room was pressing down on me.The designer didn't say anything to Kieran's question. Instead, she walked over to the door and locked it, the click of the lock sounding too loud in the quiet room. My heart raced as she turned to face us, a smirk playing on her lips.“What… what the hell are you doing?” I asked, my voice trembling.Kieran adjusted himself in front of me, his eyes narrowing at the woman. “You should stay back,” he warned, his voice firm.The designer didn’t answer right away. Instead, she took a cautious step forward, holding the gun at her side. Kieran and I took a step back, unconsciously mirroring her movement. My palms were sweaty, and my mind raced with questions.Then, out of nowhere, she spoke.“Your Highness,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “Don’t you recognize me?”I froze, blinking in shock. “What?” I managed
ARIA'S POV The room was quiet, but not the kind of peaceful quiet. It was the heavy, suffocating kind, filled with fear and uncertainty. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the door, my heart racing. Every minute that passed brought me closer to the wedding I didn’t want.Kieran paced back and forth near the window, his face tight with concentration. He had been trying to come up with a plan for hours, but nothing seemed to work. “What if we create a distraction?” I asked, breaking the silence. My voice was shaky, but I tried to sound calm. “Something to draw the guards away, even for a few minutes?”Kieran stopped pacing and looked at me, his brows furrowed. “And what would the distraction be, Aria?”I hesitated, wringing my hands. “I… I don’t know. Maybe something with fire or smoke?”He shook his head. “Too risky. The guards would panic, and the entire place would go into lockdown. It would only make things worse.”I let out a frustrated sigh, burying my face in my hands. “
ADAM'S POV The airport was buzzing with activity when I arrived. The bright lights reflected off the polished floors, and the noise of people rushing to catch their flights was overwhelming. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and glanced around, looking for Finn. A dozen bodyguards surrounded me, their presence heavy and serious, as if we were preparing for war.Just then, I saw Finn leaning against a pillar near the private jet terminal. He looked up as I approached, his expression unreadable.“You’re here,” he said simply, pushing off the pillar and walking towards me.“Of course I’m here,” I replied, my voice tight. “We don’t have time to waste.”Finn glanced at the group of bodyguards behind me and raised an eyebrow. “You really think you need all of them?”I gave him a sharp look. “I’m not taking any chances, Finn. If something’s happened to Aria, we might need them.”He didn’t argue, but his expression said enough. He thought I was being overly cautious, maybe even paranoid. But
ADAM'S POVI was sitting at my desk when the news hit me like a punch to the stomach. The words on the screen didn’t make sense at first, and I had to read them again. “Alpha Mason of the Astral Pack to marry Aria, the Griffith princess of the Blood Moon Pack tomorrow.”The Griffith princess? Aria? My sister?My heartbeat thundered in my ears as the weight of those words sank in. Aria was getting married? To Alpha Mason? “No way,” I muttered, leaning forward, my hands gripping the edge of the desk. My thoughts were racing so fast that I could barely keep up. Why would she agree to a marriage like this?I grabbed my phone and quickly searched for more information. There were already articles popping up, but they all said the same thing: Aria Griffith is set to marry Alpha Mason in the Astral Pack.“No,” I whispered under my breath, shaking my head. This couldn’t be right. I didn’t waste another second. My fingers flew over my phone as I tried to call her. I pressed her name, held
KIERAN'S POV The wedding was set for tomorrow. Tomorrow!The word echoed in my mind like a warning bell. I didn’t have more time. If I waited even a moment longer, it would be too late. Aria would be trapped forever tied to that monster of an Alpha. I couldn’t let that happen. I wouldn’t let that happen.My plan was dangerous and messy, but it was all I had. Sitting outside the palace in the shadows, I watched carefully, observing everything—the guards, the maids, their routines.It was just after sunset when I spotted her. A young maid walking towards the side door of the palace. She was alone, carrying a tray. Perfect.I moved quickly, staying low, my steps silent. When she turned the corner, I was already behind her. Before she could scream, I grabbed her from behind, one arm around her mouth, the other holding her firmly in place. “Shh!” I hissed. “I don’t want to hurt you.”She kicked and squirmed, her tray clattering to the ground, but I tightened my grip. “Stop and liste