Chapter 3

Ari

Like any other she-wolf in the world, I looked forward to the day of my union with my mate. And finally, after years of waiting, my dream was fulfilled.

As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but tear up as I saw myself in my white wedding gown. It was hard to believe that the hope I had clung to for so long, the hope of finding someone who would love me just as I had always dreamed, was now a reality. Kristoff was more than a dream; after today, he would be my new reality.

I recalled the way Kristoff had found me, in my pitiable state where my parent's bloodline had already defined me long before I was born. I had thought I would never bring honor to my father, who cherished me more than I could have asked for. Kristoff made me believe in the existence of fairy tales, that he was the prince destined to love me for who I was, not for what my genes dictated. I couldn't wait to begin my eternity with him, the wolf to whom I would willingly surrender my heart, my life, and my soul.

A tear welled in my eye as I reminisced about him, but I quickly wiped it away, reminding myself that today was not a day for tears. Meeting Kristoff had been my ultimate joy in this imperfect world, and I eagerly anticipated the moment we would exchange our vows under the sacred oak tree in the heart of our pack's territory.

I walked towards the hall, and everyone seemed to be enjoying every second of it. They were all happy to see me in a wedding dress. My happiness radiated and reached everyone I cared for. I smiled and cherished the moment.

Then, I saw my father, Alpha Eirik. I read his gaze, filled with love, happiness, and a tinge of sadness. I clasped my hands into my father's arms as I approached him.

"Are you ready, my child?" he asked, radiating the same intensity of joy in his eyes.

I nodded, and we both walked slowly toward the aisle. Everyone in the reception hall stood up as I entered the place. Though I wasn't used to being the center of attention, surprisingly, the stares of the people didn't make me nervous this time.

Upon walking, I noticed that Maddie and my stepmother weren't around. I leaned my face near my father's ear and whispered, "Dad, where are Maddie and Aunt Seraphina?"

Dad held my hand and continued smiling in front of the crowd. "Probably your sister is still upset, and you know her mother couldn't leave her alone like that."

I felt a slight pinch in my heart hearing that. On my most beautiful day, I was hoping my beloved sister would be there to witness my joy of loving someone as my maid of honor. However, she refused. The day Kristoff announced our engagement was the day Maddie refused to talk to me. Everything would have been perfect if only my Maddie was around.

I guess that was how the world worked; you cannot have the best of everything.

"Don't be sad, my child. This day is dedicated to you by the moon. Make sure to cherish every moment. Smile and be happy. Maddie will surely come to her senses in days to come. Just give her time to process everything, and I am sure that everything will go back to the way it was before."

With those encouraging words, I felt as if the heavy boulders crushing my chest were finally lifted off. Dad was right; I should not ruin my own wedding by being sad and anxious about what happened between me and Maddie.

I turned my face towards the aisle, and I finally saw my beloved mate.

The reception team had done a remarkable job capitalizing on the natural beauty that surrounded us. The sans tablecloths, the rustic bare wood, and the vases filled with lush eucalyptus seamlessly merged with the environment, as if they were an extension of our pack's very essence. The chairs were neatly arranged, and flowers adorned in every corner. Yet, what I cherished most about this entire wedding decor was the ceremony backdrop.

It consisted of nothing more than a gossamer curtain sheen drapery, suspended from the pack's oldest tree. This was the very tree under which I had pledged to marry only my mate, and that promise was now becoming a reality before our very eyes.

Kristoff welcomed me with a bright smile, waiting for me to reach the altar. Kristoff even managed to throw a small wave of his hand. I chuckled and waved back. I couldn't help but lock my eyes on my future husband. His dashing look and the warm smile dedicated only to me pleased my heart. He was more handsome than ever, and his eyes shone as he locked his gaze on me.

I was thankful that fate had allowed us to meet. My whispers to the moon had reached their destination, and now my wish was granted.

"My precious gift," Dad whispered, slowly approaching Kristoff as he gave my hand to him. It was the beginning of the new chapter of my life where Kristoff would be mine, a wonderful guy I never thought would come into my life in the most unexpected way.

Reaching the altar, we both shared sweet smiles and continued to lock eyes.

"You look lovely," Kristoff said.

"And you look like a real Jarl," I replied.

Kristoff chuckled. "But I am a real Jarl... A Jarl that only belongs to you."

Then, Gamma Austin, the wedding officiant, started the ceremony.

“Family and friends, thank you all for coming today to share in this wonderful occasion. We are here together to unite Jarl Kristoff Bjorn of Ironflame Pack and his mate Arianna Lynn Rosenberg in mar—”

But before he could finish, I saw a man stabbing him in the back. Gasps and screams filled the air as the people from Ironflame started stabbing people around. My eyes went to my father. He was shocked as well. Before he could even react, I saw Ulf, a loyal guard of the Ironwolf, stabbing my father from behind. My Dad stared at me, blood spilling from his mouth.

“Dad!! No!!!!” I shouted as reality set in. I continued to call out to my father, who was now on the ground, wounded and helpless.

Everyone panicked and ran around to flee for their lives. It was quite surreal how my dream wedding had become a nightmare in the blink of an eye. Disbelief filled both Kristoff and me. My wedding turned into a bloody ambush, and the mastermind was the Ironflame Pack itself.