All Chapters of Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Amelia’s POV The Alpha Ball was approaching quickly, but my mind was still occupied with far more pressing concerns. Kurt. His name lingered in my thoughts like a persistent shadow, creeping into every moment of peace I tried to snatch. I couldn’t shake the memory of Maxwell glancing at him during the trial, as if he held the answers to unspoken questions. I hadn’t brought it up with Lucas again, but I wondered how his investigation was progressing. Would he find anything? Or was it all just my paranoia playing tricks on me?And then there was my mysterious ally. Their sudden silence gnawed at my nerves. I had sent a message after the trial, wanting answers—needing answers—but there had been no response. Who were they? Why had they chosen to help me? And why did they vanish now, when I had so many questions to ask? The absence of clarity was maddening.Pushing those thoughts aside, I joined Lena for our morning training session after breakfast. The familiar routine helped settle my r

Amelia’s POVThe palace garden stretched before me, a quiet oasis where I could breathe, though my thoughts were anything but tranquil. The sun was soft this morning, filtering through the leaves and casting shifting patterns on the cobblestone path. It should’ve been peaceful, but my mind felt like a restless storm.I walked without direction, brushing my fingers against the cool leaves and blossoms that lined the garden paths. Despite the beauty surrounding me, my thoughts kept pulling me back to yesterday—to the boutique and the moment Luna Lara revealed Sabrina’s schemes.I could still hear her calm, confident voice as she exposed the truth. My chest tightened at the memory. The gratitude I’d felt in that moment had been overwhelming. Sabrina’s plan to humiliate me could have succeeded if not for Luna Lara stepping in.I’d thanked her before leaving the boutique, my words barely scratching the surface of how much her intervention had meant to me. But the aftermath of it all still

Amelia’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, my fingers lightly tracing the delicate embroidery along the bodice of my gown. The emerald-green fabric shimmered like the leaves of the palace gardens after a rainstorm, and it fit me perfectly—a stark contrast to the chaos swirling inside me. The stylist had insisted this color would bring out my eyes. I stared at my reflection and had to admit, she was right.Not that it mattered. The gown, the jewels, even the flawless braids in my hair—they were all just a mask. Tonight wasn’t about beauty or elegance. It was about survival.The Alpha Ball. Just the thought of it sent my pulse racing. Everyone who mattered in our world would be here tonight—the alphas, the lunas, the councils, the powerful families. Every handshake and glance would carry hidden meanings. And then there was me: Amelia, Lucas’s wife in name only. A contract. A secret.I smoothed the gown over my hips, trying to steady my nerves. Tonight, I had to be perfect. Polished.

Amelia’s The warmth of Lena’s laughter eased some of the tension in my chest. Being around my friends always grounded me, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in all of this.“Ethan really had the nerve to approach you?” Lena scoffed, shaking her head. “The audacity of that man.”Cassidy smirked. “Should’ve thrown your wine on him.”Amy, ever the calm one, placed a hand on my arm. “You okay?”I exhaled, swirling the wine in my glass before nodding. “Yeah. I handled it.”Lena snorted. “Good. If he comes near you again, I’ll handle it.”Their presence was comforting, but I couldn’t ignore the way eyes followed me around the ballroom. Whispers trailed behind me, some admiring, others filled with skepticism. It was expected—Lucas and I were still under scrutiny. Some didn’t believe our union was real, while others simply didn’t think I belonged at his side.I straightened my shoulders, refusing to let their doubt shake me. I wasn’t just standing here as Lucas’s wife—I was here as the Luna of

Amelia’s POVMy mind felt like it was swimming through thick fog, the heat overwhelming my senses. Mind-link. I needed to reach someone—Lucas, Lena, anyone. But no matter how hard I tried, the haze clouded my thoughts, making it impossible to focus.Snow, help me… I pleaded.I—I’m trying… she panted weakly. The heat was affecting her just as much as it was affecting me.I stumbled, gripping the edge of the table for support just as the door creaked open.Panic surged through me as I turned, my breath catching when I saw who stood there.Alpha Dorian.I recognized him instantly—one of the young Alphas I’d spoken to earlier. I had disliked him on sight. The way his eyes had lingered on me too long, the way he had smirked when I spoke, as if he was undressing me with his gaze. And now, that same gaze was locked onto me, but this time, there was something darker in it.He took a slow step inside, inhaling deeply.My stomach dropped as I watched his pupils dilate, his eyes darkening as his