Chapter 1

On my wedding day, my fiancé slapped me across the face.

"Can you stop picking on Freya?"

My cheek was burning. My ears were ringing. All I could see were Damon's eyes, pupils blazing gold with rage.

His hand was still hanging in the air. On his knuckle — our engagement ring. Platinum band. I designed it myself.

Behind him stood Freya, eyes red, wearing my moonlight wedding gown. The one I'd spent eight months making by hand, stitch by stitch.

I'd known Damon for fifteen years. Today was supposed to be our wedding.

The open lawn of the family estate was filled with white roses and baby's breath. A breeze rolled in off the lake, carrying the smell of water and fresh grass. Everything was perfect. Like something out of a dream.

That is, if Damon hadn't spent the entire time since he walked in looking for Freya.

"Isn't she your bridesmaid? Where is she?" That was the first thing he said to me. No you look beautiful. No I missed you. Not even a hug.

I was standing in front of the mirror in my robe while the makeup artist filled in my brows. Damon stood in the doorway, suit immaculate, eyes wandering around the room.

"It's Freya's first time at an event like this. Make sure she's not nervous."

"She's probably in the lounge. Did you want to see me in my dress?"

"It's fine. I still have guests to greet."

And then he left.

I stared at my face in the mirror — blush not yet applied — and swallowed the words: I designed the dress myself.

Freya had joined the pack three years ago.

It was a blizzard that night. Damon brought her back himself.

After that, she started showing up in our lives more and more.

At first, I told myself it was just pity.

But Damon remembered her favorite foods. He bought her gifts. After pack meetings, she was always the first person he went to find.

He even left my birthday dinner early because Freya had a fever.

I shouldn't mind, I told myself. As future Alpha, Damon has a responsibility to take care of every member of the pack.

There were a few maids standing outside the dressing room.

The moment they saw me, their expressions shifted.

"Miss Lyra…"

"What is it?"

No one answered. I pushed the door open.

And then I stopped.

Freya was standing in front of the mirror, wearing my wedding dress.