Chapter 1 End her, and burn her body

'To ascend your father's throne, you must have a mate. You're to marry him, then we'll crown you as the Luna of the pack.'

Arianna's eyelids fluttered open, the elder's words echoing in her mind. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, the makeup artist having done a flawless job. Clad in the most beautiful white gown she had ever seen, Arianna couldn't help but feel a wave of nervousness wash over her.

It was her wedding day.

Her parents had died two years ago, devastating both her and the pack. With no male heir, Arianna, as the eldest daughter, was chosen to lead. But to be crowned, she had to marry. They believed it would strengthen the pack.

Last year, on her twentieth birthday, the ball ceremony had been held, under the full moon. It was a grand event where wolves met their destined mates. Arianna remembered standing nervously in the corner, watching the scenes unfold.

Then, suddenly, she caught a scent-strong, intoxicating, and utterly overwhelming.

It melted her completely, prompting her eyes to search the space frantically. When she spun around, her gaze locked with his.

He stood tall and handsome, his smile making her heart race. As he approached, Arianna's lips parted in awe, her wolf purring in satisfaction.

He kissed the back of her hand and whispered that single, powerful word.

"Mate."

His name was Kael Fangton, the son of Dirus, one of her father's most trusted men who had died in battle. Dirus had been known for his loyalty and skill, and Kael seemed to have inherited those traits.

Arianna had researched Kael thoroughly, and even the elders had supported the idea of him ruling by her side.

Their love grew, heart connected and all that was left was marriage.

Taking a deep breath, a smile formed on her lips, she just couldn't wait to be Kael's official bride. He will be her Alpha consort and everything will be in place.

"Aria!" A small voice echoed through the hall. Arianna turned to see her younger sister, Lylah, rushing toward her, her face filled with concern.

"You're really going to marry him?" Lylah asked, her tone sharp. A displeasing look on her face.

Arianna sighed. "Not this again, Lylah. Kael is a good man, and I love him-"

"I'm not talking about your feelings. I'm talking about you listening to the elders. They are deceivers and you knew it. It's barely a year since you knew Kael, you don't need to rush this..."

Lylah, at seventeen years old, was sharp and stubborn. She had always disliked Kael and hated the elders' insistence that Arianna married before ascending to the throne.

"I know the elders can be manipulative, but the Moon Goddess chose Kael as my mate for a reason. He'll rule beside me," Arianna replied firmly, leaving no room for argument. Sighing, she leaned, holding Lylah by her shoulder, her voice softened. "I know you are worried. I know things are happening too fast but, the dominant position cannot be empty for long. You have to trust me."

Lylah finally nodded.

With a smile, Arianna walked past her sister, heading toward the designated hall where everyone was waiting.

"Lady Arianna Greystone, do you accept Kael as your mate and husband to stand beside you as you lead the Ravenwood pack to protect and cherish as long as the moon shines above?" the elder asked.

Arianna swallowed the lump in her throat nervously, but when she felt Kael's fingers gently caress the back of her hand, and she smiled. Her heart fluttering.

"I do," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The elder turned to Kael. "Kael, do you accept Arianna as your mate and wife to stand beside her as she leads the Ravenwood pack to protect and cherish her as long as the moon shines above?"

Kael's response was swift and steady. "I do."

Lylah watched in protest.

"By the light of the moon and the will of the pack, you are now bound as mates and leaders. May your bond be strong, and may your rule bring prosperity to us," Elder Rowan intoned.

The hall erupted into cheers and howls as Kael claimed Arianna's lips in a tender kiss, a symbol of their union.

••••••••

Later that night, Kael gave Arianna a final thrust, their bodies slick with sweat, the scent of intimacy filling the air.

As he released her, Arianna felt the cold air hit her skin, and she pulled the duvet over her body, watching Kael stood and began to dress.

"You didn't mark me," Arianna whispered, slipping into her nightgown. Kael turned to her, his expression unreadable.

"Do I have to?" he asked, his voice cold and distant. Arianna frowned, confused by the sudden change in his demeanor.

"What do you mean? You're my husband, and I've just given you my body."

Kael chuckled darkly, the sound sending a chill down Arianna's spine.

"What was that?" Confusion swirling in her gaze.

"You still don't get it, do you, Arianna? I've never met anyone as naive as you," he glanced over his shoulder, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Easy to deceive. On second thought, the moon goddess made it easy by tying us together."

Arianna's heart sank, his words cutting deep like a dagger. Her mouth hung open, unable to utter a word.

What was he saying?! Is this some kind of a prank?

His voice broke her though confusion as he continued,

"My father, Dirus, fought alongside your father, Alpha Thane, for years. And yet, he was betrayed. I was there when your father beheaded mine for a crime he didn't commit. I watched from the woods, crying my heart out." Arianna noticed his fist clenched at the side. "Then Alpha Thane returned to the pack and lied, saying my father died in battle."

"What are you talking about?" Arianna muttered. What dies he mean her father killed his?

Kael's lips curled into a cruel smile. "You know exactly who your father was, Arianna. Should I remind you of how beastly he was?"

"My father was not a beast, and you will not speak ill of him," Arianna snapped, her eyes blazed.

Her father had been a strict ruler, but he had loved his people. Everything Kael was saying felt like a lie.

"Kael?" she called he remained silent, staring into space with a look that made her feel so uneasy.

"The pack needs a real leader, Arianna. And that's not you."

Before she could react, two hefty guards entered the room. Arianna's heart raced as she scrambled out of bed, unsure of what Kael was planning.

"What are you...?" Her voice trailed off as Kael spun her around and plunged a dagger deep into her stomach, his eyes cold and merciless.

Blood spilled from Arianna's lips, her vision blurring with tears as she gasped in pain. This wasn't the Kael she had fallen in love with. This was a stranger. A monster.

"I, Kael, son of Dirus, reject you, Arianna, daughter of Thane, as my mate," he whispered, and Arianna's wolf howled in agony. Her heart felt like it was being torn apart.

"Accept it," he growled, his voice devoid of compassion.

No. The pain was unbearable.

Arianna shook her head, tears streaming down her face. She cried out as Kael twisted the dagger deeper into her flesh, and her hands instinctively gripped his arms. Her blood pooled on the floor as Its metallic scent filling the air.

"Accept it!" he roared, his eyes filled with hatred and disgust.

"I... accept your rejection," she gasped, the words ripping through her soul. The pain was excruciating, like a thousand knives piercing her heart.

Kael made it worse by yanking the dagger out, the sickening tear of her skin echoed.

Arianna collapsed to the floor, her body trembling. Her pooled the floor, soaking her nightdress, her breath came in a ragged gasp.

The dagger had been coated with wolfsbane and poisonous, preventing her from healing.

Her wolf howled in pain, retreating into hibernation, unable to bear the cruelty of the rejection.

"I hope you understand, Arianna. I had no choice. The pack needs a better ruler," Kael muttered coldly before turning to the guards. "End her and burn the body."