Chapter 2 0002

It had been two weeks since Theo's death, yet the pain hadn't dulled. If anything, it was sharper, carving through me like a jagged blade. I remembered everything-the way his body fell lifeless, the cruel laughter of those who cheered, the blood staining my hands.

He was my happiness. My life.

How could I live without him?

I had cried until my eyes were swollen, made countless wishes to have him back. I would give up everything for just one more moment. But wishes were useless, and death did not bargain.

Oh, don't get me wrong-I tried.

Suicide wasn't just a thought; it was an attempt. But Luca's men were always watching, their eyes like chains binding me to this cursed life. Even death was a luxury I wasn't allowed.

And if Luca ever found out?

Punishment was swift and merciless. Like today.

My legs ached from running up and down the grand staircase, my voice raw from repeating the same sentence over and over again:

"I will not do it again. I will not do it again."

The words were burned into my mind, a cruel rhythm forced upon me.

I hated Luca.

I didn't care that he was the Alpha. I didn't care about his power. I wanted him dead-along with everyone who cheered against Theo that night. And if fate refused to grant me justice...

Then I would carve justice with my own hands.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

Angel, the servant assigned to me, entered. She was a gentle soul, one of the few who showed me kindness. She had been there that night-when I was dragged, kicking and screaming, into this prison of gold and silk. She had held me as I broke, whispering words of comfort.

"You have to wait for your time to see him," she had told me. "If you take your life, you may never find him again."

Her words haunted me every morning I woke up.

Except today.

Today, I had had enough.

"You're being summoned, madam," Angel said softly.

I clenched my jaw.

"Angel, how many times do I have to tell you? It's Zuriel for you," I muttered, forcing a smile-something I hadn't done in days.

Her lips twitched, but her expression remained careful. "Sir said you should look elegant. We have guests today."

I scoffed. "Tell him Zuriel said he should go fuck himself."

A deep voice cut through the air like a blade.

"What did you just say?"

My heart stopped.

Luca.

I stiffened, my body instinctively reacting to his presence before I could stop myself. Fear slithered up my spine, but I swallowed it down.

He stepped into the room, his towering frame casting a shadow over me.

It was the first time I saw him in his human form.

He was tall-six foot two, his body built like a warrior. His face was almost... innocent, a deception that didn't match the monster he was.

I forced myself to look at the ground, unwilling to meet his gaze.

"Leave us," Luca ordered.

Angel bowed and hurried out. I was alone with him now.

"Don't you think you're taking this too far?" His voice was calm. Deceptively soft.

My nails dug into my palms.

Taking it too far? He had murdered Theo in front of me, and now he thought my grief was... excessive?

"It's time to move on," he continued, his tone steady. "He's never coming back. Embrace your new life. You are my Luna-the queen of the most powerful pack alive."

His words barely registered.

I just wanted him gone. Before I snapped.

"Now," his voice dropped lower, colder. "I want you to dress up and behave at the party. Don't you dare embarrass me."

There it was. The real Luca.

He snapped his fingers, and the maids entered, carrying gowns and shoes-so many choices it looked like they had raided an entire boutique.

"Meet me downstairs in five hours," he commanded before walking out, leaving me sitting on the floor.

A Dangerous Opportunity

I sat there for a long time. If I refused to go, he'd punish me. Maybe even kill me.

But I couldn't let that happen.

I was the one who would kill him.

Not anyone else. Not fate. Me.

But if I went...

Maybe I'd meet someone who hated him just as much as I did.

Hope flickered inside me.

I pushed myself up and walked toward the bathroom. The maids were already waiting, my bath prepared-not with water, but milk.

I stepped inside, allowing the warmth to soak into my aching bones.

For a brief moment, I let go of the pain.

The maids washed me, dressed me from my hair to my shoes. When I finally looked into the mirror, I barely recognized myself.

The dress was elegant. My makeup flawless. My long, black hair cascaded down my back like a silk curtain.

But my eyes...

The light was gone.

I blinked.

And then-I saw him.

Theo.

He walked toward me, his face soft with love. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my shoulder.

My breath hitched.

The maids continued their work, oblivious. They couldn't see him.

Because he wasn't real.

"Everyone is waiting for you," Angel said.

I blinked, and Theo was gone.

Pain curled inside me, but I swallowed it down. I had to move.

The servants lifted my gown as I stepped into the grand ballroom.

A Queen in Chains

The room was filled with elite figures-powerful wolves dressed in their finest. I recognized no one.

Except for him.

Luca.

Flirting with another woman.

The audacity.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay still.

Then-he turned.

His dark eyes locked onto me, and his expression changed.

For a moment, I saw something strange in his face.

Something soft.

Then, the smirk returned.

He walked toward me, took my hand, and pressed a kiss to my skin.

I wanted to rip my hand away.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Luca's voice rang out as he tapped his glass, drawing the room's attention.

"I present... my Luna."