Chapter 1; Betrayal.

Rhea's POV

"No matter what, Rhea... I won't lose you. Not again!"

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They said I killed my own mother. As a result of that, I was forced to live as a slave in my stepfather's pack. My stepfather never wanted me—he only saw me as a burden even when he is the Alpha of Shadow Fang pack. But I didn't care anymore.

Because I had fallen in love with his son, my stepbrother; Jace. He had saved me from getting killed during one of the rogue's attacks outside the pack.

I couldn't recall the details but I found him beside me the moment my eyes slowly opened. He wasn't the best at giving me the attention I wanted and I understood that.

But tonight? Everything was definitely going to change. I would finally be free, no longer treated like dirt. Jace was going to mark me as his mate in front of the whole pack and end my years of slavery.

Smiling tenderly, I held up the long, red gown and placed it against my body. It was plain, but beautiful. I looked at myself in the mirror, and for the first time in a long while, I saw hope.

Jace—soon to become Alpha of the Shadow Pack—had picked the dress himself. He said he wanted me to look special tonight, and I believed him. Once he was crowned Alpha, he'd call me forward and make me his mate.

The thought filled me with butterflies.

I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't hear the knocking until the fourth time. I rushed to hide the dress under my blanket, but it was too late.

Mrs. Huston, the cruel head maid, barged in, her eyes blazing with anger.

"How many times do I have to warn you, Rhea?" she snapped. "You keep daydreaming and forgetting your place as a slave!"

I bowed quickly, my eyes on the floor. "I… I'm sorry," I whispered.

"Save your breath! Lord Jace wants his morning tea. Go serve it now before it gets cold. You know how he hates delays."

I nodded and hurried off to the kitchen, my heart pounding. I didn't want to upset her—or Jace.

Still, I couldn't wait to see him. Our relationship was a secret because I was still a slave. But soon, things would be different. Tonight would change everything.

Once the tea was ready, I straightened my faded gray dress and tried to fix my messy hair. I wanted to look nice, even if just a little, before I knocked on his door.

But I wasn't ready for what happened next.

The door opened—not to Jace, but to Lilith.

She stood there, wearing nothing but one of Jace's white shirts. It hung loosely on her, just long enough to cover the top of her thighs.

My wolf, Aria, growled inside me, filled with rage.

"She has no right to be here," Aria snarled.

But I held her back. I needed to understand. Jace had always told me Lilith was just a friend. That she chased him, but he didn't care for her that way. I trusted him. I had to.

"Hand it over, slave," Lilith ordered, holding out her hand like I was beneath her.

I said nothing. I simply gave her the tea. Before I could speak, she slammed the door in my face.

"Who does she think she is?" Aria hissed.

"Don't worry," I whispered. "She won't matter after tonight."

I went back to my room, trying to stay calm.

The day passed quickly. Soon, it was time for the coronation—the night I had waited for my whole life.

I changed into the red gown Jace had given me. It felt like magic against my skin. I waited until most of the pack had gone to the throne room before slipping out.

Jace told me to come late. He said it would be special that way.

When I entered the grand chamber, my heart swelled. The place was full of life and light. I stood quietly near the corner, my eyes searching for him.

But he wasn't there.

My smile faded. I looked around, but there was no sign of Jace.

Then Beta Edward—Lilith's father—stepped onto the stage. His face beamed with pride.

"We are here for the crowning and mate bonding of our future Alpha, Jace Reed!"

The crowd cheered. I clapped too, still hopeful.

"Jace Reed, it's time," the Beta called.

Jace finally stepped onto the stage. He looked proud, handsome, and strong.

"Thank you all for coming," he began. "Today, I want to go straight to the point."

My heart raced. This was it.

"I want to call out my mate. My true mate."

Tears filled my eyes. He was finally going to choose me.

"She's strong, brave, and always been there for me," he said. His eyes swept across the crowd and landed on me.

He was looking at me.

I stepped forward, barely able to breathe.

"And today," he continued, "I want to announce her to the entire pack and mark her."

This was really happening. I took two steps toward the stage.

Then he said the words that shattered everything.

"Give it up for… Lilith Edward, my true mate."