Rose's Pov

I thought I would be dead by now. Honestly, that would have been better, at least then, I would be with my parents. What was the point of living after everything I had been through? Was the Moon Goddess playing some cruel joke on me? My life was already a mess.

I tried to open my eyes, but my temples throbbed relentlessly. I lifted a shaky hand to rub at them, wincing at the pain. Everything was quiet, too quiet.

"Rhea? Rhea?" I called out through the mindlink. No response.

Maybe she was still recovering... or resting. After what we went through, I wouldn't blame her. The trauma had been unbearable.

When my eyes finally fluttered open, two He-wolves were staring down at me.

Panic spiked through me like a jolt of electricity.

Had I been kidnapped again? Or worse, Sold off?

Why were they looking at me like that? Was this how I was going to die?

My chest tightened as fear wrapped its cold fingers around my ribs.

"What... what am I doing here?" I asked in a hoarse whisper.

One of them stepped forward. "You almost died."

Yeah. I knew that already, and if I had, maybe it would've been a mercy. But that wasn't the answer I needed.

Then I noticed the other one. The one who hadn't said a word but kept staring. I hadn't seen him clearly at first, my vision had been too blurry, but now...

How could someone look like that?

He was... stunning. He was tall and muscular. His brown hair had that effortlessly tousled, classic look. But it was his eyes that held me still, dark, radiant, intense. And that nose, sharp and sculpted, like the Moon Goddess herself carved it with a delicate blade.

My gaze dropped to his lips, parted slightly as if he wanted to say something but couldn't. They looked. . . enticing. That was the only word I could think of.

He didn't look real.

He looked like he was crafted by divine hands, flawless, powerful. Even just by standing there, I could tell, he commanded the room. The other man had to be his subordinate.

I couldn't stop staring.

Butterflies churned in my stomach. Goddess, he was gorgeous.

Perfect, for any woman.

No. No. I needed to stop this.

Snap out of it, Rose. You're not that girl. Love was never meant for you...

Still, I wanted to say something. To break the awkward silence.

"Hello..." I said softly.

But he didn't respond. Just kept gaping at me like I was some ancient artifact he couldn't believe was real.

It was... awkward.

Pushing through the throbbing in my skull, I forced myself to sit up.

"What am I doing here? And who are you? Why are you even here?" My voice came out louder than I intended, shaky, and defensive.

The sharp movement sent a fresh wave of pain lancing through my head. I winced.

The beautiful stranger flinched like I had struck him.

"Oh... oh." He blinked rapidly, lifting his hands in surrender. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to"

"It's fine," I cut him off, narrowing my eyes.

I didn't trust this. Any of it.

The second man finally stepped in, clearing his throat.

"We saw you passed out," he explained. "So... we saved you."

Remembering what happened, my heart shattered all over again.

Diva had almost killed me.

She had accused me of seducing Alpha Jackson, an accusation I was completely innocent of. But that hadn't stopped her. She had made me suffer in ways I never imagined. She had truly gone the extra mile to see me destroyed.

If it hadn't been for these two men, I would be dead.

Even a living rat would have been in better shape than I was.

"Thank you so much for saving my life," I whispered, my voice trembling as tears rolled silently down my cheeks.

"You don't have to cry, okay?" the handsome one said gently, using his palm to brush away my tears.

The moment his skin touched mine, a strange surge rushed through me, like adrenaline, but deeper, right into my bones. His touch was so tender, so sincere, it startled something in me I thought had long died.

"I'm just grateful we got there in time," he added, his voice low. "I was honestly scared you wouldn't make it."

This was the first time in so long, maybe ever, that someone had shown me real kindness.

Okay, except for Dorothy. But even with her, I'd always believed good people were a myth, especially for someone like me. I never imagined I'd meet someone like him. Handsome... and caring? That combination felt unreal.

Before I could say anything, he reached beside him and brought over a cup of water.

"Here," he said, handing it to me. "You must be dehydrated."

I didn't argue. I took the cup with both hands and drank it all at once, the cool liquid soothing my throat and sending a tingle all the way to my ears.

He smiled faintly as I finished, and said, "You can call me Aiden."

He extended his hand toward me.

I hesitated for a second, then reached out. "Rose," I replied softly.

The moment our palms touched, I froze.

His hand was... soft. Much softer than mine. And I knew why my palms had been hardened by the constant struggle for survival. For a moment, I wondered if he noticed the difference. I pressed my lips together, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry for whatever you've been through these past few weeks," he said sincerely.

Wait.

"Weeks?" I blinked, turning to him. "How long have I been here?"

The two men exchanged a look.

"About two weeks and a few days," the other one finally answered.

My eyes widened. Two whole weeks?!

"Oh my goddess... I need to go," I muttered, already adjusting my dress as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, ignoring the ache that rippled through my body.

I was still weak, but I didn't care.

I needed to get to the Palace.

Thank the Moon Goddess for my wolf's ability to heal quickly, most of my wounds had already sealed. Still, I couldn't waste another second.

The Coronation of Alpha Jackson and Diva was supposed to take place this week. The Palace would be buzzing with preparations. And if I wasn't there... if they found out I had gone missing... I would be dead meat for real.

But just as I stood, Aiden stepped forward sharply.

"No, you can't!" he said, his voice suddenly firmer, almost commanding.

The chill in his tone sent a shiver crawling up my spine.

"You're not fully recovered. Please," he pleaded, softening his voice again. "You can't go yet. You need rest."

Why did he care so much? Why was he so concerned about someone like me?

I shouldn't enjoy his concern, but something inside me melted at his words. No one had ever cared whether I stayed or left. Not really.

Still, I couldn't stay.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, pressing my palms together. "I can't stay. But thank you again, for everything."

Before he could respond, I turned and walked out.

Only when I stepped outside did I realize I had been holding my breath. I exhaled deeply, letting the cool evening air wrap around me.

My legs felt shaky, but I pushed on.

After a while of walking, guided by nothing but instinct, I began to hear it.

The distant hum of music.

Laughter, voices and celebration.  The Coronation Ceremony had already begun.

Of all the people to bump into, it had to be the imbecile I never wanted to see again, Alpha Jackson.

"Are you stalking me?" he growled, glaring at me like I had no right to breathe the same air.

"Ew. Stalk you?" I recoiled, curling my lip in disgust. "I'd never stoop so low."

His face twisted. "How dare you?" he snarled. "You should be begging me to accept you as my mistress."

Mistress?

Was this man insane?

The audacity, no, the delusion, he wore like a crown was unbearable. He needed to be put in his place. Right now.

I met his eyes, rage bubbling through my chest.

"You know what?" I spat, voice shaking but fierce. "I'd rather be mateless for the rest of my life than be tied to someone like you."

I could feel power rising in me, like the Moon Goddess herself was guiding my tongue.

"I, Rose Miller of the Black moon Pack, accept your rejection."

The words left me with a strange kind of freedom. I didn't know where the courage came from, but I had never felt lighter.

Jackson froze. His arrogant smirk faltered.

His eyes widened slightly. His mouth parted like he wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.

"You... uh-" he stuttered.

Then, just as quickly, his shock turned to a sneer.

"You better say your last prayers," he said coldly, his voice lowering to a dangerous tone. "Because the Lycan Prince is arriving today. And I'm handing you over to him."

He turned to leave but stopped just long enough to throw one final dagger:

"You know what that means..."

Then he was gone, leaving his venom to soak into my thoughts.

The Lycan Prince?

If Jackson was cruel and ruthless... the Lycan Prince was ten times worse.

The stories I had heard about him were the kind that haunted you in your sleep. He murdered countless people, some say with no remorse. He sexually abused she-wolves, even elders. There were rumors that he had even killed his own sister.

I had never once prayed to meet him.

And now... Jackson was giving me to him?

Was this the end?

I stumbled into the Coronation Hall, Jackson's words still echoing in my head like a death sentence. My legs felt heavy, and dread coiled tight in my chest. Every step reminded me that I was walking toward something I might never return from.

Then I saw her.

Diva.

The demon in a woman's skin. She wore a blood-red, curve-hugging gown with a slit that crept high up her thigh. Her hair cascaded down her back like black silk, and her lips painted a bold red stood out like a warning sign.

I won't lie. She looked stunning. Jackson stood beside her, his hand curled possessively around her waist as they walked to the center of the hall. The crowd clapped and cheered like they were royalty.

"To begin the ceremony," Jackson announced with a smug glance in my direction, "let's rise and welcome the Lycan Prince of Exousia."

Trumpets sounded. Guards formed two perfect columns, creating a path down the center of the hall.

My breath hitched. My heart began pounding in my chest, hard and fast, like a drum of doom.

The air in the hall grew cold, but sweat beaded on my forehead. My palms trembled uncontrollably. I couldn't explain it, but my body knew before my mind did.

Then he entered.

A man in a pristine white suit, tailored to perfection, every inch of him exuding command. He wore sleek black sunglasses, the kind that made him look untouchable. The crowd erupted in cheers, a few she-wolves gasping in awe.

Some even fainted.

He moved with grace, power, and control. And something else. Familiarity.

I frowned. Why did he seem so... familiar? He reached the center of the hall. Then, slowly, he removed his sunglasses.

The moment his eyes met mine, I froze.

My knees nearly gave out and my heart slammed hard against my ribs, and all the air left my lungs.

"It's him. . ." I whispered.

"It's Aiden."

Diva's POV

I was enjoying myself, smiling, basking in the spotlight of the ceremony, until I saw her.

That wench.

My heart stopped cold in my chest. Just one glance at her, and my entire mood soured like spoiled wine.

How?

How could she be here? How could she possibly have survived what I put her through?

There was no one around to help her. It was a deserted place, I made sure of it.

And the blood... I saw the blood pouring out of her like a broken dam. From every part of her body. There was no way, no damn way, she should have lived. My plan was flawless.

My fists clenched at my sides, and I was trembling with rage.

This couldn't be happening. I didn't just want her gone. . . I needed her erased.

Then I saw Jackson heading toward me, and I forced the fury from my face, smoothing my expression into something sweet.

He couldn't see me like this.

"Hi, my love," I purred, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

But he didn't smile. His eyes were searching for something else.

"Have you seen Rose?" he asked, his voice laced with something I didn't like. Was that a concern?

A wave of nausea and rage crashed through me, Why was he asking about her?

Was he obsessed now?

I forced a soft laugh and blinked innocently. "I. . .I have no idea where she is."

I tilted my head, feigning confusion. "But... today's our coronation, Jackson. Why are you thinking about her?"

His face hardened. "Never mind," he muttered, his tone cold as he turned and walked away.

My smile cracked the moment his back turned.

So this was what it had come to?

The mere mention of her name on his lips made my skin crawl. It sealed what I already knew, I needed to finish what I started. Rose had to disappear permanently.

I stood there with my heart pounding and my mind racing. What could I do? How could I silence her once and for all?

Then, the idea struck me.

Perfect.

"Yes," I breathed, a twisted smile curling on my lips.

She was a thorn in my side, just like a parasite. And it was time she learned what it meant to cross me.

This time, there would be no mercy, and no escape from my wrath.. She wouldn't just die, she would suffer.

I wanted her to feel every inch of pain, to rot from the inside out before the end came. I would watch as her hope faded from her eyes. She would beg and break but no one would save her.

Her body would be a warning, her soul scattered, and her carcass picked apart by birds. That was what she deserved. Nothing less.

"Carlene," I called sharply. My handmaid appeared almost instantly.

I leaned in and whispered into her ear, Her eyes widened slightly, but she nodded without question and bowed deeply before leaving..

Then she was gone, off to set everything in motion.

I wrapped my arms around myself, a wicked calm settling in my chest.

"Farewell, Rose..." I whispered, my words laced with venom.

I wanted to laugh so hard to show how excited I was but couldn't laugh here. There are too many eyes, and too many ears. But inside, I was already celebrating.

It was a done deal.

This time, the bitch dies.

Rose's POV

So it was Aiden. He was the Lycan Prince.

I knew there was something different about him, his entire presence screamed authority. It clung to him like a second skin. But despite his status, despite the icy command in his voice when he addressed others, he had been nothing but kind to me.

He saved me.

He really didn't have to, but he did.

A crowd surrounded him now, guests trying to pull at his attention, yet it was clear none of them truly held it. Several women draped themselves in front of him like offerings, hoping to catch even a sliver of his gaze. And still... his eyes were on me.

The intensity of it made my stomach knot.

Why was he looking at me like that?

"Hello, Rose." The soft voice startled me. I turned to see Natasha, one of the palace servants. "Dorothy needs your help in the kitchen."

"Oh. Alright." I nodded, brushing my palms down my skirt to ease my nerves.

But when I arrived in the kitchen, the air felt off, too still and empty.

"Dorothy?" I called out, peering around, but there was no response.

I checked the pantry, still nothing.

Just silence.

Then, arms.

Massive hands clamped around my neck from behind, yanking me backward so fast I barely had time to gasp. I tried to scream, but before I could even draw breath, something soaked in a harsh, chemical scent was shoved against my nose and mouth.

I think it's a handkerchief.

My lungs burned and my throat closed.

The scent is so sharp and so overwhelming, it made my vision blur instantly.

I thrashed, panic seizing my chest, every nerve flaring as I clawed at the hands of the person holding me. But they were too strong. Thick fingers dug into my skin, dragging me across the floor like I was nothing but trash.

No. No. No!

My arms flailed, my fists pounding against their grip. I couldn't breathe, I was choking, gagging, vision was swimming in black spots. My legs kicked but hit nothing. My lungs screamed for air.

I felt myself slipping, my limbs turning to lead.

Then... darkness.

I gasped awake, choking on a silent scream.

My body jerked upward, but I was drenched in sweat, and everything ached. My head throbbed, and my muscles felt like they had been through a war. I was lying under a thick bedcover, in a room I didn't recognize.

Where... Where am I?

I tried to sit up, but the room spun around me, and my throat burned.

My lips were dry and cracked.

Then I noticed that something terrifyingly wrong had happened to me, my thighs were touching... bare skin.

No fabric.

A spike of dread rushed through me as I yanked the bedcover aside, only to find my worst fear confirmed.

I was completely naked.

Before I could hold it in, tears spilled down my cheeks, and I began to sob uncontrollably. My chest ached with every breath, my cries echoing in the unfamiliar room.

Why was I brought here?

What kind of twisted game was this?

Was this all part of some cruel conspiracy?

The memory of being attacked, dragged, suffocated, stripped of everything, kept playing in my mind like a nightmare in a circle. My head throbbed, but the ache in my heart was worse.

Why me?

Why was I always the one fate decided to punish?

I glanced down at myself, still hidden beneath the bedcover, fear twisting in my gut as I examined my body for signs of something worse. But... thankfully, I hadn't been violated.

Still, the horror of what almost happened was enough to paralyze me. They had seen my private body.

I looked around the room, desperate for my clothes, for anything that could give me a shred of dignity, but there was nothing.

I clutched the bedcover tighter around myself and forced my legs to move, trembling as I made my way to the door. My heart raced with hope, maybe I could escape.

But the door wouldn't budge.

I yanked the handle again and again, but it was locked.

No one was coming.

Defeated, I stumbled back toward the bed, collapsing onto it with a strangled sob. I buried my face in my hands, my body shaking as I cried my eyes out.

Then I heard footsteps approaching the door.

My breath caught in my throat.

No. Not again.

I froze, panic seized my whole body again..

The steps grew louder and closer. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might break through my ribs. I curled up tighter on the bed, my hands clenched in fear.

Then, Creak... The door opened.

I didn't dare lift my head. I sat there, trembling, fingers twisting in the fabric of the bedcover, tears still streaming down my cheeks, blurring everything.

The footsteps entered the room, and I braced myself.

A gentle hand brushed against my face, wiping away my tears.

The touch, warm, and careful, sent a strange jolt through me. It was familiar.

"Open your eyes..."

That voice. My breath hitched and slowly, I lifted my gaze.

It's Aiden, The Lycan Prince.

His expression was unreadable but cold, like a storm just barely restrained.

"I... I'm s-sorry... I didn't mean to. . ." I started to talk,

"What happened to you?" he asked, his voice low and hard. "How did you get here?"

"I... During the ceremony, Natasha came to me. She said Dorothy needed help in the kitchen." My voice cracked as I spoke, barely a whisper. "I went... but no one was there. Then someone grabbed me... covered my face... I couldn't breathe..."

I trailed off, swallowing the sob threatening to rise again. I couldn't look him in the eye. My fingers clutched the bedcover like it was my lifeline.

"I didn't mean to cause trouble. Please. . ."

"Shhh..." His voice softened as he reached beside him, handing me a folded dress. "Put this on."

He turned away, giving me privacy. My fingers fumbled with the fabric, but I managed to slip into the dress quickly, still feeling like my skin wasn't mine.

"Thank you," I whispered, nibbling on my bottom lip. My voice was almost too quiet to hear.

He didn't say anything. He just reached for my hand.

"Come."

His fingers wrapped around mine and together, we walked out of the room. His face gave nothing away, yet the way he held onto me told a different story.

I didn't know where we were going.

I didn't know what would happen next.

All I knew was that, for now... I wasn't alone.

Aiden's POV

My emotions were a storm of rage and chaos. Someone... some worthless being, had dared to hurt my woman, and for that, they would pay.

Seeing Rose cry, watching her shatter into sorrow, it tore me apart in ways I couldn't describe. I would do anything for her. Anything.

I had already mind-linked Fred, instructing him to investigate. He was dependable. If there was something to uncover, he would find it.

Now, I held Rose's trembling hand as we stepped into the grand hall together. The moment we entered, silence fell like a hammer.

My presence...my aura... commanded it.

Every head bowed. Every pair of eyes dropped. The entire room shifted into deference, all attention snapping to us.

"Who dared to conspire against Rose?" My voice cracked through the hall like thunder, reverberating against the marble and stone. The ground itself seemed to respond, trembling beneath our feet.

A wave of uneasy murmurs rippled through the room. No one met my gaze.

Rose stood beside me, her head lowered in fear. Her body shook with the weight of what she'd endured earlier. My chest ached at the sight of her like this. Fragile. Wounded.

And gods help me, I would burn this place to the ground before I let it happen again.

"Silence!" I barked, raising one hand.

The murmuring stopped instantly.

Not even the Alphas spoke, not even Jackson's father, Alpha Craig.

Then, the doors creaked open, and Fred entered. His grip was firm around a man's bound arms as he dragged him into the hall. The man stumbled, clearly dazed, his hands tied tightly behind his back.

Fred's voice rang out, unwavering. "Your Highness, I have evidence."

I scanned the hall and immediately spotted Diva near the side columns. Her eyes widened with sudden panic. Beads of sweat began to form on her brow. She fidgeted, trying to hide her reaction, but I saw it.

There was something off about her.

And I would get to the bottom of it.

Fred spoke clearly for all to hear. "After your mind-link, I began tracking any suspicious activity. I spotted this man receiving a large sum of money just outside the west wing. It caught my attention. I followed him discreetly."

He paused to let the words sink in before continuing.

"As he left the palace grounds, he looked around, cautious, checking for followers. Then, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and tossed it aside. I retrieved it and caught the scent immediately, pungent, chemical, and unnatural. That's when I knew."

Fred's eyes darkened.

"He was involved in what happened to Lady Rose. I caught up to him, knocked him out, and brought him here for questioning. He's awake now... and ready to confess."

A tense silence descended on the room, almost deafening.

The man dropped to his knees, his voice cracking as he pleaded.

"Pl-please, my lord! I. . .I didn't mean for it to happen! I swear, I wouldn't dare harm anyone. . . "

"Who sent you?" I growled, stepping forward. The anger in my voice made the chandeliers rattle above us.

The man's whole body trembled. His head remained bowed.

His next words dropped like a dagger in the room.

"It... it was Mistress Diva."

A collective gasp echoed across the hall.

"Ohhh!" Dozens of voices cried out in shock and disbelief.

All eyes turned toward Diva.

She staggered back, lips parting, her face a mixture of fear and fury.

I stepped closer, never looking away from her.

"Is this true?" I asked coldly. "Did you betray your own pack to hurt Rose?"

A furious red flushed across Diva's face at the humiliation.

"She sent her maid to tell me to make Rose faint," the man confessed, trembling. "Said it would leave her vulnerable... that she could get to you more easily. She threatened to kill my entire family if I refused." Tears welled in his eyes. "Please, Sire. Have mercy. I didn't want to do it."

Jackson opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. Something close to jealousy flickered in his expression, but right now, he wasn't my concern.

Then Alpha Craig, Jackson's father, finally stepped forward. "Sire," he said, "Diva would never hurt a fly." His voice held a sneer. "Perhaps Rose wasn't conspired against. What if this man is just making up the entire story?"

I turned to him slowly, my voice a growl. "Who gave you the right, a mere Alpha, to speak while I am speaking? Do you even know the condition in which I found her?"

Alpha Craig paled and stepped back. "S-sorry, Sire," he stammered with a bow. I didn't even spare him a glance. All I could think of was Rose, my Rose, whose head remained bowed, her hands clenched in her lap.

I gently lifted her chin. Her eyes shimmered with pain, her expression crushed. I caressed her cheek. "You will be okay," I murmured. "I'm here for you..."

Then I raised my voice, letting it thunder across the silent hall.

"Diva! Come forward."

She obeyed slowly, trying to muster confidence. Her eyes flitted to mine, attempting some pathetic attempt at seduction, but it fell flat.

"Did I give you permission to raise your head?" I snapped. "On your knees."

She dropped immediately, fidgeting, her face crumbling with fear. Her makeup began to run from sweat, streaking grotesquely down her face until she looked more monster than maiden. She looked around the hall, hoping for someone to intervene, but no one moved. Not this time.

As she knelt, something caught my eye. . .her back. That curve... it was the same silhouette I had seen that night, the night Rose almost died. The rage inside me flared.

I clenched my fists tightly. I wanted nothing more than to rip her apart.

"You know who I am, don't you?" I asked darkly.

"Y-yes, my Lord," she stammered.

"Did you have a hand in this, Diva?" I asked, barely controlling my fury. "And don't you dare lie. It won't end well for you."

Her eyes darted in panic. The sweat continued to pour, and with it, her confidence melted away.

"Y-yes, my Lord," she finally confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

A gasp erupted from the crowd.

Diva lowered her head in shame, too humiliated to speak.

Behind me, Rose let out a quiet sob. Tears slid down her cheeks, unstoppable. My heart shattered at the sight. I wiped her face gently and gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze.

Then I turned to Alpha Craig.

"Is this how you treat your own in this Pack?" I asked coldly. "That day in the woods, I caught a glimpse of Diva fleeing after nearly killing Rose."

Diva flinched violently. Her eyes widened in horror, she hadn't expected to be seen.

"She is a demon," someone muttered from the crowd.

"Evil."

"She doesn't deserve to be here."

The curses spread like wildfire. It satisfied something primal in me to watch her suffer in the same hall where she tried to destroy my mate.

"Rose was unconscious for two whole weeks," I continued, my voice thick with emotion. "If Fred and I hadn't found her in time, she'd be dead now. And even when she woke up, she didn't think of herself, she rushed to the palace to help prepare for my coronation."

I turned my gaze to the room. "Rose is selfless. Kind and loyal. And yet none of you cared. No one stood up for her."

"Please. . ." Alpha Craig tried to speak again.

"Not another word!" I barked. "It's obvious that if Rose stays in this Pack, it will kill her. So I have made my decision."

I turned to her.

"I'm taking her with me. Back to my Pack. Where she will be protected, cherished, and safe."

She blinked, stunned. Her lips parted, eyes wide, and tears still clinging to her lashes.

"Yes," I said again, more gently. "I will."

"No, you won't!" Jackson's voice rang out behind me, defiant and loud. The audacity!