Chapter

The garden was empty, but Maya didn't feel free. Each step she took felt heavier than the last, her white dress-now dirty and torn-dragging along the ground like a mantle of shame.

Tears streamed down her face, mixing with cold sweat and the dirt that stained her skin. She just wanted to leave, to run far away from that place where the memories of what had just happened wouldn't haunt her.

When she reached a more secluded corner, trying to hide in the darkness, a strong hand violently grabbed her arm. Her scream was muffled by the rough grip, and her body was yanked backward with force. She tried to break free, but the pressure intensified, and soon she found herself being dragged forward.

"What do you think you're doing, huh? Trying to escape?" Her father's voice sliced through the night like a sharp blade. He was there, furious, his eyes glowing with rage. "You ungrateful girl!"

Maya looked at him, her eyes swollen from crying, but the words wouldn't come out. She was so scared, still in shock, that she couldn't process what was happening. The weight of what happened in the garden hit her hard, and she could barely stand.

Her father gripped her even tighter, but when his eyes fell on her state, a heavy silence fell between them. Maya's hair was messy, her face pale and smeared with dirt. The dress, once a symbol of purity and celebration, was now torn and stained with blood. Something was wrong-and for the first time, he felt a chill run down his spine.

"What happened?" he asked, his anger giving way to concern. "What... what did you do, Maya?"

Still in tears, Maya didn't know what to say. The pain was still so vivid inside her-the memory of what Samuel had done, the confusion and terror in his eyes... But without thinking, the words escaped her lips, as if desperate to relieve the weight she carried.

"Someone... someone abused me," she whispered, her words dragged by sobs and pain as she stared at her own trembling hands.

The silence that followed was crushing. Maya's parents looked at her, and for the first time, she saw them in a way she never had before. There was no empathy, no comfort. They exchanged a look that said more than a thousand words.

"What are we going to do about this?" her mother asked, her voice as hard as stone and laced with disdain. She wasn't worried about her daughter's suffering, but about what this meant for the wedding-for the plans she had for her daughter. "How are we supposed to let this happen and still go through with the ceremony?"

"What do you think?" Maya's father asked, staring at her with growing contempt.

They blamed Maya. They didn't care about her pain. In that moment, she realized they only saw her as a tool, a pawn in a game that had nothing to do with her. The shame, the disgust-it all came from them. And now, she was the one to blame. She had "ruined" their opportunity.

"You ruined everything, Maya!" her father shouted, his face twisted with rage. "You ruined the dress! Ruined the wedding! Ruined everything!"

"Father... please..." she begged, grabbing the lapel of his suit, but he pulled away from her like she was something filthy.

"Sweetheart..." her mother sighed, sitting beside Maya. "You carry a curse that could kill you if anyone touches you. How are you still alive?" she asked, and Maya's sob caught in her throat.

"What? So... you're saying I was supposed to be dead?"

"Of course not!" her mother replied quickly, looking away toward her husband, as if asking for help.

"You've lost your honor. Think of it as an even greater curse. Who will want to marry you now?"

Maya felt like she was drowning. The weight of her parents' words crushed her-stronger than any physical pain. She had been used by everyone, and now, it seemed like even her own existence no longer held value to them. They didn't see her pain, didn't see what she had gone through. They only saw a flaw-an obstacle.

Then, something even more cruel happened.

Her mother, with the same cold indifference as always, gave her daughter a frosty look. Maya trembled, her eyes wet, her chest rising and falling with silent sobs. There was no compassion. No hesitation. To them, Maya was just a problem to be eliminated-a nuisance unworthy of consideration.

"Lana will take your place at the wedding," her mother announced, her voice icy and devoid of emotion. "She cannot be tainted by your failure."

Maya barely had time to process the words before the bedroom door opened, and Lana stepped in. Her sister didn't need to say a thing for Maya to feel the weight of her contempt. The slow, venomous smile, the triumphant expression. And then, the final blow:

"You were never good enough, were you?" Lana mocked, tilting her head slightly, her eyes filled with scorn. "I always knew you'd mess everything up. Just like always."

Each word pierced Maya like sharp blades, cutting deep. She wanted to fight back, wanted to scream, to beg someone-anyone-to see her as more than a mistake. But no words came out. Her chest tight, her body weakened by the weight of helplessness. Everything around her seemed to collapse, crumbling like sand slipping through her fingers.

Suddenly, cold, firm hands grabbed her. She tried to resist, but her movements were weak-useless. Without a shred of hesitation, her own parents dragged her down a hallway to a secluded room. The place was small, suffocating, the shadows closing in like sharp fangs.

"Stay there. We don't want any more problems," her father said, his voice deep and cutting before slamming the door shut.

The silence that followed was deafening. Maya stood still for a moment, her eyes wide in the dim light. Her heart pounded, her mind spiraled in despair. Her legs gave out, her body collapsing onto the cold floor. Alone. Forgotten. As if she had never mattered to anyone.

She didn't have the strength to get up-her body was still processing everything that had happened all at once.

Chapter

Samuel Kan

Before heading to the grand hall, I asked my father to prepare everything and quickly went up to the penthouse, where half of the wolf guard was stationed. I knew that entire garden was under surveillance, so I figured they might have seen something.

But I couldn't get anything. How could they have missed someone so peculiar? Then again... she didn't smell like a wolf. Still, I don't believe she was human either. I didn't feel anything that would tell me she was human. It was something familiar, but unusual. Unfortunately, the potion they gave me creates an aggressive block for wolves like me-those who can only be with their mates. It prevents us from sensing or interacting with other she-wolves. That means it also disables my ability to identify my mate, and as a result, I ended up being able to be with someone like that stranger.

"I want you to check the guest list and every woman who was here today. Seal the gates and don't let anyone leave until I'm at the exit, inspecting everyone with the elders," I ordered, and they nodded, heads bowed.

My stay up there didn't last long. I waited for the elders, then quickly descended and joined everyone in the hall, heading straight for the altar to await the bride.

Everyone was anxious-but not more than me. They had no idea who I was about to marry, or why I finally agreed to take a wife after over a hundred years of refusing-hoping one of Maya's rebirths would succeed.

I stood at the altar. The great hall was filled with anticipation.

Finally, she appeared at the grand door, accompanied by her father. I let out a small sigh, feeling a flicker of frustration. After all... she was wearing a different dress. But I was sure it was the same girl from years ago. Still... it was strange not to feel our bond like that day. And yet, we were so close-and Maya was so weak I could barely sense that she might even be a wolf. But I knew it was that dagger-draining her power. That thing carried an ancient energy that had been leeching every drop of strength from its wielder. That's why it took Maya so long to be reborn. I don't know how many times she tried, only for the pregnancy of her would-be mother to fail every time.

Maya's price for saving me was to have her birth interrupted again and again by that dagger slowly killing her from within.

But there she was-walking toward me. The only man who could free her from her torment and make her immortal by my side.

I kept my focus on her as she walked slowly toward me, a bitter smile tugging at my lips as I tried to accept it while receiving disapproving looks from the other leaders. That dress wasn't even close to the one I had given her. And it wasn't just me who chose that dress-it had been crafted by a monarch tailor, someone deeply influential in my family. He was the man who housed the goddesses of fate. This was extremely offensive to him. That dress wasn't just a garment-it was a celestial jewel, not something to be ignored. He was among those eagerly waiting to see the bride in that dress.

I tried not to dwell on it. After all... there were bigger concerns than a simple dress irritating me right now. But how could I explain that to the monarch tailor?

If Maya wanted to make a statement, she'd just made the worst possible one-to the most important people in the room. But it was nothing I couldn't handle later.

She walked toward me slowly as the wedding march played. My heart pounded with every step she took. I vaguely remembered her face, her features. Even though she had been so young and fragile back then, now I could confirm without a doubt-it was her. Her appearance confirmed it. But that wasn't enough for me. I needed her to hold my hand so I could be sure it was really her.

At last, we stood face-to-face. After over a millennium, I had waited for her. Finally, I could lift her veil-and there she was. The same girl I had seen years ago, now grown into a beautiful woman. Her eyes met mine in confusion, showing intense nervousness. Still... it felt like she was someone else. Maybe the dagger was draining her in such a way that it masked everything.

"It's okay," I whispered gently to her. She exhaled in relief, as if I'd just confirmed something she desperately needed to hear.

The ceremony was brief, and in that moment, all I wanted was to free Maya from what imprisoned her.

After the dance in the center of the hall and the introductions, I was finally able to lead her to a table a bit away from the other guests.

But, as nothing is ever perfect, the triplets dared to crash the celebration.

The wedding hall still buzzed with the joy of the festivities when I saw the triplets rise in the middle of the crowd.

The silence was immediate.

It was obvious-nothing good ever came from them.

Chapter

"The great Alpha Leader..." one of them began, a venomous smile on his lips. "Is he really worthy of that title, dear ministers?" another asked.

I watched as the crowd glanced around at one another, suspicion thickening in the air. I kept my imposing stance, eyes cold, showing no emotion. Those three should already know there's nothing they can do to shake me. I only submit to other authorities to avoid disturbing the balance of the entire pack.

"Our great and immaculate leader might not even deserve a place in this world where we have strict rules regarding scandal. Why, then, is he one of the first to break them?"

"What are you insinuating?" My voice came out firm, laced with a veiled threat and hiding a cruel smile.

The triplets exchanged glances before one of them delivered the final blow.

"That you betrayed your own Luna-not long ago!" they declared the accusation.

The impact of those words was immediate. Silence fell. I simply kept watching. I felt Maya's gaze on me, surprised. Unfortunately, I felt guilty about that too.

The silence was broken by murmurs spreading through the crowd as the guests processed the accusation.

I, Samuel Kan, Supreme Alpha-the one meant to be a model of honor and loyalty-was being accused of betrayal.

I saw everyone's eyes turn to Maya. The pain on her face was so intense that some nearby wolves instinctively stepped back, as if they could feel her anguish.

"I... I can't believe it..." she murmured, her voice trembling. Then she turned and ran upstairs, as if her heart had been shattered.

"So, Kan, you know this is strictly forbidden. You, a millennial wolf who waited to find his Luna, betrayed her before the wedding?" one of them mocked, twisting the knife, but it wasn't time to speak yet.

"So tell me, does Kan truly deserve to lead? Shouldn't he be banished from our pack?"

"What are you doing?!" I heard my father shout, but I looked at him and he lowered his head, retreating-as did everyone else.

"Are you all really afraid of him just because he's descended from a god of war? He's still just a wolf!"

I remained still, analyzing the situation. The triplets smiled, convinced they had destroyed my reputation. But before chaos could fully erupt, Mon de Filtigal-my loyal right-hand-stepped forward as he entered the hall. All attention shifted toward him.

Like me, he was an imposing man. Years ago, he had been a great general who fought by my side.

"This is a misunderstanding," his voice rang out with authority. "And I will prove it, even though I don't need to. As you all know, Samuel Kan is the only true superior leader here. Or is there someone better suited to lead all the wolves in this world?"

As he spoke, the wolves continued to back away in fear. They knew exactly what Mon was implying.

With a nod, he signaled to one of the attendants, and a man-no older than me-was shoved into the center of the hall. Pale and trembling, the man could barely stand. The moment his eyes met mine, he dropped to his knees.

"Please, Alpha!" he begged, voice desperate. "I had no choice!"

The entire hall held its breath. I crossed my arms, my eyes burning with restrained fury.

"Explain. Now." I ordered-not because I cared, but because everyone needed to hear the truth.

The servant lowered his head, shaking.

"The triplets... they bought the potion from me. I'm just a young potion vendor. I had no idea what they were planning. They used it on you. The betrayal... it was a trap!"

A roar erupted through the hall. Expressions of shock and outrage were immediate. But no one reacted faster than the triplets themselves.

"He's lying!" one of them shouted. "This is nonsense-the plan was his from the start!"

"What are those triplets talking about? Everyone knows they've always tried to steal the leadership of the pack." I heard whispers and saw disapproving glances from the guests. It was exactly what I wanted. After all, they're my brothers, and I still had to act justly. I couldn't punish them based on suspicions that only I knew to be true.

"You're going to believe this trash?" one of them asked me. I smirked mockingly. Had they forgotten everything? This whole performance just to fool our father... It only enraged me more.

I didn't bother to respond. My face was a mask of cold fury.

"Take them to the gates of the Underworld," I ordered with icy calm.

The triplets fought, trying to escape their cruel fate, but the guards were relentless. Screams of despair echoed as they were dragged out, and a deadly silence fell over the hall.

"Kan!" my father shouted, looking at me with concern. As much as he supported me, he was still the father of those three mutts. "You can't be so harsh with your brothers. You know they just want a bit of your attention. Ever since they were born, you've never given them a rightful place in our family... They don't want to take your throne-it's impossible anyway. You need to yield a little. They are the weaker ones."

Those words only fueled my fury further.

He really wanted to victimize them in front of everyone?

Turn me into the villain?