1

Part one.

"Father!!!" Vaelora's lips trembled as tears streamed down her face. "No... no!"

Her scream tore through the air as she collapsed to her knees.

Her father's body lay crumpled on the ground, blood spreading beneath him. With shaky hands, she lifted his head into her lap.

"Please..." she begged. "Open your eyes."

But he didn't. He never would again.

Vaelora jolted awake with a gasp, her chest heaving as cold sweat clung to her skin.

That nightmare again. Seven years had passed, yet the wound remained as raw as ever.

She would never forgive Draekon Noir for causing her such pain. Never.

Pushing the memory down, she dragged herself out of bed and moved through her morning hygiene routine. Today was supposed to be a good day and she refused to let Draekon ruin it before it even began.

She and Dione had plans to meet the fabric seller for her wedding dress. After nine years together, they were finally getting married in two weeks. The thought still made her heart flutter.

They would have both been married long before now, but a lot had happened in her life during those years, all thanks to Dione's monster of an older brother-- Draekon.

But she couldn't be more grateful for having a mate like Dione. He had been so understanding and patient with her.

As soon as she was done dressing up, Vaelora stepped out of her house and noticed an envelope laying at the doorstep. It was a letter bearing the seal of Vexley Keep Academy.

When she picked it up and opened it, she couldn't believe her eyes! A wide grin broke across her face.

She locked her door and hurried toward the Royal House of Veylor, taking the shortcut through the bush path. She couldn’t wait to tell her mate and her bestfriend.

The moment she reached the Royal House, she noticed the massive crowd gathered at the ceremonial arena.

Right. The peace treaty with the DragonBorns. She had almost forgotten what day it was.

Her thoughts were caught short when she sighted Zayn heading in her direction from the ceremonial arena. A small smile appeared on her face.

"Lora!" He exclaimed, pulling her for a hug as soon as he got to her. Zayn and Vaelora had been best friends ever since they could comprehend things.

"Here to see your husband to be?" he teased, making her smile widen.

"Yes." She nodded. "Is he at the arena?"

"No." Zayn frowned a bit. "He stepped away for a break nearly half an hour ago and hasn’t returned. I’ll walk you to his chambers," he offered.

As they made their way inside, Zayn noticed the letter clutched in her hand.

"What’s that?" he asked.

Vaelora handed it over with a proud smile. He opened the letter and read it quickly, eyes widening.

"Lora… this is incredible. I’m so proud of you."

"Thank you, Zayn," she whispered, warmth filling her chest.

A beat of silence passed before Zayn spoke again, more carefully this time.

"As the new Royal Beta, you’ll have to work closely with Draekon now."

Vaelora’s smile faded. She had known this was coming, but the reminder still stung.

Growing up as the Beta’s daughter, she had practically been raised alongside the three Noir brothers.

Draekon--the cold, terrifying eldest she hated with every fiber of her being.

Zayn--the second son and her best friend.

And finally, Dione—her mate.

Avoiding Draekon entirely had never been possible.

"I am his Beta," she said flatly. "Not his friend. We don’t need to interact beyond what duty requires."

Zayn nodded, but the silence between them grew heavy. As they approached Dione’s chambers, he tried one last time.

"I know Draekon has made mistakes, but I hope one day you can..."

"Never," Vaelora cut him off, voice sharp as a blade. Zayn swallowed.

"Sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin your mood."

She gave him a small, reluctant nod. "It’s fine."

Just then, they arrived Dione's chambers.

Without waiting for the sentinels stationed at the door to announce their presence, Zayn opened the door and they both walked in to meet the shock of their lives.

The world stopped and Vaelora forgot how to breathe for long seconds.

Dione was tangled in the sheets with a naked woman, her legs wrapped around him.

He jerked away the moment the door opened, eyes wide with panic. The woman scrambled back, clutching the sheets to her chest.

"Di... Dione..." Vaelora's voice shook, tears clogging her eyes.

She wanted to scream. To cry in agony. But all she could do was release a laboured breath.

After so many years together, how could he do this to her?!!

"I, Vaelora Hugo..." She began, her voice trembling. She hadn't even thought that decision through. She was too heartbroken to think clearly.

"No no no!!" Dione rushed out, falling to the floor and crawling toward her in fear.

But his furious brother blocked his path.

"How could you do this, Dione?!" Zayn yelled angrily.

"....rejects you; Dione Noir, as my mate," Vaelora completed with a heartbreaking tone of finality.

"Vaelora please!" Dione begged as she turned and walked away.

She heard a loud punch, and then a thud. Zayn had obviously hit Dione.

The composure she thought she had, came crumbling as she walked on. Hot tears poured down her cheeks.

How could nine years mean nothing to him?! They were supposed to be getting married in two weeks!!

She didn't realize she had been walking towards the arena, until an overpowering scent dulled her senses, making her halt her steps.

Inhaling deeply, she looked up to see that she was just in the middle of the arena. Right where the peace treaty rituals were taking place. All eyes were on her.

That maddening scent attacked her nostrils again. Aggressively.

Eventually, realization dawned on her.

But how was that even possible?

She had only rejected Dione few minutes ago. So how could she have found a second chance mate already?

Just then, her gaze fell on him. Alpha King Draekon Noir.

He stood still in his spot, a bloodied sword in his hand and a decapitated horse on the ground before him.

More confusion descended as her brain registered Draekon's figure, moving towards her, his eyes not leaving hers.

"Vaelora..." He muttered her name in mild confusion, as he came closer.

"No..." She whispered inaudibly, fear draping her.

No... not him! Not the Devil!

Anyone, but Draekon.