Shattered

Chapter One – Shattered

Zarina’s POV

Today is the day.

The day Kael would be announced as Alpha.

The day he would finally claim me as his mate.

The day he would prove that I hadn’t sacrificed everything for nothing.

I smiled at my reflection, my chest swelling with pride. The deep blue gown Kael had chosen for me hugged my body perfectly, emphasizing every curve he used to admire. My black hair cascaded in soft waves down my back, and my emerald-green eyes shimmered with excitement.

This is it.

I walked away from my title, my family, and everything I had ever known because they said Kael wasn’t good enough for me. That I, the daughter of the strongest Alpha, deserved better than a low-ranked wolf with no real power.

I had stood by Kael when no one else had. When his own pack doubted him, I had pushed him forward. I had fought for him. I had bled for him. I had betrayed my own family for him.

Because I believed in him.

I believed in us.

Tonight, he would prove that my belief in him had not been misplaced.

Stepping outside, my breath hitched as I took in the sight of the pack gathered beneath the towering moon. The air was charged with excitement, the anticipation so thick it was almost suffocating.

And there he stood.

Kael.

Tall. Proud. Every inch the Alpha he was meant to be. His golden eyes gleamed with power, his aura radiating dominance. The sight of him made my heart pound.

He did it.

And I had helped him get here.

Kael cleared his throat, his deep voice commanding absolute silence.

“I want to thank those who stood by me,” he began. “The elders, my warriors, and the pack members who never gave up on me.”

I smiled. My chest tightened with anticipation. He was building up to it. He would thank me next—acknowledge me before everyone.

Any moment now.

But then…

“And now, as your Alpha, I will announce the Luna of this pack. Someone strong. Someone worthy of standing by my side… Elder Magnus’s daughter, Leora.”

The world stopped.

A ringing filled my ears, drowning out the gasps and cheers.

No.

This wasn’t real.

Kael reached for her hand.

Her.

Not me.

Not the woman who had given up everything for him.

Not the woman who had fought beside him.

Not the woman who had loved him more than life itself.

My body moved before my mind caught up. The crowd parted as I stepped forward, my breath coming in shallow gasps.

Whispers.

Stares.

Pity.

They knew.

They all knew what I had done for him—what I had sacrificed.

“Kael,” I whispered, my voice trembling. I climbed the stage, my heart begging for an explanation. “What is this?!”

He turned then, his golden eyes meeting mine.

But they weren’t the same.

They were cold.

Empty.

Uncaring.

Then, to my horror, his lips curled into a small, mocking smile.

“I don’t have anything to do with you anymore, Zarina.”

The words hit me like a blade to the chest.

“Go back to your pack. You don’t belong here.”

Go back?

To the father who disowned me because I choose you? To the pack that turned its back on me because I insist on following you?

“Kael… I gave up everything for you,” I whispered, my voice breaking.

He chuckled. A cruel, heartless sound that made my stomach turn.

“Some mates are not meant to be.”

I staggered.

The pack laughed.

Laughed.

As if my suffering was a joke.

As if my love had meant nothing.

“Let’s all thank Zarina for helping me get here,” Kael announced with a smirk.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Applauding my betrayal.

Tears burned my vision, but I refused to let them fall. I refused to break in front of them.

A drink sat on the table. I grabbed it with shaking hands and gulped it down, the alcohol burning my throat.

Let them watch.

Let them pity me.

Kael’s gaze darkened. He turned to the guards.

“Take her out.”

They hesitated.

Even they pitied me.

But Kael’s voice came again, sharp as a whip. “I am your Alpha. Do as I say.”

Hands grabbed my arms.

I was dragged away.

Thrown aside like I was nothing.

Like I had never mattered.

And just like that…

Kael had won.

And I was alone