Chapter 6

Elaria’s POV

“Sabotage?” I scoff, squeezing my face in disgust. “This is only the beginning, Elias. The moment you signed that divorce paper and took Isolde’s side was the moment you rebelled against me. Every single thing I gave you, I will carve out until there is nothing left in your name, Elias.” Saying his name feels like swallowing a bitter tonic.

“Elaria,” he calls my name softly as if he felt guilt. “What happened to you? You were never like this,” he says, his voice mixed with a tinge of surprise.

I would have loved to see the shocked expression on his face. But that’s for another day.

“Newsflash, I opened my eyes and realized you were not worth my time. You know, what I don’t really understand is why you locked my womb and pretended not to know about it,” I mutter, anger surging up to my veins as I think about the times he consoled me for not getting pregnant each time we tried.

“What are you talking about?!”

“Like you don’t know! How about you ask Isolde, your sweet and irresistible mistress. You spiteful snake!” I end the call, block, and delete his number permanently.

Ivy wraps her arm around my neck, patting my chest gently. “I am so proud of you. Now that he is out of your way, there won’t be any restraint holding you from destroying him.”

“Destroy is an understatement. I will crush him and his useless mistress to the bones.” I grit my teeth, boiling with hatred in my heart.

“You have my full support, girl. Tomorrow, we go shopping. A queen has to look good for her coronation coming up,” Ivy cheers, slowly my anger dissolves.

“I shouldn’t be thinking of trash like them. You are right. That chapter has ended, and a new beginning forges ahead.” I beam, my shoulders dropping as I breathe in the nostalgic air of home. I am back to my place.

Ivy escorts me to my room and spends the night over while we discuss her suitors she rejected and yet to reject. Over the talks and laughs, we fall asleep.

The next morning, news about Gravemoor hitting rock bottom and going bankrupt escalates all over the place. Comments about Elias relying on me and the glory of the pack on my shoulders trashed him down. Companies pulled their partnership away from his company, Alphas dissolving their alliance without hesitation.

“Your Royal Majesty. My formidable Alpha.” Ivy bows playfully. “Have you seen the news? ‘Alpha Luca announces his crown heir, Princess Elaria takes the throne, proving her worth twice.’ You need to see Evangeline and her whore of a mother’s face when I read the news out loud. I felt like a trophy winner at that moment.” She twirls around in her fancy boots, all dressed up for the day.

My lips curve up to a proud smile. My girl never ends with her spite against our haters.

“Get up, Princess. We have a long day ahead.”

I freshen up and fit into one of my black jeans, a peplum top, and calf-length boots matching Ivy’s outfit.

At the dining room, the mood felt cool and light compared to last night. I happily chew my food, savoring the taste I had missed for so long. Father seemed pleased too; he kept asking me about my plans, the new thing I want to try, and offering assistance if need be.

While we were having a lovely conversation, Cassandra, on the side, glares at me at intervals. Each time she tries to interrupt my father and me, he would raise a finger at her dismissively without glancing at her. He is more engrossed with what I have to say than what the tea parties and galas Cassandra bloats about all the time.

What can I say, I am my father’s daughter. True heir of our Alpha bloodline.

The door to the dining room creaks open, and Evangeline walks in with a man, grinning sheepishly like a love-lost puppy.

“Daddy, I want you to meet—”

“Absolute nonsense!” Father thunders. The entire room stiffens into silence. Cassandra springs up from her chair and drops on her knees.

“Forgive Evangeline’s ignorance. I failed at my duty in bringing her up properly. Get down on your knees and beg for your father’s forgiveness immediately,” Cassandra says, dragging her daughter down with her.

The poor man stares in utmost bewilderment. I pat my father’s hand gently, trying to smooth his anger away. It was a rule upheld within our family. Unless invited and recognized, no one was allowed to dine with the Alpha without permission.

Evangeline failed to realize that, as her face squeezed with confusion.

“Gentleman, it is absolutely courageous of you to appear before the Alpha. But my stepsister here has failed to inform you of the rules governing outsiders. Please, leave and obtain the proper permission to meet my father,” I explain to him. He darts his eyes at Evangeline, then bows before exiting the room.

“Lecture your daughter properly, woman. I won’t tolerate this nonsense next time,” Father warns sternly before dismissing them.

Evangeline tries to whine but earns an intimidating glare from Father. She respects herself and leaves the dining room with her head lowered in shame. Cassandra follows behind her, but not after she shoots a spiteful glare at me.

Once they are out, Father lets out a heavy sigh. I understand how he feels and respect his choice of choosing another Luna after my mom died. Cassandra does not share a mate bond with him, which makes it difficult for him to relate with her. Aside from Luna duties, Father still has Mother in his heart.

“Father, you have done nothing wrong. Give them the attention they deserve and support Evangeline when needed. She’s your daughter too, and I hate to say it, but she won’t let the turn of things slide. Try understanding her just like you have done with me,” I advise him to the best of my capability.

He nods in response and continues with his meal. Once breakfast is over, Ivy and I drive down to the pack mall.

We maintain a low profile so as not to catch too much attention since the news about my coronation is all over the place.

As we shop quietly, trying out different outfits, a sales attendant screams, followed by a deafening slap.

“You worthless bitch! Do you know how much the bag you touched cost? I could cut your hands off for this!” A woman’s voice echoes inside the store with so much contempt.

Ivy and I exchange curious glances and decide to leave our shopping room to see what the commotion is about.

On the floor, an attendant holds her cheek where she had been slapped, crying helplessly. Everyone gathered, but no one dared to step in.

“Ugh, it’s Elder Bryan’s daughter. A good-for-nothing spoiled brat,” Ivy mutters, rolling her eyes.

“Ever since her engagement to the Alpha of Winterfall Pack, she has been terrorizing everyone who crosses her path. She is so annoying,” Ivy adds, summarizing the woman’s behavior in one sentence.

I walk across the store and help the attendant to her feet.

“Who do you think you are?!” she barks at me but cowers in fear when I turn to face her. “Princess. My apologies. I was only trying to teach the rude girl some manners.”

“By harassing her in public?”

“I… well…”

“You don’t have to explain yourself too much, Selina. She is nothing but a shop maid.” A tiny voice echoes from behind. She is none other than Ava Knight.

I remember her because, in my past life, she had married the Alpha of Dominion Sovereign Pack.

My former arranged fiancé, Alaric Valtor.