Chapter 4

I stood at the manor gate at the agreed-upon time, wearing a simple cream-colored dress.

If Xander said he would take me, then I would go.

He owed me this. For all the anniversaries Sadie had ruined, this one deserved a grand finale.

Soon, Xander walked out. But he wasn't alone.

Sadie.

She was clinging to his arm, her pregnant belly obvious in the sunlight.

My heart sank to the floor.

"Xander, I thought we were..."

"I'm sorry, Regina." He avoided my gaze, looking embarrassed. "Sadie said she wanted to get some fresh air. The healer said it's good for pregnant Omegas to go out. It's good for the pup."

I looked at Sadie's triumphant smirk and took a deep breath.

"Then let's all go together."

In the car, Sadie sat in the passenger seat, chattering away with Xander.

"Xander, do you think our pup will be strong like you? I'm so excited..."

I sat in the back, listening to them plan the future for a child that wasn't even his.

My heart turned to ice.

When we arrived at the city's top couture shop for werewolves, the owner rushed to greet us.

He was the most famous gown maker in the territory, specializing in ceremonial dresses for Alphas and Lunas.

"Alpha Xander! Luna Regina! It is an honor to serve you!"

"Bring out your most magnificent gowns for my mate," Xander commanded.

The owner bowed. "Of course, right this way."

I was led to the VIP section, where dozens of handcrafted, breathtaking gowns were displayed.

Each one was woven with ancient wolf runes and blessings.

My eyes landed on a deep blue starlight gown.

The skirt was embroidered with intricate constellations in silver thread, dotted with moonstones and sapphires that glittered like a night sky.

It was a ceremonial gown designed for a Luna's coronation.

"This one is worthy of your station," the owner flattered. "Every gem has been blessed by the Moon Goddess."

I reached out and touched the soft silk.

This dress represented the sacred duty of a Luna.

Everything I once dreamed of being.

"I'll try this one."

"Excellent choice, Luna. Right this way."

Just as the owner was about to lead me to the fitting room, Sadie's voice cut in.

"Wow, that dress is so beautiful!"

She walked over, her eyes shining with greed.

"Regina, can I try it on?"

"This is a Luna's ceremonial dress," I said, my grip tightening on the fabric. "Not just anyone can wear it."

"But I just want to try it," Sadie said, looking pitifully at Xander. "I've never worn such a gorgeous dress before."

She stroked her belly. "The pup wants to feel what it's like to be royalty, too."

Xander walked over, his eyes apologetic and pleading.

"Regina, can you let Sadie try it? She's pregnant, and we need to keep her happy. It's good for the pup."

I looked at them, and the last shred of hope inside me died.

"Of course," I said, letting go of the dress and handing it to Sadie. "Take it."

Xander breathed a sigh of relief. "Regina, you're so understanding. I'll pick out something even better for you in a minute."

Sadie took the dress, shooting me a victorious glance.

"Thank you, Regina. You're so generous."

She walked toward the fitting room, with Xander following her every step.

"Watch the step, go slowly."

"Do you need my help?"

"Tell me immediately if you feel any discomfort."

I sat on the silk sofa, watching them disappear behind the fitting room door.

You destroyed my last hope with your own two hands, I thought. I hope you don't regret it one day.

A few minutes later, Sadie came out.

She looked stunning in the starlight gown.

But I knew she wasn't worthy of a Luna's sacred dress.

"How do I look?" Sadie twirled, the moonstones flashing under the lights.

Xander didn't say anything, but his look of approval said it all.

Sadie blushed, looking down shyly.

"I'll take this one, then."

She deliberately walked toward a display area to show off the dress.

And then, she "stumbled."

"Oh!"

Her body slammed into a massive metal display rack.

The rack toppled with a crash, sending precious accessories scattering across the floor.

In a domino effect, one rack fell into another.

Finally, the giant crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling began to sway violently.

It was an ancient chandelier, forged from pure silver and embedded with countless moonstones, weighing hundreds of pounds.

CRACK!

The silver chain holding it snapped.

The massive chandelier began to fall.

Straight towards me.

"Xander! Help me!" I screamed his name in despair.

But he was already a blur of motion, using his Alpha speed to get to her.

A fallen silver rack snagged my ankle, sending me sprawling. I could only watch, helpless, as the chandelier plummeted toward me.

CRASH!

The sound was deafening.

Crystal shards flew everywhere. Sharp pieces of silver pierced my arm.

But the silver poisoning my veins was nothing compared to the agony of my heart ripping in two.

I lay in the wreckage, my vision blurring with tears. He carried Sadie to safety without a single glance back.

Blood seeped from my wounds, staining the floor red.

I slowly closed my eyes, as tears streamed freely down my face.