Chapter 3

Elara's POV 

The tension in the hospital room was palpable as Damian's cold gaze landed on my father's pale, unconscious figure. His cruel and mocking voice sent a chill down my spine.

"Did you ever think about what would happen the day you killed my family? He asked, his tone devoid of any emotion.

My heart stops. "What are you talking about? My father would do no such thing."

Damian's lips twisted into a cruel smirk. "You really don't know, do you? The Alpha you admire so much is no saint. He crushed so many lives to build his empire. My family was collateral damage."

Before I could respond, mother lunged, throwing a kick towards Damian , her face contorted with rage. "You are lying," she screamed, but Damian's bodyguard restrained her with practiced ease.

"Save you theractics," Damian sneered. "If you want your precious husband to survive, you'll do exactly as I say."

He turned to me and threw a stack of paper onto the bedside table. "This is your only chance, Elara. Read it carefully."

I picked up the contract, my hands trembling. The words blurred together as I scanned the pages. Each rule sounding more absurd than the last.

1. Help him become the Alpha.

2. We must pretend like a happy couple in public 

3. Not entitled to anything from him asides my father's surgery cost.

4. I do his biddings always without complains.

5. No contact with my family or friends till the contract elapses.

"You're insane," I whispered.

"No," he replied coldly. "I'm calculated. I need legitimate control of the pack. That means you'll take your mother's place as Luna. One year. That's all I need. In exchange I'll make sure your father gets the medical attention he needs."

"You can't be serious?" I asked, throwing the paper at him.

"Oh I am. Your father's life depends on your decision," he said, reminding for the upteenth time .

My mind raced. Every fiber of my being wanted to refuse, scream at him for what he was doing. But the image of my father lying helpless in bed stopped me."

I looked up at him, desperation clawing at me. "If I sign this contract, you spare my family."

Damian leaned in. "You don't get to make demands."

I clenched my fists, summoning every courage I had left. "Leave my family alone. Put all your anger in me. Otherwise even if it means death, I won't let you take his park."

Damian's expression darkened for a moment before he chuckled. "Fine. But it only counts for the duration of the contract."

****

Tears blurred my vision as I stood in the hospital room, facing my mother. Her hands trembled as she cupped my face, her eyes swollen and red.

"Don't do this, Elara," she pleaded. "There has to be another way."

I shook my head, swallowing the lump in my throat. "There's none, mom. This is the only way to save Dad "

Her grip tightened, desperation etched on every line in her face, and in that moment I noticed the wrinkles in her face. She was aging. Have you already had wrinkles? Or I just took notice of it?

"I'll never forgive myself if you do this."

I hugged her tightly, my tears soaking her shoulders. "I'll be okay," I assured, though I wasn't sure if I believed it.

When I pulled away, Damian was by the door, his impatience palpable. I squared my shoulders and walked towards him.

We haven't made it far when Beta Gomez stepped into our path, his face a mix of fury and defiance. "You can't go with him, Elara."

Damian smirked, crossing his arms. "Handle it," he said, his voice low and commanding.

I turned to Gomez, forcing a calm expression. "It's okay," I said softly. "This is my decision."

Gomez’s jaw tightened. “You don’t have to do this—”

*Please," I interrupted, squeezing his arms briefly. At that moment I slipped him a piece of paper I had hidden in my palm earlier. "Trust me."

His eyes searched mine for a moment before he reluctantly stepped aside. Damian had a satisfied smirk as I followed him outside.

*****

The mansion was cold and unwelcoming, a stark contrast to the warmth of the home I had lived in, in the past years. I followed Damian up the grand stairs, my mind replaying the events of the day.

He stopped outside a set of ornate double doors and turned to me. "Get ready. Tomorrow we are holding a press conference to announce me as the Alpha. And I believe I don't need to remind you on what to say or not."

I glared at him, biting back the retort at the tip of my tongue. Instead, I pushed the door open, only to freeze in shock.

Lyra was standing in our master's bedroom, rummaging through the closet. She turned at me with a sly smile, holding up one of my favourite lace garments.

"What colour of underwear does Damian like?" She asked, her tone dripping with fake sweetness. The one that felt like I should strangle her right there.

But instead I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to storm towards her, and grab her by har hair. "What are you doing here?"

Lyra's smile widened. "Just helping my Alpha's new Luna settle in. You should be grateful. Not every woman can do that to her husband's fake wife."

Damian appeared behind me, his presence sending disgust through me. "That's enough, Lyra," he said coldly.

Lyra pouted, but she obeyed, brushing past me as she left the room.

"Welcome to your new life Elara," his voice was mocking as he swung his arms open.

Without a response, I turned away from him, determined not to let him see the tears threatening to fall. This wasn't a life— it was a prison. And I had no idea how I was going to survive it.

But I'm going to survive this, somehow. I won't let him ruin me and get away. Not without a fight.

And in that moment, I placed my hands on my stomach, muttering. "We're going to be okay, baby.”