Chapter 3

Gabriel’s eyes were filled with disappointment.

“You and Amelia are both daughters of the Ashford bloodline,” he said. “Why can’t you learn even half of her discipline and grace?”

He let out a slow, weary sigh.

“Forget it. Since this is your first mistake tonight, I’ll let it go.”

“Go change into this gown. The Ironcrest Pack is hosting an Alliance Gala tonight.”

“I’m not going,” I said immediately. “Take Amelia instead. She fits your image of the perfect Luna far better than I ever will.”

Gabriel’s brows knitted together.

“Abigail, can you show even a little responsibility? The mating contract is with you.”

The words pierced me like a needle—sharp, sudden, humiliating.

That had been the root of my misery in my previous life.

Gabriel marked me because the mating contract demanded it.

Because the Ironcrest Pack never breaks its word.

Love had nothing to do with it.

If Gabriel had been free to choose…

He would have chosen Amelia long ago.

Fine.This lifetime, I’ll give him exactly what he wants.

Amelia stepped forward with gentle understanding.

“Abigail probably isn’t used to such formal pack gatherings,” she said softly. “Maybe I should accompany her. If she breaks any pack etiquette, I can remind her.”

My eyes lit up.

“Perfect.”

I grabbed her wrist.

“Come on. I’ll help you pick a dress.”

The moment we entered my room, Amelia’s sweet smile vanished.

She shook my hand off.

“Why did you give the Alpha to me?”

I smiled faintly.

“Because you two love playing the devout believers at the Moon Temple.”

Her expression froze, then hardened with disdain.

“Of course we belong together,” she said coldly. “Once the Alpha discovers the bride is me, he’ll feel relieved… even delighted.”

Her gaze swept over me with contempt.

“Someone like you—undisciplined, reckless, ignorant of pack etiquette—doesn’t deserve him.”

“Then why didn’t you tell him just now?” I asked calmly.

“What, not confident enough?”

“Afraid he’ll reject you once he finds out?”

“Shut up!” she snapped like a startled cat. “I just want to surprise him on the marking ceremony day. So keep your mouth shut.”

“Relax,” I said lazily. “Whatever little games you’re playing, I couldn’t care less.”

In this life, the only person I care about—is myself.

The Alliance Gala.

Champagne flowed like water through crystal glasses.

When the opening dance began, Gabriel walked toward us.

His eyes swept over my outfit—

a tight black leather mini dress with a plunging neckline and thin straps, paired with thigh-high boots.

His brow creased slightly.

The next moment, he walked past me.

His hand extended instead to Amelia, glowing softly in her pale ivory gown.

Whispers rippled through the ballroom.

“Isn’t Abigail the contracted Luna? Why is the Alpha inviting Amelia?”

“Isn’t it obvious? He prefers the younger sister.”

“Well of course. Amelia is elegant, educated—everything a Luna should be.”

“Abigail… she’s beautiful, sure. But far too wild. Not suited to be an Alpha’s mate.”

Gabriel ignored the murmurs entirely.

“You’re better suited to nightclub dancing anyway,” he said to me calmly, his tone almost bored.

“As for formal waltzes… watch Amelia and try to learn something.”

Then he took Amelia’s hand and led her toward the center of the ballroom.

Classical music rose.

They moved together effortlessly—graceful, synchronized, perfectly composed.

Like two noble wolves who had always belonged at the center of the pack.

The crowd watched them with admiration.

I lasted exactly one minute before my vision blurred.

My eyes burned.

I wiped away the tears quickly and slipped out of the hall.

Outside, snow fell silently beneath the winter sky.

My phone buzzed.

[Your request to withdraw from the Ironcrest Pack has been approved.]

I stared at the message for a moment, then immediately booked the earliest flight to Switzerland for tomorrow morning.

Just as I slipped my phone back into my pocket, a mocking voice sounded behind me.