Episode 4

Kath stared at her reflection in the mirror. Today was her sister’s happiest day.

The red gown clung beautifully, fitting perfectly to her curves so unlike her usual self. Her hair, which was normally tied into two braids, now flowed loosely down to her waist.

Was today the beginning of her own destruction?

No, this was only the engagement. It was still too early for things to fall apart not yet the wedding.

Kath smiled bitterly. The mascara on her lashes had slightly smudged. She stood and began to wander aimlessly, until her ears accidentally caught someone’s conversation. She stopped right in front of Keona’s room.

“You are the new Luna to be,” Luna Amarylis, Alpha Zach’s mother, hugged Keona warmly. Kath felt a pang of envy. How lucky Keona was to be in her place.

“Alpha will love me very much, won’t he, Luna?” Keona asked softly as Luna Amarylis held both her shoulders.

“Of course, dear Keona.”

“You’re so beautiful. Everyone will surely praise you.” Luna Amarylis complimented her.

“Thank you, Luna Amarylis.”

Kath clenched her fists tightly and walked away from there. Everything she had just heard tore at her fragile heart. Enough was enough she would tell Alpha Zach the truth about the two of them.

Kath walked toward the castle, staggering slightly. Her body felt weak; even the bruises on her stomach from her classmates’ kicks still throbbed faintly.

She ran through the corridors of the palace. She knew very well where the room of the man she loved was. Passing through several halls, until—

Kath shoved open a door roughly.

The man who was standing by the window, staring outside, turned sharply in surprise.

“How dare you enter my room,” the man said, walking toward her with anger in his eyes. How dare she step into his chamber without permission.

Zach’s gaze pierced into Kath’s eyes, his brow furrowing deeply. Kath stepped back slowly as Zach continued advancing toward her. Her back hit the wall now her small frame was trapped within the Alpha’s large, looming presence. Zach lowered his face to meet hers.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Kath’s voice trembled with fear.

“I should be the one asking you that,” the Alpha hissed sharply. His eyes examined every flicker in Kath’s gaze.

His breath brushed against her face their bodies were dangerously close.

“I—”

“I…” Kath swallowed dryly. Alpha’s eyes radiated hatred, yet somewhere within, there was something else—love, perhaps or was that just her imagination? Time seemed to stop as their eyes locked.

“Speak quickly.”

“Do you know who I am?” Kath dared to look straight into his eyes.

“I don’t know you.”

“Alpha, I am your mate. We are meant to be together. You can feel it too, can’t you?” Kath touched Zach’s chest, feeling his heartbeat race beneath her palm.

“Nonsense. I’m about to be engaged,” Zach brushed her hand away and turned his back on her.

“Alpha, you cannot get engaged to her because I am your mate!” Kath stepped forward, standing right before him. She begged, desperate for him to listen to accept her. Let her pride be shattered; she didn’t care anymore.

“I don’t want you to reject me, Alpha not on your wedding day. I love you so much.” Kath fell to her knees before the Alpha. Who knows what she was thinking; she only hoped this act would soften him make him cancel his wedding to her sister. She was ready to give her love to him entirely.

“Leave.” Alpha turned his gaze away.

“Alpha!!!” Kath shouted boldly in front of him, her chest heaving. She was exhausted tired of suffering all her life. For once, she wanted to be loved.

“Kath, what are you doing here?” Keona suddenly entered the room, her expression unreadable as she looked at Kath.

“Darling, are you all right?” Keona asked, noticing Zach’s flushed face.

Keona leaned forward and kissed Zach lightly on the lips in front of Kath. Kath froze in place, then slowly stepped back, leaving the scene of their affection behind.

“Why… her?”

***

The engagement celebration grew livelier by the minute. Everyone was thrilled to welcome the union of Alpha Zach and Keona, the most beautiful girl in the Southeastern realm. It was almost time to welcome Keona as the new Luna after their wedding.

Zach and Keona stood face to face. Keona smiled, admiring her handsome Alpha, while Zach looked coldly around him, expressionless.

“Today we celebrate the engagement of our Alpha and his Luna-to-be, Keona. Let us proceed Alpha, please place the ring on your bride’s finger.”

Zach began slipping the ring onto Keona’s finger. The crowd erupted into joyful applause.

On the other side, Kath simply watched blankly as their engagement was sealed amidst the roaring cheers. The ceremony continued with Keona’s final words.

“I’d like to tell everyone that our wedding will be moved up to an earlier date.” The crowd cheered even louder. The entire pack rejoiced at the news of their wedding being hastened.

“I also want to thank my sister, who so beautifully did my makeup for today.” Keona smiled warmly.

“Come here, Kath.”

Kath shook her head shyly. She was embarrassed if she stepped onto that stage, everyone would only mock her again. But Blaire and Alexa pulled her up anyway.

“My beautiful sister, the one who dressed me and chose my engagement gown,” Keona said proudly.

“She is the only sister I truly love.” Keona wrapped her arm enthusiastically around Kath’s waist.

“Yes, even though we’re a little different,” Keona added. Her last words stirred a quiet murmur among the pack members.

“Would you like to say something, Kath?”

Kath nodded and stepped forward. She took the microphone from Keona’s hand.

“Congratulations on your engagement.”

Keona smiled at her sister’s words. After speaking, Kath intended to step down from the stage.

But accidentally, Keona’s foot stepped on her gown. As Kath began to fall, someone swiftly caught her small back—causing her eyes to widen in shock.

Zach had caught her before she hit the ground.

Time seemed to slow; the noise of the werewolf crowd faded into silence.

Zach’s eyes locked onto Kath’s intense, unblinking.