Chapter 1

“Thud.”

A body hit the cold ground.

“Is she dead yet?” one of the guards asked, nudging her with his boot.

The other crouched beside her, placing two fingers beneath her nose before letting out a quiet breath. “She’s still breathing.”

“Good. The Alpha made it clear he doesn’t want her dead.”

They left without another glance.

…

Myra’s eyes fluttered open slowly, pain settling into her body before she could even register where she was. The ground beneath her was cold and unforgiving, the air damp, the cell lifeless.

She tried to move, but a wave of pain shot through her body.”

Her gaze drifted weakly around the space, searching for any trace of light, but there was nothing, only darkness stretching endlessly around her, suffocating and empty, just like her life had become.

The gate creaked open.

Light spilled into the cell as two figures stepped inside.

“Well… look at you.”

Lyka’s voice was soft, almost concerned.

“Oh, sister,” she said, rushing forward and kneeling beside her, helping her sit up. “Look at your wounds… your injuries.”

Her touch was gentle and soothing.

“Why did you have to murder Kylie?” she continued, “She was your friend. How could you do something so despicable? Now look at you… suffering like this.”

Myra said nothing, too weak to respond, too drained to even argue.

“It hurts me to see you like this,” Lyka added softly.

“Get away from her, Lyka.”

His cold voice cut in sharply.

“She’s filthy. You don’t want her stench on you.”

Myra’s fingers pressed weakly against the ground as she slowly lifted her head, her eyes finding him despite the heaviness weighing her down.

Aiden.

Her mate.

Her chest tightened painfully, her heart betraying her as it reacted instinctively, pulling toward him even now.

How could he stand there like this?

Didn’t he feel it?

Didn’t the bond hurt him too?

Just days ago, she had been happy, excited even. The thought of finally meeting her mate had filled her with anticipation, and when she realized it was him… the one she had admired for so long, she had thought it was fate.

“How have you been?” Aiden asked.

His tone was calm, but his eyes burned with hate as they rested on her.

Myra looked at him, her heart pricked by a thousand invisible needles, her emotions twisting painfully between love and hate.

Aiden pulled Lyka closer by the waist, his hold firm and possessive.

Lyka stiffened for a brief second, her blue eyes flickering into amber before she quickly hid behind him, clutching his shirt. “She’s looking at me like she wants to kill me…”

“Enough,” Aiden snapped.

Myra’s body trembled as something inside her rose violently. She was Alpha blood and could withstand the authority of a beta.

With a sudden burst of strength, she forced herself up and lunged toward Lyka.

Aiden reacted instantly, grabbing her and yanking her back before she could reach her. His hand came down hard across her face.

The impact sent her crashing to the ground, her body slumping as pain exploded through her.

“I came here to inform you,” Aiden said coldly, as if nothing had happened, “that Lyka and I will be getting married.”

The words barely registered at first.

“And I will mark her as my chosen.”

Lyka leaned into him weakly “Sister… I want you to be my bridesmaid.”

Myra laughed.

It started softly, before changing into a hysteric one.. Tears streamed down her face as the laughter echoed through the empty cell.

“Why…” she choked out, her voice trembling, “why don’t you just reject me and end our suffering?”

Aiden crouched in front of her, gripping her chin and forcing her to look at him.

The moment his skin touched hers, the bond reacted violently, sending shockwaves through her body. She gasped, leaning into the touch despite herself, craving more even as it humiliated her.

And pulled away immediately.

“You deserve to suffer.”

He stood and turned away, wrapping an arm around Lyka as they moved toward the door.

Right in front of her, he leaned down and kissed Lyka. His tongue danced with hers as he groped her ass.

Lyka responded without hesitation, her arms wrapping around his neck as she melted into him.

Myra’s vision blurred with rage.

Her eyes flashed amber as she slammed her fists against the iron bars with everything she had left.

The metal rattled violently. Aiden only laughed.

“You’ll be released in a few days,” he said casually, glancing back at her. “At least try to look decent for my wedding.”

His smirk deepened slightly. “Though you should be grateful Lyka is kind enough to want you there.”

His gaze hardened.

“A criminal like you doesn’t deserve to walk this earth.”

He turned and left, the door slamming shut behind him.

The cell was engulfed in silence again.

Lyra gave out completely, collapsing onto the cold floor as the last of her strength drained away.

“I’m innocent…” she whispered.

She didn’t know how long, before the gate creaked open again.