chapter Two, The Night Before Everything Changed

Isabella's POV:

I didn’t sleep all night. I couldn’t.

No matter how many times I tossed and turned, Enzo’s words haunted me, refusing to let me rest. I replayed the conversation over and over, trying to convince myself that maybe I had misunderstood him. But deep down, I knew I didn't.

Enzo was in love with me.

Not as a brother and not as a protector. But as a man.

I pulled my knees to my chest and stared at the ceiling, my mind drifting, as it often did, to my mother.

Who abandoned me when I was a baby. I had no memories of her—only rumors and the disgusted looks people gave me whenever they spoke about her. My father… Well, he never let me forget how much of a disappointment I was.

"A daughter of a whore," He once spat at me, his cold, gray eyes filled with disgust.

I spent my whole life being unwanted, ignored, and barely acknowledged. Except when it was convenient for others.

And then Helen came along—my father’s wife. She hated me more than he did. Treated me like I was filth. Made sure I knew I wasn’t welcome in her perfect little family.

And yet… through it all, there was Enzo.

At first, I hated him, too. He was Helen’s son, and I assumed he would be just like her. But he wasn’t. He was the only one who stood up for me, the only one who protected me.

He treated me like a baby, always shielding me from harm, always making sure I had what I needed. It was suffocating sometimes, but I grew fond of him. He was my older brother. My only real family.

So how could he ruin everything by saying he was in love with me?

I shook my head. No, he can't be in love with me. This is just a phase, and he will get over it soon.

‘The best thing I can do is avoid him until he comes to his senses.’ With that decision made, I finally drifted off into sleep.

The next morning, I walked into the dining hall with a smile on my face, determined to put Enzo out of my mind. Today was a good day.

I found my Mate last night, and I couldn’t wait to announce it.

Taking my seat at the table, I cleared my throat. "I have something to say."

All eyes turned to me. My father looked mildly interested, Helen barely glanced at me, and Enzo… Well, I didn’t even look in his direction.

"I found my mate," I said proudly. "His name is Asher, the Son of Alpha Theron and soon he’ll be coming with his family."

“The Alpha of Blackwood Pack?” My father asked, and I nodded.

For the first time in my life, my father actually looked… happy. "Finally," he said, nodding approvingly. "You’ll be useful after all. Your union with Asher will benefit our Pack greatly."

I should have been offended by his words, but I wasn’t. I was used to it.

Helen, however, sneered. "I just hope you don’t run away like your mother did."

The words hit harder than I wanted to admit. But before I could say anything, a bang echoed through the room as Enzo slammed his hand against the table.

The entire hall fell silent.

Enzo’s jaw clenched, and without a word, he hissed sharply and stormed out of the room.

Helen stood abruptly. "I’ll go check on him."

Of course, she would. Enzo was her precious son.

My father turned to me. "I’ll contact Alpha Theron immediately, we should begin wedding preparations at once."

And just like that, the preparation for my wedding had begun.

However, it never stopped Asher and I from spending time together.

Over the next few weeks, Asher visited often. And every time he did, he made me feel like a queen. He spoke endlessly about our future—how we would rule the Blackwood Pack together, how he couldn’t wait to have me in his arms, how perfect our life would be.

He was charming. Gentle. Everything I had ever wanted.

And yet…

Enzo refused to speak to me.

I had tried, over and over, but he wouldn’t listen. Every time I approached him, he shut me out. The only thing he ever said was that Asher wasn’t right for me.

Sighing, I stared at myself in the mirror while running a brush through my hair.

My mind should have been filled with excitement, with dreams of my future as the Luna of Blackwood Pack. But instead, I felt empty.

Behind me, Mae flopped onto my bed, her arms stretched out lazily. "You should be smiling, you know," She teased. "Tomorrow is the biggest day of your life, and you look like you're about to attend a funeral instead."

I forced out a smile. "I am happy, Mae."

She sat up on her elbows and narrowed her eyes. "Liar."

I sighed, setting the brush down. "It’s not that I’m not happy. I just… feel uneasy."

She tilted her head. "About what? Asher? The wedding? Or… something else?"

I hesitated for a second. I have been trying to push down my doubts, but with Mae, I couldn’t hide anything.

"It’s Enzo," I admitted, glancing at my reflection. "He hasn’t spoken to me properly in days. He just avoids me."

Mae groaned dramatically, throwing herself back onto the bed.

"Ugh. Of course, it’s about Enzo."

I turned to face her. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Mae said, sitting up again, "That you’ve been moping about him since the day your wedding date was fixed. Maybe he’s just mad that you’re leaving. You know how protective he is over you."

I shook my head. "It’s not just that. He—" I stopped myself, gripping the edge of the vanity table. "He said something before. Something I can’t forget."

“What did he say?"

I paused, reconsidering everything and finally I sighed. “I wish you could come with me to Blackwood Pack.” I said, changing the topic.

Her eyes narrowed. “Why are you avoiding the question?”

“Do you not want to be with me?” I pouted.

She sighed. "I wish I could come with you. But once I get married to Silvan, I will have to move in with him.”

I smiled. "Once you marry Silvan, I’ll invite your family to visit often. I’ll even talk to Asher about reserving land for you in Blackwood."

Her eyes lit up. "You’d do that?"

"Of course. You’re my friend, Mae."

She stayed silent for a second, then asked. “Are you happy?”

I nodded.

Mae didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t push further. Instead, she flopped onto the floor, grabbing a spare pillow. "Fine. If you don’t want to talk about what's bothering you anymore, then let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow, you’re going to be the most beautiful bride anyone has ever seen."

I forced a smile as I climbed into bed. "Thank you, Mae. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

She smirked. "You’d be lost, obviously."

Morning came too fast.

The wedding preparations were in full swing. Maids bustled around me, fixing my dress, arranging my hair, ensuring I looked perfect.

And I did.

‘I look so beautiful.’ I said aloud, sitting in my room, and waiting for someone to come tell me that Asher’s family had arrived.

But no one came.

Minutes passed. Then an hour.

My excitement turned to confusion. Then worry.

Mae noticed. "Maybe they’re running late," She suggested.

"No," I said, shaking my head. "Their journey started last night, so they should have arrived by now.."

She hesitated. "I’ll go check the hall and see what’s going on."

I nodded, biting my lip as she disappeared.

When she returned, her face was pale.

My stomach twisted. "Mae, what’s wrong?"

She didn’t answer.

"Are they here?" I demanded. "Are they on their way?"

Mae swallowed hard. "Isabella, I need you to stay calm—" Before she could finish, the door burst open.

Enzo stepped inside.

I shot to my feet. "Where’s Asher? Has he arrived?"

Enzo’s expression was unreadable as he walked toward me. Then, without a word, he pulled me into his arms.

I froze. "What—?"

Gently, but firmly, I pushed him back. "Enzo, what’s going on?"

His blue eyes darkened. "Isabella…" He hesitated, as if struggling to say the words.

"Just tell me!" I snapped, my voice shaking.

He took a deep breath. "Alpha Theron’ carriage was attacked by rogues on the way here."

I stared at him, my heart pounding.

"And Asher was killed."