CHAPTER THREE

Aria’s POV

The second ring of the bell slammed into my chest like a hammer. I exhaled deeply, my head lowered in defeat.

Today is Killian’s wedding to Seraphina. And no matter how much I try to push the pain aside, it tears me apart knowing this day was supposed to be ours.

I stopped at Seraphina’s door and knocked. Her request for a security update about the pack felt off—but I pushed the suspicion down and forced myself to act normal.

One of the maids opened the door. I stepped into the room, greeted by a new wave of expensive perfume. The maid was gently brushing through Seraphina’s long brown hair.

Seraphina turned to me, her lips curling into a calculated smile. “Everyone else, leave the room,” she said coolly.

The maids exited one after another, the last quietly shutting the door behind her.

Seraphina stood, picking up the edge of her wedding gown as she walked over. “What news do you bring me?”

She wasn’t just conniving, she was commanding too.

“Everything is calm. No rogue reports today,” I replied. She nodded slowly.

“So…” she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness, “how does it feel knowing I’m taking your man from you?”

The question slapped me harder than any hand could. My head snapped up to meet her gaze.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked, my voice tight, trying to contain the storm rising inside me.

“Oh, come on,” she chuckled. “I’m just curious. It must hurt watching me marry my mate. It feels so good.”

“Watch your mouth,” I warned. “I should’ve known you were just a deceptive bitch.”

Smack.

The slap came out of nowhere. My face lit up with pain, and I stumbled backward, clutching my cheek in disbelief.

Suddenly, Seraphina’s smile vanished. Her eyes rolled back dramatically, and she collapsed to the floor, letting out a high-pitched scream.

“Stop!” I yelled, pressing my palms to my ears.

The door burst open. Several pack soldiers stormed in, followed by the Captain.

“What’s going on here?” he demanded, eyes darting from Seraphina to me.

“She… she came in and attacked me,” Seraphina whimpered, pointing at me with trembling fingers.

“What?!” I gasped. “She’s lying! She’s such a damn liar!”

Seraphina raised her arm, showing the Captain a red mark. “I didn’t have this before she entered. Aria did this to me.”

“That’s a scratch! She’s framing me and she slapped me first!” I tried to defend myself.

“Take her,” the Captain ordered coldly.

Before I could react, soldiers seized me, yanking my arms behind my back.

“This is insane! I’m the lead security analyst of this pack! You can’t treat me like this!”

“We follow the Alpha. Laying hands on his mate is treason. Let’s see what the Alpha says about your behavior.”

They shoved me forward. I stumbled but regained balance. As we exited the room, I glanced back at Seraphina.

Evil radiated from her like poison. I silently wished she'd drop dead.

After a few minutes down the corridor, we reached the council chamber. They pushed me inside a grand room filled with council members, and Killian sitting tall on his throne.

“What is this?” Killian asked, rising sharply.

“She attacked me. I think your ex can’t accept that we’re mates,” Seraphina said sweetly as she stepped into the room.

“She’s lying! Killian, I would never hurt your mate”

Smack!

My cheek throbbed from the slap, and I nearly fell.

“Don’t you ever address the Alpha by name!” the Captain bellowed in my face.

Tears welled in my eyes as I lifted my head, heart pounding. My gaze found my father… he looked away.

“I can’t believe everyone turned on me like this,” I said, choking on the pain. “A witch shows up, lies about a mate bond, and you all just… believe her?” I turned to Killian. “Even you.”

“I might be a witch,” Seraphina said shakily, “but you’re the sickest, most unhinged person I’ve met. You can’t stand seeing us happy. This is an obsession.”

The room buzzed with murmurs until Killian cleared his throat. Silence dropped like a blade.

He descended from his throne, walking toward me. His face was unreadable.

“I gave you everything,” he said quietly.

“I helped you become lead security. But the moment I told you I had a new mate, jealousy consumed you.” He leaned closer, voice sharp and low. “You’re just bitter. You’ll never feel the kind of love I have for Seraphina. You never deserved it.”

His words were a dagger. Rage surged through me, and before I could stop myself, my hand flew.

Slap.

The sound cracked through the room.

“Oh my God!” Seraphina screamed, rushing to Killian. “Are you okay, my love?”

I froze. My heart plummeted. My palms went cold. The fury drained out, replaced by dread.

“I... I...” I stammered, unable to find my voice.

Killian rose, dabbing blood from the corner of his mouth. His stare pierced through me.

“You crossed the line,” he said. “You assaulted your Luna. You threatened her life.”

Then to the Captain: “Take her away. Aria Dorne, you are hereby exiled from the Nightrun Pack and all its territories, effective immediately. If I ever see you again… I’ll kill you myself.”

“What?!” My voice cracked. “Where am I supposed to go? I’ve lived here all my life!”

I struggled as the soldiers gripped my arms and dragged me toward the exit.

I had nothing left to fight with.

Killian was lost to lies and manipulation. And there was nothing I could do.

So this is it. A new, cruel chapter begins.

Why is this happening to me, Moon Goddess?! WHY? I screamed with everything in me.