AUBREY
I stand before the full-length mirror in my bridal chambers, staring at my reflection like it belongs to someone else. The healer Knox sent worked miracles; my wounds have almost completely healed, leaving only faint shadows beneath my eyes and a lingering tenderness in my ribs that the corset carefully conceals.
This is supposed to be the happiest moment of my life.
The thought tastes bitter as ashes.
He hates me now. The knowledge sits in my chest like a lead weight. After everything I confessed, after seeing the truth of what I really am—he hates me, and I can't blame him.
The walk to the grand hall feels endless, each ste
AUBREYI drag myself back to consciousness like fighting through thick mud, my eyes fluttering open to soft candlelight flickering against stone walls. The herbal scent of healing potions hits me first, followed by the quiet crackling of a fire in the hearth. My body feels foreign and heavy, wrapped in clean linen sheets that smell of lavender."Aubrey?" Caroline's voice draws my attention to the chair beside my bed. Noah's mate sits forward with obvious relief, her brown eyes bright with concern. "Thank the Moon Goddess you're awake."I try to speak but my throat feels raw and scratched. Caroline quickly reaches for a pewter cup of water, helping me take small sips until I can finally manage words."What happened?" My voice comes out barely above a whisper.
AUBREYThe sound stops me cold—Iris's voice rising in pain. I spin around, my heart lurching as I spot Jax gripping her by the throat, his fingers digging into her pale skin. Her green eyes are wide with terror, her hands clawing uselessly at his arm."No!" The word tears from my chest as I try to rush forward, but several Jax warriors step into my path, blocking my way. Their faces are blank, emotionless—soldiers following orders without question.I don't hesitate. My wolf surges forward, and I feel my claws extend as I launch myself at the first warrior. My enhanced strength sends him flying backward, his throat torn open before he hits the ground. The second swings at me with brutal force, but I'm already moving with werewolf speed, ducking under his strike and raking my claws across his chest.
KNOXSnarling wolves and tearing flesh echo across the castle grounds as chaos erupts. I shift partially, claws extending as I swipe at an enemy warrior's throat. Blood sprays, but another Jax Manor soldier charges toward me, fully shifted into his massive black wolf form."Hold the east wall!" I roar to Gamma Campbell as I dodge snapping jaws. The seasoned warrior rallies our defenders against the wave of enemy wolves pouring through our breached defenses.My heart pounds as I scan for Aubrey's blonde hair among the chaos. Where is she?I sink claws deep into another attacker's chest. Around me, war fills the night—howls of pain, bodies hitting stone, blood mixing with wolf poison."Prince Knox!" Astor appears, clothes torn and gore-splatte
JAXThe distant hillside offers the perfect vantage point. Hours have passed since the ceremony ended. I watched it all—Aubrey gliding down that aisle in ivory silk, Knox sliding that wedding ring onto her finger like he has any right to claim what I created.But soon, that pristine white will be stained crimson."My lord," Avery approaches, violet eyes bright with anticipation. "They're distracted by joy and wine. We should strike now.""No. Not yet." My voice carries enough menace to make her step back. "I don't want them dead drunk on happiness. I want them conscious. I want my father to know exactly who's taking his life."Hours pass. I watch the reception wind down, guests departing, Knox escorting his bride to their chambers. When the
AUBREYI stand before the full-length mirror in my bridal chambers, staring at my reflection like it belongs to someone else. The healer Knox sent worked miracles; my wounds have almost completely healed, leaving only faint shadows beneath my eyes and a lingering tenderness in my ribs that the corset carefully conceals.This is supposed to be the happiest moment of my life.The thought tastes bitter as ashes.He hates me now. The knowledge sits in my chest like a lead weight. After everything I confessed, after seeing the truth of what I really am—he hates me, and I can't blame him.The walk to the grand hall feels endless, each ste
KNOXEven heartbroken, I can't waste time drowning in this mess. The weight of what Aubrey told me about Jax sits heavy in my chest, but I force myself to move. My brother—planning to kill our father, to take the crown through violence. Part of me always knew something was off about Jax, but rebellion? Murder? The shock of it still makes my head spin.I find Father in his chambers, already half-dressed for the ceremony. His valet steps back as I enter, and Father waves him away with an impatient gesture. He looks up when I close the door, and I see the same exhaustion in his eyes that I feel in my bones."We need to talk." I close the door behind me, my voice rougher than I intend. "It's about Jax."Father pauses in adjusting his ceremonial sash, his eyebrows lifting slightly. "What abo