Chapter 3

For a moment, Ethan froze, taken aback by my wrath.

After hearing what I said, whispers immediately spread among the guests.

"Did you hear her? She just claimed she's been dating Alpha Ethan for three years and that today was supposed to be their wedding. She even said that she built this shrine for him. Do you think any of that's true?"

"Obviously not. Anyone can brag. We've all watched Ethan grow up. We know his character better than anyone."

"She said she built the shrine? Might as well say she owns the whole Moonveil Pack too!"

At that moment, a soft voice spoke up. "But I saw her dress in a magazine once. It was from a really expensive designer brand. I've never even seen Lilith wear something like that."

Lilith immediately shot the woman a furious glare.

"What do you even know about fashion? We're neighbors, and yet you're siding with her?"

The woman flinched and quickly went silent.

Satisfied, Ethan looked away and grabbed Lilith's hand, lifting it high to display their matching moonstone rings that glittered under the light.

Looking down at me with a superior air, Ethan spoke as though he'd already won.

"Elizabeth, you said today was supposed to be our wedding, but can you prove that? Did we ever exchange vows? Did I ever mark you as mine? Did I ever give you any token of mate bond?

"Words alone aren't enough. But I've given all those things to Lilith."

Lilith leaned against his shoulder. Her smile was smug and victorious. "Exactly, Elizabeth. You really shouldn't make false claims."

What Ethan said painted me as guilty, and I had no way to argue back.

It was true. Even though I'd agreed to be his mate, I was naive enough not to ask for any formal symbols of commitment.

Back then, I'd loved him wholeheartedly. Since I had everything I could possibly need, I never thought I'd need proof.

I never imagined that someday, this love would turn into a blade poisoned with silver and pierce my heart so deeply.

Soon, everyone in the shrine began pointing at me while murmuring accusations.

"Oh, please, she's a home-wrecker! What excuse could she possibly come up with now?"

"We can't let her get away with this! She needs to be taught a lesson!"

Immediately, a man grabbed me roughly by my hair and dragged me painfully to the ground.

Kayden gave a discreet nod to the sleazy, shirtless man, silently signaling to him.

The man instantly understood. He bent down with a disgusting grin, and his hands moved eagerly to rip open my dress.

"Sweetheart, being a homewrecker is wrong. Let me give you a little lesson in morals today."

I screamed desperately, twisting my body in panic, but several others pinned my arms and legs firmly in place. Overwhelmed with fear, I screamed Ethan's name, desperately hoping he still had some shred of conscience left to stop this madness.

Ethan's eyes widened, and he started to move forward.

But at that moment, Lilith gently tugged on his sleeve. "She ruined our wedding. I feel awful, and she deserves a small lesson."

Ethan hesitated slightly. "But..."

"It's just a small lesson. You know our pack. They know their limits. Besides, we're right here watching. What could possibly happen?"

Ethan fell silent and didn't move any further.

Lilith wrapped her arms around him possessively, while Ethan absently stroked her back. They watched as more filthy hands reached toward me.

"Let go of me! You're disrespecting your future Luna! The Moon Goddess will punish you!"

But before I could say another word, someone slapped me hard, and my vision blurred.

"You filthy slut, how dare you talk down to us? This isn't disrespect. This is exactly what you deserve!"

Their vulgar insults flooded me like a tidal wave, leaving me drowning in shame.

Just when I thought all hope was lost, when I was certain that my dignity and innocence were about to be destroyed, a commanding voice suddenly echoed from the entrance. "My apologies, everyone. I had something urgent and arrived late."

But when the newcomer saw my face, his tone shifted instantly to horror. "Stop this now! What the hell are you all doing?"