Shadows of Betrayal.

The gasp shook Aurora to the core. Kael was a masterful liar, and she knew she wouldn’t escape this torment. No one would save her—not even Mrs. Flora, the chef. The only person who cared about her.

“But being the alpha's son, and trying to be responsible, I tried talking sense into her head,” Kael said, his voice turning solemn. “I made her understand that I couldn’t do such a thing—not when I haven’t even found my mate. I’m saving myself for her.”

Kael’s words dripped with false sincerity as he glanced at Aurora, his expression now a facade of sadness and bitterness. Aurora’s vision blurred as her rage and disbelief boiled within her. He was a good actor, too good.

“But she insisted,” Kael continued, feigning discomfort. “She behaved as if she were in heat, though she has no mate and certainly isn’t mine.”

The audience murmured in disgust, their expressions darkening as Kael spun his web of lies. Aurora’s heart sank further as she realized no one would side with her.

“And what happened afterward? Did you accept her advances? Did you engage in any inappropriate behavior with her?” Elizabeth’s voice rang through the hall, piercing Aurora like a blade. Even her elder sister hated her with all her gut. Aurora knew Elizabeth had always wanted Kael for herself even when she found her mate, she rejected him for Kael.

Elizabeth’s eyes burned with malice, her lips curling into a sneer. She couldn’t bear the idea of Aurora—her family’s omega—having any connection to the alpha’s son, much less one she desired for herself.

“No,” Kael said, his voice firm. “I would never stoop so low. Having any relations with her would disgrace my name, my lineage, and our entire pack.”

Kael paused, smiling faintly as he relished the disgusted stares directed at Aurora. “When she realized I wouldn’t oblige, she tore her own clothes apart and pretended I had assaulted her. She was so persistent that, in frustration, I pushed her away. She lost her balance, hit the wall, and fainted. I panicked and left the room, not knowing if she was dead or alive.”

Kael pointed at two warriors standing nearby. “After a few hours, I sent these men to check on her. They came back and told me she wasn’t in her chambers. I was terrified—what if something terrible had happened to her? I went to the kitchen to find her, and here she is, alive and well. Thanks to the goddess, she’s unharmed.”

The room fell silent, thick with tension. Kael’s lies had achieved their desired effect: the entire pack stared at Aurora with unbridled hatred. She searched their faces for a glimmer of understanding but found none. Even Mrs. Flora, the kindest person Aurora had ever known, turned away, shaking her head.

Summoning her courage, Aurora finally spoke. “I didn’t do anything you said. You’re lying—”

“Lying?!” Elizabeth’s roar cut her off, making Aurora flinch.

Elizabeth stormed toward her, her teeth elongating and her fingers transforming into sharp claws. Aurora stepped back in terror, but Elizabeth closed the distance in moments, yanking Aurora by the hair.

“How dare you try to seduce Kael, the alpha’s son? Did you think having his child would elevate your rank, you little wretch? And now you dare accuse him of lying? The alpha’s son—a liar? That’s laughable!”

Elizabeth smashed Aurora’s head against the counter, drawing a scream of pain from her lips.

“She’s a disgrace,” Lola sneered, stepping forward.

“Disgusting,” Tanya added, her voice dripping with contempt.

“She’s always been a quiet snake,” a maid muttered, sparking laughter across the room.

Kael watched the scene unfold with satisfaction, his face betraying none of the delight he felt at seeing Aurora humiliated. Her sisters and mother were doing his dirty work for him.

Lola slapped Aurora hard across the face, her handprint burning into her cheek. Elizabeth held Aurora in place, ensuring she couldn’t escape.

“Enough!” Kael said, feigning concern. “I only came here to check on her, not to cause trouble.”

“Consider yourself lucky, Omega,” Lola spat, pushing Aurora away.

The whispers in the room grew louder as Aurora stumbled out, her tears flowing freely. Her body ached from the assault, but the emotional wounds ran far deeper.

Delilah stepped forward, glaring at her youngest daughter. “You’ve brought nothing but shame to this family. First, I thought you were just incompetent. But this? Forcing yourself on the alpha’s son? That’s unforgivable.”

Aurora bowed her head, her tears dripping onto the floor.

“Leave this kitchen before you infect the others with your disgraceful behavior!” Delilah shouted.

Aurora fled, her sobs echoing through the empty hallways. Her pack—the family she had hoped to belong to—had become her worst tormentors.