Chapter 2

Violetta POV

I opened my eyes, and they were immediately hit by the bright rays of the morning sun. I stood there in shock as the entire incident replayed in my mind, and I didn't know how to react. I was even too shocked to move.

It got me wondering if it was all a dream, but then again, a dream couldn't have felt so real. I could still feel the remnants of the pain I passed through, and I knew I'd probably never heal from that pain. I had met the moon goddess, and she'd given me another chance to right all the wrongs I went through, which was exactly what I planned to do.

Glancing around the overly quiet surroundings, I realized I was standing at an entrance facing a crowd, and at a corner stood Nolan, clad in a black tuxedo, looking as stunning as ever. I looked down at my hands and found a bouquet, and then it hit me. It was my wedding day to Nolan Aristotle.

Looking back, I recalled the incidents that happened on this same day three years ago. We got married, and he didn't mark me. Right in front of me, he marked Carissa and made her his mistress. Meanwhile, after that day, she lived as Luna while I was just a toy for her dirty jobs and a piece of item Nolan uses for his pleasure every time he feels like it. I regretted this day so much, and I won't let that happen again. This day was the real beginning of my eternal despair. I wouldn't let history repeat itself. I certainly won't.

My knees went weak as I stared at the crowd, unsure of what to do. I had no idea how to react, so I did what I knew best. Running away.

I grabbed my gown and immediately turned away, running as fast as my legs could carry me as I blindly looked for the restroom. I found one at the center of the passageway, and I immediately went in and locked the door behind me.

I took slow strides toward the large mirror, and I stared at myself, clad in a simple white gown. It wasn't particularly grand for a wedding day, and Luna herself had picked this out for me with Carissa. 

Back then, I was grateful that they picked out something nice for a nobody like me, but now I realize that even the dress was ugly enough to make anyone look down on me at my wedding.

Resentment and determination settled in the depth of my gaze as I stared hard at my reflection in the mirror. I won't repeat the same mistake of getting married to Nolan. No. Never.

This time five years ago, I could remember how sad I was about getting married to Nolan, knowing he was only getting married to me because of the prophecy that the Alpha should marry the only Silverstone descendant unless the Pack would end up in ruins. He never once cared for me, at least not after realizing that I had no wolf and was just a pitiful and weak mate. But back then, I was still so happy that I was getting married to someone I loved. Never again would I do that to myself a second time.

"My lady, the ceremony is about to start, and everyone is waiting for you." I heard a familiar voice by the door. It was Leah, my maid.

"No one anticipates my arrival. They only want to see the sacrificial lamb that'll be sacrificed for the fucking good of the pack," I whispered in response, and I was sure she wouldn't have heard me.

She didn't. So I just stayed rooted in a spot, not knowing how to present myself after making such divine disappearances.

"My Lady," Leah said shakily now, and I sighed, adjusting my gown, before rubbing my shaky palms in my smooth hair. 

"Alright, Violet, let's do this again. I won't let you down." 

"I placed my hands on the knob, just about to bend it open when I heard Nolan's irritated voice.

Who the hell was he to yell at me? I rolled my eyes, my face expressionless, as I pushed the door open and came face-to-face with Leah and Nolan.

He shot her a look that made her leave immediately, leaving me alone with my sworn enemy in the lonely and long passageway.

"I really can't understand the fact that you can't do anything right, but you sure are talented when it comes to causing trouble and creating messes," he retorted sharply as soon as Leah was out of sight.

He said these same words in the same way that day three years ago because I tripped over my gown and fell due to cold feet. My heart broke and my little confidence shattered to hear him reign insults at me back then, but now I didn't feel the least bit affected. 

A small smile curled my lips, and only the fact that we were alone here kept me from scoffing out loud. There's no telling what this Alpha animal could do.

I walked into the hall with Nolan holding my hand to make it seem like I rushed out, overwhelmed by nervousness.

"So much for someone whose talent is bringing 'peace and calmness' into the world," I retorted, sarcasm widely evident in every word I spoke as I stared straight into his blue hue.

I watched a frown creep into his face as he realized I had just insulted him. "It seems you've grown some balls because you're getting married to me. I'm not marrying you because you're special; I'm doing this because it's a necessity. You'll always be nothing, Violetta. After this wedding, you'll remain a puppet," he growled into my ear, and I smirked, my hands fisting onto my dress as we sat in the designated chair at the center of the hall.

"Who said I'm getting married, Nolan? You must be delusional if you think I will get married to you," I whispered back, my voice stern and stoic as I stressed the word "I.” Not even in a thousand years will I ever make the same mistake. I'd rather have my life ended on this floor," I gritted, and he stared at me in shock and confusion.

"What the hell do you mean?" He inquired, his expression growing stony and irritated. I relished in the look of confusion that took over his face.

Just then, the elder in charge stood in front of us while raising his hands to silence the crowd in the hall.

"We're gathered here to celebrate the special union of our Alpha and his fated mate, Violetta Crescent. In honor of the grand prophecy passed down for several years to secure the future of the pack," the elder said, and I rolled my eyes, yawning in an all-too-rude manner. I could feel Nolan's unsure gaze on me, unwavering, but I'd be damned if I cared.

That was what they all cared about from the very beginning. Themselves! They never cared about me, and if it weren't for the prophecy, they wouldn't have ever let me near the palace talk more about getting married to their precious Alpha, even if I was his fated mate. This is just how toxic they all are. They're only concerned about doing the goddess's wishes, and whatever happens after that, they wouldn't give two shits.

"Is there anyone here who has a reason why this union should not exist?" The elder immediately read from the vow notes in his hands, and my face lit up in pure excitement.

"I do," I drawled, standing to my feet, and everyone turned to me with confusion filling their faces, but I didn't give a hoot.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, you freaking wretch?" Nolan groaned as he grabbed my arms to pull me back down, but I yanked it off his grip and dusted it against my dress as if his touch revolted me. And it did.

I stepped forward, standing directly beside the elder who had the mic. "I do not want this union to be, Elder George," I said, my voice as clear as ice as I stared straight into his eyes.

"What do you mean by that, Violetta Cresc?" I didn't let him complete his words when I suddenly interrupted.

"What? Are you scared? That your pack would end up in ruins, as the prophecy claimed? Well, isn't that the best for everyone here? I mean, why must I suffer alone when we can all do that together as a pack?" I said, and I peeked glances at the other elders.

"You all know Nolan doesn't respect me; he can't stand me; he despises me more than his sworn enemy, but you'll still make me marry him, and then, whatever happens, will be my problem to solve? I bet he's going to make Carissa his mistress right after this union takes place, and you all know he wants her, yet because of the damned prophecy, you'll make me a wretched placeholder." I continued as I returned my attention to the crowd.

"Violetta!" Nolan yelled, anger fuming from every part of his body, and it was a wonder how I hadn't found flames and smoke from his nostrils and ears as they burned red with rage. I turned to him slowly, my all-too-emotional expression turning a bit more serious and perfectly calm for someone who just dumped herself into the fiery pit of hatred.

"Don't yell at me. I'm not done yet," I yelled back immediately.

"For the past few years, you all treated me like trash, hurt me every chance you got, and then you expect me to sacrifice myself for you again? Have you ever considered me a part of this pack to begin with? No, but you want me to sacrifice my life for this vain pack?" 

"I won't do it. I won't get married to your all-so-precious Alpha, and I'll watch with a joyful heart how the moon goddess chooses to vent her wrath upon every one of you for the crimes you committed," I continued, and Nolan suddenly walked up to me, having enough of my speech as he grabbed my shoulders and forced me to face him. 

I bit back a wince as I stared into his eyes, which suddenly looked boring to me. 

"What is this madness you're pulling? Where is this unprofitable bravery coming from? What the hell are you trying to say here?" He asked all at once, and I could feel the tiny strain of his patience threatening to snap.

He scoffed. "Do you think I'll beg you to marry me?" He said this as his hands tightened around my shoulders, and I laughed, despite the stinging feeling around my upper arms.

"Oh, Nolan, you will beg. Not just for me to marry you, but for every single thing you did to hurt me, then it would be too late for you," I retorted sharply, smiling as the crowd broke out into a murmur.

"I, Violetta Crescent, reject you, Nolan Aristotle, as my mate," I announced, and his eyes widened alongside the fresh murmurs that erupted in the hall.