Chapter 4

The toxin gradually took effect, and my body began to twitch involuntarily.

Corbin pressed his lips together and said coldly,

“Enough. Stop pouring it.”

Liam let me go. I collapsed onto the sofa, coughing uncontrollably.

The burn of the silver vodka seared a path from my throat to my stomach. Every breath was like swallowing fire.

"This is just a small lesson," Corbin said, looming over me, his voice freezing cold. "If you ever dare to hurt Faye again, it won't be this easy."

People were pointing and whispering. Some looked pleased, others offered fake sympathy.

"Serves her right. She's a vicious one."

"Alpha Corbin handled that perfectly. That's how you deal with a woman like her."

I ignored them and stumbled toward the restroom.

Once inside a stall, I collapsed over the toilet and retched violently.

Silvery liquid and stomach acid came up, each heave sending waves of agony through me.

After recovering a little, a raging fury burned uncontrollably in my chest.

In my last life, the curse would have torn him to shreds by the time he turned thirty.

The only reason he survived was my song—a song that cost me nearly everything to sing.

And he wasn't just ungrateful. Now he did this to me.

I took a deep breath, my nails digging deep into my palms.

Just you wait, Corbin.

Your thirtieth birthday is one week away.

Let's see how long you last without my song.

Corbin's thirtieth birthday finally arrived. It was also the day Finn was due to land.

I dressed in an elegant white gown, holding a bouquet of rare Starlight Lilies.

The flowers only bloom on the night of a full moon, their petals flecked with silver, symbolizing eternal love.

I was about to leave for the private airfield to pick up Finn when I heard a car pull up.

I frowned and looked out the window. Corbin and Faye were at the gate of my family's estate.

What were they doing here?

Before I could figure it out, the doorbell rang.

My mother answered it, and her expression immediately soured.

"Alpha Logan, Luna Elena, what is the meaning of this—"

Logan looked deeply ashamed. "Luna Laurel, we're here to apologize. Corbin's behavior at the gala was unforgivable."

"Apologize?" I said, descending the staircase with a cold laugh. "You're apologizing now?"

Corbin saw me, and his gaze immediately fixed on the bouquet in my hands.

A flicker of triumph crossed his face.

"Starlight Lilies?" He took a step forward, reaching out. "Ayla, I knew you couldn't stay away. You can say you hate me, but these flowers..."

"These aren't for you." I stepped back, holding the flowers protectively.

"Not for me?" Corbin froze. "Then who are they for? It's my birthday. Who else would you prepare such a precious gift for?"

My mother stepped in front of me, facing him down. "These are for my daughter's chosen mate. This has nothing to do with you."

Hearing the words "chosen mate," a look of shock spread across Corbin's face. "You made a pact with someone?"

I answered coldly, "That's none of your business anymore."

Corbin’s eyes flashed with humiliation. "Hah. Some fallen, minor pack, I'm sure. I don't even care to ask."

He pulled Faye into his arms. "Soon, the elders will recognize Faye. She'll be the Luna of an Alpha who controls a global empire. You won't even be worthy of cleaning her shoes."

When I didn't react, Corbin gritted his teeth. "This is the last time I will ever set foot on your property. From now on, even if you begged me on your knees, I wouldn't give you the time of day."

I just said, "Oh."

I hoped he could keep that same energy after tonight.

Corbin left with Faye, head held high.

"Ayla!" he roared from outside. "You'll regret this!"

I paid him no mind and drove straight to the airport.

The black private jet touched down smoothly.

The ramp lowered, and a tall figure appeared in the doorway.

Finn.

Even from a distance, I could feel the powerful Alpha aura rolling off him.

He strode toward me, his deep-set eyes filled with warmth.

"Ayla," his voice was a low, magnetic hum. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Not at all." I handed him the Starlight Lilies. "Welcome to Silver City."

Finn took the flowers and gently kissed the back of my hand. "The full moon is tonight. Are you ready?"

I nodded. "I'm ready."

The full moon hung high in the sky, bathing the earth in silver light.

Finn and I stood before the altar, surrounded by the elders of both our packs.

"The Moon Goddess witnesses your union," the High Elder proclaimed, raising his staff. "From this night forward, you will be true mates, bound in life and death."

The ceremony was complete. We exchanged a vow-kiss.

Finn left his mark on my neck.

A warmth spread through me. I felt a sense of wholeness I'd never known before.

"I love you, Ayla," Finn murmured, looking at me with pure devotion.

"I love you too, Finn," I whispered back, sealing my promise with his.

After the ceremony, the guests moved to the manor for the celebration feast.

Just as Finn and I were receiving congratulations, my phone rang.

Corbin's voice came through the phone. It was choked with a raw terror I remembered all too well. It was the sound of the curse. The sound of agony.

"Ayla, I was wrong... my body... the curse... it's taking hold... Please... you have to save me..."