Too Late to Say Forgive Me

"Walk slower, Sophie. You’re trembling," Beta Kingsley whispered beside her.“I’m fine, Father,” Sophie murmured, clutching her bouquet harder. Her hands felt frozen, despite the spring sun casting pale gold through the trees.At the end of the aisle, Alpha Dylan Wilson stood motionless under the silver wolf banners. His charcoal uniform clung to his rigid frame. He didn’t smile. Didn’t blink.Sophie’s heart pounded. This was supposed to be the day two packs united, but Dylan’s stare passed through her like wind through glass.“Do you, Dylan Wilson, take Sophie Kingsley as your mate and wife?”His lips barely moved. “I do.”"And do you, Sophie Kingsley—"“I do,” she said before the elder finished. Her voice cracked, but she held her chin high."You may kiss the bride."Dylan stepped forward, brushed his lips against her cheek like one might a stranger, and turned to the crowd. His next words dropped like ice into her chest.“She has ruined the only love I

“Alpha Dylan of Silverclaw welcomes you,” the herald announced as guests from three allied packs entered the great hall.Sophie followed two steps behind Dylan, draped in ceremonial silver and white. Her hands were steady, but her heart thudded like a war drum.At the head table, she paused—only to find Fiona already seated at Dylan’s right.The Luna’s seat.Sophie hesitated.Dylan waved without looking at her. “Sit there.” He gestured two chairs down.She obeyed, stiffly lowering herself beside an aging Gamma who coughed awkwardly.“Unusual arrangement,” the visiting Alpha from Greystone murmured.“Fiona is the honored savior of our Alpha,” Dylan said clearly, pouring wine into Fiona’s glass. “She deserves the place of honor tonight.”Fiona lowered her gaze with a demure smile. “It’s too much, truly.”“Nonsense.” Dylan turned to the guests. “If not for her, I would’ve died on that cliff.”Sophie gripped her goblet tighter. The words stung like acid.

“She’s getting worse,” the healer whispered, pulling his hands away from Fiona’s abdomen. “The toxins are spreading. Her kidneys are failing.”Dylan’s fists clenched. “Then fix it.”“We can’t. Not without a transplant. She has months—at most.”Fiona let out a weak cough, her face pale against the infirmary linens.“I’ll find a donor,” Dylan said.“You’ll need one who’s compatible… and strong enough to survive the operation.”Dylan didn’t hesitate. “Test everyone.”---Sophie heard the commotion from across the courtyard.She rushed toward the infirmary, only to be stopped at the door by two guards.“I’m his wife,” she said, voice sharp.“Alpha’s orders,” one replied. “No entry.”She peered through the narrow window.Inside, Dylan cradled Fiona in his arms, whispering frantically. “I’ll give you my own if I have to. I won’t let you go.”Fiona smiled faintly. “You always save me.”“No, you saved me,” he said, brushing her hair back. “This time

“Let me speak to him,” Sophie demanded as the guards dragged her down the hall. “He’s making a mistake!”But no one answered. The cuffs bit into her wrists.They shoved her into a cold chamber—bare stone walls, a locked iron door. Alone.An hour passed. Then two.When the door opened, it wasn’t Dylan.It was the Chief Healer, eyes grim, clipboard in hand.“We’ve finished the testing,” he said flatly. “You’re the only match.”Sophie’s breath caught. “You’re sure?”He nodded once. “But your medical history shows significant scar tissue from prior abdominal trauma. The surgery carries lethal risk.”“Then I can’t—”“You can. And he intends to make you.”---The next morning, Sophie stood before the council chamber, wrists still shackled.Dylan sat at the head of the crescent table, flanked by elders and healers. He looked exhausted—but cold.“She endangered the life of the woman who saved me,” he began. “And now she has the chance to make it right.

The hallway was dark.Sophie crept past sleeping wards, bare feet silent on the stone floor. The young guard led her through the servants’ wing, whispering directions.“This way. The chute leads to the wash house. From there, it’s a straight shot to the southern stables.”She clutched the birch box tight to her chest.“Once I reach Dawnveil, I’ll request arbitration,” she said. “They won’t dare ignore a Luna’s plea.”“You just have to make it across the border.”The laundry chute creaked as they slid it open. Cold air rushed in.Sophie climbed in.Then—steel clanged behind them.“Stop!”A dozen interceptors surged in, weapons drawn. The young guard stepped forward. “She’s innocent!”But Dylan’s voice rang out, lethal and low. “She’s a traitor.”Sophie emerged from the chute, barefoot in the snow, just as Dylan walked into the moonlight.“Don’t do this,” she said.“You tried to run.”“I tried to survive!”He strode toward her, silver manac