บททั้งหมดของ His Rejected Mate, His Greatest Regret : บทที่ 1 - บทที่ 10

I had imagined my wedding day a thousand different ways, but none of those dreams had prepared me for the ache spreading through my chest as I stood alone before the mirror.The ivory gown clung to my body with understated elegance, its silver embroidery catching the morning sunlight pouring through the tall windows of my chambers. My mother had once told me that a Luna should wear strength more proudly than jewels, yet today I wore both because appearances mattered more than truth.Outside, Silvercrest Pack buzzed with excitement. Servants hurried through the Alpha Manor carrying trays of food, warriors stood in polished ceremonial armor along the stone pathways. Banners bearing the silver crest of our pack fluttered beside the black wolf insignia of Shadowfang Pack, a reminder that today was not merely a wedding.It was a treaty, a bargain, a sacrifice, I lifted my gaze to the woman reflected in the mirror and barely recognized her.At twenty-four, I should have looked like a bride

The celebration continued well into the afternoon, yet I felt like a stranger standing at the center of someone else’s happiness. Every smile directed toward me carried expectations I could never fulfill, while every congratulation reminded me that this marriage belonged more to politics than to either of the people bound by it.I maintained the graceful composure expected of a Luna because years of living under Vivianne’s watchful eyes had taught me how to hide every wound behind a pleasant expression. No matter how much my heart ached, I refused to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me break.The grand ballroom glittered beneath towering chandeliers, and the musicians filled the air with lively melodies that encouraged the guests onto the polished dance floor. Noble couples laughed together while children darted between the tables until their parents called them back. From a distance, the wedding appeared perfect. Only those standing closest to the bride could see that the groom

I stood in the center of the unfamiliar bedroom for several long moments after Edwin quietly excused himself, listening to the silence that settled around me. The room was elegant enough to rival those of royal families, yet it lacked the warmth that transformed a house into a home. Fresh flowers filled crystal vases, the fireplace burned with steady flames despite the cool mountain air, and every piece of furniture had been polished until it reflected the soft glow of the lanterns. Everything was perfect, everything except the reason I was here.A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts.“Come in.”Two young maids entered, each carrying folded dresses and neatly arranged boxes “My Luna,” the older of the two said with a respectful bow, “I am Iris, and this is Nina. We have been assigned as your personal attendants.”Both women looked nervous and I offered them a reassuring smile “It is nice to meet both of you.”Their surprise was immediate because most noblewomen expected servants to r

The applause continued long after I stepped away from the edge of the platform. Faces that had watched me with cautious curiosity only moments earlier now carried expressions of approval, and although I knew a single speech could never earn complete trust, it was enough to open a door that had previously remained closed.As the crowd slowly dispersed, several elders approached to formally welcome me into Shadowfang. The eldest among them, an elderly woman with silver hair braided down her back, bowed respectfully before offering me a carved wooden staff no taller than my forearm.“This belonged to Luna Eleanor,” she said with a warm smile. “She was the Alpha’s grandmother and one of the greatest healers Shadowfang has ever known.”I accepted the staff carefully “It is beautiful.”“It is also symbolic.” She rested a wrinkled hand over mine. “Every Luna who truly served this pack carried it during her first inspection of the healing sanctuary.”A quiet murmur of agreement passed among t

Sleep came slowly that night as the events of the day lingered in my thoughts long after the manor had fallen silent. The gratitude of the people in the sanctuary, the warmth of the children in the town square, and Damon’s unexpected defense of my authority replayed in my mind until they blended into a confusing mixture of hope and caution.I refused to let a few thoughtful gestures erase the memory of my wedding day, respect was not love and courtesy was not devotion. A marriage could survive on respect, but my heart could not afford to mistake it for something more.When dawn finally arrived, I was already awake. After dressing in a simple lavender gown suitable for work rather than ceremony, I decided to explore the eastern gardens before breakfast. Iris offered to accompany me, but I encouraged her to finish her own meal first.“I promise I won’t wander far.”She hesitated before smiling “If anyone asks, I shall pretend I believed that.”A soft laugh escaped me “I appreciate your