Chapter 1 Chapter 1

ANELISA'S POV

I wistfully stared at the mirror, my palm on her hair as I brushed mildly. A whisper of sadness lingers around my eyes as my heart flips.

The room we were in was a sanctuary of elegance. It spoke of wealth and lay nestled within the castle's stone wall.

The air lingers with the sweet fragrance of burning candles, the scent of lavender.

The soft golden light from the sun travels from the window, illuminating the classical room.

Her eyes radiated as if her beauty couldn't be measured. Her hands tasted different jewelry and for a moment, I imagined being in her place soon.

"You have a beautiful ring", her voice distracted me and I shuddered, jerking me back to reality.

"Oh, thank you" I responded, my sad face gave room for a smile. My cheeks flushed red.

It was from my mate, Peris, and she was aware of that. She always vouches for us.

It's the only thing I have of him yet, once he returns from the war, he'll free me from this hellish life. And soon I'll be treated the way I want by my love. A smile formed on my face when I thought of that. It would be great to have him back.

Today, it's her marriage rite with an alpha whom she barely introduced me to. Her life was secretive, but I always voiced mine to her.

Soon, I'll be wearing the wedding dress, having to look so perfect to please my mate, my love.

The thought of that topples an overwhelming sensation inside him as his image fills my mind.

"I'm nervous" she whispers, holding my hand and I lean my head closely to see the side of her face.

My hands were placed on her shoulders.

Hypatia was a friend, my hope and stepsister.

The only reason I chose to survive in a pack where everyone wanted me dead because I was wolfless. I was already used to them anyway.

I wasn't always wolfless as the daughter of Alpha Kian, and the supposed next of kin.

However, I lost it, including the title, and I don't think I'd regret it because it's all for love. It is for one person.

No one knows, and it's a secret I intend to keep until death.

"It's okay, it's a feeling everyone gets at the wedding", I responded, trying to cheer her up, but I felt sober, as if I'd be missing her.

I'd just be stuck with my stepmom and father, who make life miserable for me.

"Hey, you're brave Anelisa" she encouraged, and we both chuckled, but I stopped when my stepmom walked by.

Anxiously, I gave a bow, and a silent escaped her lips.

"Hypatia! I told you not to let her get close to you. She's bad luck and I just hope this wedding doesn't get ruined!" She cursed, and I ducked my head, refusing to look at her.

Her words hit hard and Hypatia only let out a silent sigh while rising from her chair.

She stood radiant, her delicate silk gown sticking to her slender frame, it glowered, casting an enchanting spell.

Her veil floated around her face, her eyes bright.

As she moved, the silk rustled, she was a goddess, a bride and I was transfixed by her loveliness.

"Anelisa, go get the laundry done" Hypatia beckons while gesturing to me to take out the piles of clothes on the bed.

I nodded gladly as her mother rolled her eyes with an expression of contempt while beckoning her that they had to leave.

Even though I was more like a servant in this house, I still see her as a friend. I never take anything from her to heart.

Once I get the laundry done, I'll join them at the marriage hall.

My eyes watched as they faded from my sight, and the door slammed against my face.

My crescent fell but then, my smile didn't, he'd be back tomorrow and his return meant I'd leave this hell of a place without caring to look back.

Heaving a sigh, I picked up the basket of dirty clothes and paced out, but before that, I made sure to make her room tidy. Even adding some fragrance to make it smell like heaven. I know she loves it whenever the book smells this way.

Once I was done with the laundry, I rushed down the hallway with some roses and embroidery as a gift which I prepared myself.

However, I wasn't let in. There were two intimidating bodyguards standing side by side.

Their eyes were feasting on me, poised and sturdy while their faces wore a mockery look. The look I'd always get from everyone in the pack.

I wasn't expecting to be honored after my father clearly declared me a slave, and I've been treated as one all my life.

The marriage union was only for the prestigious members of society and invited guests. Even though I was part of the family, I was still a peasant. A nobody, a wolfless being that no one cares about.

Somehow, I was curious to witness such a moment for once. To scream congratulations on her face. This was her day, and I'd planned to celebrate it with her happily, to show her I was grateful for the little friendship we shared.

I wore a forlorn gaze, staring at my chapped cold fingers that were going numb from too much washing and praying in my heart to the moon goddess.

I was just by the entrance door, lost in thoughts on how to get in, not when the large door glides open.

I fluttered my eyes at some guests who were walking inside. Nervously, I peeped inside before these bodyguards would close the door.

However, I suddenly stood frozen, my heartbeats

stop and also my dreams were shattered as I lost my breath.

The man who was holding Hypatia hand in hand walking down the aisle was Peris, my mate.