Chapter 179
No. I’m not. Not having being given a second chance people would kill for. Not after screwing it up and ending up back in this chair. Somehow.
I straighten, smoothing the lace over my thighs. “Wanting more is how you lose everything.’
“…That’s very pessimistic for a bride about to walk down an aisle.”
“Or realistic.”
She laughs, then squeezes my shoulders. “Ellie, you need to learn to give things second chances.” I freeze. “You’re strong. You’ve survived tests worse than a ceremony and a kiss. I promise, good things are coming. Like your husband who is a total
smoke show!”
“Sarah!”
A knock sounds at the door.
“Time,” someone calls softly.
Sarah steps back and beams at me. “Okay, Luna.”
“Don’t.”
She grins wider. “Okay, bride. Go get that smooth and show everyone how beautiful you are.”
I stand slowly. The dress settles around me like a cascading wave of lace and silk.
I glance once more at my reflection. I look…beautiful. Like the moon goddess herself. Hair pin up in silver and jewels, a white rose to my ear, a veiling long over my face and back.
I want to smile.
I can’t.
This is for my mother.
I lift my chin.
I can survive a wedding. Again.
I just hope I can survive what comes after it.
Dominic POV
The reception before the ceremony is less a celebration and more like a battlefield in tailored suits. Lately, that’s all this wedding felt like.
Like it’s not about Ellie and I at all.
Every handshake matters. Every nod. Every half smile that says I see you, I remember, I will not forget this alliance.
I move through the crowd with practiced ease. My mother floats somewhere near the council members. My father stands like a statue carved from expectation. Important pack leaders watch me with careful eyes, measuring whether I look steady enough to lead them.
I do. And I am.
On the outside.
Inside, I am counting seconds.
+30 Bonus
“So do you think the northern trade routes are in the right hands with the Narvarian’s?” One of the older council members beacons me as I pass. Sir Brimel.
I pause.
“Of course,” I say with a smooth smile. “The routes have been guarded by the family for decades. They have been nothing but loyal.”
“Loyal,” He says with a tip of his head. “You’ll be an interesting one to see rise, my boy.”
I hold my grin and nod. They aren’t wrong to question. I don’t mind proving.
Suddenly, the main the doors open, and everyone is startled. The bride isn’t supposed to be out for a few more minutes. No music playing. I glance as a few people gasp.
Vivian.
She steps through the doors with a flower in hand, a white rose. She looks…like a doll. Perfect, porlien, with never ending
blonde curls.
This wound’t be a problem.
If the gown wasn’t almost… white. Not technically white. Something dangerously close to it. Eggshell. Champagne. Whatever polite word was it for it.
My eyes narrow as the conductor of the orchestra rushes to start playing the bride’s opening song.
My hand claps to his shoulder, stopping him. Shaking my head.
Sir Brimel glances over my shoulder and smiles. “Ah, an early arrive. Your brideis stunning.”
My jaw tightens.
“That is not my bride,” I say smoothly, turning just enough to make it clear. “That is Vivian. Her sister. Half-sister.”
The elder blinks, embarrassed. “Ah. Of course. A thousands pardons.”
I hesitate for only a second. Trying to make excuses in my head. Problem solve. Then Ellie’s rage, all of our past arguments flush
through me.
Then it hits me.
It doesn’t matter what I think. Ellie’s not here to solve her sister. And she shouldn’t have to.
I excuse myself mid-conversation and cross the room toward her, ignoring the way voices lower as I pass, heading right for Vivian.
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