ire

ven form a conscious th

ilently in two swift strides. My hand shot out

low and urgent, laced with

around. Her face was a mess of tears and ruined makeu

ked, her voice thin an

force the sharp end of the hairpin into her throat

, my voice sharp but steady, tr

antage of her hesitation, I snatched the hairpin

e my tone commanded absolute attention. "You d

t the wooden wall, letting out a bitter, broken laugh. "Would you want to marry

e my father was preparing my dowry, he was also preparing my funeral arrangements. Rathe

t. Because I have absolutely no desire to marry t

ward the main hall of the temple where Erich was seated. Alph

one not want

l like you to die so young. So, here is my proposition: I am willing to trade places

ryant. You are about to marry Alpha Erich, the man who will likely become the next Alpha King. I am walking straigh

ly two options right now. Either you kill yourself and I won'

limmest chance of surviva

nsidered a blessing from the Moon Goddess. Even though Anabel couldn't fathom why Claire would make such a cra

e nodded frantically.

shable by death. If our intentional identity swap is exposed, it won't just be our heads. It will be considered blasphemy a

adly serious. "I know. I will

e. But you must be mentally prepared. If Erich accepts you, you will rightfully be his Luna. But if he rejects you, the marriage will be annul

f... what if we are exposed, and both Erich and Caiden

you complete the ceremony with Erich, the bond will be forged, and you will carry his pack's scent. Caiden, as a dominant Alpha, would never accept a bride who has alrea

he dropped to her knees,

at man-eating demon Caiden, I am already endlessly grateful. I wouldn't dare greedily cove

new her place. I quickly p

ur paths to cross. I couldn't bear to watch a life fade away i

an wearing the black and silver uniform of the Bl

ce devoid of any warmth. "The rain