Chapter 2 Vivian's POV By the time I finally make it back home, it's late-pitch-black outside-and I'm naked. I slip in quietly, heading straight to my room. Curling into the corner, I pull my knees to my chest. My eyes burn, swollen from crying all the way back. After the way Alpha Orion spoke to me, it's clear my father really doesn't have a choice. Still, I can't believe a man could be that fucking cruel-willing to throw my life away like it means nothing. What the hell am I even supposed to do as his wife? What kind of Luna would I be when he's already made it obvious he has no intention of showing me the slightest bit of respect? How would the pack look up to me if he doesn't? I think about running, but deep down I know it would be selfish-running would just get people killed. So I stay, and I cry. My life feels over before it even begins. Dragging myself over to my vanity, I pull open the drawer and take out my dream book. Flipping through the pages is like ripping open an old wound. There were so many things I wanted-becoming a doctor, fighting alongside my pack, protecting them when danger came. I trained for it. I could've been the first female Delta in my pack before Orion stormed in and ruined everything. I find the page where I described how I wanted my marriage to my mate to be-filled with love, laughter, and a bond the moon goddess herself would bless. That page might as well be a death certificate for my dreams. None of it will happen now. Orion had a mate once-she died. And now this asshole has forced me into a position where I'd have to reject whoever the goddess might have chosen for me. I'll never feel that bond. The anger hits fast. I start tearing the pages out one by one, letting them fall around me. Then I start throwing things-books, cushions, whatever's in reach-until the room is a wreck. My wolf tries to talk me down, but I'm too far gone. I'm tired. I'm furious. My life is done, and I'm only nineteen. Eventually, I collapse onto the floor and cry until sleep drags me under. Morning comes with my father's gentle voice waking me. Part of me wishes I hadn't woken at all, but I keep that to myself. He doesn't need more pain on his shoulders. "I'm sorry, little one," he murmurs, pulling me into a hug. "I wish I had another way." His voice cracks just enough to tell me how much this is tearing him apart. "I'm not mad at you, Daddy," I say, trying to ease the weight he's carrying. My father's whole life has been about compromise for the sake of peace-giving up the Alpha title so the pack wouldn't splinter, accepting the Delta position from his brother to keep the peace. He's always believed in avoiding bloodshed, even when it cost him. And now, here we are. "I'm not mad at you," I repeat, and he hugs me tighter. "You have to be strong, my child. I've heard Alpha Orion isn't a kind man," he warns. I don't tell him I already know-so I just nod. "Please get dressed. The wedding is happening this evening," he says. My wolf practically rams against my ribs, wanting to bolt. But we're stuck together-she can't ditch me, and I can't ditch her. We'll just have to live with it. "Why so soon?" I ask, frowning. "He said you confronted him yesterday." My father's tone tells me there's more, but I don't need him to say it. I know exactly what Orion's doing. I pissed him off, and now he's getting his revenge in the pettiest way possible-by rushing the wedding. "Get up, dear. Ms. Ember is here to help you get ready." He stands and helps me up. The last thing I want is to look beautiful for this wedding. Honestly, I'd rather walk down the aisle in my pyjamas just to show him how little I care-but my father would never allow it. I drag myself to the shower, stand under the hot water, and cry until the heat runs out. That was my last night in my father's house, and I didn't even know it. Kova-my wolf-was right. We should never have gone to confront him. I thought seeing me would make him change his mind. Instead, it had the opposite effect. Now the wedding is hours away. When I step out, Ms. Ember is already in my room with an array of brushes and bottles. She gets to work on my nails first. "You need to cheer up, dearie," she says in that too-bright tone people use when they're lying to themselves. I don't even look up. "Easy for you to say," I mutter, and her smile falters. Her eyes glisten before she speaks again. "My heart goes out to you, Viv. We all know you're doing this so we don't get killed. I wish the bastard would find another way, but he won't. Everyone is sad, and I wish things were different. If your uncle hadn't antagonized Alpha Orion, maybe we'd still have our pack. My mate died in that fight-before he could even claim me. I'm forty, Viv, and I'll never have love unless the moon goddess gives me a second chance. I understand your pain." Her words hit me hard, and I blink rapidly, trying not to cry. "It's okay, dearie, you can cry. It's just us here," she says softly. That's all it takes. I break down completely. The rest of the afternoon blurs together. I go numb, letting her work without caring what she's doing. When she's done, she begs me to look in the mirror. I refuse. She eventually gives up and leaves. My father comes in not long after, dressed neatly, ready to walk me to the garden. We arrive at the venue right at five. The garden is filled with pack members, most of them crying. Orion's guards stand like a wall around the perimeter. The whole setup screams last-minute-music coming from a beat-up jukebox, cheap folding chairs, nothing decorated. Not that I care. This isn't supposed to be a fairytale anyway. When my father and I step onto the makeshift aisle, silence falls. I feel eyes on me-men staring with obvious interest-but I don't give a damn. The dress Orion sent is long but sheer in all the wrong places. Lace clings to my skin without covering much. I feel practically naked. Then I see him-or rather, I don't. Orion isn't even here. Standing at the altar is the brown-haired asshole from his house. I frown and lean toward my father. "What's going on?" "He's representing Alpha Orion. The Alpha couldn't make it-he's busy at the office." I've never felt so humiliated. Who the hell skips their own wedding? This is a first for me. The ceremony is over before I know it. No reception. No celebration. Just a formality. The brown-haired man drives me straight to Orion's house, leads me to a bedroom, and hands me off like a package. "How do I change out of this?" I ask, glancing at the gown. "There are slacks in the wardrobe," he says casually. Slacks. On my wedding night. Guess I was right-this marriage is not going to be normal. When I realize I'm not in the master bedroom, I figure I'm sleeping alone. I take a shower, strip down to my underwear, and crawl into bed. My wolf stays quiet, which almost worries me more than if she were yelling. I let a few more tears slip before finally passing out. Title: Crown of Vengeance In "Crown of Vengeance" by CrushReel, delve into a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. Unravel the intricate web of deceit as a woman's life is shattered by family secrets and a tragic twist of fate. Amid themes of revenge, family dynamics, and dark revelations, this ongoing drama unfolds within the walls of a mysterious mansion where past wrongs resurface to haunt the present. Discover the depths of human emotion as our protagonist navigates a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. What sets "Crown of Vengeance" apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the quest for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Available to read at CrushReel, this story promises a riveting journey through the shadows of the past towards a future where truth may ultimately prevail.