" Friend , " Raymond cut in sharply . " You're my friend , Giana , and I won't have you mistreated . " He turned to his father . " She's under my protection . That should be enough . " Alpha Marcus looked between Giana's tearful face and Raymond's defiant expression , then to me . I kept my expression neutral , though inside I was screaming . " Very well , " he said finally . " But there will be no more of these ... friendship tokens . It creates unnecessary confusion . " After they left , Giana rounded on me in the empty hallway , her demeanor instantly transforming . The tears vanished , replaced by resentful spite . " Must be hard , " she hissed , " having to pretend your fake engagement is real . " " Careful , Giana , " I warned quietly . " If you truly care about Raymond , you'll behave . His father is already suspicious . One more mistake , and you won't just be removed from the pack house - you'll be exiled from pack lands entirely . " Raymond stepped between us . " That's enough , Aurora . Don't threaten her . " I stared at him , incredulous . " I just saved both your necks , and you're scolding me ? " Instead of answering , Raymond turned to Giana , cupping her face with tender affection . " Don't worry , love . This marriage with Aurora is nothing but a contract - a political necessity . You are my only true love , my real Luna . " The naked adoration in his eyes as he led her away left me feeling hollow . I stood alone in the hallway , the weight of my lies pressing down on me . " Single band , huh ? " I turned to find Kane leaning against the wall , watching the scene with barely disguised amusement . " How long have you been there ? " I asked , too drained to summon any real anger . " Long enough , " he replied , pushing off the wall to stand beside me . " Your ring doesn't match his at all , does it ? " I didn't answer , but my silence was confirmation enough . " You're better than this , Aurora , " he said quietly . I walked away without responding . I couldn't afford to think about what I deserved or didn't deserve . Not anymore . *** 1/2 Chapter 22 +15 BONUS Two weeks before the wedding , Luna Elena scheduled my final wedding dress fitting . The designer had created something truly spectacular - a gown fit for a princess , with delicate beadwork that caught the light like dewdrops . " Raymond will be there this time , " Luna Elena promised , squeezing my hand . " I've made him clear his schedule . " I nodded , not bothering to hope . Sure enough , an hour before the appointment , Raymond called . " Aurora , I'm so sorry , " he began , the excuse already forming . " Giana's having another panic attack about the upcoming full moon ceremonies . I need to stay with her . " " Of course you do , " I said flatly , ending the call before he could hear the tremor in my voice . The bridal boutique was empty when I arrived , reserved exclusively for the future Luna's final fitting . The attendants fussed over me , helping me into the elaborate gown with its cathedral train and delicate veil . As I stood on the pedestal surrounded by mirrors , I was bombarded by memories - Raymond and me as children , planning our future wedding during play sessions ; adolescent dreams whispered under starlight ; the years spent preparing to be his Luna , learning pack law, healing , and diplomacy . All of it leading to this empty moment , preparing to walk down the aisle to a man who would never love me . A single tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it . " Miss Aurora ? " the attendant asked , concerned . " Is something wrong with the fit ? " I shook my head , unable to speak past the lump in my throat . Then , through the haze of my emotion , I heard voices - the boutique owner speaking to someone who had just arrived . My heart leapt foolishly . Had Raymond come after all ? The curtain to my fitting room was drawn back , and there stood Kane . His usual smirk vanished as he took in the sight of me in my wedding dress , his eyes widening slightly . The boutique owner beamed , mistaking his presence . " Perfect timing ! " she exclaimed . " We were just making the final adjustments . " She turned to me with a conspiratorial wink . " Your man is a handsome one , isn't he ? You make such a beautiful couple . " Kane's eyes met mine in the mirror , something unreadable flickering in their depths . " Isn't your fiancée beautiful ? " the woman prompted him , but Kane remained silent . 2/2 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!