The wedding venue was a vision of ethereal beauty . White lilies and roses cascaded from every archway , crystal chandeliers cast dancing light across silk - draped walls , and a carpet of cream petals traced the path I would soon walk . It was perfect , like a dream pulled from my childhood imagination - except it wasn't my dream anymore . It was a beautiful facade for an ugly arrangement . I sat motionless before the vanity mirror in the bridal suite , watching the stylist place the final pearl pins in my hair . My reflection seemed like a stranger's - this poised , elegant woman in ivory lace couldn't be me . " Aurora ? " My mother's gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts . She stood in the doorway , supported by a nurse , her face pale but radiant with pride . " My beautiful girl . " I rose immediately to help her to a chair . " Mom , you shouldn't have pushed yourself to come . " She cupped my cheek . " I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world . " Her words twisted like a knife in my chest . She didn't know - couldn't know - the truth of what today really was . To her , this was the culmination of years of friendship and love between Raymond and me . " I always knew you and Raymond would end up together , " she continued , her eyes shining . " Ever since you were children . The way he looked at you , even then - like you were his whole world . " A knock at the door saved me from responding . Lilly peeked in , already dressed in her bridesmaid gown of deep blue . " It's time , " she said , her expression a careful mask of excitement that didn't quite reach her eyes . My father waited at the entrance to the ceremony hall , his expression stony . This was a business transaction to him , nothing more . " Don't embarrass us , " he murmured as I took his arm , his eyes fixed ahead . The music swelled , and the massive doors swung open to reveal hundreds of faces turned toward me . Pack members , allied wolves , family friends - all rising to watch Luna Elena's vision of a perfect wedding unfold . And there , at the end of the aisle , stood Raymond . His formal suit fit him perfectly , accentuating the Alpha strength in his shoulders . But his expression was distant , his eyes darting periodically to the side of the room where I knew Giana had been seated . Each step felt heavier than the last as I walked toward my future - this hollow future I'd resigned myself to . My father placed my hand in Raymond's , the gesture symbolic of a transfer of guardianship that made my skin crawl . Chapter 28 +15 BONUS Raymond's fingers were cold as they closed around mine . When our eyes met , I saw not love or even friendship , but grim determination . This was the final outcome of his negotiation with the Alpha - yes to the wedding , but Giana would be allowed to stay in the pack . I stood beside him as the officiant spoke of love and devotion , of bonds that would last a lifetime . The cruel irony of it all made me light - headed . I repeated vows I didn't feel , promised forever to a man who was already pledged to another . " Does anyone have reason that these two should not be joined in matrimony ? " the officiant asked . For one wild moment , I imagined Kane standing up , objecting , creating the scandal that would set me free . But the moment passed in silence . The ring Raymond slid onto my finger felt like a shackle . When the time came for him to mark me - the deepest , most intimate bond between mates - he hesitated just long enough for me to notice before leaning in . His teeth grazed my neck , sharp pressure as they broke skin . The mark burned , but it was nothing compared to the hollowness spreading through me . This was supposed to be sacred - a joining of souls . Instead , it felt like the final nail in the coffin of what we might have been . As Raymond pulled back , I caught Giana's gaze across the room . Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears , her hands clenched in her lap . She looked away quickly , but not before I saw the raw pain there . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!