Scarlett’s POV:
Lucian’s question about the ring hung in the air between us. I stared at him, mind racing for an explanation that wouldn’t reveal how much I knew.
“Scarlett?” His voice grew worried at my silence. “Talk to me, my love.”
I lowered my eyes, letting him draw his own conclusions. It worked.
“It’s because Lily’s back, isn’t it?” He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “You’re feeling insecure.”
“If only you knew what I saw in those woods,” I thought bitterly.
“I understand she’s from a noble bloodline,” I said softly. “It’s natural for people to compare us.”
“There’s nothing to compare.” He pulled me into his arms. The same arms that had held Lily just hours ago. “You’re my Luna.And she’s just past tense, five years ago that is.”
The next morning, he arrived at breakfast looking triumphant. A familiar box sat beside my plate.
“Open it,” he urged, eyes bright with pride.
Inside lay the Heart of the Storm ring, its enchanted moonstone gleaming.
“I couldn’t let anyone else have it,” he explained, lifting it from the box. “Paid ten million over the asking price to make sure of it.”
He took my hand, sliding the ring back onto my finger. Immediately, I felt its healing magic pulse through my veins, fighting against the curse’s darkness.
“There,” he said softly. “Where it belongs. You need this ring, my love. It keeps you strong.”
I stared at the ring, remembering how he’d commissioned it specially, working with the most powerful shamans to infuse it with protective magic.
“I’ve been thinking,” he continued, pulling me closer. “Scarlett, I thought about it all night last night, I owe you so much.We never had a proper wedding ceremony. I was just becoming Alpha then, the pack was unstable…”
I tensed in his embrace, the memory of him with Lily still fresh in my mind.
“You deserved better than a quick mating ritual,” he said, misinterpreting my reaction. “Let me give you the ceremony you should have had. We’ll go try on wedding dresses today.”
The exclusive bridal boutique catered only to high-ranking pack members. The owner herself greeted us, bowing deeply.
