The power that surged through me was undeniable. I wasn’t weak. I wasn’t an Omega. But after years of being told I was worthless, I hesitated. What would they do if they knew the truth? If they had already cast me aside as an Omega, how would they react to a secret I had kept from them?
So, I hid it. No one knew. No one, except Owen.
Alpha Owen. My mate.
He promised me everything—acceptance, love, a place by his side. Tonight was supposed to be the night he kept that promise. Tonight, after his father’s retirement ceremony, he would claim his title as Alpha. And once the celebrations settled, he would announce me as his mate.
At least, that was what I believed.
I made my way to his quarters, my heart pounding with anticipation. The halls were still filled with the echoes of celebration, but I barely heard them.
I reached his door. Took a breath. Pushed it open.
And the world as I knew it ended.
Mara lay on the floor, motionless, her lifeless eyes staring at nothing. The scent of blood hung thick in the air. Owen stood above her, his hands trembling, a bloodied knife clutched between his fingers.
I couldn’t breathe.
“What… what happened?” My voice barely came out.