Bound by Fate, Freed by Love

I couldn’t breathe. Not since I learned the truth.

Ivan had destroyed my pack. He had sent those wolves, left my parents clinging to life in a hospital bed. And the worst part? I was trapped here, playing the part of his devoted mate while he plotted his next move.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to claw at my own skin and erase every moment I had spent trusting him.

Instead, I was stuck in this cursed mansion, pretending everything was fine.

Damon had been my only light in this darkness. He had risked his life to save my parents, and he promised to help me see them.

But Ivan… he didn’t let me go anywhere without him.

He was watching me more closely now. Did he suspect something?

I sat by the window, staring at the moonlit garden below, gripping the edge of my chair. I had to be careful. One wrong move, and Ivan would kill Damon without hesitation.

“Lost in thought?”

The deep voice behind me made my stomach lurch.

I turned to find Ivan standing there, arms crossed, a smirk playing at his lips.

I forced a smile. “Just tired.”

His golden eyes darkened as he stepped closer. “Then let’s go to bed.”

A chill ran down my spine.

I didn’t want to sleep beside him.

But I had no choice.

The bed felt suffocating.

Ivan’s warmth pressed against my back, his breath hot against my skin. His hand slid across my waist, fingers gripping me possessively.

I flinched.

His hold tightened. “What’s wrong?”

Everything. Everything is wrong, you monster.

I shoved his hand away, my heart racing. “I’m just not in the mood.”

Ivan shifted, his body stiffening beside me.

Then, he let out a low chuckle. “Still mad about earlier?”

I stayed silent.

He turned on his side, facing me. Even in the darkness, I could feel his piercing gaze.

“Tell me, Cynthia.” His voice was softer now, almost coaxing. “What’s really on your mind?”

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to look at him. “I want to see my parents.”

His smirk vanished. The air turned heavy, suffocating.

Then, his hand shot out, gripping my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.

“You can't.”

My stomach twisted. “Why are you doing this to me?”

Ivan’s expression remained unreadable. “Go to sleep, Cynthia.”

And just like that, I knew I would get no answers from him tonight.

The days blurred together.

Ivan barely spoke to me. He was always away, handling business or whatever secret plans he had.

Damon had been gone for weeks, only sending short messages letting me know my parents were still alive. I wanted more, but I couldn’t risk pushing too hard.

And now…now I am stuck preparing for another miserable birthday.

My 25th birthday.

There was no excitement, no joy. Only dread.

I stood before the vanity, my reflection staring back at me. I looked… hollow. My once-bright eyes were dull, my skin pale.

A Luna in name only. A prisoner in reality.

The door creaked open, and a servant entered, bowing slightly. “Luna, Alpha Ivan is waiting for you in the dining hall.”

I inhaled sharply, bracing myself.

Time to play the role again.

The dining hall was lavishly decorated.

Candles flickered across the long table, the scent of roasted meats and fine wine thick in the air. A grand feast, fit for a queen.

Except the queen was a caged bird.

Ivan sat at the head of the table, that ever-present smirk curling his lips. And beside him, Beta Helena, her sharp green eyes gleaming with amusement.

I wanted to claw that smug look off her face. Instead, I lowered my gaze and took my seat.

Ivan raised his glass. “Happy birthday, my love.”

Helena let out a soft laugh, sipping her wine. “Yes, Cynthia. Another year of… blessings.”

I clenched my jaw. This was their game.

They loved humiliating me. I forced a smile, lifting my glass just to keep the act going.

Ivan leaned forward, sliding a small box toward me. “A gift.”

I hesitated, then slowly unwrapped it.

The moment I saw what was inside, my breath caught.

Photographs of me. Of my pack.

I flipped through them, my hands trembling.

Images of my parents. My people. My home—before it had been attacked.

And then…

A picture of my father, bloodied. My mother, unconscious. My people, suffering.

I felt sick. I lifted my gaze to Ivan, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why are you showing me this?”

He smiled. “Because, my love, you’ve been living in a lie.”

My heart pounded. “What are you talking about?”

Ivan leaned back, his eyes gleaming with something dark. “Your parents. The ones you worship. The ones you believe are so innocent.”

He chuckled. “They killed my parents.”

The world tilted.

“No,” I whispered.

“Yes,” Helena sneered. “Not just Ivan’s. Mine, too.”

My pulse roared in my ears. This wasn’t true.

It couldn’t be true.

“I don’t believe you,” I breathed, shaking my head.

Ivan’s smirk widened. “Believe what you want. But that doesn’t change the fact that I married you for one reason only.”

My stomach dropped.

He leaned in.

“To destroy you.”

Tears burned my eyes.

Helena let out a bitter laugh. “So cry all you want, Cynthia. But you’ll pay for what your parents did.”

The room spun.

My own mate—my husband—had never loved me.

He had only ever wanted revenge. I had been nothing but a pawn in his twisted game.