Chapter 23

In stark contrast to Aria's unexpected calm, Lucas was visibly nervous beside her.

He had never truly believed this day would come. After her "death," he had sunk so deeply into despair that he'd contemplated holding a mating ceremony with her ashes present-a plan his horrified parents had intervened to prevent.

Now his impossible dream had materialized. The mate who had loved him so devotedly, whom he

had come to love in return despite his best efforts not to, would finally become his Luna.

He silently promised himself that he would spend every remaining day making amends, ensuring she never regretted giving him this second chance.

As the officiant guided them through the ceremony, they reached the moment for personal vows.

Though traditionally Aria would speak first, she wordlessly passed the microphone to Lucas.

Despite having delivered countless high-stakes presentations throughout his life, Lucas found

himself uncharacteristically anxious. Though he had prepared an extensive speech, when the

moment arrived, only one sentence remained in his mind.

"Aria," he said, his voice carrying across the hushed room, "I will love you until my final breath."

The simple declaration brought unexpected tears to Aria's eyes. She began crying silently, prompting Lucas to quickly produce a handkerchief, concern etched on his features as he noticed something

deeper than joy in her expression.

Indeed, what Aria felt most acutely was profound sorrow.

alternate reality-one where those three years of calculated cruelty

become Lucas's mate today, sharing

had once discussed.

the reality remained: those events had occurred, leaving wounds so deep

gasping from nightmares

took a deep breath and

like to give you right now," she said, her

heart.

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Chapter 23

brightened with touched

he was seconds away

USB drive from Aria's hand,

screen behind

video footage-meticulously compiled evidence of Lucas's three-year campaign against

The deliberate endangerment of her life. The real Alpha Lucas Thornwood-ruthless, vindictive, indifferent to werewolf suffering-revealed himself to the whole Southern Territory's elite and millions

seemed to unfold in

the assembled guests progress from confusion to shock to

from bewilderment to frantic

confusion to dawning horror to desperate rage as he lunged

it off!" he shouted, lunging toward the control booth.

into controlled chaos, security personnel converging from

pack enforcers emerging through the main entrance,

wrists, Lucas finally regained his composure, turning to face Aria

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