The next day crept by, every footstep outside my cell making my heart pound with anticipation. And then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, multiple sets of footsteps approached.
Owen appeared before my cell, dressed in his Alpha robes, exuding power. My heart swelled with pride.
"You did it?" I asked, barely containing my excitement. "You're Alpha now?"
"Yes," he said smoothly, a smile playing on his lips. "And it's all thanks to you, my love."
Relief flooded through me. "So… you’ll let me out now?"
"Tomorrow," he replied. "But first, I have something to show you."
Confusion flickered inside me. "What is it?"
Before he could answer, more footsteps echoed down the corridor. Cynthia stepped into view, and for a brief moment, my heart lifted—until I saw the way Owen looked at her. The way his hand settled possessively on her waist.
No.
The world tilted beneath me.
Before I could find my voice, Owen turned to Cynthia, pulling her closer. Then, right in front of me, he kissed her. Deeply.
The breath left my lungs.
It wasn’t a mistake. It wasn’t a ploy.
He kissed her with passion, with intent. And as their lips met, my world shattered into pieces.