Violet’s delighted orders were met with unwavering compliance from Ronan. Not once did he object as she dictated my every move, her tone oozing mockery. My mind wandered to the countless times I had timidly asked Ronan if I could move into the Alpha’s quarters, hoping to solidify our bond. He had always refused, claiming it was “necessary for the Alpha to maintain his space and discipline.”
Instead, he would summon me when it suited him. If I dared to leave anything personal behind in his quarters, he would scold me, reminding me that boundaries were crucial. At the time, I thought it was just Ronan’s stoic nature as an Alpha—firm, disciplined, and reserved. Now, I understood the cruel truth: in his heart, I was never meant to be his Luna.
As Violet sauntered off to explore, Ronan sat down, his wolf-like eyes watching me intently. He held up his phone, flashing a message he had sent just moments earlier:
[Ayla, my union with Violet is purely political. You know you’re the one who has my heart. Don’t overthink this.]
I couldn’t suppress a bitter laugh. Ronan still thought I was a naïve omega, desperate enough to believe his lies. If he wanted to convince me that his union was fake, I decided I would play along. After all, a facade would crumble eventually. I had my own plans now.
I turned to leave and finish packing, but Violet had already made her way to the guest room. She smiled sweetly, the kind of smile that could flay you alive while keeping her hands clean.
“Miss Ayla,” she said, feigning concern. “It’s going to be so awkward for you to stay here now that Ronan and I are preparing for our ceremony. You should hurry up and find somewhere else to stay.” Her voice dripped with venom hidden beneath syrupy politeness.
Her eyes scanned the half-packed bags on my bed. She gasped in mock surprise. “Oh! You’ve already started? My, my, your taste in clothes is so similar to mine! It’s almost like Ronan picked them out himself. Isn’t that funny? I suppose we’re destined to be close.”
The realization struck like a blow to my chest. Every piece of jewelry, every article of clothing Ronan had ever given me… they had all been her style. Not mine. All along, I’d been a mirror for someone else’s reflection. A placeholder. An echo of the true Luna he’d always dreamed of. My hands trembled, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me break.