Like a truck, the words struck.

Selene was still. Her breath caught in her throat as her mouth fell open. At her sides, her fingers curled gently. Her feet never moved, yet the room whirled. A moment ago, she had smiled, eagerly anticipating the night that would become the most memorable of her life. The night she learned Alpha Luca was her mate was the one she had been excited for since turning eighteen.

Now, though? Her entire universe was now shifting sideways.

No. No, the event isn't taking place. Tell me that the event isn't taking place.

She glanced again and blinked. It was a genuine voice. Chiara, the woman who said it, was also real. She was, in fact, Chiara's identical twin. Her sister.

"You must be kidding," Luca whispered.

He wasn't angry, though. His features and voice were different. Was he grinning?

He was content.

Joyful.

Selene's body began to tremble. She glanced from Chiara's radiant face to Luca's stunned gaze, her lips quivering.

Her gathering. It was her time. Her life.

Everything was taken.

Chiara grinned smugly as she turned to face the throng. She sounded as if she wanted everyone to hear her. Alpha, I'm not kidding. I decided tonight would be the ideal time to convey the news of our baby's arrival."

Like he was in some corny fairy tale, Luca caught her before she could finish and carried her off the ground.

"You’ve made me the happiest man, Chiara."

Selene flinched, as if someone had struck her. They were behaving as though she had never been there.

In her chest, her heart cracked.

Her voice was hardly audible as she moved ahead. "What is this? Perhaps it's a birthday prank?

No response.

Selene and Chiara didn't even share a similar appearance. The twins were fraternal. According to her father, she resembled the lady who left them too closely. He detested her for resembling the lady who left them. He was passionate about Chiara. He wanted to remember the way Chiara looked.

Luca was also aware of that. He had no choice. He couldn't have misidentified either of them. The error could not have occurred after a year of cohabitation. This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't touched her. The bond remains unfinished.

Chiara turned, a phony look of worry on her face. "Oh, Selene. Why would you fall for a prank? You're not relevant enough for that.

Don't apologize.

Only ice.

She recalled the falsehoods Chiara had told her as a child. She accused Selene of smashing their father's favorite mug on that particular day. Chiara received praise for speaking the "truth," while Selene suffered from hunger and abuse that day.

Mistreatment.

I am constantly focused on her.

Selene dragged her feet, struggling to stay upright as she stood in front of Luca. "You organized this party to manipulate me, Luna," she uttered, her voice breaking. Correct? Isn't that the reason I'm here?

His next words crushed whatever remained of her as he met her gaze.

"Selene, this is a party for Chiara. She asked me to let you come, which is why you're here. "I have something important to share," she said.

She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

"You are my friend! She's my sister! Right now, can you even hear yourself?

Everyone in the room appeared to hold their breath.

He yelled, "Watch your tone, woman."

His voice was like a whip, piercing her.

"Once you revealed your true identity, you no longer served as my partner." You weren't. It has always been Chiara. We have spent the entire year together.

Her legs gave way. For balance, she clung to a nearby table.

No. It wasn't real. It isn't possible.

She took a deep breath. "Chiara has had a partner for a year. A year ago, she met him. Matteo.

"Oh, spare me the victim act," hissed Chiara. "Matteo rejected me because of" you."

It hurt. deep.

Selene looked around the room at everyone's faces. unfamiliar people. adversaries. There were no friends in sight. Aside from that, where was Matteo?

Where had he gone?

You should not be in this place.

Her father, however, was. He stood quietly on the edge of the throng. observing. not taking any action. As usual.

Chiara leaned closer. She touched Selene's ear with her breath. "Are you trying to find Matteo?" Matteo is currently in prison. No one turns down Chiara Moretti and gets away with it. Tonight, Luca will endure the consequences for naming me Luna. Each day. throughout the remainder of his days.

Selene let out a gasp. "No... You can't do this. You're not Luna. Not even pregnancy is an option. This assumption is incorrect.

Chiara grinned. It's all your fault. I wouldn't have required Luca if he hadn't turned me down for you. And let's be honest, he's stronger than your pitiful Matteo anyhow."

Selene tried to stop the tears by blinking hard. Chiara had not yet reached her destination.

Furthermore, let's not act as though you would be a suitable Luna. You are hardly able to maintain your composure. Selene, you're a complete mess. You are a useless and broken mess.

Selene's hands did not move.

She was just standing there one second. The next moment, she was pulling Chiara's head back while holding onto her hair. Her other hand slammed into her sister's proud face.

It reverberated. The music breaks. The crowd trembled.

Then there was stillness.

She was panting. Her ears throbbed with her heartbeat.

She became enraged.

She noticed blood.

She witnessed the reality.

She didn't cower for once. did not run.

She got to her feet.

Despite her anger, she was aware that her actions would have consequences. Already the murmurs had begun. People stared at her as if she were a monster.

She was seized from behind by someone. powerful arms. chilly hands. She didn't care who it was.

With fire in her eyes, Chiara staggered back and held her cheek. "You’ll regret that."

Selene did not recoil. Now she spoke calmly. She sounded as cool as ice.

"I already do."