I turned my head in disgust and strode away.

Back in my chambers, curled up on my soft bed, my mood hadn't improved one bit. I touched my throat, which was perfectly fine, but the phantom pain of the nightmare made me shudder.

In the dream, Darian had been my savior and my executioner. He gave me the sweetest fantasy and the most brutal ending.

I shook my head, forcing the thoughts away. The Moon Goddess had given me a glimpse of the future, a second chance. I would not make the same mistake again.

The next day, I went to the royal court to pay my respects to the Alpha King, as was custom.

As I passed the garden, I heard familiar voices.

"Darian, did I do something wrong? Is that why Miss Bella is so angry?" Fiona’s voice was laced with grievance.

I hid behind a thick bush and watched as Darian pulled her into a comforting embrace.

"She's the one throwing her weight around. It has nothing to do with you. Just be patient. Once I deal with the Snow Ridge Pack and unite the werewolves, she'll have nothing to be arrogant about. Then, I'll drag her here and let you do whatever you want to her."

My fists clenched unconsciously. I fought to keep my fury in check.

A flicker of joy crossed Fiona’s face, but she quickly put on a show of concern. "But Alpha Kael of the Snow Ridge Pack is so powerful. What if we anger Miss Bella and she uses her song to help him?"

Her voice started to break.

"It's all my fault. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have offended her... Maybe you should just marry her. My feelings don't matter compared to the great cause of uniting the packs."

Darian frantically wiped her tears away, his voice urgent and soothing.

"Fiona, what are you talking about? I told you, this 'fated mate' business is just a joke from the Moon Goddess. You are the only one I truly love! Everything I'm doing is to make you the most noble Luna of all!"

Fiona still looked unconvinced. Seeing this, Darian’s tone became smug.

"Don't worry, Bella is head over heels in love with me. In that dream, she sang for an entire night just to help my pack through the Blood Moon. When I returned victorious, she ran to congratulate me. God, her voice was so hoarse and ugly."

"So I just killed her with one strike. Considered it revenge for you."

Fiona let out a small laugh. "She's such an idiot. It's a shame I couldn't see the look on her face."

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood. My eyes burned.

So, he knew. He had sensed the dream too. The Goddess’s warning to me was nothing more than a bragging right for him.

All my love, all my devotion, was just a stupid joke in his eyes.

Darian was still gloating. "So, when Bella says she won't choose me, she's just playing hard to get."

"Attacking me yesterday was just a jealous tantrum. I bet she's regretting it right now."

"When I need her, all I'll have to do is snap my fingers, and she'll come running like an obedient dog."

"And after I'm done using her power to unite the packs, I'll toss her to my warriors as a plaything. Then, I'll marry you, my one and only Luna, in a grand ceremony."