Chapter 4

"Of course, and I stand by my decision," he murmured close to her.

Her worries eased a bit, but not enough to bring her joy. Kylie had been with Wyatt for a long time, despite his engagement to her sister over the past year. However, he had never truly loved Molly; it had always been Kylie whom he desired.

Kylie was the beautiful one—strong and fierce. She was someone Alpha Declan admired and saw great potential in, believing she could make a significant impact on the world.

Kylie was well aware of how much her life meant to her family, in stark contrast to Molly's, whose life seemed to hold little value. Her younger brother Asher's life mattered even less as he fought for his survival in the hospital—a truly pitiful situation.

Turning her focus back to the front of the chapel, Kylie noticed Molly looking straight at her. Kylie’s body stiffened, her lips pressing into a thin line as she glared back.

And then she saw it.

The royal family’s ring.

Molly POV

“Welcome to the family, Molly!”

A cheerful voice echoed through the palace foyer as we stepped through the doors. I was greeted by a stunning, tall woman with curly blonde hair pulled back neatly from her face.

Her radiant features exuded both confidence and warmth, complemented by a light pink gown that accentuated her figure, lifting her bust and flaring out gracefully around her waist before gently falling to the floor.

Though we had never been formally introduced, I knew who she was well enough: Queen Goldie, Alpha King Theo’s stepmother. Theo stood beside me, his body tensing as she approached, though he remained silent as she spoke. I couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their relationship.

“You are even more beautiful up close,” she exclaimed, holding my hands tightly in hers. “Are you hungry? The cooks can prepare a meal for you!”

I wasn’t thinking about food at all; we had just finished the wedding ceremony and had enjoyed an abundance of it. Though full, I also felt nervous, which suppressed any appetite.

“No, thank you, Your Majesty,” I replied, relieved that my voice sounded steady. “I appreciate the offer, though.”

Her smile broadened as she released my hands.

“I hope you enjoyed the wedding ceremony,” she said, glancing over the custom wedding dress I still wore. “We only hired the very best to prepare the venue.”

“It was lovely,” I responded. “And my family appreciated all the gifts as well.”

“Of course,” she answered. “It’s the least we could do, considering.”

I frowned, unsure of what she meant.

“I’m sorry?” I asked, seeking clarification.

She chuckled and glanced at Theo, whose eyes flashed with a hint of anger as he stared back at her.

"This is practically a forced marriage. You’re only marrying him because he commanded it," she clarified.

"It was a prophecy," he gritted through his teeth.

Goldie rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to me.

"Whatever the reason, I know this wasn’t your choice," she said directly to me. "I don’t blame you for not wanting to marry a man with such… a reputation."

I felt Theo tense up again beside me; his neckline started turning red, suggesting his face behind the mask was also flushing. Was he embarrassed?

I couldn't believe she could be so cruel, speaking like this right in front of him. Unsure how to respond, she continued before I could gather my thoughts.

"Anyway, I’ve arranged a room for you. That way, you won’t have to stay in the same room with such a cruel and hideous monster," she said, her tone still pleasant but her words chilling. "Someone so hideous that he hides behind a mask, too ashamed to show his true face. It’s quite pathetic, really," she scoffed.

"Why is she being so mean to him?" my wolf, Ollie, whispered angrily.

"That won’t be necessary," I found my voice again, looping my arm through Theo's, which made him even more tense. "As his Luna, I’d prefer to stay in his room. If that’s alright, Your Majesty," I added, looking up at Theo to make sure he understood I was asking him, not her.

He cleared his throat, briefly meeting my gaze before addressing Goldie.

"Excuse us," he muttered.

"Of course," Queen Goldie replied, her smile becoming stiff as we walked past her.

I gave her a polite smile as I followed Theo through the foyer and towards the grand staircase of the palace.

"She gives me an odd feeling," Ollie murmured as we distanced ourselves from her.

"Maybe they aren’t close," I suggested. "I can’t imagine Alpha King Theo keeping many people as close allies."

"He might not be as bad as you think," Ollie argued.

"He’s a dangerous man, Ollie," I countered. "He kills for fun. He killed his ex-wife. I can only imagine what he has planned for me."