BEYOND REDEMPTION

Kora's POV

Today is our third anniversary. The hall is filled with people pack members, allies, and guests. Everyone is smiling, offering their congratulations.

But there's one question that lingers in my mind, heavy and painful: Where is my husband?

Since I married Alpha Aaron, happiness has become nothing but a distant memory. He never once saw me as his Luna. I hold the title in name only never in my heart. I thought every Luna was to be cherished by their mate, but my own case was different.

I was so happy when Alpha Aaron marked me, i thought i have the best Alpha in the world but i was completely wrong when everything he did is to caused me pain, he even make it clear to me that he didn't love me, he just accepted me as his Luna because of what my father gave him, i can never forget that world but is still better than being rejected.

Is it really better? I thought about asking myself questions, I know the answer already, but I refused to accept it.

"Happy anniversary, Luna Kora!"

I heard a voice behind me, which made me turn around, only to see Alpha Edward stepping forward, his men flanking him like shadows. A chill runs down my spine.

Why is he here this year? Alpha Edward, the most powerful and wealthiest Alpha alive. People fear him. Even Aaron, with all his arrogance, is nothing compared to him.

He stares at me with that unreadable look cold, intense. My heart skips a beat.

"Thank you, Alpha," I murmur, bowing my head respectfully. Every woman in the kingdom would kill for a glance from him, but he's never shown interest in anyone. I wondered why he had not marked his Luna since this year, but he refused to.

Then he asks, "Where is Alpha Aaron?"

The question stings. I force a polite smile. "I'll go get him for you," I reply, turning away though the truth is, I have no idea where my husband is.

I climbed the stairs with a heavy heart. Honestly, I had no idea what I was walking into.

Something felt wrong. Ever since I stood in the hall, my body had been aching every nerve on edge. That kind of pain only comes when your mate is being unfaithful. But I didn't want to believe it. Not tonight. Not on our anniversary.

I continued up, heading toward our bedroom, hoping to find him there... but the room was empty.

My chest tightened as I turned back into the hallway. I started checking every door, searching for him, trying to hold on to hope.

Then I stopped.

There was a sound a faint noise coming from behind the door to his study.

Slowly, I walked toward it. My hands trembled as I reached for the handle. I paused when I heard it moaning.

My breath caught in my throat.

No. Please no, I whispered in my mind, praying it wasn't