Chapter 4

Marina clutched the healer's hand, her face ghostly pale as she shook her head.

She didn't want Adrian to find out she was dying. She'd rather have him hate her than watch him fall apart in grief.

The healer sighed and left the room.

Adrian sat down by the bed, a mocking smirk tugging at his lips. "What, already making moves on the healer that fast?"

His words tore straight through Marina's heart. The hurt was so brutal she could barely draw breath.

"I didn't," she explained in a low voice.

"You better not have. There is a party tonight, and they're demanding the Luna show up in person. Get ready. I'll have someone pick you up," Adrian said.

The thought of the Luna title brought a sour taste to Marina's throat.

Three years ago, after he'd believed she'd slept with his brother, Adrian dragged her over to the Moon Goddess statue at dawn the next day and forced her through the mating ceremony.

There was none of the romantic wedding she'd imagined or the gorgeous bridal gown she'd always longed for, only vicious curses.

Even the Luna's crown had been jammed hard onto her head by Adrian. "Marina, we're stuck together for life. I want you to suffer every day."

A bitter laugh slipped from Marina's throat. "I'll be there."

Outside the ward, Lucy showed up with an evening gown draped over her arm. "Marina, I rented this dress for you. It's totally your style."

Adrian dotingly grabbed Lucy's hand, tenderness practically spilling out of his eyes. "Silly girl, why are you fussing over Marina? Did you pick out a gown for yourself?"

"Marina always looked out for me, so now it's my turn to pay her back." Lucy nudged Adrian toward the ward's door. "Eyes off. I've got to help Marina change her clothes."

Marina's hands were so weak, so she let Lucy manhandle her into the gown.

Lucy had great taste. That deep-blue mermaid dress suited Marina perfectly. Once the crown was on, she looked every bit the Luna.

"Marina, do you have any idea how long I've been jealous of you?" Lucy said, fussing with the hem of Marina's dress. "Six years and ninety-nine days."

Marina stared at Lucy, whose features had turned sharp and cold. She'd never guessed this she-wolf, six years her junior, had been secretly crushing on her mate for the past six years.

"Since you saved me, I've burned with jealousy. You had an Alpha who loved you so much. I thought I'd never stand a chance. But then you threw yourself away and went after his younger brother.

"You have no idea. Even though Adrian spent every night with a different she-wolf, he was torn up inside.

"Marina, you broke his heart. You don't deserve him.

"I want to be the only one cherished by him deep down and by his side.

"And the Luna's crown? I want it for myself." Once Lucy finished fussing with Marina's dress, she suddenly slammed her head hard against the floor-standing mirror.

Lucy's scream drew Adrian rushing in from outside the ward.

Ignoring the shards that could cut through his shoes, Adrian dashed to Lucy and swept her into his arms.

Lucy clutched her bleeding forehead, sobbing her heart out. "Marina, I was only trying to help you get dressed. Why did you smash my head against the mirror once you'd put the gown on?"

Before Marina could process what was happening, she met Adrian's gaze, filled with nothing but disgust.

Adrian slapped Marina hard across the face.

The blow was so forceful that her legs gave out, and she crashed hard onto the floor.

He snapped, "Marina, I never realized you could be so cruel."

Blood spread across the hem of her mermaid dress. Her vision blurred, and she could barely make out Adrian hurrying off while carrying Lucy in his arms.

Outside the ward stood a guy she hated so much, the one she wished she could tear apart right then and there. "My noble Luna Marina. It's been a long time."