"I was groomed for this life, Anne," Liana began softly, her voice laced with both bitterness and nostalgia. "From the moment I could understand words, I was taught that I would become Luna Queen. That my role was to lead, to be strong, and to marry a man who could rule by my side."
She turned, her eyes distant as though she were looking at a much younger version of herself. "I met Richard a few times before I turned eighteen. He was everything a future Alpha should be—strong, commanding, respected. We had a connection. I liked him. He liked me. We didn't think of true mates back then. We assumed we were destined for each other. It was a perfect match."