CHAPTER 2

THE WEDDING

Akira's POVMy stomach was a bundle of nerves and I could barely breathe as all my resolve from last night leaked out of me.What the hell am I doing, dressed beautifully and about to walk down the aisle to the man who took everything from me and still cheated?The thought alone was enough to make me sick."Ira!" I winced as Mirvana's sickly sweet voice drew closer with the sound of her footsteps. "You are shaking. By the goddess, you look so nervous. It's your wedding, not a death sentence. Try to relax,"She chuckled and shook her head at her own private joke.Perhaps a day ago, her little chuckle might have brought a smile to my own lips, now all it did was irritate me and make me think about how dangerously close she stood to me.So close, I could wring my arm around her neck and snap it in two seconds."Jeez," She let out a breath and shook her head in amusement. "Why's your stare so intense?"I blinked and shook my head. Letting a fake smile grace my lips "Forgive me Mirvana. Just wedding nerves,""I can help with that," She gave me a nod and turned to beckon one of her maids."Brianna? Come here. Bring the cup,"I tried to tune out her voice, picking at my fingers, I stared at the worn oak double doors of the throne room that served as my wedding hall.Mirvana might know my secret. Mirvana might have my shadow blade. Dante must have told her where to find it.Fearful thoughts threatened to consume me as I struggled to keep calm."My Lady, are you okay? If you require time, I'm sure the orchestra can wait before you walk down the aisle," Claire's concerned voice broke through my haze-like state."Nonsense," Mirvana interrupted, shaking her head as she pushed a steel cup into my hands. "She'll be fine,"To me, she smiled. "Just drink,"My hands cooled around the cup as I frowned. "What's this?""Just water," Mirvana smiled encouragingly. "For the nerves,"I shook my head. The last thing I wanted was to put anything in my stomach, but from the insistent look on her face, I knew she wouldn't give up until I satisfied her."Come on," She urged, glancing at the oak doors and back at me. "It's almost time. Drink,"I kept my eyes on her face. Trying to figure out just how much Dante must have told her as I tipped my head back and downed the cup."Now take," She pushed the decorated box with my ceremonial blades into my hand and took the cup back from me.I looked straight ahead, my grip on my flower bouquet tightening as I vaguely registered her arm entwining my own.My husband's mistress walking me down the aisle. How poetic.The orchestra struck a chord."It's time Ira, remember the most important man in Ganan is here. Try to impress the Lycan King," Mirvana nudged me, her voice thick with excitement as the orchestra began to play.Walking down the aisle was relatively easy. Almost like an out-of-body experience.The beautiful music. The guests in attendance stood to their feet watching me with approving gazes. The light smell of Jasmines in the air, and Dante.My stomach lurched, pulling me back to reality as he held my hand and gave me a smile."Let us begin!" Elder Arvin announced beaming at Dante and I.The ceremony was simple and straight to the point.Dante kept whispering sweet nothings. Words that would have melted me in the past. Now I just tried to convince myself, it was all a misunderstanding and Dante would never cheat or give my secret to Mirvana."Breathe sweet girl. Breath," Rowena tried to console me as my hands trembled.I bit my lips nervously, the steel bone of my wedding corset, digging into my side as Elder Arvin picked up the marriage ribbon and wrapped it around my right wrist."Yes, I accept to take Dante Valtor. Alpha and ruler of Blood Moon Pack as my husband and chosen mate,"The words made my tongue feel like paper.Dante smiled, squeezed my hand in encouragement, and opened his mouth to speak."I accept to take—""STOP!"Mirvana's loud voice sent a bolt of panic down my stomach.My mouth popped open as I locked eyes with her and she smiled slowly."She knows," Rowena's voice was filled with dread as I began to tremble.I tried to signal Dante. Get a read on the situation as loud murmurings and gasps from the guests filled the hall."What is it, girl?" Elder Arvin snapped. "The Lycan King is here. Show some respect,""Let us continue," I tugged Dante's arm trying to urge him."GET THAT WOMAN AWAY FROM THE ALPHA!" Mirvana spat loudly. Her voice filled with fury and fake worry "She wants to kill him! She's not some powerful court lady, she's Ganan's Assassin. Akira Ishida!"The throne room exploded. My vision swam. Dante dropped my hand like it was on fire.The hall was mayhem. Commotion as Pack elders got to their feet, some royal officials ran out the door screaming in terror and a sudden sharp pain began to burrow in my brain."Mirvana stop this!" I hissed anger and fear threatening to blind me.I turned to see Dante standing behind his guards like I was some threat to his life as several royal guards surrounded me as well."Stop what? Will you deny that you tried to kill the alpha? I saw yo–""Lady Mirvana! " Elder Arvin snapped. "Lady Ira is the future Luna. This isn't a light accusation!" She sounded angry but I couldn't help but notice that she too had taken several steps back from me.I clutched my head, the pain in it was getting worse with each passing second. My blood burned hot and I tried to call Rowena for strength but she too, was weak and unable to help me."This isn't just an accusation. This is fact!" Mirvana strolled towards me, Her eyes gleaming with hatred and triumph. "She clearly tried to kill the alpha,""Don't be stupid Mirvana! Dante is not just the alpha but also my groom. Why would I try to kill him?! And you—"I shut up immediately.Oh how I wanted to tell the whole world about the cheating. Watch Mirvana suffer as she cried and apologized to me. But…To reveal the cheating would be to give up on marrying Dante. And without my power as Luna, I am nothing.A fresh wave of pain shuddered through me but I gasped gripping my silk wedding dress instead of exposing the cheating."Are you really Ganan's Assassin?" Beta Maxwell questioned. his voice was angry as the other elders murmured loudly.My mouth dried up, pain racking every length of my body."Yes, she is!" Mirvana answered for me. "She's Akira Ishida and she tried to kill the Alpha!""You bitch!" I choked out, my eyes burning. I couldn't believe this woman was my best friend."She's lying," I shook my head, trying to explain myself through the pain as I felt my legs lose all power and I crashed to the floor."Am I?!" Mirvana's taunting voice seemed to run circles around me. "Then show everyone the ceremonial blade! It's meant to be blunt and decorative but I saw you switch it!,"In that instant, I knew she had won.From the triumphant gleam in her eyes. And Dante's overwhelming silence.It was over. No use concealing the cheating, Dante would never marry me and the throne would never be mine.I opened my mouth to yell angrily. Scold her and expose her secret to the elders.But my throat had closed up. My voice failed me as the pain in my head intensified and I clawed at my throat pitifully.If General Nakim could see me now, he'd be disgusted."You're the bride aren't you?" She mocked and turned to the important guests watching with wide eyes."I can promise, she's the assassin. I saw her switch the ceremonial blade to a real one!. She planned to kill the Alpha with it as soon as they were married. So she can rule Blood Moon!"I shook my head vehemently. Unable to speak or defend myself as Mirvana's eyes teared up and her voice dropped to one of worry."I know all her plan because… Because we're best friends and I saw her switch the blade," She sniffled for good effect. "I'm only revealing it because I care about our pack and our alpha,"No. No! The words played in my head but my mouth wouldn't cooperate."Open the knife Mirvana! Let us see the blade,"Dante's voice sent shock waves down my spine. I turned an accusing gaze to him but he ignored me as she held up the ceremonial blade.The sharp metallic 'sching' of the blade being drawn from its sheath seemed to last forever as Mirvana raised it for all to see.Through my pain, I raised my head. My mouth drying up as the dark silver glint of my shadow blade reflected the light in the hall.