Chapter 4
The crystal dome fractured the light into a kaleidoscope of colors, casting prismatic patterns across the room.
At the center, the infinity pool mirrored the gilded chandeliers, rose petals swirling on its surface like drops of blood. Bellona teetered on twelve - centimeter crystal stilettos, her pearl - encrusted veil framing a saccharine smile as she clung to Arther's arm, gliding towards the velvet - draped stage.
I lingered at the back of the guest - filled hall, my right hand clenched around the wolf's tooth pendant.
Images of Nelson's blood - stained hand pressing the pendant into mine flashed before my eyes, overlapping with Arther's immaculate suit - clad form.
As I lifted my gaze to the stage, our eyes met.
Arther's pupils constricted, and his steps faltered ever so slightly.
Suddenly, Bellona's shrill scream pierced the air.
"What is that?!"
Her French - manicured finger, pointed accusingly at my chest. "Ava! Why are you wearing a pendant that matches Arther's?!"
The ballroom erupted into a frenzy of whispers.
Before I could utter a word in defense, Arther's alpha growl shook the air.
His eyes glowed with a feral light as he stalked down the steps.
"Restrain her!" he barked at the guards.
In one swift motion, his hand closed around my necklace, yanking it so hard that the chain snapped.
"Nothing but a worthless trinket I picked up a decade ago."
The wolf's tooth pendant spun through the air, shining moment before plummeting into the depths of the pool.
A primal howl ripped from my throat, and without a second thought, I vaulted over the ornate railing.
The icy water enveloped me like a shroud, but I barely felt the cold.
All I could think of was retrieving the last piece of Nelson.
Arther's enraged roar echoed above the surface, mingling with the shocked cries of the guests. "Leave her! Let the mutt drown!"
I thrashed through the water, my hands scraping against the pool tiles, leaving behind trails of blood.
Saltwater stung my eyes and filled my lungs, but I refused to give up.
Five excruciating hours passed before I finally dragged myself out of the pool.
Soaked to the bone, I staggered towards the cemetery, leaving a trail of water in my wake.
The moonlight cast an otherworldly glow on Nelson's tombstone.
I sank to my knees, trembling fingers tracing the contours of his photograph. "I'm sorry... I failed you."
Suddenly, the sound of pounding footsteps shattered the silence.
Arther loomed over me, his tie askew and wedding cake smeared across his jacket.
His grip on my wrist was vice - like. "Who is this man?!"
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