Mute

Chapter 36

Aria’s POV,

The next day, Lena and I arrived at the pack’s grand hall, our footsteps sounding on the cobblestones as we approached the buzzing place of the preparations.

The air was thick with the scent of roses and the sounds of hurried footsteps, laughter, and excited chatter.

“Are you sure about this, Aria?” Lena asked, her voice tinged with concern as she gripped my arm. Her eyes scanned the vibrant scene before us.

I nodded, my heart steady despite the memories. ‘I need to see this through, Lena. I need to know that I’m making the right decision.

We moved closer to the grand hall, where workers were meticulously setting up rows of white chairs adorned with satin ribbons.

A massive archway covered in roses and ivy stood at the far end, framing the spot where Caspian and Ellen would exchange their vows. The sight was grand, impressive, but it left me cold.

“Look at all these people, Lena murmured, her eyes wide. “I didn’t expect it to be so… elaborate.

Guests were arriving in droves, dressed in their finest attire. They mingled and chatted, their faces alight with excitement. I could hear snippets of their conversations, all centered around the impending unions

“Did y

you

hear about Ellen’s gown? They say it’s imported from the Moonstone pack.” “And Caspian, such a handsome Alpha. They’re going to make a stunning couple.”

I clenched my fists at my sides, my expression neutral. The noise, the decorations, the people–it was all so overwhelming. But I couldn’t back down now. I had come this far, and I needed to see it through.

As we moved further into the throng, I spotted Caspian’s beta, Elijah, directing some of the preparations. He caught sight of us and made his way over, a warm smile on his face.

“Aria, Lena, he greeted us, his tone friendly. “What brings you here today?”

Lena glanced at me, her support steady. I took a deep breath and met Elijah’s gaze. ‘I

Chaper

wanted to see the preparations. It’s a big day for the pack

Elijah’s expression softened as he looked at me over. “You look beautiful, Aria. That dress suits you

I

Thank you, I signed, ensuring 1 appeared calm. His compliment was kind, but it didn’t change anything.

“It’s a big day indeed, Elijah continued, his eyes flicking around the busy scene. “Everything needs to be perfect.”

I nodded, my gaze following his before signing, I understand. It’s a significant event for

everyone

He studied me for a moment, then smiled. “Well, you’re welcome to stay and see everything. Just enjoy the day.”

Thank you, Elijah, I signed, appreciating his kindness. He nodded and moved on, leaving us to continue our exploration.

Lena turned to me, her eyes full of questions. “Aria, what are you hoping to find here?”

I looked around, taking in the vibrant decorations, the joyful faces, the evident excitement in the air. ‘I don’t know, nothing at all.

We found a spot at the edge of the crowd, close enough to see everything but far enough to remain inconspicuous. I watched as more guests arrived, filling the rows of chairs and adding to the buzz of anticipation. My emotions were of bitterness and lingering resentment, but not pain, Casian had hurt me, and no grand ceremony or kind words would erase that.

“Aria, Lena whispered, her voice barely audibile above the din. “Are you really ready for this?”

I turned to her, a lump forming in my throat I don’t think I’ll ever be ready, Lena. But I need to face it. I need to see it for myself:

She nodded, understanding in her eyes. “I’m here for no matter what.

You

We stood there together, watching as the final touches were added to the decorations, as the guests continued to arrive, as the stage was set for the uni of Caspian and Ellen.

The air was thick with anticipation, but beneath it all, I felt a deep, gnawing sense of injustice. This was the day Gaspian would marry another, and I had to find a way to accept it.

20

But as the minutes ticked by and the preparations neared completion. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to change. I didn’t know what, but I knew one. thing for certain my heart was far from ready to forgive.

In no time, all the seats were filled, and the wedding commenced. The grand hall buzzed with activity, decorated to perfection with cascading floral arrangements and glittering decorations that sparkled under the afternoon sun. Caspian’s and Ellen’s parents sat at the front, their faces was of pride and joy, while relatives filled the rows behind them, chattering excitedly.

The pack elder stood at the front, his presence commanding and dignified as he prepared to begin the ceremony. The air was thick with anticipation, each guest leaning forward in their seats, eager for the union to commence.

I stood at the back, observing the scene with a detached curiosity. The noise and grandeur of the event seemed to blend into a distant hum as my focus zeroed in on the proceedings.

A hush fell over the crowd as Caspian emerged. Dressed in a two–piece black suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and athletic build, he looked every bit the dashing Alpha. His hair was slicked back, highlighting the sharp angles of his face, but his jaw was tightly clenched, and his eyes held a stormy intensity that suggested he had been in a confrontation.

Despite the clear signs of his distress, the women and young girls in the pack couldn’t contain their admiration.

“Look at him, so handsome, one whispered.

“He looks like a true Alpha, another added, her eyes wide with admiration.

“He’s perfect,” a young girl sighed, her voice filled with awe.

my eyes

I couldn’t help but roll at their fawning. Caspian might look the part of the perfect groom, but I knew better. I knew what lay beneath that polished exterior. As he side–stepped the entourage and made his way to the front, his movements were precise and controlled, but there was a rigidity to his posture that betrayed his inner conflict.

entourage and made his way to the front, his m

The pack elder cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness the union of our Alpha, Caspian, and his chosen

Luna, Ellen.

A ripple of excitement ran through the crowd, but Caspian remained stoic. His fa

a mask of control, yet the tension in his eyes was unmistakable. He

but there was a shadow of something darker in his ev

face

3/6

I watched him closely, my feelings were of bitterness and satisfaction. This was the n cho had once held my heart, only to shatter it without a second thought. Now, as he stood there, surrounded by adoration and expectation, I couldn’t help but feel a twis sense of satisfaction. He was caught in a web of his own making, and no amount of outward perfection could change that.

As the pack elder continued, the murmurs of admiration from the crowd persisted. 1 I saw the truth in Caspian’s eyes, the flicker of doubt and regret that he couldn’t quite hide. The women and girls might see a handsome, perfect Alpha, but I saw a man struggling with the consequences of his choices.

For now, I would watch and wait. The ceremony was just beginning, and the real test was yet to come. Caspian might be able to fool everyone else. but I could read right through him.

The grand hall finally fell silent as Ellen made her entrance. Dressed in a stunning wh gown that seemed to glow with its own ethereal light, she held a bouquet of ivory ros delicately in her hands.

Her smile was radiant, and each step she took was graceful, almost gliding, as if she w walking on air. The music, a soft, haunting melody, played in the background. underscoring the breathtaking beauty of the moment.

All eyes were on her, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy at the awe she inspire People whispered amongst themselves, their voices hushed.

“She’s absolutely gorgeous, someone murmured.

The gown fits her perfectly, another atted.

Ellen’s smile never wavered as she made her way down the aisle, her eyes locked on Caspian. For a brief moment, I almost believed in the perfection of the scene. Almost. The pack elder began the ceremony, his voice strong and steady. “We are gathered her today to witness the union of our Alpha, Caspian, and his chosen Luna, Ellen. This bond not only their love but the strength and unity of our pack.”

represen

As the elder

seemed to Poke, I couldn’t help but notice Caspian. His face, once composed,

seemed to flush a deep red. I couldn’t tell if it was from fury or something else, or maybe it was just my imagination. His jaw was clenched so tightly I feared it might shatter, and his eyes kept darting around, unable to focus on the ceremony.

Then it was time for the voys. Ellen turned to Caspian, her eyes filled with expectation and hope. The elder prompted Caspian to speak, but he stood there, lips sealed, eyes scanning the crowd with increasing desperation.

Chapter 36

A murmur of confusion flow through the guests. Ellen’s smile faltered slightly, a flic of uncertainty crossing her face. Caspian continued to search the crowd, his gaze growing more frantic. And then, his eyes locked onto mine.

My heart stopped. For a moment, the entire world seemed to shrink to just the two us. His gaze was intense, filled with a mixture of longing and regret. The air grew thi with tension as everyone followed his line of sight, their whispers growing louder.

“Caspian?” the elder’s voice broke through the tension, trying to regain control of the ceremony. But Caspian ignored him, stepping away from his spot and making his w through the crowd.

Gasps filled the room as he approached me, each step deliberate and unyielding. My breath caught in my throat, and I felt a rush of heat rise to my face. What was he doir Why was he coming towards me?

The crowd parted for him, eyes wide with shock. Ellen’s expression turned from confusion to hurt as she watched him walk away from her. My mind raced, trying to comprehend the weight of what was happening.

Caspian stopped in front of me, his presence overwhelming. He looked down at me, h expression conflicted, as if he was wrestling with the weight of his own emotions.

“Aria,” he said, his voice low and strained. “I can’t do this. I can’t marry Ellen.”

A collective gasp ran through the crowd. Ellen’s face paled, and the elder looked stunned, his mouth opening and closing as he searched for words.

I felt a mix of emotions–shock, confusion, and a flicker of vindication. But more than- anything, I felt the weight of Caspian’s gaze on me, pleading for understanding.

“You can’t do this, I managed to sign, my whole body was trembling. You made a choice, Caspian.

He shook his head, his eyes never leaving mine. “I made a mistake. I can’t marry someone else when my heart belongs to you.

The room fell into stunned silence, the weight of his words hanging in the air. For a moment, everything seemed to stand still. I could feel the eyes of everyone on us, the collective disbelief obvious.

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. ‘Caspian, this isn’t the time or place:

”

His expression hardened, determination replacing the earlier confusion: “I won’t let this

Chapter 36

go on. I won’t make another mistake.”

The elder finally found his voice, trying to regain control of the situation. “Alpha Caspian, this is highly irregular-”

But Caspian silenced him with a look, his authority as Alpha unmistakable. He turned back to me, his eyes pleading. “Aria, please.”

The tension in the room was electric, the fate of the ceremony hanging in the balance. I could feel the collective breathy of the pack, waiting to see what would happen next.

I looked around at the faces of those gathered–Ellen’s devastated expressio

n, the elder’s stunned silence, the guests‘ wide–eyed shock. And then I looked back at Caspian, seeing nothing but raw honesty i