Chapter 3 Chapter 3 THREE

LUNETH

No one defied Drexon-not when he'd declared in that steel-edged voice that our wedding would proceed immediately in the same venue.

What about Kellan afterward? It was his own concern.

The wedding gown's lace scratched against my skin as I adjusted the ill-fitting bodice. What had possessed me to choose something so ornate? So bridal? The ivory satin suddenly felt like a costume for a role I'd never wanted to play.

We bypassed all tradition-no procession, no music, no trembling father giving away the bride. Just Drexon's large hand at the small of my back, steering us both down the aisle with the efficiency of a business merger.

The priest's nervous glance toward the Moreaux matriarch spoke volumes; he only began when she gave a barely perceptible nod.

"...to have and to hold from this day forward..."

My attention drifted during the vows. Drexon's profile was carved marble-not a single glance my way, not even when the priest stumbled over his words.

This wasn't how marriages were supposed to begin.

Then again, neither was finding your fiancé in bed with your stepsister.

"Do you take Drexon Moreaux to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

The question hit me like a physical blow. My pulse roared in my ears, drowning out the expectant silence.

If this had been Kellan standing beside me, he'd have broken these vows before the ink dried. But Drexon...

I risked a glance at him. That imposing frame radiated control, but the faint tightening around his eyes betrayed something deeper.

Fear? Doubt? Did he think I'd become a chain around his neck rather than an ally?

I won't drag you down, I wanted to say. I'll be the strength you never knew you needed.

The priest cleared his throat pointedly. Reality snapped back into focus.

"I do." The words left my lips steadier than I felt.

The priest turns to Drexon, repeating the same questions.

"I do." His voice was firm, like a robot void of any emotions.

When the priest produced the rings (where he'd gotten them so quickly, I couldn't fathom), I noted how the platinum band glinted under the chandeliers. Of course Drexon would insist on nothing less than perfection, even for this farce of a wedding.

The forced applause that followed our exchange of rings might as well have been crickets chirping for all I cared.

The deed was done. I was now Luneth Moreaux-a name that tasted like victory and vengeance on my tongue.

The Moreaux matriarch approached, her cane tapping against the marble.

"You've walked alone too long, my son," she told Drexon, her wrinkled hand patting his arm. "Perhaps this one will prove herself worthy." Her gaze flicked to me, dripping with condescension.

I barely suppressed an eye roll. Let the old bat think what she wanted-my new status was armor no one could pierce.

Movement caught my eye. Melissa and Kellan slinking toward the altar like jackals to carrion. I stepped into their path with the grace of a queen claiming her throne.

A nearly imperceptible nod from Drexon sent electricity down my spine. He's with me in this.

"Aren't you going to congratulate us, nephew?" I purred, savoring how Kellan's jaw clenched at the title.

The Moreaux family hierarchy was sacred, and I now sat comfortably above him. His nostrils flared, but he dipped his head like a chastened schoolboy.

"Congratulations... Aunt Luneth. Uncle Drexon." Each word seemed to choke him. The sweetness of that moment would linger on my tongue for years.

Melissa's turn came, her confidence crumbling like stale wedding cake. For a heartbeat, I almost pitied her-until I remembered the way she'd moaned Kellan's name this morning.

"C-Congratulations," she stammered, then added with poisonous sweetness, "May your marriage be... long-lasting."

A chill ran down my spine. In my past life, Drexon had died mysteriously within three years of this date.

Not this time, I vowed silently. I'll rewrite our fates.

The guests' whispers swirled around us-

"How gauche!"

"The sister became the aunt!"

"Must be so awkward?"

But I stood taller, my hand finding Drexon's arm.

"Thank you all for sharing this joyous occasion," I announced, voice dripping with honeyed malice. "Who knew happiness could come from such... unconventional beginnings?"

My gaze locked with Tema's, and oh, the murder in her eyes was exquisite.

"But as your new aunt, I insist you take your vows properly. Do not abstain from any further indiscretions that could bring disrepute upon this family.

As I stepped aside, I caught Drexon's expression-and nearly stumbled.

That faint curve of his lips wasn't just approval. It was the first spark of something dangerous. Something that made my breath catch.