Jasmine's POV
"I have selected Sylvia as my chosen mate and the future Queen of our kingdom."
The words hit me like a physical blow.
I pressed my palm against my chest, fighting the agony that tore through me like wildfire. My breathing became shallow as the room spun around me. The glittering ballroom, the elegant evening gowns, the perfectly tailored suits, the crowd of happy faces - everything became a blur.
Only Jayden remained in sharp focus. He stood proudly next to Sylvia, his arm wrapped around her slender waist, wearing the same smile that once belonged to me alone.
Inside me, my wolf and demon spirits were shattered. Judy let out a pitiful whine before retreating into darkness, while Atlas's fury turned to ice-cold rage.
The anguish was overwhelming. The man who had claimed my body and soul just hours ago had now stabbed me in the back in the cruelest way imaginable.
Thunderous applause filled the grand hall. The guests cheered and celebrated the royal announcement.
That should have been my moment. My crown. My future.
Queen Jaelyn beamed with maternal pride while King Apollo gave his approving nod. Even Ebony maintained her stoic expression without protest. The entire royal family had accepted this union.
My legs felt weak as the room seemed to tilt sideways. My heart hammered against my ribs so hard I thought it might burst. Every instinct screamed at me to flee, to destroy this perfect scene, to make everyone understand the torture ripping me apart from within. But before I could react, a warm touch landed on my shoulder.
"Jasmine, sweetheart?" Queen Jaelyn's gentle voice broke through the chaos in my mind. Her concerned gaze studied my face with the same motherly care she had shown me since childhood. "You look pale, dear. Are you feeling alright?"
I struggled to find my voice when Jayden's cold interruption cut me off. "She's upset about her mate," he announced without emotion. "About Palmer."
The entire ballroom fell silent.
What was he doing?
My eyes widened in bewilderment. Palmer?
Across the room, Palmer nearly choked on his wine. His golden eyes bulged with surprise as he stared at us in complete shock. "I'm sorry, what did you just say?"
Jayden's expression remained stone-cold. His hold on Sylvia grew possessive while his stare burned into me. "Jasmine discovered that Palmer is her destined mate," he explained with practiced ease. "I believe the revelation was quite overwhelming for her."
Shocked gasps echoed throughout the crowd as whispers immediately began spreading like wildfire.
I looked at Palmer in pure horror. His gaze darted between Jayden and me before he released a tense breath.
"Well," he managed a strained laugh while adjusting his golden cufflinks, "this is certainly unexpected news."
His tone stayed casual, but I caught the dangerous glint in his eyes. He understood the game being played here perfectly.
And so did I.
Jayden had just thrown me at another man, his own closest friend. He was using Palmer as a convenient cover story to hide our secret affair, to hide me away from his perfect new life.
My chest burned with each breath while my hands shook uncontrollably.
I refused to let this happen.
I opened my mouth to expose his lies, to reveal the truth to everyone present, but Jayden moved closer. His fingertips grazed my wrist in what appeared to be an innocent gesture.
His whisper was barely audible but deadly serious. "Play along, Jasmine," he warned, "or I will formally reject our mate bond in front of everyone."
Those words pierced my soul like a poisoned arrow.
Rejection.
The mere thought made both my inner beasts cry out in anguish.
I could picture it clearly - Jayden standing before this crowd to speak the ritual words that would destroy our connection forever. The idea was more than I could bear. I couldn't survive both his betrayal and a public rejection.
I forced myself to swallow the bitter truth as tears threatened to spill.
Palmer continued watching me intently, clearly waiting for me to deny everything and expose Jayden's deception.
But I was trapped.
Drawing on my last reserves of strength, I managed a weak smile. "Yes," I whispered hoarsely, "Palmer is my mate."
The ballroom exploded into celebration once again.
Palmer's entire body went rigid. His jaw clenched briefly before he exhaled slowly and painted on a charming grin. "In that case," he said while stepping forward to offer his hand, "I must be the most fortunate man in the kingdom."
I placed my trembling fingers in his steady grip.
The applause thundered around us, but I felt like I was drowning in an ocean of lies and heartbreak.
Jayden never looked in my direction again.
The festivities resumed with renewed energy. The orchestra began playing as guests surrounded Jayden and Sylvia with their enthusiastic congratulations.
I watched in numb silence as Jayden escorted Sylvia onto the dance floor.
They moved together with perfect grace and intimacy. Exactly how I had always dreamed he would dance with me someday.
My heart lay in pieces at my feet.
I couldn't endure another second of this torture. I turned and pushed through the celebrating crowd, becoming invisible among the sea of faces. Nobody noticed as I quickened my pace toward the exit, then broke into a desperate run.
Rain began falling the moment I burst outside. The heavens seemed to weep along with my shattered heart. My bare feet splashed through puddles as I raced across the palace grounds toward the forest.
The storm matched my inner turmoil perfectly. Raw power surged through my body as my limbs started stretching and transforming. The shift was violent and sudden after years of suppression. Razor-sharp fangs erupted in my mouth while small horns pushed through my skull.
My vision blazed crimson as supernatural energy radiated from every pore. Judy and Atlas had merged into one vengeful force, driven by pain and fury.
I tore through the woods with earth-shaking steps as terrified animals fled from my overwhelming presence.
I didn't stop until I reached my small cottage sanctuary.
After shifting back to human form, I stood shivering in the cold grass outside my home.
The house was peaceful and dark. Aunt Naia was sleeping safely in her room.
Perfect.
I slipped inside quietly and climbed the creaking stairs to my bedroom. Moonlight streamed through my window, illuminating my reflection in the mirror beside my bed.
I stared at the broken girl looking back at me.
At the fool with swollen red eyes and quivering lips.
The outcast who had given away her heart only to have it destroyed. The unwanted girl who had spent her entire life waiting for someone to choose her.
I studied that pathetic reflection and slowly curled my hands into fists.
Never again.
No more weakness. No more hoping for a fairy tale rescue.
Jayden had made his decision tonight. Now I would make mine.
I would rise to become the most feared power in this realm and claim my revenge.