Aria set down her knife and fork , rising from her seat . She could no longer bear the web of lies spun before her . Seeing her leave , Kane hurriedly stood up , a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes . " My little wolf , wh C at's wrong ? " Aria shook her head , her voice as soft as the wind . " Tired . I want to return to the pack . " Without waiting for his response , she walked out of the private room and onto the street . Raising her head , she caught sight of the LED screen across the road . It was playing a courtship video . " Aria , be my mate ! " The bold words stood prominently at the center of the screen . Passersby stopped , murmuring in awe . " Oh my , I heard Alpha Kane's woman can't shift . That's why he rented out the tallest building in the city to display ' Be my mate ' so she'd see it clearly . So romantic ! " " Kane is way too good to that useless thing . He'll definitely be a great alpha ." Aria , the subject of this spectacle , could only muster a bitter smile . A week ago , she would have reacted like the onlookers , wholeheartedly believing in Kane's love . She had been born into a declining wolf pack , unable to shift - a flaw that marked her as a disgrace and outcast among their kind . It was in those shadows of despair that Kane appeared . He claimed to have fallen for her at first sight , launching into a relentless pursuit . But she wasn't new to such cruel games . She avoided him at every turn . He pursued her ninety - nine times , and she rejected him just as many . Then came the day of the silver hunter attack . Kane shielded her without hesitation , even as a silver blade pierced clean through his shoulder blade . He remained frozen in that protective stance , refusing to leave her . When he woke in the hospital , his body was so weakened that he could barely maintain his human form . Yet the first thing he did was gently stroke her face . " My little wolf , as long as you're safe , that's all that matters . " It was in that moment she realized , despite being an unshifting outcast , she still had someone who was willing to risk everything for her . The walls in her heart cracked for the first time . Chapter 2 The silver wound never fully healed , leaving behind a permanent circular scar . Every time she saw it , her heart would stir . For five years , Kane's devotion never wavered . He showered her with genuine love , making her believe in him completely . Even as the pack vehemently opposed their union , he pushed through the pressure and proposed . +305 Coins Wanting to truly experience the wild essence of her mate during the bonding ceremony , she risked her life undergoing a bloodline awakening , a process that could end in death if it failed . By some miracle , she succeeded . Even more , she gained a rare sensory ability . She had planned to surprise Kane on the day of the ceremony , keeping her awakening a secret . But fate had other plans . On the very day of her awakening , her newfound ability allowed her to sense Kane's betrayal . She overheard him on a call with his beta , their flirtations shameless and unrestrained . That was when she learned the truth . He had betrayed her long ago . Their affair had gone on for a year , and she had been blissfully unaware ! The ache in her chest grew unbearable , forcing her to crouch on the ground , clutching herself tightly . Kane's words from earlier in the private room echoed endlessly in her mind . Even as their bonding ceremony approached , he had no intention of ending the affair . Did he think she was so useless that he could deceive her forever ? The biting winter wind cleared her head . She would prove to Kane that lies were destined to unravel . And she , Aría , would never tolerate betrayal .