“And here I was led to believe I’d be marrying your younger daughter, the one whose wolf has actually awakened,” Cassian said, his voice seeping through Father’s study like slow, suffocating smoke that demanded attention.
A chill crawled down my spine. Beside me, Celeste’s inhale hitched so softly I almost missed <ol><li>it. Celeste and I hovered outside Father’s study, backs pressed to the paneled wall, catching scraps of the conversation through the half–open door. </li></ol>
None of us dared to say a word, scared shitless that the Tyrant Lord would notice our
presence.
Inside, Father answered in a strained baritone I barely recognized, but I knew it sounded more caution than authority. I couldn’t make out the exact reply, only the brittle edge under it.
Cassian chuckled, a low, amused sound that seemed utterly out of ce in our family wing. It sounded like a predator slipping unnoticed into a sanctuary meant for the innocent.
The silence that followed was louder than any thunderp. Then Father’s alpha senses must have caught our scents as his next words rang out. “Atasha. Celeste. You maye in.”
My stomach tightened. Celeste straightened first, smoothing invisible creases in her gown, schooling her expression into gentle concern. I forced myself to mirror theposure, my pulse hammering against my ribs.
We stepped over the threshold together, the study’s heavy oak door swinging wider behind us. Cassian Valemont leaned against Father’s desk, gray eyes flicking from Celeste to me with sharp, measuring interest, like he was already deciding whichmb would season the stew best.
Father gestured us forward, jaw rigid. “Lord Valemont wishes to rify a few details before tomorrow’s journey.” He looked at both of us, then he added, “Lord Valemont, this is Atasha ck, your bride and this is Lady Celeste ck, my daughter and future Luna of my pack.”
Cassian pushed away from Father’s desk and sauntered toward us. He gave us that halfzy, half–predatory gait. He stopped a breath short of Celeste and angled his head, studying her as though she were a painting he might toss on the fire if the colors displeased him.
“Tell me little one… have you ever heard a bone break? Your own, I mean.”
Celeste swallowed. “I… n–no, my lord.”
“Mm. A shame.” He tilted his head, studying the unblemished line of her corbone. “Unbroken things often forget how fragile they are. The first crack is always….educational.” His
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smile thinned. “I’ve been told it sounds like dry wood snapping in the frost. One day I’d like to judge the melody for myself.”
Father bristled, but Cassian merely shifted his attention back to me, as if the notion of testing that “melody” were nothing more than idle curiosity.
“Lord Valemont, you will not taunt my daughter in her own home.”
Cassian turned, amusement sparking. “Ah, Alpha ck, ever the courteous host. You did, however, dangle this daughter in front of me like fresh meat a week ago. Forgive me if I wish to inspect the cut before I pay.”
Color rose in Father’s cheeks. “You came for Atasha. The marriage contract is signed and on its way to the king.”
Cassian’s attention slid off Celeste and settled on me like an iron yoke. “Contracts are parchment. Wolves are blood.” He indicated the two chairs arranged side by side in front of Father’s desk. “Come, little bride, sit.”
I obeyed, my skirts whispering across the rug as I took the left chair. Cassian followed and imed the seat on my right, close enough that our knees brushed when he angled toward me. Instead of reclining, he perched on the edge, hooking one arm along the back of my chair so his gloved fingertips grazed the nape of my neck. It almost felt casual, too casual.
“There. Bnce restored,” he announced, turning a faint, dangerous smile on Father. “See? I can be reasonable.”
Father’s jaw worked. “Your idea of reason is cruelty.”
“Only to those who miscalcte.” Cassian’s smile cut sideways. “Nightfall offered up one daughter, then tried <i>to </i>bargain with another. I’m merely evaluating the exchange rate.”
Celeste’s hands clenched together, knuckles white. “My lord, I never-”
He silenced her with a nce so disinterested it stung. “Rx, little sun. I meant no insult. You’re wless… which is precisely the problem. A wless jewel is ornamental, a wed de, however, is forged to bleed.”
His fingers brushed my shoulder, light enough not to bruise, heavy enough to remind me he could. “This one bears interesting imperfections.”
Father stepped forward. “You’ve made your choice. Leave Celeste out of your games.”
“Games?” Cassianughed “Alpha, I conquered three city–states before breakfast. This is entertainment. Although…” he looked at Celeste. “I wouldn’t mind taking a concubine. The King would not be asking questions if I asked for another bride.”
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Lightning shed beyond the windows, briefly etching Cassian’s profile in white fire. For a heartbeat no one breathed.
Then he leaned closer to me, lowering his voice until only I could hear. “Sit still, Atasha. Listen carefully. One wrong answer tonight and I’ll carve your father’s pride to pieces before dawn.”
I kept my spine rigid, eyes fixed ahead, every nerve screaming at me to flee. Instead, I folded my hands in myp and obediently nodded.
“If you value this alliance, you will show respect,” Father exhaled through his teeth.
Cassian’s smile widened. “Respect is earned, Collin ck. Pray you earn it before the wedding night.”
Tension tightened around us as fiercely as the storm brewing outside. Cassian’s thumb began to tap the back of my chair slowly, every beat felt like an executioner’s drumroll before the de falls.
Then he casually smiled and looked at me. “What would you like to drink?”
Did he just–I turned to him, confused. “Just water…”
“Water?” he frowned. “Do you not drink wine?”
“I do.” I just didn’t mention it’s been years since I had myst one. Wolfless Omegas like me aren’t allowed near the pack’s good wine.
“Excellent,” Cassian murmured, then flicked amanding nce at Celeste. “Bring wine for your princess and me. And I want the best.”
Father immediately frowned. “My lord, my daughter is no servant—
“Mind your tongue, Alpha ck.” Cassian cut him off. “You stand before the Prince Regent of Arecor and his chosen consort. Unless you believe your house outranks the royal bloodline, you will let the girl obey”