Five

Summer's POV 

I looked at myself in the mirror, trying to muster a smile but only managing a creepy grin instead.

"You look stunning, Miss Yversen," Riri said, beaming at me.

"Thanks..." I replied, keeping it short.

"Don't sweat it, everything's gonna be fine."

"Fingers crossed," I sighed. But I had to admit, I looked much better now, thanks to Riri, the makeup artist hired by Luxian. She perfectly covered up my thin cheeks and disheveled look.

I glanced at my reflection. The white wedding gown, worn by all of Alpha Luxian's previous brides, clung loosely to my bony frame. It did me no favors, hanging like a sack around my bust and hips. Clearly, it had never been tailored for me.

"How many times has Alpha Luxian been married, Riri?"

"You're the fifth."

I swallowed hard; just thinking about it already made me uncomfortable.

"You are Alpha Luxian's last hope..." Riri, the makeup artist, whispered.

"Yeah, I know," I replied, trying to look calm even though my mind was rumbling.

"You just need to get pregnant and have puppies for him. That is the only way to end the curse, but... the four other mates failed. And they died." Riri's words stuck in my mind, giving me a dark view of my future.

"All set." Riri finished by placing a veil on my head.

"I'm off, Miss Yversen."

"Don't go anywhere unless the bridesmaids come to take you." She said with sympathy in her eyes.

"Don't worry, thanks Riri..."

I was really trying to think things through—screw the idea of a fated mate, and Luxian's curse or repaying him for rescuing me from Rhys. For me, Luxian was no better than Rhys. 

They were no different, they just had their own way of torturing and murdering me.

And in the end, I was just a fucking tool for them.

The thing was, ever since I made up my mind to give up on Rhys, I promised myself I wouldn't let anyone take advantage of me again.

I believed I could figure out a way to escape this terrible situation. If not right now, I had 98 days left to get out of Luxian's grip.

Because I was not planning to do something dumb like trying to break his curse.

****

I was right in front of the door where the ceremony would occur after the bridesmaid pick me up. 

I looked around the hall, my eyebrows knitted as I sensed Rhys's presence. I could still catch his scent, but oddly enough, he was nowhere in sight.

The piano played as the bridesmaids and I moved slowly to the altar. All the guests stood to greet me. They stared at me with different expressions. But I tried not to let their unfriendly gazes and whispers affect me.

"Isn't she barren? How could she be?" The woman with the high bun whispered to the bald man beside her.

"Shut up. If Alpha Luxian hears your words, we will be finished," growled the old man.

"Luna Jocelyn said she is a lunatic," the middle-aged woman did not want to shut her mouth and continued to blurt out.

"Gosh, what a pity, Alpha Luxian, that crazy woman will ruin his life just like she did to Luna Jocelyn and her son..."

I raised my head, took a deep breath, and continued my steps toward the place where Alpha Luxian was standing.

"Come take your bride, Alpha..." the elder said.

Alpha Luxian strolled to me with firm steps, reached out his hand, and helped me hop up to a small stage before the altar.

I felt nervous when Luxian's hand held mine tightly.

"Don't even think about running off from me," he whispered softly with a menacing gaze.

"No worries," I gave an annoyed glance.

Our eyes met, locked, and my heart raced as we approached the altar, and I felt so nervous. 

I could sense every gaze on me—some scornful, others mocking, but a few tinged with pity. It was as if their judgments seeped into my skin, festering doubts and insecurities I had worked so hard to suppress.

"Did you catch what they were saying?" I asked.

"Yeah," he replied calmly.

"Let them talk," Luxian continued.

"But..."

"Just brush it off," he said as he gripped my hand firm and reassuring.

All of a sudden I felt something deeper—a bond that both terrified and exhilarated me. The world faded, and it was just the two of us in that instant.

"Come..." he urged, his voice a soft whisper in my ear like a gentle breeze. His thumb brushed against the back of my hand, grounding me.

"This evening we will be witness to the union between Alpha Luxian Alderon and Summer Yversen, as the great Moon Goddess has destined!" The elder, his voice booming and authoritative, brought me back to the moment.

"Do you, Alpha Luxian Alderon, take Summer Yversen as your lawfully wedded wife and mate?"

"I do," he replied, his voice firm.

"And do you, Summer Yversen, take Alpha Luxian Alderon as your lawfully wedded husband and mate?"

"I do..."

"Are you willing to dedicate your life to serve your mate and husband? Do all your duties well, and be a good wife and Luna to this pack?"

I took a deep breath and spoke clearly, "I... I do."

The elder's voice boomed once more,

"Then, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife and mated. You may kiss your bride, now, Alpha..."

Luxian stepped closer, tilting my chin gently upward. I lifted my gaze to meet his. He leaned closer, pressed and sucked my lips slowly. It was soft, gentle, and passionate. I tried to break Luxian's kiss but he held me tight, as he savored my lips.