A marriage to save or destroy

Some people called me selfless; others said I was kind. That was probably why Calista decided to ask me for help...aside from being my best friend.

“I’m afraid I can’t help you this time,” I said quietly.

A tear slid down her face, making me feel even worse. I wished with everything in me that I could save her, but this situation was far beyond my power.

“You’re my only hope, Sophia,” she cried. “I have no one else to run to. The Alpha is a monster. I’m sure I won’t even survive one night in his home.”

She didn’t need to explain. Everyone knew who... what he was. The stories of his cruelty were whispered in corners and silenced whenever footsteps approached.

“Calista... maybe you should speak to your father,” I suggested gently. “He might change his mind.”

She let out a hollow laugh. “You don’t know my father. If he could sell my elder sister to a brothel for gold, he would be happier to sell me to the Alpha. I’m sure the Alpha is offering him more than gold.”

I shook my head. Elder Marek and his endless greed.

“When is the wedding?” I asked.

“In a week,” she whispered.

“A week?” My heart dropped. “There’s nothing we can do in a week.”

She stepped closer, lowering her voice as she was worried someone was eavesdropping . “I’ve thought of something.”

“And what might that be?” I asked cautiously.

“I’ll run away,” she murmured. “And I’ll need your help.”

“What?” I almost screamed, but she quickly covered my mouth, her eyes wide with fear.

“What happens if we get caught?” I demanded once she removed her hand.

“If we’re careful enough, we won’t,” she insisted, though I could hear the doubt beneath her bravery.

“Calista, that won’t work. The Alpha’s senses are sharp. He would find us in a heartbeat.”

She fell silent, thinking. Then she looked up at me again, desperation blazing in her eyes.

“Help me. Please.”

I searched my mind for another solution... any other solution... but none came. Except one dangerous idea.

“If we can create a distraction... maybe,” I began slowly.

She cut me off immediately. “What distraction?”

“Someone else to confuse his senses,” I said carefully.

“My father won’t allow anyone near me. It’s a miracle you’re even here,” she replied.

Silence fell between us.

We stared at each other.

I already knew what she was about to suggest.

“No... no, Calista. I can’t do that,” I said firmly.

“Sophia, please,” she begged. “I’ll die if I marry him.”

“And I’ll die if we get caught!” I snapped.

“They won’t kill you. You’re a Beta, not a lowly Omega. They won’t dispose of you easily. The worst they can do is whip you.”

I wasn’t sure about that. The Alpha was not known for mercy. Not anymore. 

Suddenly, Calista dropped to her knees, clutching my legs as tears streamed down her face.

“Help me, please. I’m counting on you.”

“Calista, stop...”

She began hitting her head against the floor. “Let me just die now since I’m going to die anyway!”

“Alright! Stop. I’ll help you.”

She stopped. Then slowly, a relieved smile broke through her tears. She jumped up and hugged me tightly.

I hugged her back, even though deep down I knew I might have just signed my own death sentence.

We planned everything carefully.

Calista would be moved to the Alpha’s residence a day before the wedding, as tradition required. The Alpha had made it clear he did not wish to see her until the ceremony. If not for this forced union, I was certain he had no interest in her at all.

Just as we were finalizing the details, a maid entered quietly and bowed.

“Beta Calista, your father will soon return. I advise your friend to leave immediately. The Elder will not be pleased to find a guest here.”

I didn’t need further warning. If Elder Marek caught me, I would not leave unpunished.

Grabbing my small bag, I climbed through the window... the same way I had entered... and slipped into the shadows.

The next time I saw Calista was the day she was to be taken to the Alpha’s house.

Since Elder Marek was not accompanying her, it was easy to convince the guards to let me ride in the carriage. Calista claimed she needed comfort before facing her "new life".

Throughout the journey, she squeezed my hand tightly and didn’t stop thanking me.

Halfway through the trip, Calista suddenly called out, “Stop the carriage!”

The guards exchanged looks but obeyed.

“I need to relieve myself,” she announced.

The head guard scanned the area uneasily. “This forest is dangerous, my lady. It would be better to wait until we arrive.”

Calista frowned. “Would you prefer I embarrass myself in this carriage?”

The guard flushed and quickly stepped down to open the door. I followed Calista out, but the guards trailed behind us.

She hissed in irritation. “Are you planning to watch me pee?”

“Elder Marek instructed us not to let you out of our sight,” the guard replied nervously.

“My friend is coming with me,” Calista said firmly, glancing at me. “Aren’t you, Sophia?”

I nodded, careful not to let my expression give anything away.

Reluctantly, the guards stopped following us.

The moment we were out of sight, we ran.

We didn’t look back.

We ran through thick bushes, over fallen logs, through thorny shrubs that scratched our skin. My lungs burned, but fear pushed me forward.

We didn’t need to worry about the guards. Calista’s brother would handle them long enough to delay pursuit.

My real fear was the Alpha.

We reached the border just as the sun began to sink. This was where she would cross into neutral territory.

It was time.

I pulled her into one last hug. She was shaking, but there was hope in her eyes now.

“Thank you, Sophia,” she whispered.

“Goodbye. Be safe,” I replied softly.

She stepped back, closed her eyes, and shifted. Her bones cracked and reshaped. Fur replaced skin. Within seconds, a beautiful blue wolf stood before me.

She looked at me one last time.

Then she ran.

And I stood there watching until she disappeared beyond the trees.

It was time to face the consequences of my actions.

I walked back slowly and sat at the foot of a tree, waiting.

Waiting for the Alpha’s guards to find me.

Hours passed.

The forest grew darker. The wind howled softly, carrying unfamiliar scents.

Then I heard footsteps. I took a deep breath 

But it wasn’t the Alpha’s guards.

It was the Alpha himself.