1. Sacrifice

My heart pounded in my chest as the manor or rather the foreboding castle came into view. It’s huge iron gates opened with a whine, as if a monster was opening its mouth, ready to devour its prey. There was nothing beautiful about this castle. Even the trees looked dull and grey, contributing to the general eerie atmosphere. Despite the sun shining in its full glory, the castle seemed to ward off that brightness or warmth. 

 

My heart lurched as the car came to a stop in front of the wide stone staircase leading to the huge entrance of the castle. 

 

“Can I have a moment with you, Father?” I asked quietly before my father could wrench the door open and get out of the car. I saw his sombre expression turn sour. He nodded tightly. The driver glanced at us through the rearview mirror before saying, “Alright. 10 minutes.” Then he and the other man in the passenger seat got out of the car. 

 

“What now?” my father asked immediately, impatiently. 

 

I inhaled a shaky breath and balled my fists. “I…” I choked on my words. I wanted to scream and I wanted to beg him to take me back and somewhere in the back of my mind I still hoped that I would get a glimpse of my old father, whom I called dad and he would somehow rescue me from this nightmare like he always did back when things were simpler. I looked away, feeling the telltale burning of my eyes. “You stay in the car. Please don’t escort me inside,” I said instead and without waiting for his reply I unlocked the car and got out, my legs protested after sitting for so long.The men stared at me, poker-faced. I smoothed down the creases on my dress, wanting to prolong the dreaded meeting as long as I could.  I brought down the veil to cover my face. I didn’t want any of them to see my face. 

 

Hitching the gown slightly, I started climbing the stone steps. I didn’t wait to see if the others followed. 

 

“Mr. Black?” One of them reluctantly questioned me when I started climbing the stairs. I looked over my shoulder. “He won’t accompany me. I made that request.” No matter what injustice was being done to me, my wolf and I still felt a shred of loyalty towards our Alpha and pack. Even though it stung when my father actually considered my request. I just gave him an easy way out. The thought settled heavily in my chest, making it hard for me to breathe. 

 

I felt as if the closer I came to the entrance, the more my chest tightened and I started breathing through my mouth. Would dying be better than this? Maybe. I blinked back the tears, trying to clear my vision. When the huge entrance finally towered over me, I couldn’t help but have the urge to turn back and run. I halted at the threshold. 

 

I tipped my head up to look at the huge wooden doors, closed but looking threatening nonetheless. Once I enter through these doors, and they close behind me, I might never be able to leave. I will live a life worse than that of a prisoner. Will I be able to let Astrid out? 

 

“Miss. Black?” I was brought out of my reverie by one of the men. I lowered my gaze and composed myself. “I…” 

 

But they didn’t wait for me. Instead, the tall one among them came to stand beside me and then knocked on the door in a pattern which I didn’t pay heed to, all the while trying to calm my drumming heart. 

 

I bit back a yelp when the doors opened, whining and creaking, but I couldn’t help but let my mouth hang open when I saw what lay in front of me. A carpet had been rolled out and people were standing on either side, their expressions ranging from nervous to happy to curious. I hoped my veil wasn’t translucent enough to hide my nervousness. 

 

“Welcome,” the shorter of the two men said. I nodded jerkily because I wouldn’t be able to speak without choking. They flanked me on either side as I stepped in. “Welcome, Luna!” Everyone cheered in unison as if it was a joyous occasion. Maybe it was for them because this would mean none of their daughters would have to be sacrificed. This would mean they wouldn’t have to unnecessarily bear the brunt of being a member of the strongest pack in this world. 

 

Despite being the one who was sacrificed, I didn’t make my steps falter or my hands tremble. No, I was Kathryn Black, the eldest daughter of the Alpha, a rare wolf in our world and I would not be daunted by this. Astrid, who usually snarks at this statement, remained quiet. 

 

Once we had crossed the courtyard, I distinctly heard murmurs as the pack members began to disperse and go about their day. Some expressed their pity while some said, “she must have done something awful for her father to just…” The rest was implied and I had to swallow the lump forming in my throat. 

 

The journey was more like a funeral match than escorting a new bride to her new abode. I had never met Alpha Isaac, only heard the bone-chilling tales of his conquers and how ruthless he was. He had earned the notorious title, ‘Beast’. The corridor left into another small courtyard. “This is Alpha’s residence,” the black-haired, tall guy informed. I saw the lavish structure in front of me. Two guards stood on either side of the door. When they saw us approaching, they bowed deeply and opened the door. A small path leads to another flight of steps leading to what I presume was Alpha Isaac’s residence. 

 

“We shall be escorting you till here. There are maids and servants whom you can ask for anything you need.” I stood at the entrance, stunned as the two men bowed curtly and left without even waiting for my reply. My nerves were frazzled as is. 

 

“Luna,” I heard someone call. It took some time for me to register that it was what I would be called from now on. I turn around to see a middle-aged woman standing on the topmost step, looking at me stoically. I gulp, her gaze making my skin prickle. 

 

“Please follow me,” she says and turns around. I vaguely feel the guards’ stares as I ascend the stairs and my heart thuds in my chest when I hear the door slowly close behind me.