Chapter 2

Lael's POV

My breath caught. This Alpha was both callous and calculating. He knew exactly how much Muriel and I meant to each other. My twin brother was in this condition because of me.

During the attack, I'd been overwhelmed—wolves coming in waves while I tried to save whoever I could. I hadn't seen the one sneaking up behind me until Muriel shoved me aside and took the blow meant for me. The wolf was stronger than my brother. It broke his limbs and sank its claws deep into his liver while I was too busy fighting for my own life to help him.

When I heard Muriel's scream, my humanity vanished. My wolf took control, and I snapped that attacker's neck with my bare hands. I'd been cradling my wounded brother, about to call for our father's help, when I saw him—running into the woods like a coward. With our pack in chaos, I had no choice but to drag Muriel to safety myself.

One glance at Jared told me he wasn't bluffing. I wanted to scream, to claw his face, to fight back. But I wasn't a fool. My brother lay somewhere in this cursed place, probably bleeding to death with only this monster able to save him. I couldn't let Muriel die. I felt Jared's gaze on me, waiting to see what choice I'd make.

Slowly, I reached for the parchment. The moment I touched it, his smirk widened.

"Good girl," he murmured. I wanted to rip his throat out. Instead, I unrolled the contract. My name was already written at the bottom—all that remained was my blood mark to seal the bond.

My hands trembled as I read the terms. Everything was designed to break me. I would belong to him completely—no freedom, no escape. A Luna in name, a prisoner in truth. I must obey his every command, and the consequences for defiance were laid out in brutal detail: my father would be hunted down and killed, my brother tortured until I complied, and if I still refused, Muriel would be executed while I was thrown into the dungeons for witches to use as their plaything for the rest of my life.

My body shuddered. This was a trap, a gilded cage with no way out. With shaking fingers, I bit my thumb until blood welled up. Then, with a defiant glare, I pressed it to the parchment.

The contract glowed briefly as the magic sealed our bond. Jared took the parchment from my hands, his fingers brushing mine as he scanned it before slipping it back into his pocket.

"Wise decision," he said, though we both knew wisdom had nothing to do with it. This was desperation disguised as choice.

I swallowed my fury. "One day, I'll kill you." It wasn't a threat or warning—it was a promise.

"I look forward to watching you try," he said with that same infuriating calm. Then he turned and walked out, leaving me alone in the cold, dark cell.

~~~

Staring at my reflection, I barely recognised myself. The long-sleeved velvet gown was the kind of luxury worn by nobility, but the low neckline made me uncomfortable, exposing more than I wanted. A flowing overdress added another layer of opulence, while a sapphire necklace adorned my throat and jade earrings hung from my ears. Silver bangles and bracelets circled my wrists like shackles.

The servants had layered my face with powders and cosmetics until I looked like a porcelain doll. Beautiful, yes, but it was a constant reminder of how I'd been stripped of everything that made me myself. Even a trophy wife would have more freedom than what he planned for me.

Yesterday, I spent time with Muriel. He'd been worried, and I'd tried to act unbothered. I hadn't wanted to tell him about the mating ceremony—it would only make him worry more. But news travelled fast in this pack, and when he found out, Muriel was furious.

He'd wanted to confront Jared directly, but I'd stopped him before he could leave the room. He was still healing, and I couldn't bear to see him hurt again because of me. I'd begged him to let me handle this, promising I'd find a way to make Jared pay. The guilt in my brother's eyes nearly broke me when he apologised.

He blamed himself for putting me in this position. No matter how many times I told him it wasn't his fault, he wouldn't believe it. We'd held each other and cried—for our pack, our father's betrayal, and everything we'd lost.

"If this wasn't forced, I'd say you look like the most beautiful bride ever," Muriel said now, meeting my eyes in the mirror. "You're still my pride, Lael. We could leave—escape this place and go somewhere no one knows us. Start fresh."

I forced a smile. He knew this was a contract marriage, but not that it was blood-bound. Even if I wanted to run, I couldn't.

"It's fine, Muriel. Sometimes it's better to stay close to your enemies." I tried to sound reassuring, but guilt flashed across his face before I could offer more comfort.

A knock sounded at the door.

"My lady, it's time for the mating ceremony."