Chapter 6

Veronica POV

The room tilted before my eyes. 

“No.” I shook my head so hard my vision blurred. “No. No, that wasn’t the deal. I said no marriage. No exceptions.”

Klaus didn’t even flinch. “But you made no such demand, Veronica.” His voice was dangerously calm. “Your exact words were Silverclaw

without my brother. Now you have me.”

I stepped back, but the guards tightened their grip, pinning me to the spot. 

“No, no, no,” I screamed, fighting to break free. “I won’t marry you. Never! And you can’t kill me, not when I’m the only one keeping your brother alive.”

For a second, our eyes met, and in that moment, I truly thought he was going to end me right here. Instead, he signalled over his head, smiling.

My body froze, fear clawing at the back of my head as they dragged someone on the floor, whimpering. My stomach plunged as I realised what was happening. “No…  please.” My knees weakened as the fight drained out of me. “Please don’t do this. Don’t–”

“Now,” he murmured, stepping closer, “she’ll make you listen.” His hand twisted in my hair, yanking my head up. “Take a look at her. Look!” 

Fighting my tears, I looked at her. 

Ginny.

Crushed on the floor, blouse soaked in blood, one eye swollen shut. She was barely holding herself up on shaking elbows. A guard slammed a fist into her head, knocking her sideways.

A strangled sound ripped from my throat. I looked away, gagging, my chest heaving painfully. Her groans filled the room, stabbing me in a million places.

This was all my fault. My plan. I dragged her into this.

“Please…” My voice came out shredded. “Please stop. I—I’ll do it.”

His grip loosened instantly. “Let’s get something straight, this doesn’t end here.”

I nodded, my legs trembling as I followed him and took my place by the priest. The rite passed in a blur with only a handful of people as witnesses. 

As soon as the final blessing left the priest’s lips, I made for Ginny. Klaus’s hand pulled me to a stop, bruising me.

“She lives only if you behave,”  he threatened, and his face left no room for negotiation. He released me and walked out without looking back.

A guard seized me before I could take another step. “Wait… just… Ginny—”

My whisper cracked as we passed her on the ground.

“I’m sorry,” I breathed, my tears finally slipping free. “Ginny, I’m so sorry.”

They dragged me back to my room and chained me to my bed. The moment the door slammed shut, I let my tears fall, wrecking whatever was left of my heart.

How could I be so stupid? How could I have been so careless? I bit down on my tongue, ignoring the pain until I tasted blood. It was the least I deserved, compared to what she was going through. 

Throwing my head back, I screamed into the darkness, trying to drown the guilt, the rage, the betrayal choking me. What was my crime? That I trusted the wrong people? Because I believed a lie disguised as love.

I clenched my eyes shut, picturing the face of the man responsible for all these. I’ll make him pay, even if I have to burn down the realm. And the Grey brothers will get what they deserve in due time. 

I let the thoughts lure me into a fitful sleep. 

A weight pulled me back to consciousness. I groaned, slowly peeling my eyes open. Golden eyes stared back at me.

I jolted upright, smacking my head against the headboard in my haste. He didn’t move, only raised his head away from my face.

I shot him a glare sharp enough to cut. If he wanted his pound of flesh, he's to fight for it. I clenched my fists, ready to use whatever strength I had.

Instead, his lips pulled into an amused smile. “Heard I owed you my gratitude.”

I blinked. “What?”

“Don’t act so surprised. I heard all about your heroic act, how you saved my life,” he rolled up his shirt and stretched his arms towards me. Rashes covered every inch of his skin– Actoine aftermath.

I kept my face neutral. “I didn’t have another choice.”

“Lucky me then,” he grinned, throwing his hands up. “Since I’m free from the chains of marriage. Now, I’ve something for you. Was supposed to be a wedding gift, but…” He shrugged. “It’ll make a fine thank-you instead.”

He strode to the door, pausing mid-way. “Not coming?”

Was he being serious? I stared at him, then at the chains binding my ankles and wrists.

He laughed. “Ah. Right.”

A wave of dizziness hit me as my feet hit the floor. I swayed, and his hand shot out, gripping my arm tightly. “Try anything,” he snarled, “and I won’t be this gentle.”

He let go, and I followed. My body shook with every step I took. It felt like an invisible chain was pulling me. Hunger clawed at me, but I would rather die than beg. 

We made it outside and headed to the stables. The fresh air did little to quell my dizziness. 

“Wait here,” he instructed before ducking inside. 

I leaned against the stables, closing my eyes, relishing the warmth of the sun on my face. A shadow fell over my face. Sighing, I pried my eyes open, ready to continue the walk.

A woman stood in front of me. Blonde. Beautiful. Dressed like someone who owned everything she touched. And she was glaring at me like I personally ruined her day with my presence.

I straightened up, acutely aware of how I looked standing before her. I refused to let that make me cower.

We stared at each other for what felt like hours– her eyes cold, mine tired. Thankfully, the stable door swung open.

“Love you—oh, Kalahni,” Kade said, his voice shifting instantly. Softer. “What are you doing here?”

Her icy gaze slid off me. “Wanted to take a ride and stretch my legs. It seemed like a good day for it.”

“Perfect,” he said. “I’m taking—”

But I didn’t hear the rest of what he was saying because two massive fur monsters padded behind him, panting. I stumbled back, barely able to suppress my scream. 

My little scene drew all eyes towards me. I forced a smile, trying to hide my embarrassment. 

Kade laughed under his breath. “Their names are Sloppy and Slump. They’ll be escorting us today.” He flashed a grin. “If we want to catch anything, we need to leave soon.”

Catch… anything?

I stared at him, horrified. This was the gift? Hunting? There was no way I would survive a trip to the woods in my state.

“Kalahni,” he tapped two fingers to his forehead. “See you around.” 

He walked ahead, paying no mind to my discomfort. Resigning to my fate, I forced myself to move, but a hand snagged around my arm.

Kalahni leaned in. “Be careful with that one,” she mummured, her eyes flickering towards Kade. “He bites more than a rabid wolf.” Her gaze swept over me, condescendingly. “Best you stay in company… Luna Veronica.”