Chapter 11

Layla POV

I closed the door behind myself and walked along the hall way, I was a little tired but I was glad I had this out of the way.

The hallway path stretched out in front of me, the polished stone floors gleaming, and a maid bowed to me before hurriedly retreating into a side door that likely led to good kitchen.

My father’s words about the mating ceremony were still echoing in my mind, filling my thoughts with a tangled web of questions.

Who was this Alpha Damon Blackwood, and why had Melody—or her family—agreed to such an arrangement? 

As I neared my room, the faint drag of hurried footsteps reached my ears. I didn't have to turn around to know who it was —Pearl, she approached me with a wide smile and me a relieved expression. 

“Lady Melody!” she exclaimed slightly out of breath. her voice a mix of relief and excitement.

“I was just coming to check on you. "

“Thank goodness I found you, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” I offered her a small smile, unsure of what else to say.

“I’m fine, Pearl,” I said with a small smile,

"I needed some air.” 

“I was just heading back to my room.” Pearl quickly fell into step beside me, her hands clasped nervously in front of her apron.

“You really shouldn’t be wandering around so soon after your illness,” she chastised gently.

" I'm sure" I whispered and she smiled.

“The healer said you needed rest, and yet here you are, strolling the halls as if nothing happened.” Her tone was affectionate despite the reprimand, and I couldn’t help but feel a small pang of warmth.

"My father wanted to see me, I'm sure even the healer would agree" I replied and she stilled nodding.

"We'll have to talk to him about it, he has to know " I smiled a bit pleased that at least someone in this strange place seemed to care about me—or rather, about Melody. 

“I’ll rest soon,” I promised, trying to placate her.

“But first, there’s something I wanted to ask you.” 

Pearl’s eyes lit up, with curiosity.

“Of course, my lady. Anything you need.” she stated giddily as if I had just given her all the gifts in the whole world.

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully, I still didn't know a lot about where I was and I didn't need to make a mistake.

“What can you tell me about Alpha Damon ” I asked and her face immediately brightened, and she clasped her hands together as if I had just mentioned a fairytale prince to her.

"Oh, he cuts quite the figure, my lady! Strong, powerful, and handsome to boot. The stories about him are enough to make anyone swoon.” I suppressed a sigh, already knowing this wouldn’t give me the answers I needed but still I asked anyway .

“What else?” 

“Well,” she continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “They say he’s one of the most feared alphas in the region. His pack is unmatched in strength, and he’s known for his fierce loyalty to the Lycan king." At that my heart skipped a beat

Lycan king. Asher.

"–true leader, if ever there was one.” Pearl continued, I jerked from my thoughts looking to her, she was still waxing poetic about Damon. It was all very generic description– all of them that painted him as a larger-than-life figure but revealed little about the man himself. 

“And the ceremony,” Pearl went on, her excitement bubbling over,

“Oh, my lady, it’s going to be the grandest event our pack has ever seen! The flowers, the music, the feast—it’s all being arranged to perfection. Everyone is saying it’ll be a day to remember for generations.” she mumbled enthusiastically.

"With how happy you are, I'd think you want to marry him yourself " I said as she gasped.

"My lady, please don't say that " she pleaded looking around the building.

"Besides, you'll like him, very much. He is one of the best, almost as good as the alpha king.”

“But what is he like? As a person, I mean.” Pearl hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly.

“Well… I suppose he’s… determined. He’s been through a lot, you know, losing his parents so young, but he’s done well for himself—and for his people.”

I bit back the urge to groan. While Pearl’s enthusiasm was endearing, it did little to help me understand what I was walking into—or if the real Melody had wanted this mating. 

“Has there been much talk about the ceremony before now?” I asked, hoping for something more useful. 

“Oh, yes,” Pearl said with a nod.

“The whole pack has been buzzing about it for weeks. And, of course, that was before little... incident.” she whispered

“Incident?” Her eyes widened slightly, and she shook her head quickly.

“Oh, nothing to worry about, my lady. Just a minor misunderstanding. All is well now.” I frowned, but before I could press her further, we reached the door to my room. Pearl pushed it open and stepped aside to let me in. 

I had a feeling the incident she was talking about had to be the reason I became sick.

"I'll bring you dinner very soon" she smiled and i nodded gratefully.

As the door clicked shut behind me, I let out a frustrated sigh. Pearl’s chattering had provided next to no idea into the man I was apparently meant to marry—or the circumstances leading up to this arrangement. 

I scanned the room, looking for what could give me that insight m, my gaze landed on the vanity in the corner.

I needed answers, and I wasn’t going to find them by listening to idle gossip. If I was going to piece together Melody’s life, I needed to start somewhere. 

Crossing the room, I opened the drawers of the vanity, rifling through their contents.

There were hairpins, ribbons, a few beautiful pens and some novels, but nothing that offered any real clues. Except for the fact that Melody had been a hopeless romantic.

I opened the next drawer this one was filled with papers, my fingers sifting through neatly stacked bundles of letters.

Most of it was ordinary—letters from neighboring packs, invitations to social gatherings—but one letter caught my eye. 

It was addressed to Melody, the handwriting bold and angular. I unfolded it carefully, my eyes running through the contents. 

…………….

Lady Melody, 

I trust this letter finds you well. I wanted to express my gratitude for your patience regarding our arrangement. I know this union will strengthen both our packs, and I am confident we will make a formidable team. I look forward to meeting you properly at the ceremony. 

Alpha Damon Blackwood.

The words were polite, almost mechanical, but they told me nothing about the man other than he was faithful to his duty.

Moving to the wardrobe, I sifted through the neatly arranged dresses and cloaks, searching for anything that might hold a secret.

But there was nothing , I sighed in annoyance this was becoming harder than I thought.