CHAPTER TWO IVORY’S POV

“I will not marry him, cursed or not!” I said in tears as I stood to face them.

“Just go already, do you know how many times you’ve refused to die!” Selene said before she could stop herself. Edward gave a warning look. But she pressed on with the last of her composure breaking.

“You don’t feel pain, do you?” Celeste leaned forward with fake sweetness. “Maybe Elder Harkin would do us all a favour and end your miserable life.”

“Listen to us Ivory. This is for the best and a win for all.” Edward supported. I knew they hated me, but this was beyond hatred. It was pure unfiltered evil. More tears flowed down my face as I thought about it.

“You’re right,” I whispered. “I don’t have a choice.”

I never had.

“No you did not, cursed children are fated only for the worst.” Celeste responded to me.”I will send a bag of things to you, see if it fits and work out something…presentable for your ceremony.”

After that they sent me back to the basement to prepare, Selene tossed down a bag of Celeste’s cast-offs; dresses she had grown out of, shoes two times smaller than her feet, jewelry that was tarnished and broken.

“Have at it and be ready by tomorrow.” She ordered.

I sat alone in the dark, staring at the bag of things. I pulled out a small blue dress, with a tear by the side which was the most manageable so far. I cut out the rest of the tear and put the dress on.

I will not be married off to a death sentence who is old enough to be my grandfather. I will run away tonight, to find my true mate and I had an idea of who that might have been.

Caden.

The only other person beside Mira who showed me subtle kindness, one whom I shared secrets under the moon light with. He brought me food occasionally and showed me warmth. Through our shared moments, we became accustomed to each other and an unspoken emotion grew between us.

Tonight he’d acknowledge it, and we could run away and be mates far away from here.

“Ivory’” A soft voice called from behind me, drawing me out of my thoughts. It was Mira.

“Happy birthday child.” She said, handing me a bowl of rice and a small ancient-looking notebook. “A little birthday dish made just for you, and a gift. But do not open it until you run away from this wretched place.” She patted my head.

“Oh no you didn’t have to.” I said, hugging her tightly. “Wait. How did you know I was planning to run away.”

“I delivered you. You think I don’t know you by now.”  She chuckled softly, and reached into her pocket, bringing out a small metal key. “Take this child, its the key to the side gate, leave tonight and never look back.”

“Ma Mira, this is too much for me.” I tried handing her back the key, but she pressed it into my palm harder. “Take it my child, you deserve it and much more.” I fought back fresh tears that formed at my eyelids.

“I’ll miss you.” I cried, resting my head on her shoulders. “I know you will. But I want you to know that no matter what happens, I am always with you.”

After that she left me, I packed the rest of my things that had survived and headed out through the side gate.

Upstairs the mating ball had already begun, so I dropped my bag at the entrance and slipped inside the hall. The hall was filled with nobles of every kind. Alphas. Lunas. Betas. And elders. I was sure to find Caden here. My eyes searched frantically for him, and after a few minutes of search I spotted him near a table of drinks.

He turned around and the moment we locked eyes, I felt a warm pull in my chest drawing me towards him, and I followed it.

He was my mate!

The closer I got to him, the stronger the pull became and just as I was about to reach out to him—it snapped.

The pull was cut, I could feel it moving away, an invisible thread of our bond moving away. A beautiful lady in a turquoise dress moved towards Caden, and the bond clung to her. Leanna, the daughter of a council member. Immediately she stood in front of him, the bond left me fully and followed her.

I stood there, watching my mate, being betrothed to another. The universe rearranged itself right before my eyes and there was nothing I could do about it. Caden noticed something was wrong, but turned to face Leanna instead, striking up a conversation with her.

I stood there transfixed, first I lost my mother and now I had lost my mate. Caden finished his conversation with her and walked towards me.

“Hey Ivory.” He started. But I stopped him before he could say anything else. “You felt that too didn’t you?” I said with tears welling up my eyes.

“Yes I did, but we could never work out and you know it. It probably happened for the best Ivory.” He said, taking my hand. “Even our status wouldn’t let me if I tried to insist on you.”

I stared at him for a minute, and drew my hand out of his. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. And I understand, who was I kidding that a cursed child and the son of a Beta would be mates.” I said and walked away.

“Ivory.” He called out. “It’s not like that. Ivory.”

But I did not look back, I made my way to the entrance. I would leave regardless. Mate or no mate.

But a figure blocked my way, I looked up to see Celeste with a goblet of wine in her hand, and that familiar wicked smirk plastered over her face.