Chapter 5

My heart lodged in my throat as I continued toward him, doubtful yet strangely reassured. His face was covered just like the night at the hotel but his dark eyes bored into mine with unmistakable satisfaction.

He was a man used to getting what he wanted, and somehow, I've become another one of his possessions.

It still made no sense.

Why will a man as powerful as him, want me as wife. It was no news that I had nothing to offer to a king. Ryder had made that painfully clear when he rejected me. 

So why was Caspian here and what exactly was I walking into.?

I didn't stop until I stood directly before him.

Everyone present stood and bowed slightly. The fear in the room was palpable. From the corner of my eyes, I spotted a few women trembling under the weight of his presence.

The man offuciating the ceremony approached us slowly, a brown scroll clutched firmly in his hands. Despite his effort to appear composed, he staggered slightly.

“Before the final proclamation, it is part of our tradition for both parties to share a final word with their clan before the is sealed.” He announced softly, his gas darting nervously between me and the Lycan king. 

“I have nothing to say to my clan. Proceed with the ceremony."Caspian replied coldly, his eyes never leaving mine.

I needed some time to process all this, my heart pounded violently with each passing second. Desperately, my eyes searched the crowd for my father. Maybe he would say anything to delay this marriage. 

As if summoned by my thoughts, a warm hand grabbed mine and gently turned me away.

I looked into the eyes of my father only to find an emotion i couldn't decipher. Guilt?

“If you don't mind, Alpha. I'll like to have a word with my daughter.” 

Caspian gave a low snort and for a moment, I thought he would refuse. Instead he gave a single nod and stepped aside.

“Let's go,” my father whispered, guiding me to a small office behind the ceremony hall. 

Part of me wanted to hold on to him forever, fall to my knees and beg him to rethink this. But the words died in my heart the moment I stepped in. 

It wasn't empty 

This wasn't a father's blessing. It was a council meeting. 

“Have a sit," one of the elders said authoritatively. "This shouldn't take too long."

I obeyed, settling into a chair. My hands were sweaty and I rubbed them on my gown repeatedly. This was more than a wedding. 

“Leila, you're not simply becoming a Luna," another elder began, "you're going on a mission.”

“A mission?” I echoed, turning sharply to my father but he avoided my gaze.

“Caspian has brought much harm to the werewolf kind,” The first elder started firmly, “This marriage is finally an opportunity to overthrow him!” 

Overthrow him?

My brows furrowed as their words sank in.

They were planting me in his kingdom. Using me.

“You are to be our spy!” My father finally said, forcing himself to meet my eyes. “You need to discover his secret and bring us a plan to take him down. Only then can we save you.” 

The words burned into my chest.

it wasn't enough that i was been shoved away, I was still a pawn even in another pack. 

Tears welled up in my eyes but i blinked rapidly to stop them from falling.

How stupid of me to think I meant anything to this pack. 

Bile rose in my chest as my throat tightened. Their gazes were fixed on me like they expected a response. What was I expected to say to been sent off to a den as a spy? Whatever it was, I had no intention of saying it.

With a sigh, I rose and bowed slightly.

“I'll like to get back to the ceremony,” I replied and walked out without another word. 

The ceremony resumed the moment I returned. We exchanged vows, and the rest of the ritual followed suit. My father rejoined the ceremony with the rest of the council minutes later. Fom the tightening of Caspian's Jaw, I could tell he suspected something happened.

“You are now husband and wife. May the moon goddess bless your union,” the Priest said as he pressed oil to my forehead. The whole congregation echoed his words and just like that, it was done.

I no longer belonged to my pack.

“You seem troubled since your discussion with your father,” Caspian whispered to me as we both settled into our chairs. “Are you alright?”

My head snapped up as my eyes searched his.

Was this merely for show? Or did the man who killed more wolves than I'll ever see in a lifetime just show a bit of concern?

“Are you alright?” He asked again, this time, reaching out to adjust the veil that was almost off my head from shifting constantly.

His hands brushed lightly against my cheek and I froze. 

Heat rushed beneath my skin so fast my organs forgot how to function. Aviolent tremor surged through my body leaving me breathless.

“I'm fine,” I responded after a moment, palming my burning face. "I'm okay."

I turned my attention away from him to the crowd only to unravel again.

They had seen it too. The vicious and wicked king had touched me with care.

Movement in the crowd caught my attention.

My mother stood motionless, her lips pressed into a thin line while her eyes burned with something uglier than disgust. Rage!.