Chapter 4

Lysandra POV

I held my breath, dazzled by the place before me. Surprised by the brilliance of the Crimson Fang Pack camp, it exceeded my expectations and every preconceived idea I had. I had always heard that the Crimson Fang Pack was the fiercest in existence, living in an archaic, shadowed way. I expected a dark, hostile camp that matched its reputation.

But the entire camp was lit by thousands of lanterns. They hung from tree branches or lined the paths like glowing sentinels, casting a warm light that clashed sharply with everything I imagined.

Each hut looked like the result of meticulous craftsmanship, carved with intricate symbols and adorned with talismans. They were surrounded by small gardens filled with medicinal herbs and fragrant plants. Winding paths linked the huts together, creating a strangely peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

Pack members stood gathered in the center, watching us with unblinking curiosity. Embarrassment rose within me, my cheeks warming as we passed. They stepped aside, forming a path for us. Still seated on Alpha Varyon’s massive wolf form, I waited impatiently to get down. His warm fur brushed my legs as he carried me toward the central hut, the Alpha’s den.

When we finally arrived, Alpha Varyon stopped and lowered himself to the ground, allowing me to dismount. My legs trembled as my feet touched the earth, and a wave of nervousness washed through me. Members of the Crimson Fang Pack surrounded us, their gazes intense and unreadable. I inhaled deeply to steady myself.

Alpha Varyon motioned for me to enter the hut. With hesitant fingers, I pushed the door open.

Dim light filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow over the interior. It was far larger than my den back home. The main room stretched before me, on the right, a comfortable living space with two couches covered in soft cushions. A rug warmed the wooden floor, giving the room a welcoming, lived-in feel.

To the left, a modern kitchen gleamed with polished black granite countertops. A sturdy wooden table stood prepared with a fresh cloth and perfectly arranged chairs. The air was rich with the comforting scent of spices.

Ahead of me, a long hallway stretched into the back of the den. I assumed it led to other rooms, perhaps a bathing chamber.

The door shut behind me, startling me. I turned and realized Alpha Varyon had already left, vanishing without a word.

My shoulders slowly relaxed. For the first time since arriving, I was alone. I took a moment to steady my breath. My thoughts spun wildly, tangled with everything that had happened.

Had I truly become the wife of the Alpha of the Crimson Fang Pack?

From the moment Alpha Varyon declared he wanted me as his mate, I had been utterly confused. My sister, with her beauty, confidence, and presence, seemed the clear choice for such a powerful male. Next to her, I was nothing more than a small, fragile shadow. I possessed none of the physical allure that drew men.

And beyond that… he didn’t know about my deficiency. What would I do? How could I hide it from him?

What if I told him? What if he rejected me?

The very thought terrified me.

I sighed and looked at my reflection in the darkened window, searching for answers in the tired eyes staring back. Fear and confusion clouded them. I felt lost, unable to understand why a male as powerful as Alpha Varyon had chosen me. How long could I hide my weakness from him?

My eyelids fluttered open. I sat up abruptly, realizing the ceiling above me wasn’t my own. Memories of the previous day rushed through me. I must have fallen asleep on the couch.

Anxiety tightened in my chest as I stood. I needed fresh air, needed to feel the wind and the open world, but stepping out into a territory that wasn’t mine sent a shiver of hesitation through me.

Still, I forced myself forward.

I walked to the window and pulled the curtains aside. Several pack members were already outside, each busy with their tasks. Alpha Varyon, however, was nowhere to be seen. Relief washed over me. I wasn’t ready to face him, not yet.

A sudden knock on the door startled me. Heart pounding, I opened it.

A woman stood there holding a plate that smelled wonderfully sweet. Her eyes were a deep, sparkling green, her jet-black hair framing a perfectly symmetrical, gentle face. Her warm smile eased my nerves instantly, her presence calming the air around us.

Before I could speak, a child darted toward me, arms flinging around my leg with unrestrained joy. His brown hair was tousled from running, rebellious strands escaping their tie. His eyes shone brightly as he gazed up at me as though I were someone extraordinary.

“Lysandra!” he beamed.

I couldn’t help but smile, Arion. I bent to lift him gently.

“That’s not how you greet someone,” the woman laughed softly. “I’m Nymeris, Arion’s mother and the mate of Thorne, Varyon’s brother.”

I straightened with Arion beside me.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Lysandra,” I said shyly. “Oh, I didn’t invite you in, sorry.”

“It’s fine,” she chuckled. “I brought a cake.”

I stepped aside, letting Nymeris and Arion enter. The child immediately climbed onto the couch and began playing with carved wooden wolf figurines. Nymeris placed the cake on the table and began taking cups from the cupboard.

“How about some tea?” she asked warmly. “You must be exhausted after everything that happened yesterday.”

I nodded and moved to help her. I opened cupboards, searching for small plates and silver spoons, repeating the process several times. She let me familiarize myself with the kitchen, though I sensed she occasionally held back from guiding me so she wouldn’t make me uncomfortable.

Her voice was soft and soothing, her gaze full of gentle kindness. I was grateful for her presence, this moment felt safe, free of judgment. I even found myself laughing at her stories about Arion’s childhood. When was the last time I had laughed? Had I ever?

When I escorted Nymeris and Arion to the door, a little ache tugged at my heart. As she turned to leave, she offered one last smile.

“I understand why Varyon chose you. He may seem cold… but he isn’t, Lysandra.”

Her words lingered in my mind long after I closed the door.

What future awaited me with Alpha Varyon?

The walls suddenly felt too close, too heavy. I quickly dressed, grabbed my bow and quiver, and slipped outside, avoiding every gaze.

The forest embraced me, towering trees, cool air, the scent of earth and wild things. A soft breeze teased my hair, easing the storm inside me. I followed a random path, letting my instincts lead.

I felt both liberated and exposed. My hand tightened around my bow, its familiar weight grounding me.

As I ventured deeper, the atmosphere shifted. Sunlight filtered through the leaves in fleeting patterns, shadows dancing across the forest floor. Creatures rustled unseen around me… but something else was there too.

Something is following me.

I stopped, senses sharpened, scanning every shadow.

A flicker of movement behind me. My heart slammed against my ribs. My hand flew to my quiver, muscles tensing. The presence drew closer, silent, predatory.

A dark figure darted to my right, swift as a shadow gliding between trees.

Instinct took over. In one smooth motion, I drew my bow, nocked an arrow, and pulled the string tight. My fingers trembled on the bowstring, ready to release death at a heartbeat’s notice.

My pulse pounded fiercely, blood roaring in my ears. My gaze swept the forest, searching for the intruder.

I fired.

The arrow sliced through the air with a sharp, haunting whistle before burying itself violently into a tree.

I took one final look around before turning to continue my path, 

But in an instant, I was pinned to the ground. A strong hand cradled the back of my head, preventing the impact, while a hot, solid body pressed firmly against mine.

“That’s how you greet your husband?”

A deep voice rumbled in my ear.

Alpha Varyon.