Chapter four

Tyla’s POV

Hayley’s hands trembled slightly as she fixed the last pin into my hair. The mirror in front of me showed a reflection I didn’t recognize. My hair fell in soft waves, woven with delicate clips. The gown shimmered with silver threads, hugging my frame in a way that made me look taller, surer.

I didn’t feel sure. My stomach twisted, and my palms were damp.

“Don’t move, my lady,” Hayley whispered, her tone respectful but warm. She smoothed the gown once more and stepped back. “You are perfect.”

Perfect. I almost laughed. If only she knew.

I was considered the most useless wolf and no one has ever ever doll me up this way. 

A knock sounded, and the door opened before I could answer. Arthur stepped in, his broad frame filling the room. He wore his ceremonial robe, black trimmed with gold, his aura so strong that it made the air heavy. My breath caught when his eyes fell on me.

He froze. For once, the Alpha looked almost… stunned.

“Mine,” he murmured, his voice lower, rougher.

Heat crept into my cheeks. I turned away, fumbling with the edge of my gown. “It’s just a dress,” I said quickly.

Arthur moved closer, his presence wrapping around me. His hand reached for mine, steady and warm. “Don’t hide. You are mine. And tonight, you walk beside me as my partner. No one will question that.”

His certainty made something flutter in my chest, both terrifying and strangely comforting.

When we left the chamber, Lucas was already waiting, a smirk plastered on his face. “Finally, Alpha. Took you long enough.” His gaze flicked to me, and his grin widened. “And look at her. The Luna aura is strong. Careful, Arthur, you might lose your reputation as the mateless Alpha tonight.”

Arthur shot him a warning look, but Lucas only chuckled.

Hayley trailed behind, fussing over the hem of my gown as we walked. The palace doors opened, and the night air brushed against my skin. The car waited, sleek and black, the pack crest shining on its side.

Inside, Arthur never let go of my hand. His grip was firm, protective, grounding me when nerves threatened to swallow me whole.

********

When the palace car rolled to a stop before the towering building where the summit take place, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. The doors swung open and a deep voice rang across the entrance.

“Announcing His Majesty, the Lycan King, Alpha Arthur of Snow Pack!”

The sound of it rolled through the hall like thunder. A wave of submission spread instantly. Every Alpha present rose to their feet and bowed their heads low, their Lunas dropping their gaze.

And he hadn’t even entered yet.

Arthur stepped out, his presence commanding, his aura swallowing the air. Each stride was steady, powerful, terrifying. His robe brushed against his shoulders like it belonged to a king carved out of stone.

Gasps rippled through the crowd when they saw me walking beside him. No one dared to whisper too loud, but the shock was written in their faces. The Lycan King, the Alpha known for being mateless for years, was holding a woman’s hand.

I faltered, my knees weak. But Arthur leaned down, his lips close to my ear, his voice low and sharp.

“Do not bow your head, Tyla. You are mine.”

The words sent shivers down my spine. His wolf stirred inside him, restless, pulling at me, begging to mark me right there in front of them all. My neck tingled painfully under the weight of his suppressed desire. But Arthur’s hold only tightened protectively as he pulled me closer to his chest.

We sat at the head of the hall, and only when Arthur lifted a hand did the other Alphas dare sit.

Arthur’s voice filled the space. “We begin. Let's hear the reports.”

Lucas, with his usual smirk, flipped through a file and started calling each Alpha by name. They rose, gave updates about their packs, and retreated quickly, none daring to speak more than was necessary.

But I couldn’t focus on any of it. My pulse drummed in my ears. Arthur’s thumb brushed absently over my knuckles, grounding me, claiming me.

Then Lucas called the final name. “Alpha Reynold of Blue Pack.”

My entire body froze.

Reynold rose from his chair, proud as always, adjusting his suit like he owned the room until his gaze landed on me.

The color drained from his face. His lips trembled. And then, in a broken voice, he whispered, “Tyla?”

The sound of my name in his mouth cut like a blade.

The hall held its breath.

Arthur’s head turned slowly toward him, his golden eyes darkening. A deep, guttural growl ripped from his chest, the sound so powerful the very walls of the hall seemed to vibrate.

His wolf was at the surface, enraged that another man had spoken my name with such familiarity. The Alphas around us stiffened, their heads bowing lower, sweat beading on their foreheads under the sheer pressure of his aura. Reynold himself staggered backward, his legs buckling, before crashing to his knees.

The growl deepened, rattling my bones, pressing me to the seat until I could barely breathe.

“Arthur,” I whispered, terrified he would lose control.

At once, his wolf stilled. Arthur blinked, dragging himself back from the edge, his hand curling protectively over mine again. His voice, when it came, was low and lethal.

“You dare speak her name?”

Reynold trembled. His mouth opened, but no words came.

Then Loara rushed forward, her heels clicking desperately against the floor as she dropped beside him. “Your Majesty, forgive us!” she pleaded, her face pale. “He has been unwell, ever since losing his closest… friend. Please, allow me to take him out before he offends you further.”

Arthur’s gaze burned into them. The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating, before he finally spat, “Take him. Before I end his pathetic excuse of a reign myself.”

Loara scrambled, pulling Reynold up. He staggered, still staring at me with wide, disbelieving eyes, before she dragged him out.

The moment the doors closed behind them, I realized I was trembling. My fingers clutched Arthur’s sleeve like it was the only thing keeping me upright.

Arthur turned to me, his golden eyes still sharp, though softer now. “You know him.”

I bit my lip hard, unable to force the words out. My chest tightened with every beat.

Arthur watched me for a long moment, then turned back to the hall. His voice rang out like steel. “The summit is dismissed.”

No Alpha dared protest. They scrambled to their feet, bowing deeply before filing out of the hall in tense silence.

When it was finally empty, Arthur stood and pulled me with him. His aura was still fierce, his hand firm at the small of my back, guiding me as though I might vanish if he let go.

The moment we reached the car, his voice cut the silence.

“Tyla. Who is Reynold to you?”

My lips parted. The truth clawed at my throat, begging to escape but before I could speak, Arthur’s phone buzzed sharply. His jaw clenched as he read the message. 

“What is it?” I whispered.

Arthur’s expression hardened, shadows flickering across his face. “The borders have been attacked. I have to go right away.”

My chest hollowed. “For how long?”

He exhaled, his gaze softening as it landed on me. “A month. Maybe longer.”

I forced a smile even as my eyes blurred. “You have to go. They need their Alpha.”

Arthur’s hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. For a moment, the Lycan King looked like nothing more than a man torn in two.

“I don’t want to leave you.”

“You’ll come back,” I whispered. My voice shook. “And I’ll be waiting.”

“The guards will take you back to the pack, I will have to go with Lucas” With that, he placed a short kiss on my forehead.

I don't why but my heart aches as I watch him leave. Without any reason, I'm missing him so much and I didn't notice the tears in my eyes.

Suddenly, the voice was clear in my head.

“Mate!”

I ended up burying my face in his chest, inhaling his scent like it was the only thing keeping me alive. And then he was gone, his convoy disappearing beyond the palace gates.

Tears slid down my cheeks before I even realized I was crying. I hadn’t wanted to. But I couldn’t stop

Two weeks later, the palace felt both empty and overwhelming. I walked with Hayley and a few maids through the courtyard, trying to quiet the ache in my chest.

A black car rolled through the gates, sleek and polished. It stopped at the steps, and the maids immediately bowed. I thought it was Arthur, but the figure in the car seems different.

I frowned. “Who is that?”

The door opened.

A woman stepped out gracefully, her heels clicking against the stone. She was beautiful, her presence sharp enough to command the air. My heart skipped as she looked straight at me, her lips curving in the faintest smile.

“Who are you?” I whispered, the question trembling on my lips.

The maids exchanged fearful glances before one whispered, trembling, “That’s… her.”

My heart pounded. “Her who?” I tried to fathom what was happening; the maids seemed to be in chaos, and the lady's presence holds power that no one could deny.

Then her voice came in. “You must get that lady who is keeping Arthur's attention away from me. I'm back to take what is mine!”