Chapter 18 - When fate crashes the party, even destiny bleeds

Nyra's POV

A sea of shadow and gold filled the large banquet hall. The flames of the torches curved toward the vaulted ceiling, where war banners weighed heavily with history, as they lined up along the walls. The drums and strings created an eerie feel as the music floated around the room. Wolves in their finest armor and velvet shuffled past each other, their giggling hushed beneath sparkling masks.

Yup. It was a masked ceremony, and everyone seemed to understand that tonight was just a show. At the end of the night, the strongest Alpha of our realm would be bound tonight to his soulmate.

I walked through the crowd, my face concealed by a black lace mask. My blood raced, but my hands remained still. The ceremony wasn't any of my business. I shouldn't give a damn. Nevertheless, my gaze never left him.

Standing at the center, a pillar of command, Kade wore a mask of shadow and silver. Even behind the mask, I could tell it was him. He had a particular kind of aura that made everyone bow silently. He had been by himself all night until now. 

Vaela, wearing crimson silk, with a feathered mask and a smile that was too hard to be gentle, walked across the room to take her place by his side. Many congratulated her as she walked past. She really thinks she has won.

The music stopped, and the main ceremony started. Elders started to move around, their voices increasing in chorus as their robes brushed the floor. The weight of ancient magic, older than any of us, permeated the air.

Then I caught sight of her.

Between the dancers, a shadow appeared, her gown embroidered with smoke, and her mask as simple as bone. Morgra.

I gasped.

Why is she here?

Moving swiftly, I slipped between the different groups of people gathered, maintaining eye contact with her as she crossed the hallway. I felt the urge to go after her and find the root of whatever game she was engaged in.

She kept walking until she suddenly stopped, pausing and leaning toward Vaela.

My feet went cold in my uncomfortable shoes.

Vaela's gaze shifted to her, broadened slightly, and then narrowed as if they were sharing a secret. Morgra's lips brushed the air as she muttered something. Vaela gave one nod. Only once.

I nearly took a step forward, but something inside of me froze. If they were allies or knew one another, intervening now would reveal everything.

With my nails digging into my palms, I pushed myself back into the shadows. My head whirled. Morgra and Vaela. How long have they known each other? And why?

The chanting intensified, drawing my focus back.

The ceremony was underway.

The Eldest Elder raised his staff with a shout that reverberated throughout the hall.

"Our Alpha binds to his queen tonight. Our pack will get stronger tonight. We'll invoke the ancient link tonight!"

The crowd cheered, and the Elder seemed satisfied. With a wave of his hand, the crowd became silent.

"Hold her hands," the Elder said.

Kade reached out, calm, steady. Under her mask, I could see Vaela's smile sparkle as she tangled her fingers in his.

The Elder started an incantation, and as he chanted, the air grew heavy with force and hummed. Silver and red threads of light twisted into a cord between their clasped hands. The glowing beam of light flared and pulsed like a heartbeat, causing gasps reverberating across the room.

Then—

The light exploded without warning. The cemetery-silent room was disturbed by a shattering sound, as if glass had shattered in the air. Sparks flew across the floor as the cable broke.

Vaela clutched her palm as if it were burning as she moaned. Kade stumbled, his eyes blazing with rage.

Suddenly, the Elder, whispered, "No."

The audience burst out. Shouts of incredulity rose as voices clashed.

"The bond—"

"It broke—"

"It's impossible—"

Vaela's mask came off just enough to show her wide eyes. "Try again!" she said in a trembling voice. "Do it again! He's my mate!"

However, a fresh voice broke through the confusion before the Elder could say anything.

"There's no need for that."

The crowd froze.

A woman with a hood over her face moved forward from the far end of the hall. Every stride reverberated like thunder. Her voice was unmistakable, icy, and biting.

"The Alpha's true mate is still alive, so the bond was rejected."

The crowd murmured. But it wasn't the crowd I was worried about; it was Kade. His entire body stiffened, his jaw clenched as he turned toward her, his eyes burning.

"What did you just say?"

She pulled her hood down. Her eyes were like molten steel, and her face was lined and timeless. I was wrong. She wasn't Morgra. She was older and deeper with an authoritative voice that was unavoidable.

"Don't you know? You cannot bind something already claimed by fate," she stated plainly. "Your Luna's star still burns bright. She is alive. The Gods know this, too. You saw it for yourselves. The magic won't lie.

Vaela staggered back, choking. "No! No, it can't be! Get her out of here, she's a pathetic liar. Kate's mate died a long time ago. Everyone knows that!"

The woman's fiery gaze pierced her. "Fate never lies."

The hall trembled with whispers, wolves moving uncomfortably, masks facing Kade.

Kade's fists were shaking at his sides as he stood motionless. He had believed that for years. He had convinced himself for years that his companion was no longer there. However, hearing this…

"Does this mean I'll never be able to fully harness my newfound powers?"

The words were sharp as daggers. Kade's aura glowed like fire that was hardly restrained as his rage reverberated through the hall.

With her mask on the ground and her face contorted, Vaela fell to her knees. "This can't be happening! It's all a lie!" she said. "I am his soulmate! I —

"Enough!" The woman interrupted, saying, "You are nothing." Turning to Kade, she said, "The bond has made its voice heard."

The hush shuddered through the hall.

Kade's eyes, blazing with stormfire, swept across the audience. And they flicked toward where I stood in the shadows for the smallest of moments, too short for anyone to notice but me in my direction. As if to taunt me, the mark under my ribs pulsed hot, and my only thought was: "Oh my gods. Hades was telling the truth."

Chaos roared through the hall. Wolves demanding answers, Vaela crying, elders yelling.

Kade and I only heard the echo of a voice from the Dreadmoor, 

"Are you sure?"