Chapter 10 – Morning of Shadows

Dawn came too soon.

Ella woke to the sound of bells ringing through the pack-house courtyard, the bright chime meant to signal celebration. But to her, it felt like a funeral toll. The room smelled faintly of pressed flowers and silk—Mara’s doing, no doubt, for the Luna-to-be should wake to beauty on her wedding day.

But Ella felt none of it.

As she tried to push herself upright, her stomach churned. She stared at the gown which was draped over the wooden stand near her bed. Overnight, the seamstresses had finally returned it, it was pressed and perfect. The silver threading glimmered in the early light, and for a moment, she thought it almost mocked her.

A knock sounded, it was brisk but not unkind. Before she could answer, Mara swept in. The Luna carried a tray filled with steaming tea and slices of honey bread, her face glowing with excitement.

“It’s time to rise, dear,” Mara said, setting the tray by the bed. “Today is your D-day.”

Ella managed a small smile, but as she reached for the cup, her hands trembled. The tea tasted sweet, floral, the kind she usually loved. But now in her mouth it tasted bitter.

Mara didn’t notice this fact. She focused on the gown, smoothing the fabric as though it were something to be held sacred. “You’ll look radiant in this. The pack will be so proud. Victor is overjoyed, and Marcus—oh, the pride in his eyes last night! You’ve brought hope to all of us, Ella.”

Hope. The word cut her deep.

Ella nodded mutely, taking another sip of tea to cover her silence. She wanted to tell Mara the truth—that this day filled her with dread, that Cole’s hatred burned brighter than any bond that they shared, that she standing before the pack was all a lie. But the joy on Mara’s face made her hold on to her tongue.

Mara paused, studying her. “You’re feeling nervous.”

Ella forced a smile. “Isn’t that the same with every bride?”

Satisfied, Mara kissed her cheek and swept out, leaving Ella alone again with just her tea, her trembling hands, and the gown that glimmered like a chain.

---

Meanwhile, across the pack-house, Cole sat in his chamber, before a mirror, pulling on his ceremonial jacket. The garment was black, it was trimmed in silver, the crest of the Silver Claw was embroidered all over his heart. The weight of it all, felt suffocating.

His reflection stared back at him —sharp jaw, golden eyes, the features of an Alpha in waiting. But beneath all the polished surface was a storm brewing within.

He adjusted the jacket, muttering under his breath, “This is just a costume for a role that I don’t want.”

The door creaked open, and Victor entered, his presence filled the room. The Alpha carried himself with a quiet authority, his wolf simmering just beneath the surface. He looked at his son with pride in his eyes.

“You wear it so well,” Victor said. “As you should. Today, the Goddess affirms her choice for you. Ella is your true mate, and with her, your future begins.”

Cole clenched his jaw. “What if I don’t want this future?”

Victor’s eyes hardened. “It isn’t about what you want, Cole. It’s all about duty. The Goddess chooses and she’s never wrong. All we do is to obey.”

Cole’s hands curled into fists, but he didn’t say anything. He couldn’t openly defy his father, not here, and definitely not today. But inside, resentment burned within him, it burned hotter than fire.

Victor studied him for a long moment, then clapped his shoulder with a heavy hand. “In time, you’ll understand. You’ll see her worth. Give it time.”

When his father left, Cole exhaled a sharp breath, running a hand through his hair. Worthiness or not, he thought bitterly, she would never be Sasha or even be compared to her.

---

Marcus found Ella later, she was pacing near the window of her chamber. Her hair had already been arranged in soft curls, her dress half-fitted by the attendants who fluttered all around her like moths to flame. The sight of her trembling hands cut him deeply.

With a firm wave, He dismissed the attendants who were present. When they were all gone, he stepped forward and cupped Ella’s cheek.

“Take a deep breathe, cub.”

Her throat tightened. “I don’t think I can go through with any of this.”

“Yes. You can,” Marcus said, his voice steady, his eyes fierce with certainty. “You’ve managed to face every cruel word, every hardship melted towards you, every doubt. This is nothing but another trial. And this also you’ll endure it.”

Ella’s tears spilled across her face before she could stop them. She pressed her face into his chest, and for a moment, she was no bride, no Luna-to-be, just a girl he had raised from nothing.

“Promise me something,” she whispered.

“Anything.”

“If I can’t bear it… if it destroys me… you’ll let me go.”

Marcus’s chest ached. He held her tighter, silently swearing he’d do whatever it took to protect her. Out loud, the only words he said were, “I’ll always be by your side, cub. Always.”

The corridor outside buzzed, filled with different voices. Ella stiffened as Sasha appeared in the doorway, looking radiant in her emerald dress, her smile dripping with venom.

“Well, don’t you look the part,” Sasha purred, eyes raking over Ella’s gown. “You look almost convincing.”

Marcus’s presence kept Ella standing tall. “What do you want, Sasha?”

“I’m just here to remind you,” Sasha said, stepping closer, “that no matter what crown they place on your head, you’ll never truly have Cole. He belongs to me. He always has.”

Ella’s heart squeezed painfully, but she forcing herself not to flinch. Marcus growled low in his throat, but Sasha only smirked, enjoying the chaos she had been able to sow.

She leaned in, her whisper which was meant only for Ella: “Smile today, little cub. Pretend that you belong. But know this, when the lights fade and the pack sleeps, he’ll always come to me.”

Then she swept out, her laughter trailing behind her.

Ella’s hands shook so hard that she almost dropped the lace veil. Marcus manage to steady her, his voice was rough with anger. “Ignore her poisonous word. You are stronger than she knows.”

But the words clung to Ella like burrs, and she just couldn’t shake them off.

By midday, the pack-house roared with life. Wolves from distant outposts had already arrived, their greetings were loud and cheerful, their eyes  curious as they glanced toward Ella.

She stood on the balcony with Marcus and Mara, she was forced to wave as though her heart wasn’t cracking inside her chest. The air was thick with pine and smoke from the feast fires, the sound of drums were echoing faintly through the valley.

To the pack, it was a cause for celebration.

To Ella, it was like she was at the edge of a cliff.

She turned her gaze toward Cole. He stood among the elders, tall and proud, but she could see the stiffness in his shoulders, the way his eyes slid past her as though she were invisible.

And in that moment, Ella knew: this wasn’t a union. It was just a performance.

The Goddess might have bound them together but choice had been stolen from them both.

The day was only just beginning but it already felt like the weight of it threatened to crush her.