The Dark Ones

THE EDWARD’s HOUSEHOLD

On getting home, Gabriella was surprised to see expensive cars parked outside her house. She was immediately pulled inside by her stepmother.

“Mr.Luther’s men are here, you’re getting married early tomorrow morning,” her father said.

“What? That’s fast…” she challenged with her heart pounding heavily against her rib cage.

“Drop your bag and prepare to leave in 5 minutes. He has made arrangements for our stay and everything”

Gabriella subconsciously nodded her head and turned around to head towards her room and change her dress when she bumped into her stepsister.

Olive is carrying a big suitcase and seems to be rushing.

“Mind your business and stop staring!” Olive yelled at her.

“Oh my dear, hurry so you won’t be late for your flight. Make sure to leave the city tonight to avoid issues” Grace informed her daughter.

Only then did it become clear to Gabriella what their plan was. They save their daughter in case Mr.Luther finds out that the bride has been replaced.

In a few minutes, the house was clear and the three cars escorting the family drove out of the area.

As Gabriella walked through the hallway of roses with her father beside her, her hands trembled as she scanned the magnificent empty hall decorated to its best. The lights were bright and of different shades. The elegant floral arrangements give a touch of traditional style. The chairs are covered with flowery linen backdrop and decorative accents such as candles and spirited lamp shades down the hallway.

This ambiance would make any woman’s heart move to happiness but not Gabriella's. Biting down on her lips as she approached the alter, Gabriella stared at herself briefly from the large mirror in the room.

She’s dressed in a classic A-line gown with delicate lace detailing by the edges and a sweetheart neckline. Her fitted bodice flares out into a flowing skirt, creating a graceful and feminine silhouette of young and beautiful Gabriella. The low back is adorned with intricate lace appliqués and subtle beading for an elegant touch.

She couldn’t believe her eyes—-

And in a brief seconds, she’s arrived at the alter but the groom has not yet made his entrance.

Her eyes traveled across the room, she saw no other guests except her parents smiling brightly at her.

She squeezed the bouquet tightly in anger, her nails digging into her skin.

Suddenly, the door opened and a very dashing man made his way into the wedding hall. Flanked by his securities each side is like the president of a country. Gabriella heaved a sigh of relief because she had hoped that her groom wouldn’t show up with his 57 brides to witness the wedding but she could not understand why he came fully protected.

“And I thought he’s an old wicked man…” she thought in her mind.

Mr.Luther is a very handsome man with intricate features and of course very rich as rumored. Because of his ugly personality with women, the rumor of him being old and wicked overshadowed the truth of his handsome look and agile body.

Dressed elegantly in a red tailored suit, he sauntered into the room with steps of grace. His burly body almost ripping out of his clothes shows how healthy and strong he is for his innocent and alluring face. There’s no doubt any woman would accept death on seeing him.

Gabriella almost lost her balance as this man walked towards her but she managed to control herself.

“Hello dear bride,” he said with a wink and nod in satisfaction before turning around to look at Gabriella’s family.

“Not bad” he commended and the Edwards grinned back greedily.

Gabriella could not dare to meet his gaze after he talked to her family as if she was an object to be sold… perhaps she was.

As the priest came out from the corner of the room, he started the process immediately with the rings in his hand.

“Do you, Gabriella Edward of the Moonclaw community agree to take Lycan King Luther to be your heavenly wedded husband?” The priest said.

Immediately silence and shock descended upon the room. Mr.Edward and his wife were beyond stunned while Gabriella almost choked on her breath.

“What did I just hear?” She uttered.

Mr.Luther grinned maliciously and turned to face the Edwards “Well, this is why I don’t invite guests to my weddings” he said with hands spread out playfully.

And then with a snap of his fingers, two of his men spread out the contractual agreement in front of the Edwards.

“I let people believe what I want them to believe so you will spread the same rumor around about me being an old, weak, and rich man. Is that clear?” He asked them and they nodded with fear visible on their faces.

It’s one thing to deceive a rich werewolf man and get away with it after his death but it’s another thing to deceive a Lycan! And one of the Lycan rulers of the city at that. They had replaced the bride with a cursed one hoping to inherit his wealth and powers after death but now the tide has turned.

Everyone in the city knows of the three legendary Lycan brothers! The most powerful species that never died. They control the city in the palm of their hands and their strength and powers are unmatched.

Every werewolf community willingly serves under them and there’s been no threat in the city for years because of them. They are rarely seen by anyone and that’s why they remain mysterious and dangerous.

This explains the third brother’s masked life but his reason for marrying many women remains unknown.

As the Edwards signed on the paper, they could not stop their hands from trembling.

Silence starts ringing inside Gabriella’s head and she can see her entire life flashing before her eyes.

“It’s all over”

The priest repeated the question and Luther said yes—-

Awaiting the bride’s response, icy air filled the room… but then the door came open and two men marched gracefully into the hall.

“Your 58th bride is not yours only brother” Voices sounded from nowhere.