Elena’s POV
Standing on the podium of the pack, everyone was cheering for either Bryson’s victory or mine. We were wearing our training gear and mouthpieces as we circled each other calculatingly.
“Just give up. Don’t hurt yourself, Elena,” Bryson warned.
I smirked. “Put your worry to yourself instead.”
With that, I made the first move and sent a hard punch to his stomach, which made him back away and whimper. He looked at me with utter surprise, unaware that I could fight.
When many of the members stood up from their seats to cheer, I saw Bryson’s jaw clenched in anger, and the light in his eyes dimmed with seriousness.
Okay, now we’re really on.
We moved at the speed of light, sending punches and kicks to each other several times, but every time, I’d succeed in hitting him while I managed to block most of his attacks.
When the right time came, I taunted, “Don’t take it to heart.”
After saying that, I used my leg to put pressure on his until he fell, and then I used my arms to hold him on the ground until he tapped me three times.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s congratulate Luna Elena!”
Everyone cheered, and I raised my hand in celebration. It was news worth stunning many of the members. I smirked and glanced at Bryson’s defeated and humiliated face.
It's funny how easy I defeated him though, almost killing me to boredom.
Then suddenly, while I stared at his defeated face, Prince Deacon's cold appearance flushed in my mind.
He's the known god of war. Best of the best.
Thinking of that, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if I spar with him.
A smile subconsciously formed in my lips at the thought of that. Now, that would be exciting.
“Are you that happy?” Bryson asked frustratedly and that's when I realized my smile hadn't vanished yet.
He must be furious. After all, a Luna like me who had never been to war, defeated an Alpha and a rewarded warrior like him. His ego was probably bleeding right now, just as I wanted.
“I never knew you could fight.” Bryson and I were now in the changing area to remove our gear.
I shrugged and removed my mouthpiece. “You never took the time to know anything.”
“I…”
His words were cut off when the door was slammed open. Courtney and Glenda came rushing inside.
With her eyes blazing and her face red, Courtney hysterically screamed at me. “This is unacceptable!”
Fixing my hair after completely removing all my gears, I crossed my arms and smiled. “I won fair and square, Courtney. As we discussed, I won’t be giving any of you a penny!”
She stomped her feet and looked gravely at Bryson. “I want this cheap woman out of this pack! Someone as vicious as her doesn't belong here.”
“Yes, Babe, just reject her now. She’ll just cause trouble again in the future.” Glenda was supporting Courtney and looking at me with anger.
What? Did she come here as well, wanting to covet with my money? Well, sorry for her, but my money wasn’t for a mistress like her.
Not so surprisingly, Bryson stood in front of me with a serious expression.
Sighing, he said with sadness and a hint of worry, “Let’s not make it hard for everyone anymore. You should have heeded my words before. Then you would have been able to stay here and be a Luna.”
“Save your useless pity.”
“As you want, I’ll reject you.” Taking a deep breath, he stared at me and started the rejection process, “I, Bryson Renner, Alpha of the Swiftridge Pack…”
This was it… I told myself as I waited for him to finish and prepare myself for the upcoming pain that would curse through my body.
If it wasn't for the fact that I value my mother's opinion when she handed me over to Bryson, I would have rejected him the second I got the news he'll marry another.
He continued, “…reject you, El—”
“Wait! What do you think you’re doing, Alpha Bryson?” A baritone voice boomed in the room, making all four of us look toward the doorway.
Standing there was a man in his 30s. Though he looked a bit older, his body was bulky, and he exuded a superior demeanor.
“Beta Jude,” we all greeted.
“What do we owe for your visit?” Bryson asked.
Beta Jude was King Desmond’s Beta and would rarely go out of his way without the King visiting another pack. Mostly, he’d be fighting rogues or doing much more important things than coming here to watch a dispute between an Alpha and Luna.
Beta Jude kept his stance and asked again, “What do you think you’re doing?”
Bryson hesitantly looked at me before he replied, “Luna Elena and I had to come to our terms with each other, and now, I’m rejecting her.”
Letting out a small sarcastic laugh, Beta Jude asked, “What makes you think you are qualified to do so?”
Confusion was plastered on our faces upon hearing him say that. What did he mean?
Rejection was a process, and it was known that only those of higher ranks could reject their mates. But Bryson and I were on the same rank. That’s why we could decide on our own.
“My son and this stubborn woman are of the same rank,” Courtney said, which caused Beta Jude to glare at her.
“I’d watch my tongue if I were you,” he warned.
With that, he took a respectful step toward me and bowed his head respectfully. “I’m here to give you the Lycan King’s instructions, Luna Elena.”
My heart pumped with nervousness as I wondered which verdict the King had reached.
Did he agree with the divorce?
Opening a letter with the King’s logo, he started reading, “Feeling remorseful for Elena Dooley’s family and pack from being slaughtered and with the sense of utmost gratitude for the heroic acts and sacrifices of her father and brother for the Kingdom… King Desmond henceforth promotes Elena Dooley as the first enthroned Princess in the Kingdom and agrees to her request to sever ties with Alpha Bryson.”
My eyes widened in shock, and my heart pumped in joy. It’s more than what I had expected.
“What? Princess?” Glenda said on the sideline.
I stared at Beta Jude in disbelief as he smiled at me.
“Congratulations, Princess Elena,” he said as he handed me the letter. I read through the text, and it was indeed as he said.
The first letter from the King brought me joy after all this time. I held it close to my heart, silently thankful to King Desmond.
Pointedly looking at me, Beta Jude gestured toward Alpha Bryson, “As you may, Princess.”
Smiling victoriously, I stood in front of Bryson with cold demeanor and relief knowing my mother would understand my reasons after I got the King's blessings. “I, Elena Dooley, Princess of Lycan Kingdom…”
Elena’s POVI looked at him admiringly. How lucky was it that we had found each other and that he had offered me this marriage?It might be an arranged marriage, but how come I feel more fortunate about this one than the last?It’s like he wasn’t real. He was setting the standard too high. When Bryson wasn’t there for me and came back only to betray me, I was shattered. I didn’t think I’d ever believe in marriage again, let alone have one fall into my life unexpectedly.But with Deacon… even if this entire arrangement was just a bandage over the problems we were both facing, he was going far and beyond to make it bearable, memorable, and somehow, even perfect.Custodes was no ordinary place. It was secluded, hidden away, and meant for the most elite warriors. Gaining access was difficult, and getting permission without being a member was even more difficult. Almost impossible. And yet, here he was, ready to face anything—anyone—just to ease my worries.He wasn’t even asking me to go w
Elena’s POVI couldn’t help but laugh at his not-so-smooth attempt to change the subject. “You’re really bad at dismissing things.”He grinned sheepishly, avoiding my gaze as he picked up a glass of wine and took a sip. “I just don’t want to talk about that anymore. It’s all in the past.”Turning to face me, his grin widened. “I prefer talking about the present—and most importantly, the future. My future with you. Our wedding.”I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to suppress the grin that threatened to take over my face as he successfully shifted my thoughts.Raising an eyebrow playfully, I asked, “The wedding already?”“Yes, already.” He smirked, clearly pleased with himself. “You didn’t think I’d just sit around and not plan this, did you? This is important to me. I won’t delegate the planning to anyone else.”“Also,” he continued, his eyes lighting up, “I’ve already spoken to a few planners. And trust me, Elena, no one’s as lucky as I am right now.”His excitement was contagious,
Elena’s POVHe let out another soft laugh, as if recalling something silly, and his eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and teasing. "You used to make this face whenever you tasted something you didn’t like. Took me a few reminders to memorise your taste."I lifted my head in shock, and before I could say anything, we both burst into laughter. It felt like a return to simpler times—before everything had changed, before life had pulled us in different directions.I was never particularly picky with food, but if I’m honest, it wasn’t easy to satisfy my taste buds. I could eat anything, but that didn’t mean I liked everything. I never let it show, or at least, I thought I hadn’t. It never occurred to me that someone might notice the small reactions I had when something didn’t sit right.Once the laughter subsided and we settled into a comfortable silence, my eyes drifted down, and that’s when I saw it again—the keychain hanging from his pocket. The keys and other trinkets were tucked
Elena’s POV“I see they didn’t manage to break you,” Deacon said amusingly, leaning back in his seat like he was offering me the stage to perform.Taking a sip from my wine glass, I shrugged in a half-boast and replied with a smirk, “Well, they tried. But if Bryson’s family and pack didn’t crush me, an angry princess surely won’t.”Deacon chuckled softly and shook his head in awe. His normally sharp features relaxed into admiration as he began cutting his steak into bite-sized pieces. “Tell me everything,” he said. “I want to hear it from your lips, not theirs.”Setting my cup down with a soft clink, I met his gaze steadily. “Your mother… she was discreet, but intentionally emphasised how much of a ‘second-hand bride’ I am. The Grand Princess? She called me shameful. My ex-mother-in-law helped heat things up. And Julie—Bryson’s cousin tried humiliating me by suggesting I’m unworthy.”I recounted it casually, as if we were merely discussing politics over dinner. But from the way Deacon
Deacon’s POVStanding upright with my hands clasped behind my back, I paced the length of the corridor outside the palace's eastern wing. From here, I could hear the faint echoes of music and laughter from my aunt’s birthday banquet. But I couldn’t hear it well enough to distinguish whether it was a laugh of enjoyment or ridicule.I was restless. My combat boots hit the polished marble of the hallway with an echo as I paced around the hallway, the long black coat that draped over me and was barely shielding me from the palace’s cold evening breeze. I had every intention of staying in my office tonight, busying myself with work and waiting for some passing attendant to inform me how the evening went for Elena, but my worry kept me from working.And the moment I heard she had accepted the invitation and come to the palace, I couldn’t sit still.So before I knew it, here I was, stalking the corridor like a warrior in hostile territory.She had been in there far too long already.I tru
Elena’s POVThe atmosphere had turned sharp and brittle, like a thin ice beneath bare feet. Whispers fluttered through the air around us, intensifying the tension as everyone started muttering under their breaths. The weight of their stares clung to my skin, heavy, suffocating. And then came the crack that split it all.Not from the ones you’d expect—not from the Duchess who stood beside me moments ago with warmth in her hand—but from the Grand Princess herself.She let out a loud, unrestrained snort, drawing every eye to her like a signal flare. With a sneer curling at the corner of her mouth, she tilted her head and inspected me with a look that could rot silver.“So this is the woman Deacon has chosen?” she said with venomous amusement. “A divorced woman, rejected by one noble family and now clawing her way into another?”Her voice sliced through the silence like a blade.Gasps echoed faintly around the room.The decor—the soft lighting, the finely tuned string quartet, the scent