Chapter 3: The werewolf from the forest

Dylan couldn't hide the look of shock that spread over his face when he saw Scarlett.

When the wolf council told him a few days ago that they had found a human bride for him, he rejected the idea, almost attacking the leader who broke the news to him.

But when they also told him that she could be the one to break the curse on his bloodline, he had a rethink.

What he didn't expect was to stand before the same girl who stabbed him with a dagger, five years ago.

Was fate playing some kind of twisted game?

She seemed to recognize him too because she backed away, fear taking over her expression.

"You?" She said as she hid behind her father.

King Eddard looked on in confusion. "You two know each other?"

Dylan's lips pulled into a sneer as he gazed at her. "Your daughter and I met a few years ago, in the forest."

Before King Eddard could ask what led to it, Scarlett spoke. "Dad, these people lied to you. They're not who you think they are."

"What are you talking about?"

"He's a werewolf!" She blurted. "All of them. We're probably not safe if they were able to break into the kingdom."

"They didn't break in, Scarlett. I invited them." King Eddard said calmly.

"What?" She frowned. "You invited our enemy into our home? How can you be so calm about this?"

Then she realized that both her parents didn't look surprised when she revealed that Dylan was a werewolf. It was almost like they knew about it already.

Realization slowly dawned on her. She stepped away from her father, her entire body going stiff.

"You knew." She said, her voice accusatory. "You and mom knew he was a werewolf, yet you chose him as my suitor? You told me he was a king."

"He is." King Eddard said. "Scarlett, this is Alpha Dylan Callahan, Alpha King of Shadowfang pack."

Scarlett felt her heart drop. She knew about the Alpha of Shadowfang pack, from the countless stories she had heard. The Alpha who was rumoured to be cursed, the same Alpha who had a bloodbath every full moon.

This was the same man her parents wanted her to marry.

"I don't believe this." She whispered.

King Eddard tried to take her hand, but she moved out of reach. "Whatever I'm doing is for your good, and the good of the kingdom. One day, you'll understand."

"Understand?" She repeated, her voice unstable. "You're sending me to my death! You told me the werewolves were our sworn enemies, yet you want me to marry one?"

"The werewolves have come to an agreement with us." King Eddard said, looking uncomfortable under Scarlett's burning emerald gaze.

"And I guess I was the bargaining chip?" She shot back. "The sacrificial lamb who needs to be killed for the good of the kingdom?"

"Watch your tone, Scarlett." King Eddard snapped suddenly. "You may be upset, but do not forget who you're speaking to."

"I'm well aware of who I'm speaking to." Scarlett retorted. "I'm sorry father, but I reject the proposal. I won't marry this... this monster!"

The moment the words left her lips, the air shifted, turning heavy with tension.

One of the masked men moved towards Scarlett, but King Eddard stepped in front of her, shielding her with his body.

The masked man lifted his hand to strike him, but he stopped suddenly when Dylan shot him a dark look.

He stepped back, and King Eddard instantly turned to Dylan.

"Alpha Dylan, I apologize for my daughter's blatant disrespect."

"I have no need for your apology, King Eddard." Dylan muttered in a cold voice. "Does this in anyway disrupt the agreement we've made?"

"Of course not." King Eddard shook his head. "The alliance is sealed, and your union with my daughter has been approved."

"Dad..."

"Silence, Scarlett!" King Eddard snapped, raising his voice at her for the first time.

Scarlett fell silent, completely helpless while Dylan snapped his fingers.

Two of the masked men stepped forward, holding two enormous wooden crates.

When the crates were open, a heavy heap of gold coins spilled out onto the floor.

Dylan clasped his hands behind him and fixed his gaze on King Eddard.

"I believe this is more than enough for her dowry, and also part payment for the alliance."

Scarlett looked up sharply. What did he mean by payment?

"Once she becomes my bride, you'll have the second payment in gold." Dylan continued. "And when she gives me a son, you will get the last of the payment. Also in gold."

As he and King Eddard shook hands, Scarlett felt terror seize her. Her fate had been sealed. This was real;she had been married off to a literal monster, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Her dreams of falling in love with a charming prince and getting swept off her feet had been shattered.

She looked towards her mother, pleading silently for her help.

But Queen Katherine merely looked away and lowered her head. She couldn't go against the King. Her hands were tied.

"It is done then." Dylan said suddenly. "When we arrive at my pack, we will be wedded."

"Can we at least be present for the wedding?" Queen Katherine asked hopefully. Her eyes were filled with worry for her daughter.

"You won't be present." Dylan shook his head heartlessly. "The werewolf world is not a place for a human. Your daughter, however, is an exception. She will be my wife, hence she is untouchable."

He grabbed Scarlett's hand suddenly, causing her to flinch.

As he started to pull her away with him, she turned and cast one final glance at her father who was standing in the midst of his gold coins.

"Dad..." She called out, tears brimming in her eyes. "Please..."

But King Eddard just looked away. In his eyes, there was pure pain. He was parting with his one and only daughter, and he could do nothing about it.

Outside the throne room, a crowd had gathered. The news had gone round the kingdom that Princess Scarlett was being wedded to a werewolf king, and many came to confirm it.

As Dylan pulled Scarlett away with him, she couldn't help but cry. She wasn't even allowed to take any of her belongings. She wasn't allowed to say goodbye to Leah.

"Scarlett!" A familiar voice called out from the crowd.

Scarlett looked up, her gaze landing on Leah instantly. Her tears flowed faster as she gazed at her best friend.

Leah had tears in her eyes. She had heard the news.

"It's him." She yelled above the noise of the crowd. "The werewolf from the forest."

Leah stopped short, her mouth opening wide in shock. But she didn't get a chance to ask more questions.

Dylan dragged Scarlett towards the carriage waiting at the end of the pathway. He helped her in, his hands rough.

One of the masked men climbed aboard and cracked a whip, lashing at the four horses tethered to the carriage.

The animals broke into a gallop, pulling the carriage away. The other masked men shifted into their wolf forms and followed behind, growling and snarling menacingly.

As for Scarlett, she stared out through the window, watching as Eryndor grew smaller in the distance.

Her life as a princess was over, and her dreams had turned into a nightmare.

And that nightmare was just beginning.