The Bethrothed

They locked me in a room too big to feel safe.

The walls were made of stone and glass, clean and cold. A large bed sat in the center with dark sheets, untouched. A table near the window held food I couldn’t bring myself to eat. There were no chains here, but I knew this was still a prison.

Kael hadn’t spoken to me since the council meeting. I hadn't even seen him at all.

He left me here with guards at the door and a burning mark on my neck that refused to fade. Sometimes, when I closed my eyes, I could feel something—or someone—pulling at my thoughts. A thread I didn’t ask for, didn’t understand, and couldn’t ignore.

It was him.kael. My mate.

Even from a distance, his presence wrapped around me like smoke. Heavy. Dangerous.

And I hated myself for craving it.

I heard footsteps approaching.

The door opened suddenly.

I shot to my feet. Staggering.

Kael stood there, filling the doorway like a shadow. He looked tired. Angry. His dark eyes scanned the room, landing on me with that same unreadable expression he always wore.

“You haven’t eaten,” he said.

“I’m not hungry.”I replied calmly, not wanting to provoke him.

He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. “You need strength.”

“For what?” I asked bitterly. “For the next time someone tries to kill me?”

He froze. “No one will touch you.”

I laughed. “You said that already. Still waiting for it to be true.”

His jaw clenched. He moved closer. I backed up until my legs hit the bedframe.

“I didn’t choose this,” he growled. “You think I wanted a rogue for a mate?” he said almost irritated.

“I didn’t ask to be marked,” I snapped.

The air between us cracked with tension. His wolf was close. I could feel it pressing beneath his skin, trying to get to me.

Kael’s hand shot out. I shot my eyes close, scared he would hit me. He didn’t touch me—but his fingers hovered just near my throat.

The mark pulsed. Hot.

“You feel it too,” he whispered.

I swallowed. “I don’t want to.”

He turned and walked out without another word.

---

Later that day, I heard raised voices from beyond the hall.

A woman’s voice. Sharp and furious.

I moved to the door and tried to listen.

“You let her live?” she snapped. “You disgrace both our names, Kael!”

It was her. Kira.

I didn’t need to see her to know who she was. Her voice dripped with control, but there was venom beneath it.

“You will marry me,” she hissed. “You owe that alliance. Our packs—”

“I owe you nothing,” Kael said calmly.

“She’s a threat. The council won’t stand for it.”

“I’ll deal with the council.”

“You’re risking everything for a nobody. What will they say when she turns out to be a witch? A spy? Or worse—a cursed blood?”

I stepped back from the door, heart racing.

Kira wanted me dead. That much was clear.

---

That night, I couldn’t sleep.

I laid on the bed, watching the moonlight slip across the walls. My mark throbbed. I pressed my fingers against it, trying to calm the strange ache in my chest.

Then I heard it.

A soft click.

The door.

It creaked open.

I sat up, eyes wide. A shadow slipped into the room. I saw the glint of something in their hand—metal. A knife.

My breath caught.

The intruder moved fast,lounging at me and hitting my head on the wall.

I grabbed the edge of the lamp beside the bed and threw it. Glass shattered. The figure cursed and stumbled.

I scrambled out of bed and ran.

The door flew open again.

Kael.

He moved like lightning. His hand caught the attacker mid-strike and slammed them into the wall. There was a sickening crunch. Bones broke. Blood spilled.

He didn’t stop.

The intruder screamed before going silent. Kael dropped the body like trash.

His chest rose and fell with rage. His eyes glowed gold. His wolf was close. Too close.

I stood frozen, heart pounding.

He turned to me.

“Are you hurt?” he growled. Touching the side of my head that I didn't know was bleeding.

I shook my head.

His eyes moved to the red mark on my neck. It was brighter now. Burning hot.

“I told them,” he said quietly. “No one touches what’s mine.”

Then he was on me.

I didn’t have time to think. His hands were in my hair. His lips crushed mine with a hunger that stole the breath from my lungs.

I didn’t push him away.

I couldn’t.

My body responded before my brain could catch up. Fire rushed through my veins. The bond flared between us like a lightning strike.

His hands roamed—hot, rough, possessive. From my neck down to my chest. Grabbing my breast in his hand. His soft lips pressed against mine as I parted my lips. I couldn't hold myself. I guess he couldn't as well. At least that's what I thought.

Then he stopped.

He pulled back, breathing hard. His hands trembled.

“I’m losing control,” he whispered.

I stared at him, dazed. “Then stop.”

“I can’t,” he hissed.

And that’s when I realized—

The one thing Kael prided himself on more than anything was his control.

And I was breaking it.

He stepped away, running a hand through his hair. “You’re not safe here.”

“No kidding.” I replied.

“I mean from them... and from me.”

Before I could ask what he meant, the door opened again.

It was Toran. And Kira.

Kira took one look at me, at my torn shirt, at Kael’s flushed face—and she smiled.

Not a nice smile.

“Well,” she said, “it seems the rumors were true.”

Toran looked furious. “This ends now. Either you reject her or the council will.”

Kael said nothing.

Kira stepped closer. “Choose, Kael. Your mate... or your crown.”

His eyes didn’t leave mine.

And the silence that followed was louder than any answer.