HIS BEAST

The massive gates of Shadowcrest Castle opened slowly with a loud sound of metallic groan that echoed through the stormy night.

Ariana's breath caught in-between her throat as the royal carriage went forward across the dark stone bridge leading into the kingdom of the shadowcrest.Everything in this new place felt so wrong.

Cold black towers stood towards the sky while silver flames burned along the walls without dying beneath the heavy rain. Warriors dressed in dark armor lined both sides of the entrance with their heads bowed respectfully as Kael Draven returned home Yet, despite their loyalty ,Fear still filled their eyes whenever they looked up at him.

The carriage finally stopped before the enormous castle entrance and For several seconds, nobody moved Then, Kael stepped out first and The guards immediately bowed down on their knees .Your Majesty! But Kael ignored them completely instead, he moved toward the carriage and walked Towards Ariana, Come let's go in.That word sounded more like a command than an invitation Ariana hesitated every instinct inside her screamed not to leave the carriage but, remaining inside with him felt equally dangerous.Slowly, she stepped down onto the wet stone ground.

The cold wind instantly wrapped around her soaked body, making her shiver lightly Kael immediately noticed.His silver eyes darkened slightly Without warning, he removed his long black coat and threw it over her shoulders and Ariana froze the heavy fabric completely carried his scent of smoke, rain, cedar, and something darker she couldn't explain. I do not need your pity she muttered quietly.Kael stared at her for a moment before replying coldly, Good Because I don't give pity not to you.

Then he walked toward the castle entrance Ariana stood there awkwardly for a second before following behind him while the servants and guards carefully watched her 

Whispers immediately spread through the crowd . Is that the girl? She's human? She has no wolf scent

 Why would the king bring her here? She is too weak Ariana could only lower her head with her eyes slightly closed and pretending not to hear them but Kael heard everything.

The temperature around him suddenly dropped dangerously every whisper instantly died off

One disrespectful servant accidentally looked at Ariana with disgust, Kael stopped walking immediately, Silence erupted across the entire hall KAEL Slowly, turned his head toward the servant and The man's face lost colour immediately .if any of you dare disrespect what belongs to me, Kael said quietly, i'll snap out your tongue myself.Nobody breathed,Nobody moved.

Fear spread through the hall like poison Ariana's chest tightened strangely. Belongs to me?Again? That possessive darkness in his voice made her uneasy in ways she didn't understand.

Kael continued walking as though nothing had happened with Ariana silently following beside him through the enormous castle corridors.

Inside of Shadowcrest was even more terrifying than the outside . Black marble floors reflected silver candlelight while massive paintings of dead generational Lycan kings stared down from the walls.Ancient wolf statues guarded every hallway like silent monsters watching her every step.

The castle felt alive and hungry.

You look frightened, Kael suddenly said withou even t looking at her.

I think your castle wants to eat me up and to her surprise, a small smile crept briefly across Kael's face again and he, it's because The castle has good taste.

Ariana glared at him instantly but That tiny reaction made something dangerous soften slightly inside Kael's expression before disappearing completely.

He suddenly stopped before the two giant doors, the guards standing outside bowed down and immediately opened the doors .Ariana slowly stepped inside then froze.

The room was enormous, it has a massive fireplace burned against the far wall while dark silk curtains hung from towering windows overlooking storm-covered mountains. Shelves filled with ancient books covered one side of the chamber while expensive silver weapons decorated the other.At the center stood an enormous black bed.

Her face heated instantly.

This room ,she whispered carefully and before she could finish, Kael calmly answered, it's mine.Ariana turned her head towards him in disbelief You brought me to your bedroom?

You are my mate.I never agreed to that Ariana said .Kael slowly walked toward her one step,Then another, like a Predator trying to catch his prey

Ariana immediately backed away until her legs touched the edge of the bed behind her and Her heartbeat became uneven again.Kael stopped directly before her almost close to her mouth, her throat immediately went dry

Do You think I care about your agreement? he murmured. Ariana gulped so hard forcing herself not to look away. You can threaten me all you want, but I'll never belong to you , never and for a long moment, Kael stared at her silently.then his fingers suddenly lifted her face and ran it slowly toward her throat Ariana immediately stiffened but instead of hurting her, he gently pulled something from her wet hair, small broken flower.

The same flower from Ashthorn Pack. Kael studied it briefly before his silver eyes darkened.

Pathetic place," he muttered.

Then he tossed the flower into the fire Ariana watched it burn into ashes and burning her painful and humiliated and taunted years in Ashtorn Pack strangely, the sight hurt more than expected.Kael immediately noticed the sadness hidden in her expression and pulled her into his arms and said,You still care about them, he said quietly.

They're my family. Yet ,They sold you.this words struck sharply into Arianna's heart.

Pain filled Ariana's face before she could hide it.Kael's jaw tightened slightly at the sight and For some reason, Seeing her hurt angered him Dangerously.

Before Ariana could answer, a loud knock suddenly echoed through the room ,a guard entered quickly before kneeling.

Your Majesty!! the council has arrived.

Kael's expression instantly became colder.

They came early he said 

Your Majesty, the elders are wants to see the girl that you brought back.

Silence erupted the room, Ariana's stomach tightened nervously.The guard hesitated before speaking again carefully.

There are rumors spreading already your Majesty 

Kael's silver eyes narrowed. What rumors?

The guard slightly lowered his head and said, they're saying that the Moon Goddess gave you a wolfless mate.

The room became deathly silent Even the fire dimed under Kael Draven's terrifying presence.

The guard immediately brought down his head and visibly shaking . He immediately said,Forgive me Your Majesty I only repeated what the council are saying.

Kael's silver eyes flashed dangerously ,For one horrifying second, Ariana thought he might kill the man where he knelt instead, Kael spoke with cold, but in a controlled calm way 

Leave

The guard disappeared immediately, grateful that he still walked out with his life intact.

The moment the doors shut, tension crushed the room again Ariana crossed her arms tightly. They're right, are they not? I'm wolfless Your people will never accept me.

Kael slowly turned toward her,You care too much about what others think and you care too little.His jaw tightened slightly at her response.

Then suddenly, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her sharply into his arms.

Ariana gasped softly as his hand settled possessively on her waist again.

Listen carefully, he muttered darkly near her face. I did not bring you here for anybody's approval.Her breathing became uneven then why did you bring me here? she whispered.

Kael stared into her eyes for a long moment.Something dangerous moved behind his silver gaze almost hungry.

Then his fingers slowly brushed against the side of her neck where her pulse raced wildly under his touch.

my beast refuses to let you go , he quietly said.