CHAPTER THREE

VIKTOR

The first thought that went through my mind when I saw her step out of that car was that she was beautiful.

She looked ethereal in that white, flowing gown that I'd always hated when we were younger, and it wasn't because it didn't suit her. It simply reminded me of everything I wasn't meant to touch, but did. The dress covered her slender, alluring curves as she moved towards us with soft, graceful steps. Her shiny, long hair shimmered under the bright mansion lights, adorned with the Head Priestess's ornament.

Delilah had grown into a gorgeous young woman.

Panic and disbelief flickered in her light hazel eyes when they landed on me, but it quickly vanished as she broke eye contact. Despite the cold, controlled calm on her face, I could still sense the storm beneath. My plan to surprise her had worked, but she seemed determined to remain unshaken by my sudden appearance, no matter what.

“Deliliah, there you are,” Caspian Quinlan said, his voice slightly strained. After inheriting his father's position as alpha of the Vyrclaw Pack, he had grown more irritating than I remembered. “Please come forward. You must greet—”

“His Majesty, it is a pleasure to receive you in the Vyrclaw Pack,” Deliliah cut in coolly, lifting the hem of her long white gown as she moved towards us. Unlike her cold, rigid expression, Vivian didn't seem a bit surprised by the situation and merely trailed after her with practiced steps.

What a nice reunion, I mused dryly.

Once the two women reached in front of us, they immediately crossed their arms against each other, fingers making a crescent shape as they curtsied to me. If it were any other person, the sight would have appeased my wolf, but it didn't.

Because watching the woman I love pay homage to me was the last thing that I desired tonight.

“You may raise,” I said, waving my hand casually.

Deliliah and Vivian immediately straightened their figures on my command, but they kept their eyes strictly to the floor near me. As time passed by, I tapped my feet impatiently for Deliliah to raise her head, waiting for a chance to see those pair of beautiful hazel eyes, but then it never happened.

Then my Grand Beta, Andrei, suddenly stepped forward and whispered. “Your Majesty, your eyes...”

I stiffened at his words. Turning around to check myself on the reflective glass doors, what I saw in return made me stiffen.

The Sovereign's Eyes.

Of course. Now, it made sense why everyone within proximity was cowering in fear, their eyes latched to the ground. To look upon the Alpha King's Sovereign Eyes was to invite madness or...death.

Yet, I had never consciously used it even once. Unlike other normal wolves of the country, my wolf and I had never been in sync before. While I preferred to be calm and reasonable in most situations, my wolf was the complete opposite. He was unpredictable and brutal, always hungry for dominance and craving attention and worship.

The only thing we shared in common was our love for Deliliah.

Since I knew I wouldn't be getting rid of these eyes soon, I decided to utilize them to the fullest. Rather than fight with my wolf on every little decision, I decided it was better to go along with him for now. After ascending the throne, it was imperative not to show any form of weakness that would ruin my plans.

“The night air is rather chilly,” I said, already turning towards the entrance. “Let's go in.”

After saying that, I offered my arm to Deliliah. I knew she was undoubtedly still furious at me, but my wolf and I craved her contact after so many years. However, my eyes narrowed slightly when Caspian also did the same beside her.

She took it.

I watched them move past me as they entered the mansion, but my eyes remained on the woman who refused to spare me another glance. Her icy restraint cut far more than any fury could.

My jaw tightened, but my expression didn't change. Her reaction towards me was to be expected, but it didn't stop something ugly from stirring in my chest.

I forced myself to follow them, watching everyone's laughter die down, their expression transforming from initial admiration to dread and reverence once their eyes landed on me. They all curtsied on cue, their wolves greatly subdued by my presence alone.

This was what supreme power felt like.

It was only Delilah who didn't break a sweat in her step as she stepped upon the sacred platform. She turned away from the Moon Altar, addressing the guests in a clear and authoritative voice.

“In the presence of the Moon Goddess, the new Alpha King offers gratitude for his victory and seeks her blessing on his new reign!”

I stepped upon the sacred platform and dropped to one knee in front of her. Ancient lunar markings pulsed faintly under the moonlight spilling from the open dome above.

I lowered my head with a low, displeased grunt. Sometimes, tradition demanded humility, but I had never been good at pretending. I resented the moon goddess with all my heart, but I was willing to endure this ritual to achieve my plans.

Deliliah stepped forward, her movement slow but deliberate. Her palm brushed my forehead, channeling the Moon Goddess’s presence through me. Power surged violently, sharper than anything I had ever felt. My breath hitched despite myself.

She felt it too.

I knew she did.

Deliliah quickly pulled her hand away, intending to end the ritual as soon as possible. But then, I grabbed her wrist before she could step back, feeling the power of the Moon Goddess thrum beneath her fingertips.

“Wait,” I said, my voice low but clear and firm. “There is a vow that I wish to make to the Moon Goddess now that I am here.”

“The ritual is almost finished, Your Majesty.” Deliliah's expression hardened as she chastised me in a sharp voice. “You cannot disrupt the ritual simply based on whims—”

“Before the Moon Goddess who bears witness,” I said, my voice booming across the hall, “I, Viktor Volvov, swear this vow. That I will take no mate, accept no bond, and bear no mark,” I continued, steady and unflinching, “except one woman. Deliliah Carmichael, Head Priestess of the Vyrclaw Pack.”

Gasps erupted around us.

I didn’t look away from her.

Her face drained of color.

“Should I fail to mate her before my thirtieth birthday,” I said, “I forfeit my life to the Moon Goddess’ judgment without resistance, without appeal.”

The markings beneath our feet ignited in blinding silver. Power surged violently upward, wrapping around my body like chains forged of moonlight. I welcomed it.

“Stop!” Deliliah reached for me, panic finally breaking through her composure. “You’re insane. This vow will kill you!”

I turned toward her fully.

“I know,” I said softly. “And I do not regret it.”

Her voice broke. “But...why?”

I held her gaze, every truth I had buried clawing its way to the surface. “Because my life you already ended three years ago,” I said. “This way… at least it means something.”

The Moon Goddess suddenly answered.

The power slammed into me, searing itself into my bones, my blood, my soul. I dropped to one knee as the vow sealed itself, irreversible and absolute.

I had done it. I had just gambled my life for love... and now, it was counting down.