The Devil’s Bargain

Aria

Uncle Jarek looked at me like I was a stranger, like I was something broken he didn’t know how to fix.

Because I was supposed to be somehow sane after everything. I was supposed to be the one who left the past behind.

At least, that’s what I let him believe.

He stood over me, the pages of my old journal; my hidden confessions, fluttering at his feet.

Right there, in plain sight, Kol’s name circled over and over again in red.

"You promised me," Jarek said. "you were done with this."

I didn’t even try to defend myself.

There was no point.

"I promised I’d stay alive," I said instead, jaw tight.

"Not that I’d forget."

Jarek’s eyes, usually so steady, went wild.

He pointed toward the door like he could banish this whole mess just by yelling loud enough.

"I saw you," he shouted.

"I saw you sitting there in his car, right out front. You had your chance — why didn’t you do it then?"

Because I was confused.

Because for a split second, Kol hadn’t looked like the monster I spent three years picturing.

"Because he said he loved her," I said quietly, voice raw.

"And I... I don’t know if it’s true or not. But either way, I’m not letting one measly story get in the way of avenging my family."

I thought that would be enough for him — my anger, my promise to stay the course.

It wasn’t.

Jarek slammed a fist against the wall so hard I jumped.

"Leave it alone!" he barked.

"You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into!"

I gritted my teeth, standing my ground even though my knees were shaking.

"Then tell me what it is!" I yelled back.

"Tell me, Uncle! Tell me what you’re so scared of!"

But Jarek just shook his head.

Not in anger now — in something closer to pity.

"If I were you," he said, voice rough, "I’d do exactly what I said."

And with that, he turned his back on me.

Again.

Just like before.

I didn’t sleep much that night. How could I?

Kol’s words circled my brain like vultures.

“I loved her more than I should have."

And Jarek’s words chased after them.

“You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into."

I didn’t want to think it.

I didn’t want to believe it.

That maybe Lira wasn’t the person I had remembered.

That maybe there were parts of the story I never saw.

But of course Kol would want me to doubt her. Of course he would twist it all into a sob story. That’s what monsters do — they rewrite history until you’re too confused to fight back.

And I wasn’t going to fall for it.

The next morning, the silence between Jarek and me was evident.

I stood in the kitchen, making breakfast in my Crimson Lounge uniform, about to go to work when the doorbell rang just as I was flipping the eggs. Jarek muttered something under his breath and stood up.

"I’ll get it," he said.

I wiped my hands on a towel and turned back to the burner. But the second I heard the front door creak open, something in the air changed.

And then I heard footsteps.

When I turned around, Alpha Kol was standing in my kitchen.

Like he owned the place. Like he owned me.

My whole body locked up.

"What are you doing here?" I hissed, rushing toward him before Jarek could even slam the door shut.

"I’m going to be late for work."

Jarek caught my eyes behind Kol’s back, mouthing something furiously.

Get him out before he picks up who we really are.

I panicked.

I smiled way too brightly and grabbed Kol’s arm, trying to steer him back toward the door.

"Seriously, Alpha, I’m running late—"

"Take off the uniform," he said. “You don’t work there anymore."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I had someone deliver your resignation letter," he continued smoothly, ignoring my rising fury.

"You’re not needed at the lounge anymore."

I stared at him like he’d grown another head.

"Why the hell not?"

Kol smiled, but there was no warmth in it.

"Because," he said, like it was the simplest thing in the world, “you’re going to be my new Luna."

He said it like he was commenting on the weather.

Like it was already decided.

"We're getting married tomorrow."

I didn’t think. Didn’t plan. Didn’t hold back. I just slapped him. Hard.

The sound echoed through the kitchen, and my hand burned with the impact.

Kol didn’t even flinch. He just caught my wrist gently and held it there between us. Like he was memorising the feel of my skin.

I looked up at him and realised, in that moment, that there was no fighting my way out of this. Not now.

Not when he had already made his decision.

The next day came faster than any nightmare. My wedding day.

I stared at myself in the mirror, barely recognising the girl in the white gown. Behind me, Jarek was helping lace it up. His hands trembled as he worked the fabric.

"I told you to stay away from pack business," he said, voice raw. “But you wouldn’t listen. Now look where you are."

I didn't answer. Because what could I say?

He was right.

“They are ready.” One of Kol’s maid popped her head in to announce.

The time for the ceremony had come. The pack had gathered, whispering and pointing as I walked stiffly down the aisle.

Their faces said it all. Shock. Recognition. Fear. Like they had seen a ghost.

“She looks just like…" I heard someone murmur.

At the altar, Kol waited.

I met his eyes as I reached him. Leaning in, I hissed under my breath, "You don't have to do this."

His mouth twisted into something almost like a smile.

"I don't know what kind of pack you came from," he said softly, “that taught you to speak to an Alpha the way you do, but around here? You don’t get to come into my home, threaten me for no reason, and walk away. I am your alpha.”

Then he signalled the officiant to continue.

“Kol Lannister, do you—“

“I do.” Kol instantly said. It was my turn now.

“Aria Harrington, do you accept Kol Lannister as your mate?” I hesitated and he spoke for me.

“Yes she does.” He grinned.

When it was time to kiss the bride, I hesitated. Again.

Kol didn’t. He pulled me in gently but firmly, his lips brushing mine with cold finality.

The pack began to cheer. And when I pulled away, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, feeling sick.

That’s when I saw her. Standing at the very back of the crowd.

Dark hair. Sharp jaw. Same damn smile I used to see in the mirror.

Lira. Alive. Watching. Smiling like she had just won.

“Surprise," she mouthed, her lips curling wickedly.