Chapter Fifteen - My Father's Last Wish

Aria’s Pov

I had barely closed the door to my bedroom behind me when someone knocked.

I turned from the bed, exhausted.

“Who is it?”

There was a brief silence, then came a familiar voice.

“Princess?”

My heart stopped. I knew that voice.

I hadn’t heard it in months, but I could never forget it.

“Martha?” I gasped.

The door opened almost immediately and Martha stepped inside.

The moment our eyes met, she covered her mouth.

For a few seconds, she simply stared at me then silent tears began streaming down her face.

“Princess…” She rushed toward me.

I barely had time to react before she wrapped her arms around me.

I froze then I hugged her back.

Martha cried against my shoulder. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

My own eyes filled with tears. “I thought I would never see you again either.”

She pulled away and held my face between her hands. “Let me look at you.”

I laughed softly through my tears. “You’re looking already.”

“You’ve changed.” She whispered

“So have you.” I smiled.

Martha shook her head. “I don’t care about how I look. You’re here.”

She hugged me again that I smiled.

Martha had been more than an omega to me, she had been my closest companion.

When I was younger, she was the one who helped me sneak sweets from the kitchen. She was the one who listened whenever I complained about my father’s endless rules. She was the one person in Ironcrest I could trust with almost anything.

Even when I left, I had trusted her enough to help me get my belongings out and she had never betrayed me for once.

At least, I had believed she hadn’t.

I pulled away from her. “Thank you.”

She wiped her cheeks. “For what?”

“For keeping my secret.” I whispered.

Her expression softened. “I promised you I would.”

“You could have told everyone.” I said in a hushed tone.

“I would never.” Her eyes widened.

I smiled. “I knew I could trust you.”

Martha’s eyes became watery again.

“You can trust me again and again, Princess. Whenever you need me just call.”

I reached for her hand. “I know.”

She sat beside me on the bed and for a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then Martha sighed. “There is something I need to tell you.”

I looked at her. “What?”

She hesitated. “I was the one who told Alpha Kael where you were.”

My eyebrows lifted. “You?”

She nodded. “I had to. Your father was dying and all of that.”

I stared at her. “You told him?”

“Yes.” She nodded innocently.

I didn’t know whether to be angry.

Martha immediately took my hand.

“Please don’t misunderstand me. I didn’t do it because I wanted him to drag you back.”

“Then why?” My brows furrowed.

“Because your father was dying.” She swallowed .

My chest tightened.

Martha lowered her eyes. “Alpha Lucien was asking about you constantly. He wanted to know where you were. He wanted to know if you were safe.”

I swallowed. “And you told Kael?”

“I told him after your father died that you were in Crimson Snow pack.” She looked at me carefully. “I begged him not to go after you by force.”

My anger disappeared. “What did he say?”

“He agreed.” She shrugged.

I stared at her. “He didn’t try to bring me back?”

“No.” Martha shook her head. “He said if you wanted to return, you had to make that choice yourself.”

A strange feeling settled in my chest. I remembered Kael’s words from earlier.

“You left the pack, you left your father, and you left me.”

Perhaps Martha was telling the truth. Perhaps he really had waited.

Martha squeezed my hand. “I sent the letter too.”

My eyes widened. “The letter?”

“The one asking you to return for your father’s burial.”

My heart sank. “You were the the one that sent it?”

“Yes.” She smiled.

I stared at her. “I never received it.”

Martha’s expression changed. “What?”

“I never saw it.” I shook my head sadly.

“But I sent it.” She looked confused.

“I know. It just didn’t get to me on time.”

She frowned. “I made sure it was sent directly to Crimson Snow.”

I looked away and remembered Damon.

The memory of the envelope hidden in his closet came rushing back.

The official Ironcrest seal, the letter Kael had written, and the letter Damon had hidden from me.

Everything now suddenly made sense.

Martha had done her part, Kael had done his, and someone else had made sure I never knew.

I swallowed the anger rising in my throat.

“It’s not your fault.” I choked on a tear.

Martha looked relieved. “I was afraid you would blame me.”

“Never.” I smiled at her. “If anything, I’m grateful.”

She squeezed my hand again. “I wanted you to come home, and now you’re here.”

“Yes.” I looked away shyly.

Her smile returned. Then, after a moment of silence, Martha asked something so innocently that I almost laughed.

“So…” she started.

I looked at her. “So what?”

She tilted her head. “Are you going to become Alpha Kael’s mate?”

My smile disappeared. “What?”

Martha blinked. “I mean… now that you’re back.”

I stared at her. “You’re asking me that?”

She looked confused. “Why wouldn’t I? Is something wrong with it?”

“Because I didn’t come back for Kael.” I snorted. “I came back because this is my home and I am not becoming his mate.”

Martha nodded. “Of course.”

“Kael can go to hell for all I care.” I frowned.

Her eyebrows rose. “But…”

“No.” I stood. “Martha, I have no intention of becoming Kael’s Luna.”

She looked genuinely confused. “But that was your father’s last wish.”

I stiffened. “My father had many wishes and I know.”

“This one was important.” She also stood. “He wanted you and Kael to be mated.”

“I said no.” I raised my voice at her.

Martha stared at me. “Why?”

I laughed bitterly. “Why?”

“Yes.” She folded her hands.

I turned toward her. “Because I don’t want to marry him.”

“You don’t have to marry him?” She looked genuinely confused.

“Martha.” I called out grumpily.

She smiled awkwardly. “I mean, mate him.”

“It’s the same thing. It has always been the same thing to me.”

“No, it isn’t.” She sighed. “But your father believed Kael was the best person for you.”

“My father was wrong.” I glared at her.

Martha looked startled but I continued.

“Kael can have the throne if he wants it. I don’t care anymore.”

She blinked. “You don’t care about the throne?”

“I don’t care who sits on it.” I looked toward the window. “If Kael wants to be Alpha, let him. If the elders want him there, fine.”

I turned back. “But I will not become his mate simply because my father wanted it.”

Martha remained silent while I vented on.

“I’m not going to spend the rest of my life being forced into something I don’t want.”

“But…” she started, but stopped abruptly.

I could see she wanted to argue. Instead, she simply nodded.

“I understand.”

I sat back down. “Do you?”

She smiled faintly. “Not completely.”

I laughed. “At least you’re honest.”

She rose from the bed. “Get some sleep.”

“I will.” I nodded.

She walked toward the door, then paused. “Princess? You’re home now.”

I smiled. “Yes, perhaps things can finally become better.”

I watched her leave. Once the door closed, I sat quietly.

I hoped she was on my side but deep inside, I knew things had only become more complicated.

I had returned believing I could finally take control of my life. Now my father’s last wish was standing between me and that freedom and I wasn’t willing to give in, at least not yet.

************

The next morning, I was barely finished getting dressed when another knock came.

I opened the door and a guard stood outside.

“Princess Aria.” He greeted.

“Yes?” I replied, looking confused.

“The elders request your presence.” He bowed.

My stomach tightened. “The elders? Why?”

“They didn’t say.” He replied and began walking away.

I already knew. There was only one reason they would summon me, and it was because of Kael.

I followed the guard through the packhouse. When we reached the council room, the doors opened and I saw that Kael was already inside.

He sat on one side of the long table.

He looked so calm that I began worrying.

I took the seat opposite him and his eyes met mine briefly.

Neither of us spoke until the three elders entered.

Elder Elijah came first. He was the oldest wolf in Ironcrest.

His hair had turned completely white, and his face was lined with decades of experience. Behind him came Elder Agatha, a stern woman whose sharp eyes seemed capable of seeing through anyone.

Elder Abel followed. He was quieter than the other two but equally respected.

They took their seats and Elder Elijah folded his hands on the table.

“Thank you both for appearing at such short notice.”

I nodded and Kael did the same.

“We apologize for any inconvenience.” His gaze moved toward me. “Princess Aria, first, allow me to formally welcome you back to Ironcrest.”

“Thank you.” I mouthed.

His expression remained serious.“Your return has brought great relief to many in this pack.”

I lowered my eyes. “I am glad my elder.”

“However,” he continued, “I must also express my disappointment.”

My fingers tightened as he continued.

“You took a very long time to return.”

I looked up. “I know.”

“Your father waited for you.” Elder Elijah nodded. “Then I hope you now understand why your absence wounded this pack.”

“Yes.” I whispered.

“Good.” He paused. “We did not call this meeting simply to discuss the past.”

My attention sharpened.

“There is something more important.” He peered into my eyes.

I knew it.

He looked at Kael, then back at me.

“Before Alpha Lucien died, he made his wishes regarding the future of Ironcrest very clear. He wanted the royal bloodline preserved.”

My stomach tightened but I said nothing.

“He wanted you to be mated to Alpha Kael.” Elder Elijah finally said.

There it was. Exactly what Martha had warned me about.

I shifted in my seat.

Elder Elijah continued. “Your father believed this was the best way to protect Ironcrest’s future.”

I looked at Kael.

He sat silently and his expression gave nothing away.

I couldn’t help wondering whether he had already discussed this with the elders.

Perhaps he had told them exactly what to say, and this was all part of his plan.

I looked back at Elijah. “You said my father made his wishes clear.”

“He did.” He nodded.

“And what if I don’t want what he wanted?” I asked

The room became silent then Elder Agatha spoke.

“Your personal feelings are important.”

I almost smiled at her words. I always knew a woman would understand me better.

“But they cannot come before the survival of the pack.” She finally dropped the bombshell.

Of course, there it was. The same argument my father had used.

The same argument that had made me run away.

I folded my arms as Elder Elijah leaned forward.

“Before we proceed, we need to know something.”

“What?” I raised a brow.

“Is your return permanent?” He asked.

I looked at him. “Yes it is.”

The three elders exchanged glances. They clearly looked satisfied.

“That is good.” He nodded.

I frowned. “Why?”

“Because if you had planned to leave again, there would be little point discussing the future.” He replied.

I said nothing.

Elijah continued.

“You are Alpha Lucien’s only child, and you’re the last direct member of his royal line.”

I nodded. “ I know.”

“And therefore, your future is tied to the future of this pack.” He stiffened.

I felt a headache beginning. “What exactly are you asking me to do?”

Elder Elijah didn’t hesitate. “We want you to become Luna.”

My jaw tightened. “Luna of iron crest?”

“Yes. Of Iron crest Aria.” He nodded.

I glanced toward Kael. He still hadn’t spoken yet.

I looked back at Elijah. “You’re asking me to become Kael’s mate.”

“Yes.” He smiled, exposing rows of decayed teeth.

“No.” The answer came immediately.

Elder Agatha frowned. “Princess….”

“I said no.” I stood abruptly.

Elijah raised his hand. “Allow me to explain.”

“I’ve heard enough.” I cut him off immediately.

“No, you haven’t.” His voice remained calm. “Your father spent his final days concerned about the future of this pack. He believed that you and Kael could preserve what he had built.”

I looked down. “I understand that.”

“Then why refuse?” He asked.

“Because I don’t want to.” I replied, looking them in the eye one by one.

Agatha sighed. “You cannot make every decision based solely on what you want.”

“Why not?” I scoffed.

“Because you are royal.” She laughed.

I almost laughed too. “So being royal means I don’t have a choice?”

“It means your choices have consequences.” She sighed.

I looked at Kael again. He still hadn’t said a word, not even one.

That irritated me more than anything. Was he enjoying this? Was he sitting there silently because this was exactly what he wanted?

Perhaps he was waiting for me to surrender.

Elder Elijah spoke again. “Your father had one final wish.”

I closed my eyes briefly. “Please don’t start.”

“Any sensible daughter would want to honor her father’s last wish.” He said it so sternly that his words echoed through the walls.

I opened my eyes. “And if I don’t?”

He looked directly at me. “Then you would be turning your back on the man who gave everything to protect you.”

The words cut deeply. My father’s face flashed through my mind.

I thought about his final days, his empty room, and his voice telling Kael to find me.

I swallowed. I hated the pressure, I hated that they were using my father’s memory to force my hand and most of all, I hated that part of me still wanted to make him proud.

But I couldn’t just surrender, at least not completely.

“I need time.” I whispered.

Elder Elijah shook his head. “We have already lost enough time.”

“I just returned yesterday.” I raised a brow.

“Exactly.” His voice became firmer.“Ironcrest cannot remain uncertain about its future.”

I stared at him. “You’ve already made the decision, haven’t you?”

He didn’t deny it. “We have made our position clear enough princess.”

“And what about Kael?” My eyes moved toward him. “What does he think?”

The room became quiet.

Kael finally looked at me. His expression was impossible to read.

“I have nothing to add.” He said and looked away.

I felt anger flare inside me. Of course

Nothing he’d become dumb at such a critical time. He wouldn’t say no, and he wouldn’t say yes.

He would simply sit there and let everyone else make the decision.

I looked away.

Elder Elijah smiled faintly. “Then there is no reason to delay.”

I frowned. “What does that mean?”

“Once Alpha Kael marks you as his mate, you will be crowned Luna.”

My heart began pounding. “No.”

Elijah’s expression hardened. “I have already given my answer.”

“And I have heard it.” I leaned back exhaustedly in my seat.

“Then hear again.” He leaned forward. “Your father wanted this. He trusted Kael, and he believed that together, you could protect Ironcrest.”

I clenched my hands. “I am not marrying him.”

“You don’t have to call it marriage.” Elder Agatha sighed. She looked like she was already tired of the whole thing.

“I don’t care what you call it.” I stiffened.

Elder Agatha looked at me. “You are being stubborn.”

I almost laughed. “Perhaps.” I shrugged.

Elijah sighed. “Your father used to say the same thing. He also said that you had a strong spirit and that he was proud of you.”

That hurt more than anything else they had said.

I looked down. For a moment, I wanted to cry but I wouldn’t cry here, not in front of Kael, and not in front of the elders.

I took a slow breath. “Fine.”

Three pairs of eyes turned toward me quickly as if they hadn’t heard correctly.

I lifted my head. “I will stay.”

Elijah nodded. “And?”

I looked at Kael. His expression remained unreadable.

“I will cooperate.” I looked away.

Elder Agatha smiled. “Excellent.”

“But I never said I wanted this.” I glared at her.

Elijah nodded. “We understand.”

“No, you don’t.” My voice was firm.

“But if this is what Ironcrest expects of me, I will not create another division within the pack.”

The elders looked pleased.

“Wise decision,” Elijah said.

I almost scoffed. They thought I was being wise, they had no idea how much I hated what I had just agreed to do.

Elder Elijah stood.

“Then it is settled.” He looked at Kael.“Once the bond is sealed and Princess Aria has been marked, preparations for the Luna coronation will begin.”

Kael finally nodded. “Understood.”

I looked at him. His face was calm that I wondered again if this had been his plan all along.

Perhaps he had waited for me to return because he knew the elders would eventually force me into his arms and he had known exactly how this would end.

I couldn’t read his mind, and that frightened me a lot.

The elders began gathering their things.

Elder Elijah looked at me one final time. “Your father would have been so pleased that you made him proud.

I forced a smile. “I hope so.”

Then the meeting ended and the elders left first.

Kael remained seated while I stood. For a moment, neither of us moved.

Then I looked at him. “You must be happy.”

His brows furrowed. “About what?”

“This.” I gestured toward the empty chairs. “Their decision.”

He stared at me. “I didn’t ask them to do this.”

He looked innocent but I didn’t believe him.

“You didn’t stop them either.” I eyed him.

His expression hardened. “Neither did you.”

I stepped closer. “I had no choice.”

Kael stood. “You always have a choice, Aria.”

The words struck me.

“That’s rich coming from you.” I forced a smile.

He looked at me for several seconds then he walked past me.

As I watched him leave, my fists tightened.

I had returned to Ironcrest hoping to reclaim my life. Instead, in less than twenty-four hours, I had been placed back inside the very future I had once run away from and now the pack expected me to become Kael’s mate.

The thought made my blood boil.

I had agreed only because I didn’t want the elders questioning my intentions or turning the pack against me, but agreeing to cooperate was not the same as surrendering my heart.

I would not let them decide that for me.

Kael could have the throne, he could have the title, and he could have every room in the packhouse that once belonged to my father.

But he would not have me simply because everyone else had decided that I belonged beside him.

I walked out of the council room with my head held high.

The elders might have won today’s battle but the war over my future had only just begun.