Chapter 6

Elara's POV

True to Ryker’s words, the mate bond was fully activated between us. Even though I hadn't gotten my wolf yet, I felt certain that I would soon.

At long last, my wedding day arrived. Contrary to my doubtful, traumatized subconscious, Ryker hadn't changed his mind, and I hadn't dropped dead like my stepsisters were actively wishing.

I watched with glee as the servants worked tirelessly to beautify the castle grounds. Who knew I would ever be honored like this? I, who was nothing but a slaving, beaten maid just two months ago. Because the Lord's family was highly reputable and immensely wealthy, the wedding they were planning wasn't a simple affair. They prepared enough food to feed an entire city, and the massive unused lands around the compound were cleared to accommodate thousands of elite guests. It felt completely surreal.

I woke up with a start on the morning of the wedding. I hopped out of bed, dashed to the window, and threw it open. The sweet scent of fresh flowers and roasting meats hit my nose. I closed my eyes and savored it deeply. When I opened them again, the sky was crystal clear and bright. The perfect weather for the perfect day.

"Your Noble."

The sudden call startled me. When I turned around, a team of makeup artists and bridesmaids had already assembled in my suite. Thalia, whom I had elevated to Chief Bridesmaid, was locking the door behind them. I had decided to take Thalia with me to my husband's estate as one of my ladies-in-waiting. She had been the only one good to me, and this way, she could have a better life and eventually marry a good man.

"It's a beautiful day, Milady," she said with a beaming smile. I padded across the luxurious rug and threw my arms around her.

"It feels like I'm dreaming, Thalia."

"I know," she whispered softly into my ear, hugging me back tightly. "I feel like I'm dreaming too. Our days of suffering are finally over, and we are free."

When we pulled back, she carefully wiped away the tiny happy tears that had gathered in the corners of my eyes.

"Would you rather have your skin exfoliation done now, or would you like to brush your teeth and have your breakfast first?" The lead makeup artist sounded strict and professional.

I hurriedly nodded, not wanting to irritate her. "Breakfast first, please."

"Good."

After I ate, the intense makeover began. My skin was primed, and the heavy, jagged keloid above my right eye, where Ma'am Luna had nearly blinded me with an iron rod, was masterfully concealed. Multiple hands worked on my silver hair, twisting it into an intricate updo.

By the time they were finished, the image in the mirror completely blew me away.

"You look like a goddess," one of the bridesmaids breathed.

"Like something straight out of a picture book," another added. I blushed deeply.

The wedding was scheduled to begin at noon. By ten o'clock, I was fully dressed in my stunning, sweeping bridal gown. They were doing the final touch-ups on my face when the heavy oak door suddenly burst open. One of the castle maids rushed in, looking panicked.

"Your father sends for you, Ma'am," she said in a wobbly, nervous tone. "He's asked you to come with me at once!"

"Has something gone wrong?" I asked, gently moving the makeup artist's hand away from my face. "Why is my father suddenly asking to see me right now?"

"I'm afraid I'm not in a position to answer that question, Ma'am. He just ordered me to bring you."

Something about the maid's trembling posture and the sudden, jarring turn of events felt deeply wrong. An eerie, heavy wave seemed to descend over the room. I suddenly felt breathless, like an unexplainable, suffocating tension had swallowed all the air.

"You should come with me, Ma'am," the maid urged. "We shouldn't keep the Alpha waiting."

I hesitantly pulled myself up from the vanity chair, the heavy silk of my gown rustling loudly as I followed behind her. I didn't expect her to lead me to the main council hall, assuming this was just a private father-daughter meeting. But when the grand doors swung open, my worst fears were realized.

Standing in the center of the hall were my father, my husband-to-be, Ryker's family members, my stepmother, my stepsisters, my stepbrother Zane, and three strange, rugged men I recognized as palace guards.

"Hello, Father," I greeted with a gentle, confused bow. "You sent for me? Is something going on? Is it about the guests? Are we delaying the ceremony?"

"No, Elixir," he said coldly, his voice devoid of any warmth. He gestured for me to stand perfectly still in the middle of the room. "We are canceling the wedding."

"What! What are you talking about?"

"Keep your voice down, Elara. You're shouting."

"Don't call her Elara," Ma'am Sylvia sneered smugly, eyeing me with absolute triumph and contempt. "That is a gentry name. Call her the foolish name her useless mother gave her."

"Why did you lie to us, Elixir?" my father suddenly bellowed, pointing a violently shaking finger at my face. "Why have you decided to embarrass this family?"

I looked frantically toward Ryker. He was sitting rigidly in a chair, his gaze transfixed on the marble floor. I could practically feel the dark waves of anger radiating off his body. But why? What was going on? It felt like a million jagged pins were stabbing into my chest, trying to rip my heart apart. What had I done?

Please, I prayed silently, let this be a misunderstanding. My entire life depends on this.

"Did you really think we would never figure it out? To think you have lied to us all these years, you and your wretched mother!"

"Why are you bringing my dead mother into this? What has she got to do with anything?"

"I thought you were a good child, Elixir," my father sneered, shaking his head in mock sympathy. "I decided to give you a chance just this once, but look at what you have done. You have brought me nothing but shame, disgrace, and pain."

"What have I done, Father?" Cold tears began to streak down my perfectly made-up face, ruining the artist's hard work. My legs wobbled dangerously beneath the heavy dress. "Please, Father, tell me."

"You deceived me, the entire Lord's family, your sisters, and your stepmother! That's first. Then, you deceived this honorable young man who decided to marry you. You cheated on him. You betrayed and defiled him!"

"That's a lie, Father! I would never do such a thing!"

"Why didn't you tell us that you don't even have a wolf? And since when have you been sleeping with the Head of Guards?"

"What?!"