nine

The air in the study felt charged, humming with an electric warmth that made my skin prickle.

I stood frozen against Malakor’s broad chest, my hand still resting trembling against the golden mark on my neck. The initial sharp sting of his fangs had faded, replaced by a deep, throbbing heat that seeped right into my pulse.

It wasn't just a mark on my skin, I could feel him.

A steady, comforting hum thrummed in the back of my chest, anchored directly to his heart. When his breathing slowed, a wave of calm washed over my own panicked nerves, dulling the sharp edges of my panic.

We are bound, my inner wolf whispered, stirring gently beneath my ribs. In all my years, I had never felt so alive .

I looked up into his face. The blinding, luminous gold in his eyes was slowly receding, melting back into his familiar warm amber. His large hands remained resting on my waist, keeping my broad frame anchored safely against him.

"Are you in pain?" Malakor asked, his voice low, rough, and laced with a quiet concern that echoed directly through the bond.

"No," I whispered, my voice shaking slightly. I took a hesitant breath, fascinated and frightened by the sensation in my chest. "It... it feels strange. It feels like your heartbeat is echoing inside my own ribs."

A faint, rare trace of satisfaction softened his harsh features. "That is the bond, Vaelira. Our wolves are connected now. If you are hurt, I will feel it. If you are in danger, my blood will call me to your side, no matter where I am."

The sheer weight of his words made my breath catch. For my entire life, if I was hurt or in danger, I was completely on my own. The thought that someone could actually feel my pain and come running felt like a strange, beautiful dream I didn't deserve.

Before I could process the overwhelming warmth blooming in my chest, a firm, rapid knock echoed across the room.

I flinched, instinctively trying to take a step back, but Malakor gently kept his hand on the small of my back, refusing to let me hide.

"Enter," Malakor commanded, his tone instantly shifting back to that of a formidable King.

The heavy doors swung open, and a man stepped into the room. His sharp eyes flicked from Malakor to me, instantly landing on my flushed face and the faint, glowing mark on the side of my neck.

"This is Kael, my chief commander" Malakor said flashing me a sweet soft smile.

I nodded shyly , my eyes fixed on Malakor

Kael bowed his head low, though a tense frown creased his brow. "Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty, My Lady. But we have a situation developing in the lower keep."

Malakor’s jaw hardened. "Speak."

"Rumors are spreading rapidly among the castle staff and the inner guards," Kael reported quietly, keeping his voice low. "Word has reached the high ranking officers that you brought a commoner girl from the border territories into the royal wing. Some of the head guards are demanding to know if a border spy has infiltrated the palace."

My stomach instantly plummeted into a cold abyss. My hands started to shake again, panic clawing at my throat.

They already think I'm a spy, I thought bitterly, clutching the velvet fabric of my dress. I knew this was a mistake. They are going to drag me out into the court and—

A sudden, powerful surge of steady calm cut straight through my panic. I blinked, looking at Malakor. The reassuring warmth radiating through our bond was so strong it practically forced my hammering heart to settle down.

Malakor didn't look bothered or stressed by Kael’s news. In fact, a dark, dangerous spark flared in his amber eyes.

"Let them whisper," Malakor said coldly. "My guards do not dictate who stays in my palace."

"They are restless, my Lord," Kael pressed respectfully. "If you keep her hidden in the grand suite, the rumors will only grow worse. They will think you are keeping a secret."

Malakor turned his head to look down at me. His broad hand shifted to take my cold, trembling fingers in his warm grip, squeezing them firmly.

"Then we will give them nothing to speculate about," Malakor said, his voice carrying an unyielding, regal weight.

I looked up at him in terror. "Your Majesty... what do you mean?"

"You will not hide in your room like a prisoner, Vaelira," Malakor said, his glowing gaze locking onto mine. "Tonight, you will dine with me in the Great Hall, at the head table. Let the guards and the palace staff see you by my side. Let them see the mark on your neck."

"To the Great Hall?" I stammered, my knee buckling slightly at the mere thought of walking into a room full of judging, high ranking wolves. "They will glare at me! They will look at my size, my background—"

"They will look at you and see their King’s chosen mate," Malakor interrupted, his thumb brushing over my knuckles with a firm, protective warmth that resonated straight down the bond. "And if anyone dares to step out of line, they will answer to my blade."

He looked at Kael. "Prepare the head table for two."

"At once, Your Majesty," Kael bowed deeply and turned to exit the room.

I stood frozen in the warm study, my heart racing not just with fear, but with a terrifying, breathless anticipation of what was to come tonight.