Chapter 16KristoffI was shocked to my core. My eyes widened, almost bulging out of their sockets, as my father's announcement echoed in the grand hall. My heart raced like a runaway stallion, and my brain couldn't make sense of what the Ironwolf had just told us. This couldn't be happening. The Ironwolf's words hung in the air like a surreal mist, and I found myself unable to fathom the sudden turn of events for the worst.As the council members erupted in cheers, I couldn't join their celebration. My gaze remained fixed on my father, disbelief etched across my face like an indelible mark. The very foundation of my expectations crumbled beneath me. I was so confident in this idea, yet somehow the Ironwolf had found an escape from what I perceived as a perfect plan."Perhaps there's a misunderstanding, father,” I managed to murmur, my voice barely audible.The council chamber fell into an uneasy hush as the Ironwolf scoffed at my decision. "Just a moment ago, you were all for peace b
Ari I was shocked to hear the news. My body trembled, breaths became shallow, and my heart sank. I couldn't process what I had just discovered; it was beyond anything I had imagined. Slowly turning my head, my mind flooded with questions. I wanted to speak, but my mouth couldn't form the words. The harsh reality shook me, and the cheers from a distance were silent inside my head.I looked into Kristoff's eyes, tears streaming down my cheeks. His eyes were also filled with tears, stumbling over his own words as he tried to explain."Is it true, Kristoff?" I managed to ask, my voice choked with emotion."Ari, this is not what... Please ignore them. I – no... Just listen to me first. Give me a chance to explain," he pleaded.I felt the weight of the devastating truth. I wanted to hear his explanation, but part of me no longer wanted to hear the painful reality. Tears continued to roll down my cheeks, and Kristoff tried to comfort me. However, I gently pushed him away."Just answer the d
KristoffAfter the announcement, I refused to leave my quarters. Despair gripped me as I replayed the moment my fated mate rejected me. I lost interest in everything, yearning to be lifted from my sadness and forget the pain that consumed me.It was over. Ari was gone from my life.What else could I do but drown myself in alcohol, a silent companion during these difficult times? It was like this bitter escape I held onto, not giving a damn about eating or drinking water. I was engulfed in these intense waves of self-hate, suffocating me from the inside out. In a fit of rage, I threw a glass across the room, and the sound of it breaking into thousands of tiny pieces, mixed with the smell of spilled alcohol, mirrored my own emotional mess breaking apart.Despite being the crown alpha of one of the strongest packs in the land, I felt like the world's biggest failure. I had this fancy title of Jarl, but when it came down to it, I couldn't even protect the one thing that mattered most to m
AriLife moved forward for me after the big announcement. The days blurred together in the same routine, filled with mundane housework. I threw myself into my tasks, working so relentlessly that my body seemed to keep up, resilient despite the heavy load—anything to drown out the persistent thoughts about Kristoff gnawing inside me.Just the image of him in my mind was enough to bring tears to my eyes. I tried desperately to forget the love we once shared and pushed forward, attempting to embrace a new chapter in my life without him. I kept convincing myself that Kristoff didn’t deserve my affection, that he was just like Maddie and Seraphina. While the severed mate bond was making our breakup bearable, my feelings for him were still as strong as ever, leaving me both confused and frustrated. I mean, I already rejected him formally, so why was it still hard for me to forget him?Jackie, a constant presence since the announcement of Kristoff’s engagement to Maddie, kept checking on me
AriI threw myself into work, preparing diligently for the upcoming exam. The omega exam had four categories reserved for four different types of workers: court ladies, lady-in-waiting, military, and scholars. Without a doubt, I chose the scholarly department; it was the best fit for me, as I had been educated in Moonshadow thanks to the insistence of my father. In his words, reading books was as important as wielding a sword. Also, it was the category that promised the quickest elevation in rank. Success in this exam would open the door to becoming a minor pack official—the first crucial step in my quest for revenge and upward mobility in Ironflame.The scholarly department, however, was the most challenging. It demanded intelligence that could rival those serving the Ironflame pack. Thanks to one of the sons of a high official whom Igor befriended, I was able to get some materials to review for my upcoming exam.Every night, I dedicated myself to studying, sacrificing sleep on multi
AriObserving Olenna was like glimpsing into a world of contrasts. Her refined demeanor and the elegance of her clothing underlined the vast difference in our ranks—her high status against my omega position.As I reached out to lend a hand, her eyes unexpectedly glowed with warmth and kindness that went beyond our different positions. Her gratefulness felt real, surprising me and making me rethink my assumptions about people in higher roles in this pack."May I know who's my lifesaver for today?" she asked, pulling me from my thoughts."Oh... My name is Ari," I replied.“Your skin had paler tones, and judging by the way you spoke, I could definitely feel you are not born an omega. You are not a local, are you?”I nodded, and her expression changed subtly. I sensed a tender pity, though she tried to conceal it with a smile."Then would you care to share how you ended up here? That is, if it is okay for you to share."Since the attack, I rarely share my past life with anyone here, yet s
AriThe day of the engagement arrived, and I found myself facing the mirror, a deep sigh escaping my lips. Koa, my spirit wolf, couldn't help but express his concern for me.“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked.“There’s no other way, Koa. I must do this,” I replied resolutely. As I tied my tie, Koa's worry lingered, and I could sense his apprehension about the path I had chosen.I glanced at myself in the mirror, feeling kind of detached. The function hall was all decked out for the engagement party, but my face didn't show any excitement. I went in, and it was like a fancy dream. The place had these beautiful drapes and sparkling chandeliers. Tables were set up real nice with fresh flowers and fancy dishes. It smelled like a bunch of exotic flowers, and people were chatting away.But even with all that fancy stuff around, I couldn't get into the party vibe. My face didn't light up with joy or anything. I was just going through the motions, feeling uncomfortable and annoyed.
AriAs the formal engagement was announced, cheers erupted throughout the party. Everyone seemed to revel in the joyous occasion, but for me, it was a day of mourning. A day where I felt like I lost half of myself, a tangible proof that nothing would work out between us. It echoed the same fate that befell Ingrid in the past, a fate passed down by the moon goddess for us destined to have an unlikely pairing. Overwhelmed by my feelings, I hurried outside to avoid more sadness. My tears kept coming, but I dared not to show them. It would only mean embarrassment, especially if seen by Jenna’s group. The pain inside me was relentless and untamed. Tears flowed down my cheeks like a wild river. The sight of Kristoff standing next to Maddie, holding her hand, cut through me like a thousand thorns wrapping around my heart. Once more, the happiness I expected to feel when I met Kristoff turned into a nightmare I wished I never had experienced. I felt like I couldn't breathe. The scene I wit