_Astrid’s POV_
I woke up to the sound of the heavy iron doors creaking open. My head was pounding, and my wrists were sore from the rope binding them. The place smelled of damp stone and something metallic—smell of blood. I had barely adjusted to my surroundings when a set of heavy boots echoed through the room, making my breath hitch. What now? "Get up," a rough voice commanded. I hesitated for only a moment before I was yanked to my feet. The auction was over, and now I belonged to someone—someone dangerous. My mind was still reeling from the shock of last night. Sold like an object to a man who watched me with those piercing eyes, unreadable yet filled with something dark. The man who bought me. I swallowed hard, trying to steel myself. I refused to crumble, no matter what was ahead. Two men stood in front of me now. One I recognized instantly—Zarek, the twin who had claimed me. His cold dark eyes bore into me, assessing me like I was nothing more than a mere possession. But the other man was different. His brother. His eyes were a deep stormy gray, and unlike Zarek, he wasn’t looking at me with detachment. He was studying me, hesitant. I had forgotten his name since I was very forgetful these days, considering the fear running through me. He was just as tall, just as commanding, but something about him felt different. Like he didn’t agree with what was happening. Last night, I remembered how much he protested against his brother's sudden decision to buy me off. “Take her to the estate,” Zarek ordered. “I’ll follow behind.” His twin didn’t move immediately. His gaze flickered between me and Zarek, his jaw tightening. But in the end, he said nothing. He simply grabbed my arm—not roughly, but firmly—and led me forward. I barely had time to react before I was being guided through a dark corridor and up a flight of stairs. My legs felt weak, but I refused to stumble. If I showed weakness, they would pounce. I had seen that look before, on the faces of those who preyed on the vulnerable. The night air hit my face as we stepped outside, and I inhaled sharply. I had been trapped in that their underground chamber for what felt like days. Now, under the starless sky, I could see the estate in the distance—a sprawling mansion surrounded by a towering iron gates. My stomach twisted. There would be no escape if that was were I would be residing with them. The twin at my side remained silent as we walked toward a black car. He opened the door for me, and I hesitated, glancing at him. “Get in,” he said, voice softer than I expected. I slid into the seat, and he shut the door behind me before circling to the driver’s side. As the engine roared to life, I risked another glance at him. Before I could hold myself back, I found myself asking a question, “What’s your name?” He didn’t respond right away. His grip on the steering wheel tightened before he exhaled sharply. “Zade.” he surprisingly didn't to question me about the sudden question since I was there last night when his brother called him by his name. Zade. The name suited him—sharp, strong, but with an underlying edge of restraint. “And you’re Zarek's twin?” I already knew the answer, but I wanted to see his reaction. His jaw clenched. “Obviously, or are you dumb?” He gritted out in irritation. Silence stretched between us. I wanted to ask more, but something told me I shouldn’t push. He wasn’t like Zarek. There was hesitation in him, a conflict that I couldn’t quite place. But that didn’t mean he would help me. I leaned back in my seat, staring out the window I as we approached the estate. My new prison. My new reality. Thankfully, Zarek bought me and not that bald headed Alpha. Still, I couldn't rejoice yet since I had no idea what awaited me inside those walls, but one thing was certain—I wouldn’t go down without a fight if it is required. . . . . “This is your new room, the Alphas do not like anyone on their floor, so you have to stay here, with the other servants.” The maid said flatly and pushed open the door before her. I stepped inside and immediately felt my stomach drop. The room was small and bare, with a creaky bed pushed against the wall and a thin, looking blanket. This big mansion and the only room given to me was…..this? Although it was better than any room I had stayed in, still, it wasn't what I expected. But again, I was bought by their masters and I had to comply or I'd be dead. They were all wolves and I was a mere powerless human. I didn't stand a chance against them. I glanced around again, taking in the sight of the small window at the corner to let some air in. The scent of cooking from the kitchen below made it clear that I was placed amongst servants. The maid standing beside me crossed her arms, watching me as if studying my reactions and preparing to tell on me if there was even a slightest distaste on my face. “Like I said before, the Alphas don't like anyone else on their floor. You don't belong there, so this is where you'll stay. Don't get any ideas about roaming around freely. You’re not allowed near them unless they summon you." She added sarcastically. I frowned at the last words, clenching my fist at my sides. “Summon me? For what?" The maid smirked at me and said, “You’ll be living like a maid that you're supposed to be. Their personal maid to be precise. If they need anything, you'll come running. You'll serve them until they grow tired of you and toss you out." My breath hitched, wondering what in the world she meant by that. I heard her words, but my brain refused to process the words from her. Before I could respond, the maid placed a bundle of fabric on the old looking bed. “Speaking of which, there's a party tonight. The Alpha's want you there. That is your dress on the bed." I glanced at the black dress laying on the bed, and slowly, I walked over to unfold it. When I took in the sight of the dress, my face burned in humiliation. The dress was nothing more than a thin scarp of silk. A short dress, barely covering anything, the neckline plunging In a way that made my stomach twist. My hands trembled as I stared at the it. “I’m not wearing this." I stated firmly and flatly. I would rather die than wear such flimsy dress. The maid's eyes widened momentarily, then a smile blossomed on her face the next minute. " Very well, I shall return the dress to the Alphas.” She said and before I could react, she already grabbed the dress and stormed off._Zarek’s POV_Fuck this shit. I rushed out of the hospital and grabbed the briefcase from my car trunk before slamming it shut. Thank goodness I got cash before heading to human town. This way, I’d avoid delays.The briefcase was heavy as hell, packed with enough cash to buy this whole fucking hospital if I wanted to. But I didn’t have time for games. Astrid was dying, and these weak humans were about to learn what happens when you mess with an Alpha who’s got nothing left to lose.The automatic doors of the human hospital slid open again, and I walked straight to the front desk.“Where’s your head doctor?” I barked at the blonde nurse behind the counter.She looked up at me with wide eyes. Probably could smell the danger rolling off me even if she was just human. Smart girl.“Sir, visiting hours are—”“I don’t give a damn about your visiting hours.” I slammed the briefcase on her desk, making her jump. “Get me your head doctor. Now.”“I… I’ll call Dr. Williams.”“You do that, sweethe
The mansion doors slammed open. Zarek ran inside with Zade right behind him. Zade was carrying Astrid in his arms. Her blood was everywhere - on his shirt, on his hands, dripping on the floor.“Doctor!” Zarek yelled. “Get the fucking doctor now!”Pack members ran in different directions. Some went to find the doctor. Others moved out of the way. Zarek’s hands were shaking. He had never been this scared before.Astrid looked so small in Zade’s arms. Her face was white as paper. Her breathing was very quiet. Zade could barely feel it against his chest.“She’s dying,” Zade whispered. His voice was breaking. “Zarek, I think she’s dying.”Zarek felt anger burning in his chest. Those rogues hurt her. They hurt their Astrid. He wanted to kill them all. But first, he needed to save her.The doctor came running down the stairs. His medical bag was in his hands. He’d arrived earlier to attend to Gideon, who arrived first. “Put her on the couch,” The doctor said quickly. His voice was calm but
_Zarek’s POV_The wind howled as our convoy rolled into Valerian’s territory, kicking up dust like a warning. But I wasn’t here to make peace. Neither was Zade. Behind us, a fleet of black SUVs came to a stop, each one packed with trained guards, armed and ready.Zade and I stepped out simultaneously, our eyes locked on the grand but ugly building ahead. Valerian’s pack house. It always looked like something out of a horror movie to me, dark bricks, tall towers, and cold steel gates. And yet… music was playing.I exchanged a look with my twin. “Indeed, a wedding,” I said, tightening my jaw.“That’s what it looks like,” Zade muttered, already walking ahead.We stormed through the gates without permission. Nobody stopped us. Nobody dared.Inside, the hall was decorated with white flowers and golden ribbons. Guests were scattered in confusion. An altar stood at the center, lit candles melting slowly beside it. But there was no bride.Valerian appeared at the top of the steps, his express
_Astrid’s POV_“Do you, Astrid, take Alpha Valerian to be your husband, your Alpha, your protector, your king—”I barely heard the elder’s voice.My ears were ringing. My hands were cold. My heart thudded so loud it drowned out everything else.I stood frozen at this altar, surrounded by strangers in dark, formal clothes. The place was quiet except for the sound of torches and the low sound of ceremonial chants. The altar was high, polished with bloodwood, and decorated with black roses. There was a faint smell in the atmosphere, one I couldn’t quite place. But it reminded me of terrible death.Valerian stood next to me, smiling like he’d won the biggest prize. His teeth gleamed, and his eyes sparkled with something unhinged. The way he looked at me made my stomach twist. He was proud. Proud to have me standing here in a dress beside him. Proud to make me his third wife.Because the first and second one? They were dead.And yes, I recently found out. I didn’t know how. Or why. Or wha
“Did you reach him yet?” Zarek asked as Zade called Gideon repeatedly without a response from him. Zade shook his head saying no. “He’s out of reach,”“Where the hell did he go off to? The punk wouldn’t even answer his damn phone.” Zarek ran a hand through his hair, feeling frustrated. He glared at Cassia, who was busily crying at the corner after what happened at the Blackwood mansion. Deep down, he was happy, hell, she deserved worse. “Can you at least get your shit together and go back to your brother’s pack?” He asked, a brow coming up annoyingly. He hated the crocodile tears she was shedding. Cassia could never change, no matter what the reason was. And he knew the tears were most definitely fake.Cassia sniffed and returned the glare. “I’ll never leave, I’m not selfish.” She quipped stubbornly.Zare smirked, “That’s quite rich coming from you.”Zade ignored him as usual and focused on driving them home. A part of him tried to figure out where the hell Gideon was and why he was
_Astrid’s POV_I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying not to cry.The maids had spent hours painting my face with shimmers and brushing my lips with deep crimson. My hair was curled into elegant curls, pinned with stones that gleamed under the light. The white gown I wore was smooth and silky, too pretty for something that felt like a funeral to me.I didn’t recognize myself.I looked like a bride but I felt like a sacrifice.I blinked fast. I couldn’t cry. I couldn’t ruin the makeup the Lycan maids had done so proudly. They kept calling me “His Majesty’s Luna.” I didn’t correct them. What was the point?The truth was a curse I couldn’t speak.I was about to be married off to Alpha Valerian.And the worst part?The twins never came for me.Not Zarek. Not Zade.They really didn't come. They were probably with Cassia and planning their wedding or something. Even after everything we’d been through. After every word, every look, every moment of madness and closeness… they still