Semua Bab Alpha Ethan: Bab 1 - Bab 5

Liana’s POVDog fights are inhumane. They claim that the combatants in the arena thrive on brutality. They assert that the beast within them constantly seeks an outlet. Even on nights like this, when the moon is not at its fullest and they appear as mere men.And do they not deserve violence for the destruction they have wrought upon our lands? But how many lives will be lost? And for what purpose?I shift uncomfortably on the wooden chair, adjusting the high collar of my gown, then brushing a stray lock of red hair away from my face. It’s stifling here. Overwhelmingly hot. Suffocating.When I emerged from the carriage two days ago, the rugged terrain of the Borderlands stirred something deep within me—even though I have never ventured this far north before.The thought of what lies beyond these stone barriers makes me yearn to rip off this dress and flee this castle. I long to dash through the wild grass and feel the untamed dandelions beneath my feet. I crave the scent of pine trees

Liana’s POVThe castle is silent, with most of its residents either asleep or engaged in the dog fight, allowing me to approach the staircase that descends to the kennels without being noticed.As I proceed, the temperature drops and the air becomes more humid. It feels as though I am moving into the maw of a massive beast—the darkness below resembling a ravenous mouth eager to engulf me.When I encounter the two guards stationed beside the heavy iron door at the bottom, I pull my hood tighter to conceal my hair. I silently pray to the Sun Goddess that they won’t recognize me.The weight of my satchel presses heavily against my thigh beneath my cloak. It is filled with items I pilfered from the apothecary—fabric for bandages, alcohol, willow bark, and water. These items betray my intention to assist the enemy."What brings you down here?" One of the guards inquires.I steady my nerves, recalling Marius’s words about the rewards the Wolves receive for their victories."I’ve been sent f

Liana’s POVI am set to be married tomorrow, and sleep eludes me. I lie in bed, the blankets drawn up to my chin, listening to the wind howling outside the window.Shadows flicker across the ceiling, and the air has a chill now that only embers remain in the fireplace. I was prepared for this.I was taught to be beautiful, quiet, and obedient. I constructed a cage for my wild and furious spirit and awaited the day of my wedding.A small part of me fantasized about falling in love like the princesses in my mother’s tales, dreaming of a day when I would be free.But deep down, I always understood that a happy ending was not in my future. So, I waited and I feared. And now the moment has arrived.Tomorrow, I will marry a man who makes wolves fight as if they were mere dogs. A man who threatened to treat me like a stray. His predatory gaze sends shivers down my spine.A man I do not know, a man I do not love. He won’t harm you.The alpha’s vow echoes in my thoughts. I ought to inform some