All Chapters of Traded to the tyrant : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

ELARA'S POVThe days following Kaelen's departure passed in a strange blur of normalcy and tension.On the surface, life in Bloodreaver Fortress continued as usual. I took meals in the dining hall, walked the gardens with Sena, attended evening gatherings in the great hall.But underneath, everything had changed.Draven remained General Varak to the world—cold, distant, terrifying in his silver mask. But in private moments stolen between duties, he was simply Draven.Vulnerable. Honest. Mine.The shift was disorienting and intoxicating in equal measure."You're distracted again," Sena observed during our afternoon walk through the fortress gardens.I blinked, realizing I'd been staring at nothing while my thoughts wandered. "Sorry.""Don't apologize. Just be more careful about where your thoughts show on your face." She adjusted the shawl around my shoulders. "Especially when others are watching."I glanced around nervously. Several servants worked nearby, tending to late autumn flowe

ELARA'S POV The day of the bonding ceremony dawned clear and cold. I woke early, nerves and anticipation churning in my stomach until sleep became impossible. Sena arrived shortly after sunrise carrying an elaborate gown I'd never seen before. "The ceremonial dress," she explained, laying it carefully across the bed. "Traditionally worn by Lunas during bonding rituals." The gown was breathtaking. Deep midnight blue, almost black, with silver thread embroidered in intricate patterns that resembled wolf tracks and moon phases. The fabric shimmered when light hit it, giving the impression of starlight. "It's beautiful," I whispered. "It belonged to Draven's mother." Sena's expression softened. "He asked me to give it to you. Said his mother would have wanted someone worthy to wear it." Emotion clogged my throat. The significance of the gestu

ELARA'S POVEverything happened too fast.One moment we stood in tense negotiation, the next Kaelen signaled his forces and chaos erupted."Get her back to the fortress!" Draven shouted as arrows began flying.Rho grabbed my arm and pulled me toward our horses while guards formed a protective circle. Behind us, I heard the clash of steel as Draven engaged Kaelen directly.Through the bond, I felt his fury and fear for my safety colliding violently."My lady, we need to move!" Rho urged.I wanted to stay, wanted to fight beside Draven. But I'd promised to retreat if threatened, and arrows raining from the sky definitely qualified.We rode hard toward the fortress, guards surrounding me on all sides. Behind us, the sounds of battle grew louder as both forces collided."How many?" I gasped as we reached the gates."Too many," Rho said grimly. "Kaelen brought more forces than we anticipated. He's been planning this for weeks."Sena met us at the entrance, her expression fierce. "The fortr

ELARA'S POVThe return to Bloodreaver Fortress felt surreal.We'd left expecting war and returned with peace—fragile and conditional, but peace nonetheless. The soldiers who'd prepared for battle looked confused as we passed through the gates."Stand down," Draven ordered clearly. "The negotiations succeeded, Silvercrest withdraws, and the conflict ends."Stunned silence followed his announcement. Then someone cheered, and suddenly the entire fortress erupted in celebration.People I'd never spoken to embraced each other with relief. Warriors who'd been prepared to die laughed and clapped shoulders. Even stern Rho allowed himself a small smile.Through the bond, I felt Draven's carefully controlled emotions. Relief warred with lingering suspicion that Kaelen's withdrawal was too easy."You don't trust it," I said quietly as we dismounted."I don't trust him. There's a difference." He helped me down, his hands lingering at my waist. "But the formal agreements are binding. He can't rene

ELARA'S POVWatching Draven face his father felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest.Through the bond, I felt everything, his rage, his fear, his grim determination to end this permanently. The emotions crashed over me so intensely I nearly staggered."My lady, fall back!" One of our warriors grabbed my arm. "You can't help him here."He was right. This fight was between Draven and his father. Interfering would only distract Draven when he needed complete focus.But standing aside while the man I loved faced death felt impossible."Elara." Rho appeared beside me, his sword dripping blood. "We need you coordinating defenses. The eastern wall is weakening."Duty warred with desperate need to stay near Draven. Through the bond, I felt him sense my conflict.*Go,* his mental voice urged. *Help our people. I've got this.*I wanted to argue. Wanted to scream that I couldn't leave him.But he was right. The pack needed leadership while their Alpha fought for all our lives."Show me