Aria’s POV.
The castle was alive with an overwhelming energy, every corner filled with movement, sound, and purpose. The wide hallways buzzed with activity as servants darted back and forth, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors.
Maids balanced trays of champagne glasses with practiced precision, their faces flushed from the constant back-and-forth between the kitchens and the grand ballroom downstairs.
Florists were scattered throughout the castle, carefully arranging last-minute bouquets of white roses and deep red lilies, their hands moving quickly as though their lives depended on it.
The chefs’ voices boomed from the kitchen, barking sharp orders to their assistants as the smells of roasted meats, fresh bread, and decadent desserts drifted through the air. Even the chandeliers seemed brighter tonight, their soft glow adding to the sense that something monumental was about to happen. The air itself felt charged, thick with anticipation, as if the castle itself was holding its breath.
I could feel the weight of it pressing down on me, heavy and suffocating, like I was being slowly crushed under the expectations of everyone around me.
I stood in front of the tall, gilded mirror in my room, staring at my reflection as if trying to recognize the person staring back at me.
The shimmering silver gown I wore was exquisite, the kind of dress little girls dream about when they imagine themselves as princesses. It fit me perfectly-almost too perfectly-as though it had been made for someone else and I was simply borrowing it for the night. The fabric flowed like liquid silver, hugging my figure before flaring out at the bottom in soft, elegant folds. Tiny beads and crystals were sewn into the bodice in intricate patterns, catching the light and sparkling like stars every time I moved. My hair had been styled into loose, cascading waves that framed my face, and the diamond earrings dangling from my ears felt cool against my skin. Everything about my appearance was flawless, carefully crafted to make me look like a vision of perfection.
But no matter how perfect I looked, I didn’t feel like the woman in the mirror. I didn’t feel like a princess. If anything, I felt like a prisoner dressed up for display.
I hadn’t had a say in any of this-not the dress, not tonight, not the role I was being forced to play. When we’d landed earlier this morning, I’d foolishly thought I’d have at least a day to catch my breath, to settle into this strange new chapter of my life. But Kael had shattered that hope the moment we arrived, his words hitting me like a punch to the stomach.
“Tonight,” he had said, as casually as if he were announcing the weather. “The engagement ceremony will happen tonight.”
“What?” I had stared at him, my mind racing. “Tonight? Are you serious?”
He had shrugged, his expression calm as always, like this was just another business meeting to him. “It’s a formality,” he had said, his tone smooth, almost dismissive. “It’s to let the packs know we’re committed to this union. That’s all.”
“But I’m not ready,” I had protested, my voice shaky. “Kael, this is too fast. I thought we’d have more time-”
“You’ll be fine,” he had interrupted, his voice steady, leaving no room for argument. “Everything has been planned. You just have to show up and smile.”
Smile. As if it were that simple. As if I could just push aside the whirlwind of emotions inside me and pretend everything was okay.
Now, as I stood here, staring at the massive diamond engagement ring on my finger, I felt anything but fine. The five-carat stone sparkled brilliantly in the light, its beauty undeniable, but to me, it felt like a chain. Every time I looked at it, I was reminded of what tonight represented-what I was being forced into. My hands trembled as I adjusted the ring, trying to steady my nerves, but nothing seemed to help.
A soft but firm knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.
“Come in,” I called, my voice barely steady as I turned away from the mirror.
The door creaked open, and my mother stepped inside. She looked stunning, as always, her deep emerald gown hugging her figure and accentuating her sharp, regal features. Her dark hair was swept into a low, elegant chignon, and a string of pearls rested against her collarbone. She carried herself with the same confidence she always did, her presence filling the room as she closed the door behind her.
Her eyes swept over me, taking in every detail of my appearance. For a moment, I thought I caught a flicker of something softer in her expression-pride, maybe, or even approval. But it was gone almost as quickly as it appeared, replaced by her usual composed demeanor.
“You look beautiful,” she said, her voice softer than I expected.
“Thanks,” I replied curtly, my tone clipped. I didn’t mean to sound harsh, but I couldn’t help it. Compliments felt meaningless right now, like trying to put a bandage on a wound that was too deep to heal.
She stepped closer, her heels clicking softly against the floor. “Aria,” she began, her tone gentle but firm, “I know this isn’t what you wanted. I know you’re upset.”
“Upset?” I repeated, a bitter laugh escaping me. “That’s putting it mildly.” I turned back to the mirror, avoiding her gaze. “I feel like I’m being paraded around like some… some prize. Like I don’t even get to decide what happens in my own life.”
Her reflection appeared behind mine in the mirror, her expression unreadable. “This is bigger than you, Aria,” she said quietly. “You know that. This union-this alliance-it’s what’s best for everyone. For the packs. For our future.”
“What about what’s best for me?” I shot back, spinning around to face her. “Does that even matter? Or am I just supposed to sacrifice everything because it’s ‘what’s best’ for everyone else?”
Her lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, I thought she might argue. But instead, she sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. “I know it feels unfair,” she said, her voice softer now. “And maybe it is. But sometimes, we have to do things we don’t want to do for the greater good.”
I shook my head, my frustration bubbling over. “I didn’t ask for any of this,” I said, my voice trembling. “I didn’t ask to be part of some political strategy. I didn’t ask to marry someone I barely know.”
She reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Kael isn’t a bad man,” she said gently. “He’s strong. He’s loyal. And he’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect you.”
“That’s not enough,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I don’t want loyalty. I don’t want protection. I want a choice.”
For a long moment, she didn’t say anything. The weight of her hand on my shoulder felt heavy, like she was trying to pass her strength to me. Finally, she squeezed my shoulder lightly and stepped back.
“You’ll find your strength, Aria,” she said quietly. “You’re stronger than you think.”
And with that, she turned and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The silence that followed felt deafening, and as I turned back to the mirror, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was right.
Was I strong enough to face this? Or was I just a pawn in a game I didn’t want to play?