Aria’s POV.
The grand ballroom was nothing short of magnificent, a space so lavish it could have been plucked straight from a dream-or a nightmare, depending on how you looked at it. The high ceilings soared above us, intricately painted with scenes of the night sky, complete with silver stars and swirling clouds.
Glittering chandeliers hung from above, their crystals catching the light and scattering it in dazzling patterns across the polished marble floor.
The walls were lined with golden sconces, their soft glow adding warmth to the room, and tall arched windows framed by deep crimson drapes allowed glimpses of the moonlit gardens outside. Everywhere I looked, there was luxury-gold accents, intricate carvings, and floral arrangements so extravagant they seemed to overflow with roses, lilies, and orchids in shades of white and red. It was a room designed to impress, to intimidate, and it succeeded.
The space was packed with people, all dressed in their finest. Alphas and their wives, elders with sharp eyes and even sharper tongues, and high-ranking members of various packs stood in small clusters, their conversations creating a low hum that filled the air. Laughter rang out occasionally, mingling with the soft, elegant strains of classical music played by a string quartet tucked away in the corner. The atmosphere was electric, charged with excitement, curiosity, and just the faintest undertone of tension. It was clear that this night was as much about politics as it was about celebration.
The moment I stepped inside, I felt it-the weight of their gazes. Dozens of eyes turned toward me, their stares heavy with curiosity, judgment, and speculation. I could practically hear the whispers, even if I couldn’t make out the words. “That’s her,” they were probably saying. “The girl who’s supposed to marry him. Do you think she’s up to the task?” My pulse quickened, and I had to resist the urge to shrink away, to disappear into the shadows. But I couldn’t. Not here. Not tonight.
Kael was waiting for me near the center of the room, standing tall and confident like he owned the place-which, in many ways, he did. He was dressed in a sharp black suit that fit him perfectly, the crisp white shirt underneath adding to the air of effortless elegance he always seemed to carry. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his piercing eyes scanned the room with the precision of someone who was always in control. When his gaze landed on me, his lips curved into a smile. For a moment, I thought it looked genuine, but I quickly reminded myself not to be fooled.
“Aria,” he said smoothly, holding out his hand as I approached. His voice was warm, almost inviting, as if he were trying to melt away the tension that clung to me like a second skin.
I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. For a split second, I considered turning around and walking away. But I couldn’t. With a deep breath, I placed my hand in his. His grip was firm but not overpowering, his touch steadying even as it made my stomach twist.
He leaned in slightly, his breath brushing against my ear as he whispered, “You look stunning.”
“Thanks,” I muttered, my voice barely audible. I couldn’t bring myself to meet his eyes, afraid of what I might see-or what I might feel.
Straightening, Kael’s smile didn’t waver as he turned his attention to the crowd. His presence was commanding, and when he spoke, his voice carried easily over the noise. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he called, his tone smooth and confident, “thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate this union between our packs.”
The room quieted almost instantly, all eyes now on us. My heart felt like it was trying to break free from my chest, the sound of it pounding in my ears almost drowning out his words. But Kael’s grip on my hand didn’t falter, steady and reassuring in a way I didn’t expect.
“This engagement,” he continued, his voice strong and steady, “marks the beginning of a new alliance-one built on trust, unity, and strength. Together, we will ensure prosperity for generations to come.”
A round of polite applause followed, the sound filling the room as I stood frozen beside him. His words were practiced, deliberate, the kind of speech that was meant to inspire confidence and loyalty. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all just a performance.
Kael turned to me then, his dark eyes locking onto mine. For a brief, fleeting moment, I thought I saw something real in his expression-something softer, almost vulnerable. It was gone almost as quickly as it appeared, and I couldn’t tell if it had been real or if I was just imagining things.
“Aria,” he said, his voice quieter now, meant only for me. “I know this isn’t what you wanted. But I meant what I said earlier. I feel that connection with you. And I’ll do whatever it takes to prove it to you.”
I stared at him, my heart twisting with emotions I couldn’t quite name. I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe that there was something genuine behind his words, that this wasn’t just another part of the game he was so good at playing. But how could I?
“I don’t know if I can trust you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.
“You don’t have to,” he replied, his tone surprisingly gentle. “Not yet. But give me time, Aria. Let me show you that I mean it.”
Before I could respond, the sound of glasses clinking cut through the air, signaling the start of a toast. Kael released my hand, reaching for the champagne flute that had been placed on a nearby tray. I followed suit, the weight of the diamond ring on my finger feeling heavier than ever.
Kael raised his glass high, his voice ringing out clearly as he said, “To new beginnings.”
“To new beginnings,” the crowd echoed, their voices blending together as they raised their glasses.
I brought the glass to my lips, the cool fizz of the champagne doing little to calm the storm inside me. The cheers and applause rang in my ears, but all I could think about was the choice I didn’t have, the future I couldn’t control.
As I glanced at Kael, his expression unreadable, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was standing on the edge of a cliff, the ground crumbling beneath my feet.
And I couldn’t tell if Kael was going to catch me-or push me off.