Aria’s POV.
The next morning, I woke early, the weight of what I had decided to do pressing on me. It felt almost mocking, as if daring me to back down from the bold decision I had made. But there was no turning back now. The fake diamond ring sat heavy on my finger, its presence a constant reminder of the insult Kael had delivered to me. It also reminded me of my father’s cold, unwavering demand that I stay silent and obedient. No more. I couldn’t ignore this any longer, no matter what it cost me.
I turned to the mirror and studied my reflection carefully. The dress I’d chosen for the day was a deep sapphire blue, the kind of color that couldn’t be overlooked. It was bold, elegant, and designed to make a statement. The fabric hugged my figure in all the right ways, sleek but tasteful, with long sleeves that added a dignified touch. The neckline was modest, hinting at refinement, but still strong-a far cry from fragility. My diamond earrings, the real ones my father had gifted me years ago, sparkled brightly against my dark hair, which I had swept up into a neat, polished twist. Every detail of my appearance had been chosen deliberately. I needed to look the part of the future Luna, the strong leader I was destined to become. I didn’t want to look like the girl Kael clearly thought so little of.
With a deep breath, I turned away from the mirror and left my room. My heels clicked against the polished stone floors as I walked through the grand halls of the Nightshade castle, the sound echoing around me. No one stopped me, and no one dared to question where I was going. But I knew that if my father found out what I was about to do, there would be hell to pay. He had demanded my silence, my compliance, but I couldn’t live like this anymore. I wouldn’t let myself remain powerless, bound by expectations and lies.
Still, the weight of what I was doing settled heavily on my chest. This was a risk, one that could have serious consequences. But I had made up my mind. If my father wouldn’t listen to me, then I would take my case to someone who would. Someone who had the power to change things. My destination was clear: Alpha Wolfhart, Kael’s father. He was the one person who might actually take me seriously.
The Silverfang castle loomed in the distance, cold and imposing, just as I had imagined it would be. Its high, gray stone walls seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, casting long shadows over the surrounding land. The thick iron gates creaked loudly as they swung open, the sound heavy and ominous, as if warning me to turn back. But I didn’t falter. I straightened my shoulders and stepped forward.
The guards at the gate recognized me immediately, their eyes widening slightly with surprise. I could see the unspoken question in their expressions, the way they exchanged brief glances with each other. *Why is the future Luna of the Nightshade pack here, and why is she uninvited?* Their curiosity was palpable, but I didn’t let it intimidate me.
“I need to speak with Alpha Wolfhart,” I said firmly, lifting my chin to meet their gazes. My tone was steady, leaving no room for argument.
One of the guards hesitated, his brow furrowing as he considered my request. “Does he know you’re coming, Lady Aria?” he asked cautiously, his tone polite but uncertain.
“No,” I replied, my voice unwavering despite the nervous knot twisting in my stomach. “But he’ll want to hear what I have to say.” My confidence wasn’t entirely genuine, but I knew I couldn’t let them see any hint of doubt.
The guard exchanged a brief, questioning glance with his companion before nodding. “Follow me,” he said simply, gesturing for me to step inside.
I followed him through the castle’s grand courtyard, my footsteps echoing softly on the stone paths. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. The courtyard itself was lined with imposing statues of wolves, each one frozen mid-howl, their expressions fierce and proud. They seemed to watch me as I passed, their silent presence adding to the tension in the air. The atmosphere here was charged, filled with the power of the Silverfang pack.
Once inside, the castle’s interior was just as intimidating as its exterior. Dark wood paneling lined the walls, the rich tones creating a sense of weight and seriousness. High, vaulted ceilings loomed overhead, their beams carved with intricate designs that hinted at the castle’s long history. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting battles and victories, each one a testament to the strength of the Silverfang pack. It felt more like a fortress than a home, every detail designed to impress and intimidate.
Finally, we stopped outside a set of heavy oak doors, their surface carved with intricate patterns of wolves and moons. The guard knocked once, the sound echoing loudly in the quiet hallway, before pushing the doors open. Beyond them lay the throne room, a vast and imposing space that seemed to stretch endlessly.
At the far end of the room sat Alpha Wolfhart, his presence commanding even from a distance. He sat in a high-backed chair carved from dark wood, its design simple yet regal. His silver hair gleamed in the soft light filtering through the tall windows, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto me the moment I entered. There was a weight to his gaze, a sharpness that made it clear he missed nothing. His posture was relaxed but confident, exuding the kind of authority that didn’t need to be spoken aloud.
Kael stood near his father, leaning casually against one of the grand stone pillars that lined the room. His posture was relaxed, but the moment his gaze landed on me, his expression shifted noticeably. It wasn’t surprise that flickered across his face, but something darker, something calculated. His lips curled into a small, mocking smile, the kind of smile that made my stomach twist with unease. His eyes glinted with an intensity I couldn’t fully understand, like he was already several steps ahead in some game I didn’t know I was playing. There was a sharpness in his gaze that felt like a warning, but I refused to let it intimidate me. He could try to rattle me, but I wasn’t here to back down.
“Lady Aria,” Alpha Wolfhart said, his deep, commanding voice cutting through the stillness of the room. It was calm but carried an edge, the kind of tone that demanded attention. “This is… unexpected.” His words were measured, but his sharp blue eyes stayed fixed on me, assessing my every movement. There was no warmth in his tone, only curiosity and a hint of suspicion. He was the kind of man who didn’t like surprises, and my unannounced arrival had clearly unsettled him. But I held my ground, even as his gaze bore into me.
I lowered into a graceful curtsy, keeping my posture composed and elegant, even though my heart was racing. “Alpha Wolfhart,” I said, my voice steady and clear despite the tension in the room. “I apologize for arriving uninvited, but I have a matter of great importance to discuss with you.” My tone was polite, but firm enough to make it clear that I hadn’t come here lightly. I knew how this looked-arriving unannounced, stepping into his domain without permission-but I couldn’t let that stop me. This was too important to ignore.
His piercing gaze flicked briefly to Kael, who remained leaning against the pillar, then back to me. He gave a slight nod, motioning for me to continue. “Go on,” he said, his words short but expectant. His tone carried the weight of authority, and I could feel the room grow heavier with his attention. I took a steadying breath, knowing I needed to choose my words carefully.
I stepped forward, closing the distance between us, and extended my hand to display the engagement ring resting on my finger. The light streaming through the room caught the stone, making it glitter deceptively, though I knew its beauty was nothing more than a lie. The weight of what I was about to say pressed heavily on me, but I pushed forward. I couldn’t let the fear of their reactions hold me back. “This is the ring Kael gave me at our engagement party,” I began, my tone calm but laced with a quiet strength. “It’s not a real diamond.” My words were deliberate, each one carrying the weight of my frustration and disappointment.