Zander’s POV.
The castle was alive with movement and energy, every corner bursting with activity. The halls echoed with the hum of countless voices discussing the event, the rustle of luxurious fabrics as guests adjusted their formal attire, and the rich, heavy scent of fresh flowers that filled the air. Every surface gleamed, cleaned and polished to perfection, while every detail of the decor seemed carefully chosen to showcase power and elegance.
It was a display of wealth and status that left nothing to chance, but despite how grand and impressive everything looked, I felt nothing inside. There was no joy, no excitement-just a cold, hollow weight pressing down on my chest, as if the walls themselves were closing in on me.
This wasn’t a day of love or celebration. For me, it was nothing more than a necessary conquest, a calculated move to cement the alliance between the Silverfang and Nightshade packs. Love wasn’t part of this equation, and neither was happiness. Aria’s defiance, her undeniable beauty, and the fiery spirit she clung to so stubbornly-all of it was irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. She wasn’t a partner in this union. She was a pawn, a piece on the chessboard of politics and strategy. And today, whether she liked it or not, she would finally fall into place where she belonged.
“Alpha,” a voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I turned to see Victor standing in the doorway of my chambers, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. He was dressed in his ceremonial attire, the deep silver fabric adorned with the crest of the Silverfang pack, though his usual smirk was softer today. Still, I could see the faint sparkle of amusement in his eyes, as if he found the entire situation far more entertaining than he should have. “The guests are arriving,” he said, his voice calm but carrying a hint of excitement. “The Alphas and their Lunas are gathering in the great hall as we speak.”
“Good,” I replied curtly, my voice flat and emotionless. I turned back to the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of my jacket with deliberate precision. The black and silver suit I wore was perfectly tailored, every stitch a testament to power and authority. The crest of the Silverfang pack was embroidered on the chest, a symbol of dominance and responsibility. But as perfect as the suit was, it felt heavier than usual, as though the weight of what today represented was pressing down on me, making it harder to breathe.
Victor stepped further into the room, his sharp eyes scanning me with a knowing look. He could read me better than most, and I could tell he was weighing his words carefully. “You look tense,” he remarked, his voice teasing but cautious, as though testing the waters. “Getting cold feet? Maybe you’re starting to have second thoughts about all of this?”
I turned to him, my jaw tightening as I glared. “This isn’t about me,” I said firmly, my tone sharp enough to cut through his lighthearted banter. “This is about ensuring the future of the Silverfang pack. It’s bigger than either of us.”
Victor raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful for a moment, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grin returning as if to dispel the tension in the room. “Well, you’re about to make history, cousin,” he said with a hint of cheer. “Let’s get this over with and show everyone why the Silverfang pack always comes out on top.”
—
The great hall had been transformed into something magnificent, a space that demanded attention and awe from everyone who entered. Massive chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their crystals sparkling like stars as they caught the golden light. The glow bathed the room in warmth, making every polished surface shimmer and shine. Rows of chairs were arranged neatly, each one occupied by Alphas, Lunas, and heirs from packs across the region. The guests sat dressed in their finest, their whispers and murmurs weaving together in a symphony of excitement and intrigue. Some spoke in awe of the decorations, others speculated about the upcoming ceremony, while a few simply observed, their sharp gazes taking in every detail of the event.
At the far end of the hall, a raised platform had been constructed, standing as the focal point of the room. It was draped in shimmering silver and deep red fabric, the bold colors of the Silverfang and Nightshade packs entwined in perfect harmony. The platform was more than just a stage-it was a symbol of power, a place where the union of two great packs would be sealed. It was here that the ceremony would take place, the moment that would bind our fates together forever.
I stood at the front of the room, my hands clasped behind my back as I surveyed the crowd. My gaze moved over the faces, some familiar, some foreign, but all watching with curiosity and respect. This wasn’t just a wedding-it was a statement of power, a declaration that the Silverfang pack would not be challenged.
The music began, soft and melodic, and the room fell silent. All eyes turned to the entrance as the heavy wooden doors swung open, revealing Aria.
She was breathtaking.
The silver dress I had chosen for her clung to her figure perfectly, the intricate beadwork catching the light with every step she took. Her dark hair was swept up into an elegant style, a few loose curls framing her face. A delicate silver tiara adorned her head, a symbol of her new role as Luna.
But it wasn’t just her beauty that caught my attention. It was the look in her eyes-defiant, proud, and unbroken. Even now, walking toward a future she clearly didn’t want, she held her head high, refusing to show weakness.
It infuriated me. And yet, it also made it impossible to look away.
As she reached the platform, she stopped in front of me, her gaze locking onto mine. For a moment, the world seemed to fade away, the noise of the crowd and the weight of their stares disappearing. It was just her and me, standing on the precipice of something neither of us could fully control.
“Aria,” I said quietly, my voice low enough that only she could hear. “You’re late.”
She lifted her chin slightly, her lips curving into the faintest hint of a smirk. “I figured you could wait a little longer.”
I bit back a growl, forcing myself to stay calm. This wasn’t the time or place for another battle of wills.
“Shall we begin?” the officiant asked, his voice cutting through the tension.
I nodded, stepping forward and extending my hand toward Aria. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing her hand in mine. Her touch was warm, her fingers trembling just slightly, though she quickly masked it.
The officiant began to speak, his deep voice echoing through the hall as he recited the traditional vows of unity. I barely heard the words, my focus entirely on Aria. I watched the way her lips pressed into a thin line, the way her shoulders stiffened as the ceremony progressed. She was holding herself together, but I could see the cracks beneath the surface.
When it came time for the exchange of vows, I spoke first.
“I, Zander of the Silverfang pack, take you, Aria of the Nightshade pack, as my mate and Luna. I swear to protect you, to lead you, and to honor the bond between our packs. From this day forward, our fates are one.”
Aria’s lips parted slightly, as though she wanted to protest, but she remained silent. When it was her turn to speak, she hesitated, her eyes darting to mine.
“I… Aria of the Nightshade pack,” she began, her voice quieter than usual, “take you, Zander of the Silverfang pack, as my mate and Alpha. I swear to…” Her voice faltered, and for a moment, I thought she might refuse. But then she straightened her shoulders, her voice steadying. “I swear to uphold the bond between our packs. From this day forward, our fates are one.”
Her words were a dagger to my chest-not because of their content, but because of the way she said them. There was no joy, no love, no acceptance. Only resignation.
The officiant continued, his words formal and binding. At the end, he stepped back, gesturing for us to seal the union.
“Kiss her,” he said simply.
I turned to Aria, her eyes wide as she stared up at me. For a moment, I hesitated. This wasn’t how I had imagined this moment. But then I reminded myself of why we were here. This wasn’t about love or romance. This was about power.
I leaned down, capturing her lips in a firm, possessive kiss. She didn’t resist, but she didn’t respond either. It was cold, mechanical, and over far too quickly.
The room erupted in applause, the sound grating against my ears. Aria pulled away, her expression carefully neutral, but I could see the tension in her jaw. She hated this. She hated me.
And yet, she was mine.
As the crowd rose to their feet, I took Aria’s hand and led her down the aisle. The faces blurred together, their cheers and congratulations blending into white noise. All I could think about was the woman beside me-her beauty, her defiance, and the fact that she would never forgive me for this.
But forgiveness didn’t matter. She was mine now, and there was no turning back.
—
The reception was a blur of formalities-speeches, toasts, and endless congratulations. I smiled when required, nodded at the appropriate moments, but my mind was elsewhere. Aria sat beside me, her posture stiff, her gaze fixed on the glass of wine in front of her. She barely spoke, and when she did, it was with a forced politeness that grated on my nerves.
By the time the evening began to wind down, my patience was wearing thin. I excused myself from the table, leaving Aria surrounded by curious Alphas and their nosy Lunas. She could handle them.
I needed air.
Stepping out onto the balcony, I leaned against the railing, the cool night breeze brushing against my face. The stars above were bright and clear, their light mocking in its simplicity.
This was supposed to be a victory. A triumph. And yet, all I felt was frustration.
Aria was mine. But at what cost?