Sybil's POV

The wedding ends without ever truly beginning. No vows. No rings. No kiss.

Just ancient words in a dead language and four men standing far enough behind me that they may as well have been shadows.

Transactional. Ceremonial. Political.

Romantic? Not even a little.

I barely saw their faces.

Every time I tried to glance back, one of the elders would clear their throat like I was breaking some sacred rule by being curious about the men I was apparently destined to share a life and a kingdom with.

Before I can even process that the ceremony is over, I'm being escorted away, not toward the grand reception hall glowing with music and laughter, but out the side entrance of the castle. 

And parked at the bottom of the steps is- "...A minivan?" I muttered. Not a royal carriage that I was expecting, since I thought I was going out to greet the people, my subjects.

A very modern, very tinted, very suspicious minivan that looked like it belonged to a celebrity avoiding paparazzi.

"Wait," I say, digging my heels in. "Where are we going? I thought I was going to greet the crowd outside before going upstairs to change clothes for the reception."

"No, Your Highness," the Mistress of the Robes says smoothly as she opens the door. "Please get in. I will explain inside. It seems Her Majesty did not explain this part either."

Of course, she didn't. Why is my mother doing this to me?!

I climbed in. The Mistress follows, along with two attendants. The door slides shut, sealing me in.

The second we start moving, they're on me.

Cold cream wipes across my cheeks as the Mistress begins removing my makeup with efficient swipes. Another woman carefully unpins the jeweled combs from my hair. The third unclasps necklaces, bracelets, earrings, each piece disappearing into velvet pouches like I'm being dismantled.

"You said you'd explain," I said, not bothering to hide my irritation. "So what are you waiting for? Explain."

The Mistress nods, still working. "After the offering to the Moon Goddess and the wedding ceremony, the final rite is the mating ritual."

"It will take place in a secluded villa not far from the castle," she continued. "Guards will be stationed outside the perimeter. Servants will remain in a separate house beyond the walls. They are not allowed to enter unless summoned."

"Summoned how?" I asked.

"There is an intercom system inside the villa. You may call for food, fresh linens, baths, tidying the place... anything you require."

My frown deepened. "How long am I staying there?"

"A minimum of seven days."

"Seven days?!" My voice jumped an octave. "Why?"

"You will not be alone, if that's what you're worried about," she added gently. "Your husbands will join you after the celebration ends. During those seven days, none of you may leave the villa grounds."

I blinked at her. "You're locking us in? What the heck!"

"It is tradition."

"That's not an explanation, that's a prison sentence."

She ignored that. "The time may extend... if all parties wish it."

Oh Goddess. Why is this happening to me?

"How come they get to party while I get isolated?" I grumbled. "I'd like to eat and drink too, you know."

"There will be a feast prepared at the villa," she assured me. "Everything served at the reception-and more."

"Great," I muttered. "Romantic captivity with catering."

That made the attendants giggle.

I narrowed my eyes. "And why exactly is it seven days? What are we supposed to do in there, stare at each other?"

That was a mistake that I instantly regretted because the two younger women dissolved into the kind of laughter usually reserved for gossip about secret crushes.

"What else, Princess?" one of them chirped. "You'll be making heirs!"

Even the driver and the guard who sat in front snorted.

I sank back into the seat. Wonderful! I am officially the laughing stock of the whole kingdom for sure...

Then the attendant added, "Once the full moon reaches its peak tonight, the grooms will have insatiable hunger for their bride, and that could last for five to seven days. They will be possessive and might hurt or even kill anyone who goes near their bride. Thus, the seven days."

The Mistress shot them a warning look. "Enough. You'll frighten Her Highness."

"I'm already frightened," I informed her flatly.

She softened her tone slightly. "For unions like this, sometimes the bond is not completed on the first night. Some couples wait until the next full moon and use the time simply to grow familiar with one another."

That sounds... manageable.

Maybe we'll talk. Share tragic backstories. Establish boundaries like civilized people.

The driver chuckled again.

All four of us looked toward the front.

"May I speak, Your Highness?" he asked.

I sighed. "Go ahead. I want to know everything."

"It's not my place to worry you," he said, before looking at the Mistress of the Robes in the rearview mirror, "but Carmen... you're forgetting something."

The Mistress stiffened. "What is it, now?"

"Those grooms you're comparing them to," he said, "were hybrids. These four are pureblood and Alphas. It's a full moon tonight. They may have stood calmly during the ceremony, but I guarantee you that they took every ounce of control they had."

"When I met my fated mate," he continued, voice going distant with memory, "her scent alone nearly drove me mad, and I'm not pureblood. I couldn't think. Couldn't breathe. All I wanted was to claim her, to make sure the whole world knew she was mine."

I glanced at the attendants, and they looked... dreamy. And then at the Mistress, she tried to look stern and failed. 

"So imagine," the driver added, "what four unmated pureblood Alphas must be feeling right now... sitting through speeches and wine when their bride is waiting somewhere else."

"But since they are purebloods, then perhaps, they might have stronger control," I uttered weakly.

He shrugged. "Control doesn't make the hunger and desire smaller. It just makes the wait worse, and I am sure it will accumulate."

I stared down at my hands in my lap, stripped of rings, stripped of jewels, stripped of everything.

Four powerful Alphas, who are nonetheless strangers. A locked villa. Seven days.

No escape without causing a political incident.

The women around me are practically vibrating with excitement, like this is some grand fairy tale.

I feel like I'm being delivered to four very patient predators.

I sighed, hard and heavy. "I didn't even get a good look at them earlier. It turns out four Alphas claimed that I was their mate, without even seeing me."

"The Queen informed us of your situation. But that is okay, because fated mates can smell each other. In your case, they smelled you, even if you can't smell them, and that's enough. They have proven themselves to the King and to the elders before you've arrived here; that's all you need. No need to worry."

"What do they look like?" I asked quietly. 

The attendants perked up instantly. "Oh, Your Highness," one sighed. "You are blessed. They are all good-looking and smart."

"Terrifyingly strong. They are the guardians of the four gates of the kingdom," the first insisted.

"Each from a different dominant pureblood bloodline," Carmen corrected, though she was smiling. "Strength. Strategy. Ferocity. Leadership. Looked like the Goddess of the Moon favored you, and she chose carefully. You really are our savior."

So they're not just husbands. They're weapons. Future kings for me to use to fulfill my goals.

And tonight, I'm being handed to them wrapped in silk and expectation.

But they are in for a surprise tonight, something they won't expect.

The van slowed. Through the tinted window, I saw tall stone walls, wrought iron gates, and beyond them, a sprawling villa lit by warm golden lights against the dark forest backdrop.

The place was huge! It was not a villa, it was a mansion inside a walled mini forest. Isolated. Quiet. Waiting for me.

My heart started pounding again.

Just what on earth did I get myself into?! 

Oh Goddess of the Moon, please have mercy on me!

Sybil's POV

The villa was already alive when we arrived.

Servants and guards moved in a graceful blur beyond the villa's main doors. The moment our minivan rolled to a stop, everyone straightened as if pulled by invisible strings.

A line formed.

Heads bowed.

"Welcome, Your Highness."

The voice was warm, feminine, and confident. I looked up to find a beautiful woman with dark hair, probably about my age, standing at the center of them all. She wore no maid's uniform, just a sleek, long-sleeved dress that marked her as someone important.

"My name is Noelle," she said with a soft smile. "I am your head lady-in-waiting. You must be exhausted from all the rituals today. Would you like something to eat?"

Oh, thank goodness!

My stomach growled loud enough that I was sure half the guards heard it. I beamed at her, nearly launching myself into her arms. "Yes. Please. I am starving. The last thing I ate was breakfast. I swear the people at the castle were trying to starve me to death!"

I was already moving toward the entrance when Carmen cleared her throat behind me.

I turned, my excitement dimming just a little.

"Princess," she said gently, "we'll leave you in Noelle's care now. We'll return in seven days."

Seven days.

A full week.

Alone. In this villa. With four powerful Alphas I barely knew...

I was nervous again, but I hid it with a grin and nod.

Carmen gave me a knowing look before climbing back into the minivan with the others. I didn't wait to see them drive away. If I stood there too long, the reality of everything might actually catch up to me.

Instead, I stepped inside.

And immediately followed my nose.

The scent of roasted meat, herbs, warm bread, butter, and wine wrapped around me like an embrace. My wolf might be caged, but my senses were still sharp-sharper than any human's. Hunger pulled me forward like a leash.

I didn't need directions. I felt the dining room before I saw it.

The moment I entered, my mouth watered. A long table shimmered under golden light, covered in dishes that looked like they belonged in a royal feast painting. I dropped into the nearest chair and started piling food onto my plate before anyone could stop me.

"Your Highness, please, allow me," Noelle said gently, taking over with practiced grace.

I didn't even argue, and I let her pick up any dish she wanted to.

The first bite of a prosciutto roll melted on my tongue, salty and rich and perfect. My eyes widened. "Oh my God. Who made this? This is divine. I can eat this all day."

Noelle laughed softly as she poured me a glass of deep red wine. "Your personal chef, Your Highness. Her Majesty hired one especially for you-so all your cravings will be satisfied when you get pregnant."

I choked. Literally choked.

I coughed so hard I thought I might die right there, honeymoon ended before it even began. Noelle rushed to rub my back while someone shoved a glass of water into my hand.

"Babies?!" I wheezed once I could breathe again, face burning. "Who said anything about babies happening soon?"

Noelle's smile didn't falter, which somehow made it worse.

"I-I'm fine," I muttered, dabbing at my mouth. But my appetite had shrunk into a tight little knot in my stomach. Pregnant. So soon. Like it was already scheduled.

"Perhaps some soup first?" she offered gently. "To warm your stomach?"

"Maybe I just need to get out of this corset," I said, tugging at the tight fabric around my waist. "I can't even take a proper breath."

"Of course. Let me show you to your room."

We moved upstairs. Noelle gestured down the hallway as we walked.

"This is Alpha Viggo's room," she said, pointing right. "Across is Alpha River's. Next to his is Alpha Ezra's. Opposite that is Alpha Hunter's."

My steps slowed.

Four doors.

Four men.

Four fated mates I couldn't even recognize because my wolf, my other half, was locked away inside me. It's been years since I last talked to her. I am technically wolfless now.

"And the door at the end," Noelle said, stopping before a set of double doors, "is yours."

"Oh," I breathed. "So... we each get one?"

"Yes. For now. The King thought you might prefer your own space at first."

I exhaled in relief. "Thank God someone in that castle has common sense. Unlike my mother, who apparently expects me to be pregnant by tomorrow."

A few of the servants choked back giggles.

Noelle's lips twitched. "There is... another reason for the arrangement. But perhaps the Alphas should explain that to you themselves."

Oh, that did not sound innocent.

I turned to press her, but she opened the doors, and every thought flew straight out of my head.

My jaw dropped.

The room was massive, modern, and elegant, like a luxury seaside villa from a dream. Soft neutral tones, warm lighting, and glass walls leading to a balcony that overlooked the garden.

I walked toward it as if pulled by magic.

Outside, a pool shimmered under moonlight, framed by palms and low lanterns. "I didn't expect this," I murmured. "It feels like Bali... or Malibu."

"This villa was built just six months ago," Noelle said.

Six months...

The exact time my father found me... and started sending men to drag me back into this life. I'd fought them all. Hard. But somehow, I still ended up here.

I turned back inside, taking in the rest. A huge bed to the right, far too big for just one person. A plush sitting area and a large screen to the left.

"Where are my clothes?" I asked. "You can help me with the corset, then you can all go."

Noelle gestured toward a side door. "Walk-in closet and ensuite. We'll assist you, then leave you after we dress you."

"Just the corset," I insisted. "I can handle the rest. And Carmen said no one stays in the villa except us, right?"

That did the trick.

Soon it was just me.

Alone.

In a silent, moonlit room on my mating night.

I slipped out of my dress and headed into the walk-in closet... only to find it empty. Cabinet after cabinet. Nothing.

A strange chill crept up my spine.

"What is going on...?"

I moved into the ensuite. Steam curled through the air from a bath already drawn. My gaze skimmed the marble counters, then landed on something folded neatly on the vanity.

Fabric.

Small. Delicate.

I picked it up.

My eyes widened. My jaw nearly hit the floor.

"What the fuck?! They expect me to wear this?!"

Sybil's POV

I stared at the scandalous scrap of lace dangling from my fingers.

It was barely there. A whisper of fabric. Completely see-through.

Heat flooded my face, all the way down my neck. I should have been outraged. Insulted. Ready to march back to the castle and throw this... this suggestion of clothing at someone's head.

Instead, a slow, traitorous thrill curled low in my belly.

Mating night.

Four Alphas under the same roof.

And apparently... absolutely no intention of letting me hide in flannel.

"Oh, Goddess help me," I muttered.

I dropped the lace back onto the vanity like it had burned me and wrapped myself tightly in a towel. If they thought I was just going to parade around in that, they were out of their minds.

"They said there's an intercom somewhere..." I mumbled, mostly to distract myself from the way my pulse wouldn't calm down.

My father hadn't even let me bring a phone. Paranoid old wolf. As if some foreign government was losing sleep over me. He said he would buy me a new one, but it has been a week, and I still have no phone.

I searched the entire room. Nothing. The hallway, still nothing.

The villa felt eerily quiet as I padded down the stairs. I peeked into the main hall.

Empty.

I slipped downstairs, towel clutched tight, and searched room after room until I finally found the intercom mounted on the kitchen wall.

"Of all places..." I grumbled.

I pressed the button. "Hello? Anyone there?"

Static.

I tried again. Nothing.

"Great. Why tell me if it's not even working? This is frustrating!" I huffed, frustration bubbling up, right before my stomach growled loudly enough to echo in the quiet kitchen.

I glanced at the clock on the fridge. Eight in the evening.

"They're probably still celebrating at the castle," I muttered. "Fine. I'll eat. Then sleep. And I am not doing whatever they think is happening tonight. My life. My rules."

I plated food and sat at the long dining table, finally relaxing as warmth settled my protecting stomach. I was halfway through my meal when the front door opened.

A male voice.

"Seriously, did you have to drink that much tonight?!" a man snapped, clearly sounded irritated.

Panic shot through me. I shoved food into my mouth, gulped water, and jumped to my feet. If I moved fast, I could-

A rush of air hit my back.

Before I could turn, two strong hands caught my arms.

I gasped, every muscle locking.

"Well," a low voice murmured near my ear, "looks like you're already prepared to be marked tonight..."

My heart slammed so hard it hurt. I really thought I was going to have a heart attack.

His hands were warm. Large. Steady. Heat seeped through my skin where he held me, sending a shiver racing down my spine.

Then I felt it... his breath brushed my shoulder... my neck...

He inhaled slowly, like a predator savoring a scent.

"You fucking smell incredible," he growled softly. "Your scent does things to me... but I need your help before we meet fulfill your expectations."

Expectations? What freaking expectation is he even thinking?!

I spun around, words flying out before courage could fail. "Don't be mistaken, I am not expec-"

The rest died in my throat.

He was... unfair.

Sharp jaw, straight nose, strong chin dusted with stubble. Dark eyes that held mine like he already knew exactly how I'd look beneath him. Confidence rolled off him in waves, heavy and intoxicating.

But then-

I frowned and covered my nose. "What is that smell?"

He sighed. "That would be why I need help. Viggo's down and refusing to cooperate. Can you help me get him to his room?"

He asked so politely that it made me forget my irritation.

"Lead the way," I said before my brain caught up.

His smirk said he noticed.

His gaze dipped, slowly, taking in my bare shoulders, my legs, the towel clutched desperately to my chest. My grip tightened.

"It's not what you think," I rushed out. "There were no clothes. Just... that ridiculous nightdress that I have no plans wearing."

His eyes darkened with amusement. "We'll deal with that later. Let's help Viggo first."

I nodded and gestured for him to show me where.

We walked towards the main door, and I froze.

A red-haired man was sprawled on the stone floor, pale as death.

"Oh my God!" I ran to him. "What happened to him? Is he okay?"

"He's just dead drunk," the man behind me said. "The elders kept pouring. He was too polite to refuse."

I gagged slightly. "And that smell-"

"He threw up on the way here," he admitted with a shrug. "That's why I'm shirtless."

I hadn't noticed.

Now I did.

Broad chest. Hard muscle. Bare skin still damp from a rushed rinse, droplets sliding down his abs in a way that made my mouth go dry. 

What the heck is going on with me?!

He chuckled at my expression and then straightened, offering his hand.

"Hunter Olsen. Alpha Guardian of the North. Fenrivia."

So formal... for a man half-naked in front of his bride.

I placed my hand in his. "Sybil von Ro-"

My breath hitched as he lifted my hand and pressed his lips to my knuckles.

"I know," he said softly, eyes never leaving mine. "How can I not? You're my mate."

I gulped. Because, as much as I hate to admit it, I am feeling something towards him. 

Lust maybe? Because there's no way that I would feel that mate pull when my wolf is caged. 

I then pulled back my hand and diverted his attention; he was looking at me so fiercely that I think I would melt. 

"Why do you need my help, by the way?" I asked quickly. "You could definitely carry him yourself."

"Oh, I will," Hunter said easily. "That's not the part I need help with."

I tilted my head, confused.

"I need you," he continued, eyes glinting, "to undress him upstairs."

My jaw dropped, not sure if I heard that right.