SYLVARA POV

I woke to the sound of birds.

For a moment, I didn’t move. I just lay there, staring at the sunlight bleeding through the curtains. The air smelled faintly of ashes and the wildflowers someone must have placed in a jar by the window days ago.

For half a heartbeat, I almost forgot everything that had happened. Then the memories came flooding back.

The ceremony. The whispers.

Aedric’s voice saying I cannot.

The humiliation.. The pain.

My chest ached as something sharp had lodged there. I pulled the blanket over my head and wished I could sink into the bed and disappear.

But even under the covers, the world pressed in. My heart wouldn’t stop pounding. My mind wouldn’t stop replaying the way everyone had looked at me... the pity, the shame. The way he had walked away without a single backward glance.

Another day, another humiliation.

Another day to be a thing of gossip and ridicule.

I sat up slowly. My throat burned. I hadn’t even realized I’d been crying again. I wiped my cheeks with the back of my hand, trying to breathe evenly.

He’d been my dream since we were children. My friend. My protector. My only real family.

And he had thrown me away like I was nothing.

A soft knock broke the silence. Three steady taps against the door.

My stomach turned. I froze, listening. No one had come near my room since last night. Not even the maids.

The knock came again, a little firmer.

“Who is it?” My voice came out hoarse.

A pause. Then a voice I knew better than my own.

“It’s me. Aedric.”

Everything inside me went still.

For a long moment, I didn’t move. Then I got out of bed, pulled a robe over my thin nightdress, and walked to the door. My hand trembled on the handle as I opened it.

He stood there, calm as ever. The morning light caught his face... golden hair, proud jaw, pale blue eyes. He looked like he always had… perfect, untouchable, every bit the Alpha he was raised to be.

“May I come in?” he asked.

I didn’t trust myself to speak, so I stepped aside.

He walked in and looked around, as if the small room was unfamiliar. His gaze landed on the folded white dress from yesterday, the torn silver ribbon on the table. He sighed quietly.

“You didn’t join us last night,” he said.

I bit back a bitter laugh. “Did you expect me to?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous gesture he hadn’t grown out of. “I wanted to make sure you’re all right.”

“All right?” I repeated, the word almost breaking on my tongue. “You humiliated me in front of everyone, Aedric. I don’t think all right covers it.”

“I didn’t mean to humiliate you,” he said softly. “You know how much I respect you.”

“Respect?” I let out a sharp breath. “You rejected me to marry someone else.”

He looked away. “It wasn’t my choice. My father and the council decided. The Frostmoon alliance will strengthen the pack. You of all people should understand that.”

“I understand you made your choice,” I said quietly. “And it wasn’t me.”

He didn’t argue. He only stepped closer. The faint scent of pine and smoke wrapped around me, familiar and cruel.

“You’ve always been important to me, Syl. You were my first friend. You’ll always mean something to me.”

The words cut deeper than I expected.

A friend nothing more

“I don’t want to mean something,” I whispered. “I wanted to be the woman you love and marry.”

Silence.

He reached out, fingertips brushing a stray strand of my hair. “You’re strong. You’ll move on from this.”

“Don’t,” I said, pulling back.

He dropped his hand, jaw tightening. “The wedding’s tonight.”

I stared at him, confused. “Why are you telling me that?”

“I’d like you to be there,” he said.

The words didn’t make sense. “You want me to come to your wedding?”

“It would mean a lot to me,” he said quickly, like he could fix it if he said it fast enough. “It would show the pack that there’s peace between us. That there’s no bitterness.”

I laughed softly, though it didn’t sound like laughter at all. “You don’t want the pack to think you broke me.”

His silence was the answer.

My throat closed. “You really don’t see what you’re doing, do you?”

He took a step forward. “Please, Sylvara. I want to part as friends.”

“Friends?” I repeated, shaking my head. “Friends don’t destroy each other.”

He didn’t say anything. He only looked at me with that same sad expression that had once melted me. And before I could step back, he leaned forward and pressed his lips gently against my forehead.

It was soft. Brief. Final.

I didn’t move. I didn’t even breathe.

When he pulled away, his eyes were bright. “You’ll always be special to me, and I'm sorry again, I didn't mean to hurt you” he murmured. Then he turned, opened the door, and left.

The sound of the latch closing echoed through the room like a bell.

I stood there for a long time, staring at the space where he’d been. Then I lifted a hand to my forehead. The spot where his lips had touched felt cold.

I sat down on the edge of the bed and let the tears come. Quiet, bitter ones that burned my eyes and soaked into my sleeves.

He was gone.

He was really gone.

By tonight, he’d belong to someone else...another woman, another pack, another life.

And I would still be here, the forgotten girl in the empty room.

I looked around at the walls that had never felt like home and whispered to the silence, “I can’t stay here anymore.”

The words trembled out of me like a vow.

For the first time since yesterday, I meant it.

SYLVARA POV

I told myself I wouldn’t go.

All afternoon, I stayed in my room, sitting by the window and staring at the fading light. The sound of laughter, music, and celebration drifted up from the main hall. The whole pack was already gathering for the wedding.

Every voice, every cheer felt like a knife turning in my chest.

I kept whispering, I won’t go. I won’t give them the satisfaction.

But as the sky turned gold, something inside me refused to stay still. I needed to see it with my own eyes. Needed proof that it was really over.

So I got up. I dressed in a plain grey gown, nothing fancy. No ribbons, no flowers. I pulled my hair back and left my room quietly, walking down the long hallway toward the courtyard.

The closer I got, the louder it became. Music. Cheers. The smell of roasted meat and wine. Everything felt like a cruel celebration of my failure.

I reached the edge of the hall and stayed in the shadows. No one noticed me. All eyes were on Aedric who stood beside his new mate, the Frostmoon Alpha’s daughter.… tall, beautiful, dressed in silver.

They looked perfect together.

Perfect in a way that made my stomach twist.

I tried to tell myself I didn’t care, but my chest felt tight. My eyes burned as I watched him slip a silver band onto her wrist, sealing their bond. The crowd clapped and shouted blessings.

And then someone in the back called out, loud and mocking,

“Congratulations, brother!”

The crowd went silent for a heartbeat. My head snapped toward the voice. It was deep, smooth, carrying amusement and something darker underneath.

I recognized it.… though I couldn’t place it.

I’d heard it before, deep... soft and teasing

Aedric’s shoulders stiffened. His face changed from a proud smile to a grim line.

“What are you doing here?” he asked coldly.

The man laughed softly. I still couldn’t see him through the crowd. “Can’t I come celebrate your special day? It's your mating ceremony... I couldn't miss that”

A murmur ran through the guests. Some whispered. Others stepped back like they didn’t want to be too close.

My heart beat faster. I leaned slightly to the side to catch a glimpse, but all I saw was a tall figure dressed in black, standing near the door, half in shadow.

Aedric’s voice was sharp. “Say what you came to say, and leave. You're not welcome”

The man chuckled. “Ouch, that hurts me, brother. Always so serious. Straight to the point, as always. Fine. I came for what you owe me.”

“Owe you?” Aedric frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“The debt, brother,” the man said calmly. “You know which one. It's been six years now… don't tell me your memory got old.”

A hush fell over the room. A few people exchanged uneasy looks.

My stomach dropped. Brother?

My mind froze. That voice. That lazy tone.

No. It couldn’t be.

Aedric’s face went pale. “How do you want your debt to be paid?”

There was a pause... long enough for the air itself to feel heavy.

Then the man’s voice came again, low and deliberate.

“Your former mate Sylvara. The omega. Give her to me.”

I forgot how to breathe.

My eyes widened as I looked toward the sound. The man stepped forward then, out of the shadows.

And there he was.…. the same man I’d met the night last night… the one whose words made me feel better. The one who’d called me bunny, who had leaned against the wall and told me not to cry.

For a moment, I couldn’t move.

Our eyes met across the hall. His gaze was sharp, calm, almost amused, but there was something fierce behind it that made my knees weak.

The hall buzzed with whispers.

Someone nearby spoke his name... and the moment I heard it, my blood ran cold.

Kaelen.

Kaelen Veyr.

The outcast Alpha. The cursed one. Aedric’s brother.

Stories about him had been told to all packs.. Babies for years... stories of blood, rebellion, and power that made even elders speak his name in a whisper.

Aedric stared at him, disbelief flashing in his eyes. “You want who?”

Kaelen smiled, slow and dangerous. “I'm sure you heard me clearly brother. The mate you rejected. Sylvara”

Gasps echoed through the hall. My breath hitched in my throat.

Aedric stepped forward, furious. “She’s not someone you can toy with or bargain with.”

Kaelen tilted his head. “Bargain? Aren’t you too greedy, brother? You don’t want her, but you want to keep her?” He took another step closer, eyes still locked on mine. “Give her to me. Let her join my pack. My harem, I'm going to take her back with me. Except you have a reason for holding onto her?”

Every word burned. My chest felt like it was tearing apart.

The crowd watched, whispering, some looking at me with pity, others with cruel amusement.

Aedric turned to me. Our eyes met for a brief, aching second. There was guilt in his face... guilt and something like fear.

Then he looked back at Kaelen and said quietly, “Fine. She’s yours.”

The world seemed to stop.

My breath caught. My vision blurred.

He had really done it.

Just like that, he’d given me away... like a piece of property. Like I was nothing.

Anger surged through me, hot and sharp. “You can’t just…”

But my words broke off. My voice was shaking too badly.

Kaelen’s eyes stayed on me. Calm. Steady. Satisfied.

And that was when I realized the truth... whatever game this was, I had just become the prize.

I felt betrayed. Humiliated. Furious.

And deep down, a part of me swore that I would never forgive either of them.

SYLVARA POV

The corridor was quiet, but my heart thundered everyone had gone to the great hall of the dance ceremony.

I stormed down the marble steps, straight for Aedric caught up with him. I couldn’t stay in the hall any longer, pretending that his betrayal didn’t hurt. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, trembling with anger, with disbelief.

“How could you?” I demanded, voice shaking but loud enough to echo off the walls. “How could you sell me off like I was nothing? Like I didn’t matter?”

Aedric flinched, as if I had struck him, but he didn’t step back. He looked at me with that familiar calm, though today it only made my fury boil higher.

“Sylvara… I had no choice,” he said quietly. His words were calm, careful, but they rang hollow. “You have to understand…”

“Understand?!” I cut him off, my voice rising with every word. “That's your new word now, what is it that I don't understand… the fact that you gave me out like a piss of shit.. Like trash. I thought I mattered to you!@

He swallowed hard, glancing away. “I… I’m sorry. Truly. I didn’t want this for you…”

“Don’t,” I spat, my throat tight. “Don’t say that. You can fix this. You can undo what you’ve done. You’ve ruined everything!”

A sharp noise from the far end of the corridor made me spin around. Shadows shifted, and a figure stepped out. Leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, dark eyes fixed on us. Kaelen.

I froze. My chest tightened. Every instinct screamed at me to run, but my legs refused to obey.

“Time to go, Slyvara,” he said smoothly, voice low and teasing.

I whirled toward him, fury sparking through my veins. “Don’t you dare call my name!” I shouted.

He shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “I call whenever and however I like. Now, let’s not waste time.”

I took a step toward him, heart pounding, voice trembling. “How could you… buy me off? You can’t just…!”

Kaelen leaned slightly, casual, unbothered by my shouts. “You said you wanted to leave this bloody place,” he said. “I’m helping.”

I felt my anger flare even higher. “Helping?” I yelled, almost hysterical. “By buying me like I’m property?”

“Honestly,” he said, tilting his head, his tone calm and deliberate, “my first idea was to kidnap you. But then I saw Aedric’s face…” He smirked faintly. “…and I couldn’t resist.”

Aedric’s jaw tightened. “Kaelen!” he hissed, fury lacing his voice. Then he turned to me, eyes softening, full of guilt. “Be careful of him. His a monster I’ll come get you back when I can. I promise. I’m sorry for all the pain, Sly.”

I clenched my fists so tightly my nails dug into my palms. “I don’t need your pity!” I spat. “And don’t pretend that your promises mean anything. You’ve already betrayed me.”

Kaelen chuckled softly. “Oh, please, brother,” he said, voice smooth and calm. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

I took an instinctive step back, staring at him. His presence made the air feel heavy, oppressive. I could feel the power radiating from him like heat. “I am not going anywhere with you!” I yelled, stamping my foot.

Kaelen’s eyes narrowed. Suddenly, the air shifted, dark and commanding. “Bunny,” he said, voice hard, sharp, leaving no room for argument, “we can either do this the simple way… or the hard way. Your choice.”

I shook my head violently. “No. I refuse. I will not go with you!”

He sighed, as if disappointed in my obstinance, and moved before I could react. One arm was around my waist, the other slid under my knees. I thrashed, kicking and yelling, but it was useless. His grip was iron.

“I warned you,” he said quietly, lifting me onto his shoulder like I weighed nothing.

I shrieked, pounding my fists against his chest, but he didn’t even flinch. He carried me down the corridor, past the open doors, past shocked maids and pack members who quickly looked away.

Outside, the carriage waited, horses stamping, nostrils flaring. Kaelen placed me on the seat, still ignoring my screams and struggles, and climbed in beside me. He adjusted the reins with ease, one hand steady on the leather, eyes forward.

“Where are you taking me?” I shouted again, voice hoarse from screaming.

“Home,” he said casually. “Velkorin. Stormfang Pack. You’ll learn to call it home soon enough.”

My stomach dropped. “Stormfang Pack? Velkorin? You can’t just…”

He ignored me, calm, in complete control. His presence filled the small space of the carriage, leaving no room for argument, no room for resistance.

I pressed my face to my hands, heart hammering, lungs burning. The betrayal, the humiliation, the sheer impossibility of it all was crushing.

“Do you always make people this angry, bunny?” he asked casually, smirking from the corner of the carriage.

I glared at him, shaking with fury. “I hate you.”

“Not yet,” he said lightly. “Give it time. You’ll get used to me.”

The carriage jostled along the uneven road, the city fading behind us. I didn’t know where Velkorin was exactly, but the forested mountains and mist rising in the distance promised nothing comforting.

I pressed my face into the folds of my gown, angry tears sliding down my cheeks. I couldn’t believe it.

I, Sylvara Rynne, the girl who had nothing, had been taken… sold, really… to the most feared Alpha of the northern packs. The one whose name alone sent shivers through the elders’ lips.

I had so many questions. And yet, as the carriage continued through the winding mountain roads toward Velkorin, I realized there was nothing I could do but endure.

The castle came into view before long...dark stone, towers that scraped the sky, walls that seemed impossibly thick. Smoke rose from chimneys, curling into the clouds above. This was his domain, his home, and I was now a part of it.

The horses slowed, and the carriage came to a stop at massive doors guarded by armored wolves. Kaelen didn’t speak, didn’t even look at me. He stepped down, lifted me easily, and carried me inside as though I weighed nothing.

Inside, the halls were vast and dimly lit, tapestries hanging on the walls depicting hunts, battles, and the sigil of the Stormfang Pack... a black wolf with silver eyes. The air smelled faintly of pine, metal, and something rich and alive.

I struggled to breathe. I was trapped. Alone in the world that had just been ripped away my freedom from me, and into the hands of the most ruthless, feared Alpha I had ever known.

Kaelen set me down gently but firmly. “Here we are,” he said softly, almost mockingly, his eyes holding mine. “Welcome to your new home.”

I pressed my hands to my face, shaking, furious, humiliated. “This isn’t my home! I don’t belong here! You…”

He stepped closer, dark eyes still locked on mine. “Bunny, I told you. You’ll get used to me.”