As per Alpha Ethan's instructions, Isabella was restricted in the room. Her wrists and feet were tied with the metal poles of the window. While she was being held captive on her birthday, others did not care. Her presence was a mere eyesore to others.
Ethan strolled majestically to his throne, Thea nestled in his embrace. A wave of admiration and longing swept through the pack members' eyes as if they were witnessing a living legend unfold before them. In the Moonshadow pack, Ethan and Thea embodied the epitome of Alpha and Luna perfection, their union a celestial symphony that left every werewolf yearning for love as enchanting as theirs.
Seeing Ethan walking to the stage, the pack members hushed and perked their ears.
"Good evening, everyone. Today is the 18th birthday of the daughter of my most trusted commander and Beta- Isabella Rolf. Happy Birthday, Isabella Rolf." Ethan paused and looked around the hall. A charming and harmless smile graced his lips.
"As you can see, Isabella has left the birthday banquet because she failed to find her mate. She must be going through a tough time, and my heart aches for her. We should respect her and grant her some time alone. So, I have prepared two gifts for everyone." With that said, Ethan held Thea's hand and stepped closer to the edge of the stage.
"First gift is I, Alpha Ethan Alvar of the Moonshadow pack, choose Thea Blaze as my chosen mate." Ethan pulled out a diamond ring from his pocket.
"Will you accept me, Thea Blaze?" Ethan lovingly held Thea's hand.
"Yes. I, Thea Blaze, the first female Lieutenant of the Moonshadow pack, accept you, Alpha Ethan Alvar of the Moonshadow pack, as my chosen mate." With this, Ethan slipped the diamond ring into Thea's ring finger.
"Congratulations, Alpha and Luna!"
"May you live long, Alpha and Luna!"
The banquet hall erupted with congratulations and cheering voices.
"I will announce the second gift in a short while. So, be patient and enjoy the party." Ethan signalled Advin Rolf and his wife to the stage.
"Yes, Alpha. How can I help you?" Advin mildly smiled and cursed Isabella in his heart. For him, it was her fault that the Alpha was giving him warnings. If not for her, the Rolf family could have been considered Royalty.
"Advin, I'll be frank with you here." When Advin met Ethan's sharp gaze, his pupils trembled in fear. He was afraid to lose his position as second in command and the beta of the Moonshadow pack.
"Isabella is my rejected mate. I can't accept your human-like daughter to be my mate. If I were to accept her as my Luna, our pack would be a laughing stock and easy to attack in the eyes of our enemies. Although I have rejected her, I have also planned her future. I know you are ashamed of having a daughter like Isabella, so I propose to send her to the rouge Alpha. This way, she will have a mate, and you won't have to see her for the rest of your life. Also, I can guarantee a high position for your son. Of course, the final decision lies in your hands." Ethan knew that the couple in the Rolf family never liked Isabella. He used this opportunity to manipulate them and kick the hateful girl out of his sight.
"Give us a moment, Alpha." Mrs Rolf excused and dragged Advin to a corner.
"Advin, this is the best we can do for her as parents. She will have a mate and we can lift our heads without shame. Most importantly, Nile is guaranteed a high position in the Royal palace." Mrs Rolf tried to add some sense into her reluctant husband.
"Still, Isabella is our child. We can't sell her to a rouge Alpha." Advin was against this proposal. He would marry his daughter to a beggar in the same pack than to sell her to a rouge.
"Think about it carefully, Advin. If we marry that wrench, Isabella, to the rouge Alpha as a form of truce, our position will be alleviated in the eyes of the pack members." In her heart, Mrs Rolf was making the best decision.
"Fine. I shall listen to you this time." Advin rubbed his beard and thought for a while before agreeing with his wife.
"Alpha, we are thankful for your thoughtfulness. Isabella is one of your subjects. You can go ahead with your plans." Advin shook his hand with Ethan.
"You will be rewarded for your sacrifice. Rouge Alpha will be here in an hour. As his father-in-law, you can demand anything." Ethan pointed to the fact that they can demand land and money from the to-be husband of Isabella.
"Thank you, Alpha." Advin and his wife left the stage with light hearts. They were happy to be free from the burden.
In the corner, Nile Rolf watched all the events unfolding with hatred and resentment in his eyes. He excused himself and left in search of Isabella. He walked down the corridor and saw palace guards surrounding one specific room in the corner. He walked confidently to them.
"I am Nile Rolf, son of Advin Rolf. I am here on behalf of my father to talk some sense into my sister." Nile looked into the eyes of the guards and commanded.
The guards stationed outside the room looked at each other. They were aware that the Rolf family never liked their daughter. This leads them to believe in Nile's words.
"Don't take much time." One of the guards eyed suspiciously and warned Nile.
Nile did not give a damn to them and locked the door from inside.
"Isa?" Nile's heart broke into pieces after seeing his sister tied with chains.
"Nile, you shouldn't be here. If Ethan or Dad saw you here, you will be punished." Isabella whispered to him. Nile was the only person who loved and cared for her.
"They are going to sell you, Isa. This is not the time to think about others. Listen to me, Isa. I will take care of everything here. You have to leave this pace. Jump down from the balcony, and no one will spot you." Nile looked around the room to find a sharp object.
"No, Nile. I won't run away from my fate. Maybe this way, I will be able to gain my freedom." Isabella shook her head and stopped Nile from putting himself in danger.
"But..."
"Trust me, Nile. I will protect myself." Isabella gave a reassuring smile to Nile and urged him to leave the room.
Nile gritted his teeth. He felt helpless and useless for not being able to protect his only sister. He clenched his fingers in agitation.
"Here, take this phone along with you. If you find yourself in trouble, give me a call, and I'll rush to your aid, Isa. Give me some time. After taking over father's position, I will avenge you. I won't forgive those who caused you pain." Nile gently placed the mobile phone in Isabella's pocket, determined to seek justice for his sister.
"Farewell, Nile- my brother." As he left the room, Isabella gently whispered.
Isabella smiled bitterly and resigned herself to the path ahead.