**DAMIEN'S POV**
As I left the hall, I felt a mix of anger and guilt. I hated putting Arielle through so much pain, especially when all I wanted was to protect her.
Her cries echoed in my mind, and no matter what I did, I couldn't get her out of my head. I kept seeing her eyes begging for help, but I couldn't claim her without risking the pack's safety.
I've known she was my mate since I turned eighteen, but claiming her could be disastrous. Even today, during the coronation, my wolf was on edge.
'We could've claimed her right there! What are you doing, Damien?' my wolf growled, clearly frustrated. I clenched my fist as I entered my room.
'It's been years. I'm getting impatient,' he added. I sighed, sharing his frustration.
I'd always kept an eye on Arielle, even when it seemed like I hated her. Declaring her as my mate today was a desperate move to make everyone aware of our bond. Rejecting her wasn't an option, but I had to protect her first.
'I know, but we agreed to protect her,' I replied, removing my coronation attire. 'And because of you, she's surrounded by people who want to hurt her.'
The night was tense, but then a bell rang for an emergency meeting. I hurried to find my father.
"What's the emergency meeting about?" I asked, hoping it wasn't about Arielle, but I feared otherwise.
"The meeting isn't until tomorrow, but I'm glad you're here," my father said. "What are you doing, son?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, though I knew exactly what he meant. I wasn't ready to discuss it tonight.
"That filthy witch," he sneered. I felt a shiver run through me as I forced a smirk.
"We'll talk about it in the meeting tomorrow. I'm tired," I said, and without waiting for his response, I walked out.
"Hope you know what you're doing," he called after me. I didn't respond. I didn't want to linger any longer.
Do I know what I'm doing?
---
In the council room, elders, betas, and Gammas filled the space, making it feel like a territorial claim meeting.
"What's Alpha Damien doing?" one elder yelled. I kept my head down, eyes closed, listening to their arguments.
"I'm sure he knows what he's doing. He can't accept that matebond with that witch!" another elder said. I sighed, frustrated with their lack of understanding.
Why did the moon goddess pair me with her? Couldn't her fate be changed? Is killing her really the right thing to do?
"DAMIEN!" My father's roar snapped me out of my thoughts. All eyes were on me, and I had no idea why.
"What are you going to do about her?" my father demanded. "Accepting her as your mate will put the pack in jeopardy."
Fury bubbled inside me, struggling to keep my wolf in check. Rejecting Arielle was not an option.
"What do you suggest?" I asked.
"Reject her now! Do it!" my father barked. His insistence made me laugh bitterly.
"You're elders, but this is childish," I said, adjusting my posture. The room erupted in shock and anger.
"Damien—"
"I have a plan," I cut in, trying to control my rising anger. "Let me handle this my way. I'm the new Alpha King, after all." I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"I've called for the priest. We might try something new on her since she's eighteen and the hex will wear off soon," I added. The room quieted a bit.
"Will this new thing make the hex wear off faster?" an elder asked. I shrugged. I didn't want the hex to go away; it was the only thing protecting her.
"Let's hope so," I said with a forced smile. My father looked unsatisfied.
"This meeting is dismissed. I need a moment with my son," my father ordered, and everyone left.
"PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER, DAMIEN!" my father yelled once we were alone. "You can't give in to that matebond. You mustn't have anything to do with that witch!"
"I won't, father," I said, trying to sound convincing. He nodded and dismissed me with a wave.
---
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING SNEAKING AROUND?!" A loud voice made me stop. It was Raymond, and he was causing trouble for Arielle again.
Watching him scold and insult her, my heart pounded with anger. The urge to confront him was overwhelming.
Raymond didn't just scold her; he grabbed her arm and pulled her closer. My rage was almost uncontrollable. I tried to tell myself to walk away, but my legs felt frozen.
Screw it.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!" I shouted, unable to hold back any longer.