CHAPTER 2
VERITY'S POV
"Verity, you have to understand that this is not just about you. It's about the survival of the pack," Richard said, his tone heavy with responsibility.
"How can you say that, Richard? You're my brother! Am I just a tool to be traded away for peace? Doesn't my happiness matter?" My voice cracked under the weight of my emotions.
He turned away, as if he couldn't bear to see the tears streaming down my face. "I don't agree with Father's decision, but you know how he is. Once his mind is made up, nothing can change it."
I wiped my tears, trying to summon the strength to fight this. "There must be another way. We're not weak, Richard. We can train harder, form alliances. Why does it have to be me who pays the price?"
He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Father sees this as the only way to avoid bloodshed. And truth be told, Verity, we're not ready for war with the Nightwalker pack. They're too strong. This truce... it's our best chance."
"Then I'll run away," I said, my voice trembling but firm.
Richard's eyes snapped to mine, wide with shock. "You can't. If you run, it'll spark a war, and their wrath won't just fall on us—it'll be on you too. Do you think Darek Vandell will let you humiliate him like that?"
"Derek" I muttered as I slowly woke up.
Looking up I was surprised to be in my room . "Derek" the name sent a shiver down my spine. The stories about Darek were enough to make anyone tremble. Ruthless. Heartless. A monster cloaked in human form.
"Brother what are u doing here?" I asked surprised to see him in my room cause he hardly step into my chambers.
"I came to check on my little sister" he said looking at me coldly.
"You passed out again, you have gotten weaker, you shouldn't wander around the woods, the rogues have invaded our pack" he said with his voice harsh.
"Your soon to be husband is here get dressed quickly he coming to check on you." He said not giving me a change to speak.
"Don't do anything stupid in front of him, we don't want anything getting in the way of this alliance and invoke dad's wrath." Richard said with his voice cold as ice.
"I'd rather face his wrath than live a life where I'm nothing more than a pawn," I muttered.
Richard placed a hand on my shoulder. "You're stronger than you think, Verity. Maybe... maybe you'll find a way to survive this and even change your fate. But for now, we have no choice."
His words offered little comfort as I stared at the floor, my heart sinking under the weight of despair.
Just as he left the room my mind drifted to the dream I just had, I was so sure that was Richard talking but I know even he my next life he couldn't have spoken to me so calmly and sweetly.
I'm still a bit surprised how I got to my chambers.
"How could I forget to ask Richard that well that didn't matter any more I am safe and sound in my pack" I muttered to myself.
I have to be strong for myself and everyone. I must survive this. I said aloud as I stood up from the bed.
The following days passed in a blur of preparation. My father barely looked at me, his focus entirely on the alliance with the Nightwalker pack. I felt like a ghost in my own home, invisible and unheard.
On the day of the wedding, the Lunaria pack gathered in solemn silence. The air was heavy with unease, as though the forest itself mourned my fate.
I was dressed in a simple white gown, my golden hair braided with silver threads—a mockery of the joy a bride should feel. As the ceremony began, I felt detached, as though I were watching someone else's life unfold.
When Darek arrived, the air seemed to shift. His presence was commanding, suffocating. He was tall, towering over everyone, his piercing hazel eyes scanning the crowd. His dark hair fell over his face, and his aura radiated power and danger.
I forced myself to meet his gaze, but the cold indifference I saw there made my heart sink further.
The ceremony was brief, devoid of warmth or love. When it was over, Darek didn't spare me a glance as he turned and walked toward his carriage. I followed, my heart heavy with the weight of my new reality.
The Nightwalker pack's territory was starkly different from the Lunaria pack's lush forests. The land here was rugged, the trees sparse and twisted as if they reflected the coldness of the pack's alpha.
The pack members didn't welcome me. Their stares were cold, filled with suspicion and disdain. I was an outsider, a pawn forced upon them.
Darek's home—a grand stone fortress—was as imposing as its master. The halls were dark and cold, the walls lined with weapons and trophies of war.
Darek led me to a room and stopped at the door. "This will be your quarters. Stay out of my way, and we won't have any problems."
I blinked, stunned by his callousness. "That's it? You're just going to leave me here?"
He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. "What did you expect, Verity? A grand welcome? This is a truce, not a fairy tale."
His words stung, but I bit back my retort. As he walked away, I stepped into the room and closed the door behind me.
The reality of my situation crashed down on me. This was my life now—a cold, loveless existence in a place where I was unwanted.
But deep inside, a fire began to burn. I would not let this break me. I would find a way to survive, to fight, to reclaim my life.
For now, I would endure. But one day, I would rise.