Xyphor stood before his family in the grand hall of the Hissandale estate, his jaw clenched as the weight of their expectations pressed down on him. His mother, Lady Meiyu Hissandale, sat on the highest seat, adorned in regal silks, her eight husbands positioned respectfully beside her. His six older brothers stood along the sides, their expressions varying from smug to indifferent. Across from them, Sierra and her family looked on with quiet satisfaction, their wealth and status woven into every strand of their embroidered robes.
Xyphor knew he had no choice but to drop a bombshell that would shake the very foundation of this so-called engagement.
"I will not be mated to Sierra," Xyphor declared, his voice sharp as steel. "Because Melinoe is already pregnant with my cubs."
A stunned silence filled the room. Then, all at once, the air exploded with shocked murmurs, gasps, and furious objections.
His mother's eyes widened before narrowing into slits. "What did you say?"
"Melinoe is pregnant with my children," Xyphor repeated, his gaze steady. He expected rage, disappointment—perhaps even some semblance of care. But what he received was something worse.
His eldest brother, Xianzhou, scoffed, shaking his head. "And? That means nothing. If she carries your cubs, she will birth them here. You will still marry Sierra."
"You don't understand—"
"No, you don't understand," his mother cut him off, her voice venomous. "This engagement has already been set in motion. We've spent too much. The contracts with Sierra's family have been signed, and the investments made. You expect us to throw it all away for her?"
She didn't even use Melinoe's name.
Sierra, standing at the side, placed a delicate hand over her lips and feigned shock. "Xyphor, I had no idea you were so irresponsible." She then turned to Lady Meiyu with a sweet smile. "But it doesn't matter, does it, Old Mistress? A woman's pregnancy does not dictate her status. She can remain here, well cared for."
Xyphor gritted his teeth. "You mean locked away like a prisoner?"
His mother's silence was all the confirmation he needed.
"No." Xyphor stepped forward. "I won't allow that."
"You don't have a choice," Xianzhou sneered. "You think your word is enough to overturn the will of the family? You are the youngest, the least needed. We allowed you to run around as a merchant, but do not mistake that freedom for authority."
Xyphor's hands curled into fists. He knew his position well. He was the disappointment—the son who should have been a beastwoman, the child whose birth had been met with regret instead of joy. No matter what he did, no matter how much wealth he accumulated or how powerful he became, he would never be enough in their eyes.
His mother leaned back, her fingers drumming against the armrest. "Very well. If you wish to keep this woman and her cubs safe, you will follow our terms."
Xyphor didn't dare speak, knowing she would lay out conditions meant to break him.
"You will proceed with the engagement to Sierra," she continued smoothly. "We will ensure Melinoe's well-being and give her whatever she asks for—except her freedom. She will stay within the estate, where she can be properly monitored."
His heart pounded against his ribs. "You would trap her?"
"We would protect her," she corrected coldly. "And if you refuse, then we cannot guarantee her safety."
A chill ran through Xyphor's veins. This was not a simple demand. It was a threat. If he fought back now, he had no doubt they would make Melinoe's life miserable—or worse.
"...Fine," he forced out, every syllable bitter on his tongue. "I'll go along with the engagement."
The triumphant looks on his brothers' faces made him sick. Sierra practically beamed with delight as she looped her arm through his as if he were already hers. The entire room celebrated his surrender while he stood frozen, his heart sinking into darkness.
Five Days Later
The Hissandale estate was bustling with excitement, servants scurrying about in preparation for the engagement ceremony. Delicate lanterns were hung across the courtyards, tables were arranged with extravagant feasts, and the scent of rare spices filled the air. Nobles and influential merchants from across Serpenthis were already arriving to witness the union between two powerful families.
In the midst of it all, Xyphor remained cold and indifferent.
Sierra, however, was glowing. She stayed by his side constantly, clinging to his arm at every opportunity. She giggled, whispered sweet nothings, and practically flaunted him before the other noble beastwomen who had once vied for his attention. His brothers looked on with jealousy, while the elders of both families praised his "good fortune."
But Xyphor felt nothing but revulsion.
He hadn't seen Melinoe since the night they imprisoned her. He wasn't even allowed near her, only receiving updates from the guards that she was "well taken care of."
Did she hate him now?
Did she think he had abandoned her?
That thought alone was enough to drive him mad.
He clenched his fists, his mind racing. Five days had passed. Five days of swallowing his pride, of pretending he didn't want to tear this entire estate apart to get to her.
But no more.
The engagement ceremony was set for tomorrow.
And by then, he would have Melinoe back.
Even if it meant destroying everything.