When he opened his eyes, his expression was carved from ice. "You disgust me," he said lowly, each word trembling with the violence he would not release. "But if this is the filth you're capable of, then I will endure it—for my mother's sake."
He unclenched his fist and dropped the crumpled photographs back onto the table between them, the paper bent and scarred from his grip. His hand was bleeding slightly where his nails had cut into his own palm, but he didn't flinch.
"Keep your memory card. Keep your venom." His jaw tightened, the muscles ticking with controlled rage. "Do what you will. I will not let you break her."
Siora's smile only widened, her Omega pheromones thick with false sweetness, savoring her victory. "Then we understand each other," she purred. "Tell Father you'll take Kael's place. Become the Demon General's spouse. And your mother's reputation… stays intact."
Asheren's stomach turned at her words. His pride, his Alpha instinct to fight, to kill, screamed inside his bones—but he bowed his head slightly, shielding his mother behind him with one last protective glance.
Inside, he was already burning.
But outwardly, he remained silent.
For Nyra. Always for his beloved mother.
Marry another Alpha? The thought rang through him like an insult carved into his very bones. That's not how the world works. Alphas don't belong to Alphas. We clash. We destroy. It's a union built on blood and ruin—not bond and balance.
The idea was outrageous, humiliating. Him—an Alpha stripped of choice, forced into the role of bargaining chip. Him—reduced to an offering, thrown at the feet of a man infamous enough to be called Demon General.
His fists trembled at his sides. I am not weak. I am not prey. And yet… His gaze fell to Nyra, her fragile frame behind him, her eyes pleading silently for peace. If swallowing my pride is the only way to protect her… then I'll endure this disgrace. For her, I'll bear it.
But deep inside, rage coiled like a sleeping beast, whispering a single vow:
One day, I'll make them choke on the shame they've forced upon me.
"Fine."
The word left Asheren's lips like broken glass, low and steady. His jaw locked, every muscle in his body trembling with restraint. Across from him, Siora's lips curved into a satisfied smile, her Omega pheromones sweetening the air, cloying and smug.
"Asheren…" Nyra's voice was soft, breaking under the weight of what her son had just agreed to. She reached for his hand, her smaller fingers trembling against his own.
He turned to her, his hard gaze softening for the briefest moment. "I'll be okay, Ma," he murmured, forcing a smile for her sake. It was a lie—they both knew it—but it was the only comfort he could give.
When his eyes returned to Siora, the smile was gone. His voice sharpened, clipped and cold. "I'll take Kael's place. I'll tell Grandfather myself that I'll marry the Demon General. Now—give me the memory card."
He extended his hand, palm steady despite the storm raging beneath his skin.
Siora laughed softly, a condescending sound that dripped with victory.
"So easy to deal with when it's about your mother." She placed the tiny card into his palm as if she were bestowing a favor, her scent spiking with satisfaction.
The moment the card touched his hand, Asheren's grip closed tight around it. Without another word, he drew Nyra to his side, shielding her with his presence. He guided her toward the door, his shoulders broad and unyielding, though his chest ached with humiliation. Together, they left the restaurant, their backs to the family that had cornered them into silence.
Silence lingered until Kael finally shifted in his seat, unease flickering in his expression. "Do you think he'll actually go through with it?" he asked quietly, almost unsure.
Siora reached across the table and clasped her son's hand, her smile turning soft only for him. "Of course he will. He's just like his mother—naïve, too blinded by devotion to see the trap closing around him. He'll sacrifice everything if it means protecting her." Her thumb brushed affectionately over Kael's knuckles. "Don't worry, my son. I'll never let yourGrandfather tie your future to a man like that. You deserve better."
Kael's lips tugged into a relieved smile, though his eyes gleamed with the knowledge of his cousin's fate.
Asheren led his mother out of the restaurant, his hand firm around hers, his jaw tight with the need to protect her from more humiliation. Nyra's steps were unsteady, but her grip on him kept him moving forward. He didn't stop until they reached the heavy double doors of his grandfather's office.
When Asheren entered his grandfather's office with Nyraat his side, the air was already tense. Lucien sat behind his desk, speaking with Draven, while Alaric and Marek stood nearby. All eyes turned toward him.
"What is it, Asheren?" his father asked, irritation clear in his voice.
Asheren tightened his fist, the crumpled photographs digging into his palm. His throat felt raw, but he forced the words out. "I—"
"Speak up," Draven cut in. "We are discussing important matters. Whatever it is can wait until we are home."
"No." Asheren's voice was sharp, unyielding. His gaze swept the room, landing finally on Lucien. "I will marry the General."
Silence followed—thick, suffocating. His words struck like a blade. Lucien's brow lifted. Draven's face twisted in shock. Alaric smirked faintly, sensing opportunity.
"What are you saying?" Draven demanded.
Asheren drew in a deep breath. He could feel Nyra'strembling beside him, her scent clouded with fear and worry. That alone gave him strength.
"I know it's impossible," he said, his voice low but burning. "An Alpha marrying another Alpha—it defies every law of nature, every tradition of our world. There is no logic in it, no precedent to guide it. But if this family demands it, then so be it. If this is the price of your acceptance… if this is the only way to protect my mother… then I will do it. Even if it means shackling myself to another Alpha, I will bear it."
The air rippled with his suppressed pheromones—iron, storm, and fire—colliding with the dominance of the other Alphas in the room. He forced it back down, swallowing the killing urge that clawed at his chest. He could not lose control, not now, not in front of them.
"I only ask one thing," he added, his tone softening as his eyes flicked to Lucien. "Take care of my mother. Do not let anyone hurt her again."
Lucien leaned back in his chair, studying him. "Are you certain of this, boy? You understand the risk? The man you speak of is no gentle partner. And you just said it yourself. Alpha and Alpha union is not logical."
"Yes. I said that, and I am aware of it." Asheren's jaw clenched. "I have already decided. Final."
"There, Grandfather," Alaric spoke smoothly, his lips curled. "Everything is solved. Kael need not be forced. He has volunteered."
"Marrying is not so simple," Marek countered, frowning. "Do you even know what kind of man he is? You are too young, Asheren. Perhaps this is rash."
"Sooner or later, I will have to marry someone," Asherenanswered evenly. "Why wait, when the opportunity is before us? Marrying another Alpha may not be a bad Idea given his current status."
Alaric scoffed, folding his arms. "So eager to flee this household, aren't you?"
"Think whatever you like." Asheren's gaze hardened. "My choice is final. Just keep my mother safe."
Lucien's eyes lingered on the young Alpha—so much fire, so much defiance. Yet beneath it, he saw something more: sacrifice. The boy reminded him of his late wife, a soul unafraid to burn for those she loved.
"You have my word," Lucien said finally, his voice carrying the weight of an Alpha's oath. "Your mother will be protected."
"Thank you." Asheren's voice cracked for the first time, quiet but resolute. He knew he was stepping into chains. But if it spared Nyra from further humiliation, if it bought them even a shred of peace—he would wear them willingly.