The carriage rolled smoothly over cobbled roads, but Nyx's heart raced like it was caught in a storm. She hadn't spoken a word since Kael had taken her hand in front of the entire hall, dragging her out of the life she'd always known… and into one she couldn't even imagine.
Across from her, Kael sat silently. His piercing gaze stayed on her, calm, unreadable, but burning with something intense.
Possessiveness.
Elaine's voice echoed in her mind.
"You feel that?"
"He's barely said anything."
"But his eyes scream, 'mine.' Honestly, I think I like him."
Nyx's lips twitched despite herself.
"You smile," Kael said suddenly, voice like velvet.
She blinked and looked up. "It..it's nothing."
"Hm," he murmured, but the corner of his mouth curved slightly. "Tell me what they called you back there."
She lowered her eyes. "Nyx. Just Nyx."
"No title?"
"No." Her fingers curled in her lap. "I was never given one."
A long silence followed.
"Unacceptable," Kael said coldly. "You're mine now. You'll be addressed as Lady Nyx, until I announce more."
Nyx stared at him. "Announce what?"
His gaze deepened. "That you're my Queen."
Elaine practically screamed in her head.
"Okay. Okay. I might love him a little now."
"Elaine, focus."
"I am focused, on our future husband."
Nyx bit her lip to suppress a laugh, only to find Kael watching her again with those sharp, storm-colored eyes.
"You talk to her," he said simply.
Nyx tensed. "Who?"
"Your wolf."
She froze. "You… know?"
"I can sense it," he said. "She's strong. Loud. Protective." He tilted his head. "What's her name?"
"…Elaine."
Kael nodded like it made perfect sense. "Fitting. She growled at me when I touched you."
"She doesn't trust you."
"And you?"
Nyx hesitated, staring out the window as Kael's grand fortress began to rise on the horizon.
"I don't know," she said quietly. "But… I didn't want to stay back there either."
Another pause. Then Kael's voice, firmer this time:
"Then you're exactly where you're meant to be."
The palace gates loomed tall and silver, etched with ancient sigils of all five clans, wolf, vampire, witch, dragon, and fairy. It was more than just a fortress. It was a statement of power.
The guards bowed instantly as the carriage passed through. Nyx's heart pounded louder with every step of the horses.
This is really happening…
"You sure we're not dreaming?" Elaine whispered.
"I'm not sure of anything anymore."
The carriage slowed to a stop, and the door swung open. Kael stepped out first, then turned and offered his hand to her.
The moment her fingers touched his, a warm jolt surged through her. Not pain. Something else. Something terrifying and magnetic.
She stepped out.
A courtyard of glass marble stretched before her, flanked by rows of warriors in black and silver armor. Their heads dipped slightly, not just to Kael, but… to her.
"They're staring," Nyx whispered.
"They're curious," Kael said beside her. "You're not what they expected."
"No one ever expects me," she said under her breath.
He smirked.
"You've got sass," Elaine chimed in. "I love it. Let's make them regret every second they doubted us."
"I'm not here to prove anything."
"You will, though."
Inside the palace, the air was warm and filled with the scent of burning cedar and something else, Kael's scent. Dark spice and cold steel.
As they walked, servants and nobles alike paused mid-step. Conversations died. Eyes widened.
Then a graceful voice rang from the top of the grand staircase.
"Your Majesty," came the low greeting of a woman draped in deep violet, her hair like starlight and posture graceful but firm.
Kael nodded. "Selene."
He gestured to Nyx. "This is Nyx. She'll be living here."
Selene's eyes flicked to her, not unkind, but sharp. "Understood. I'll arrange her rooms and wardrobe."
"She stays in my wing," Kael said flatly.
Selene arched a brow. "Of course."
Nyx swallowed. That did not go unnoticed.
More figures appeared. A tall, lean vampire with mischievous eyes, a fiery-haired woman in a guard's uniform, and a stunning fairy with glowing skin and silver wings tucked in.
Kael waved a hand. "You'll meet them all soon. For now, rest. Eat. Get familiar. You're not a prisoner."
She nodded slowly, unsure how to respond.
Kael leaned close, brushing her ear with a low whisper.
"You're mine, Nyx. Don't forget it."
And then he was gone.
"Oh my goddess," Elaine breathed. "Did we just get claimed by the most powerful male in the realm?"
"And we're sleeping in his wing."
"Do you think he'll cuddle?"
Nyx flushed furiously.
This was only the beginning.
Nyx stood awkwardly in the middle of the lavish guest chamber that was apparently now hers. Velvet curtains, golden mirrors, a bed so soft she was afraid to sit on it. This wasn't just a room, it was a world away from the cold stone floor she used to sleep on in the servant's quarters.
But she didn't feel comfortable. Not yet.
Not when she didn't understand why she was here. Or what she was supposed to do.
A knock came.
Before she could answer, the door creaked open and in walked a tall girl with short, messy hair, piercing grey eyes, and a confident swagger in her steps. She was dressed in warrior gear, clearly unbothered by the palace's formality.
"You look like you're about to faint," the girl said, smirking. "I'm Lyra. And you're the mystery mate that has everyone whispering."
Nyx blinked. "I… um… yes. I guess I am."
Lyra tilted her head. "You guess?"
"I like her," Elaine commented. "She's blunt. We need that."
Before Nyx could respond, a second voice chimed in from the hallway.
"Are you seriously intimidating the girl already, Lyra?"
A tall, elegant man with pale skin and a cocky smile strolled in. His eyes glowed faintly red. Vampire.
"Darius," he said with a theatrical bow. "Resident troublemaker. And you must be the girl who melted our king's icy heart."
"I didn't melt anything," Nyx said quickly.
Darius's grin widened. "Oh, she's modest. Adorable."
More movement at the door, and in walked a woman so ethereal she almost looked like moonlight. Long silver hair, flowing robes, eyes that held lifetimes of secrets.
"I'm Selene," she said gently. "I handle magical affairs for the King."
Nyx gave a shy nod. "Nice to meet you."
Selene's gaze lingered. "There's power in you, child. Even if you don't see it yet."
Then a soft swirl of air signaled a fourth arrival.
Aeloria. The fairy. Glowing skin, silver lashes, and wings that shimmered faintly even when folded behind her.
She stepped forward and offered her hand. "Welcome, Nyx. This palace… it changes people. But I think you'll change it instead."
Nyx's throat tightened.
So many strangers. So many eyes. And yet…
She didn't feel judged. She felt… seen.
Accepted.
And for the first time in forever, she didn't feel so alone.
"This… this might be okay," Nyx whispered to Elaine as she sat on the edge of her bed later that night.
"It's more than okay," Elaine replied. "This is the beginning."
The beginning of what?
"Everything."