"No, Father… you didn't."
The words tumbled out before I could stop them, shattering the silence between us like dropped porcelain. My father, King Luther Nightstar, ruler of Durnhall, stood in my doorway, backlit by torchlight that made him look more like a statue than a man. His expression hadn't changed. It was still the same cold and empty one.
"It was the only way," he said.
My chest tightened. "The only way? You sold me!" My voice broke on the last word, humiliating tears already burning behind my eyes. "Father, you can't possibly—"
"You leave at dawn." His voice was final. "The Alpha King of the North has accepted the arrangement."
The room tilted, and I grabbed the edge of my vanity to steady myself. "Father, no. Please. Anything but this."
"Would you prefer I send Zyra instead?"
"Why does anyone have to go?" I choked out. "Why do we have to kneel to monsters?"
His jaw tightened. "Because humans are dying, Zahira. Because our armies can't hold the border another winter. Because your marriage to Alexander Xoriath will end a war that's been bleeding us dry for a hundred years."
"But—"
"It's done." He turned toward the door, his cloak billowing behind him. "You're the eldest. This is your duty. Be ready at first light."
And then he left.
The door clicked shut, and suddenly I couldn't breathe. My knees buckled, and I crumpled onto the cold marble floor, hands pressed over my mouth to muffle the sob threatening to rip out of me.
My own father just sold me.
To the wolves. To their king.
The rumors about Alexander Xoriath were nightmare fuel. He was a beast wrapped in human skin, eyes like winter, hands stained with the blood of anyone who dared challenge him. And now I was supposed to marry him.
I was going to die in the North. Without a question.
The tears came harder, and I didn't even try to stop them.
"Wow. Already crying? That's embarrassing."
I froze.
Zyra.
I looked up to find my younger sister leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, violet hair catching the lamplight. She had the same sharp Nightstar features I did, but where my eyes were pale grey, hers glittered with a vibrant violet.
"Of course they picked you," she said, stepping inside. "Nobody really cares about you anyway. You were always the backup plan."
I clenched my fists. "Get out."
"Aw, don't be dramatic." She tilted her head, her smile widening. "Maybe he'll actually like you. Maybe he won't rip your throat out the first night."
My blood went cold. "Zyra—"
"I mean, everyone does say he killed his last bride." She examined her nails. "But I'm sure you'll be fine."
I was on my feet before I realized it, and my hand cracked across her face.
The slap echoed.
Zyra stumbled back, clutching her cheek, her eyes wide with shock. "You hit me!"
"Get. Out."
Her face twisted with fury. "Mother's going to hear about this!"
"Good. Tell her."
She glared at me for one more second before spinning on her heel and storming out. The door slammed.
I sank back down, shaking, and let the tears come again, harder this time, until my ribs ached and my throat burned.
I thought about running. About disappearing into the forest and never looking back.
But where would I even go?
There was no escape. No way out.
Just… the North. And him.
I cried myself to sleep on the floor.
~
The next morning, I woke to my door crashing open.
"Get up."
My mother.
Queen Galiena stood over me, her violet hair swept into an elaborate crown braid, her gown shimmering like crushed sapphires.
"Mother…" My voice came out hoarse.
"I said get up." She didn't even blink. "You're leaving soon."
"Please," I whispered, still tangled in my blanket. "Please don't make me do this. I'm only twenty-one, I—"
"Only twenty-one?" Her lip curled. "And still acting like a spoiled child."
The words hit like a slap.
"You selfish little witch," she hissed. "You'd rather we send your innocent sister to that cruel beast?"
"I never said that—"
"Enough!" She slammed her hand against the bedpost, and I flinched. "You will go. You will smile. And you will not embarrass this family. Do you understand me?"
I couldn't answer.
"Get dressed," she snapped. "Now."
Then she was gone, leaving only the ghost of her rose perfume behind.
~
By the time the sun rose, the courtyard was packed.
I stood on the dais in a gown of pale silver silk, hands trembling inside lace gloves, while the crowd roared below. Banners snapped in the wind. Horns blared.
"Princess Zahira Nightstar," the announcer's voice boomed, "will wed His Majesty, Alexander Xoriath, Alpha King of the Northern Territories, in the name of peace and unity!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
I stood there, frozen, while everything inside me screamed.
Peace. Unity.
Lies.
"Thank you, Princess Zahira! Long live the union!"
I wanted to scream back: Don't thank me. I'm being sacrificed.
But I just smiled. Nodded. Played my part.
Then, through the noise, I saw him.
Declan.
Sir Declan Arden stood near the palace gates, his golden hair catching the morning light, his brown eyes locked on mine. And for just a second, the world went quiet.
He looked wrecked. Angry. Helpless.
He couldn't save me. Nobody could.
I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek to keep from crying.
"Your carriage is ready, my lady."
I nodded and turned toward the black-and-silver carriage draped in white roses.
I looked back one more time.
Declan's lips moved. I'll find you.
I didn't know if I believed him.
The door shut. The latch clicked.
The carriage lurched forward, and the castle walls began to fade behind me.
I pressed my forehead against the cold glass and whispered to no one:
"Goodbye, Durnhall."