Elara's POV
The figure walking toward me did not hurry.
He did not need to.
The crowd parted instinctively, wolves stepping back as though an invisible force pushed them aside. No one spoke. No one breathed too loudly. Even the wind seemed to retreat.
Power rolled off him in waves—thick, crushing, absolute.
With every step he took, my heart pounded harder, my pulse screaming inside my ears. My wolf stirred weakly, fear and awe tangling painfully within her.
Alpha… she whispered.
He stopped a few feet in front of me.
I did not lift my head.
I couldn't.
My body trembled under the weight of his presence alone. It pressed against my chest, forcing my shoulders downward, demanding submission without a single word spoken.
This was not like Iron Claw.
This was not like Father.
This was something older. Sharper. Far more dangerous.
"Look at me."
The command was quiet.
Calm.
Deadly.
My breath caught painfully in my throat.
I hesitated only for a heartbeat—just long enough for fear to tighten its grip—before slowly lifting my head.
The moment our eyes met, my world shattered.
He was not old.
Not monstrous.
Not ugly.
Alpha Lucien Draven Ashmore was devastating.
Tall far taller than any man I had ever seen his body was sculpted with lethal precision, broad shoulders stretching the dark ceremonial cloak draped over him. His presence was overwhelming, filling every inch of space around him.
His face was carved from sharp lines and brutal perfection. High cheekbones. A strong jaw dusted with dark stubble. Lips pressed into a neutral line that held no mercy.
And his eyes—
Moon blessed silver, cold and piercing, glowing faintly beneath heavy lashes.
They locked onto mine.
I felt stripped bare.
Not just my body but my soul.
Every lie.
Every secret.
Every weakness.
It felt as though he could see all of it.
My wolf whimpered and curled inward, overwhelmed.
He's too strong, she whispered fearfully. He'll surely know.
Then he's scent hit my nostrils….. what a familiar scent…
Exactly like that of the shadow man that saved me earlier….
If he really was the stranger that saved me then he already knew I am not Alpha Aldrich's real daughter.
I struggled to breathe.
Alpha Draven studied me in silence, his gaze slow and deliberate as it traced my face. I felt it linger on my eyes, my lips, the slight tremble in my hands.
He said nothing.
That terrified me more than shouting ever could.
Around us, the wedding grounds remained frozen. Alpha Aldrich stood stiffly beside me, his grip on my arm tightening just slightly warning me. Reminding me of the threat.
One mistake, his grip said. And you die.
"She is Elara Vale," Alpha Aldrich announced loudly, forcing confidence into his tone. "My daughter."
Alpha Draven's eyes flicked to him briefly.
Just briefly.
Yet Alpha Aldrich stiffened like a wolf cowed by a stronger Alpha.
Interesting.
Alpha Draven returned his gaze to me.
"Elara Vale," he repeated.
My name sounded different in his voice. Heavier. Like a verdict.
"Yes, Alpha," I whispered, my voice barely steady.
His eyes narrowed.
"Raise your head properly."
My fingers curled into the fabric of my gown as I lifted my chin fully, forcing myself to meet his gaze.
A faint hum rolled through the air.
His nostrils flared subtly.
Scent.
My heart slammed violently against my ribs.
He's smelling me.
Panic surged.
Omega blood was unmistakable to a higher wolf. I braced myself for the instant exposure for the pain that would follow.
But instead of anger, something unreadable crossed his expression.
Curiosity.
Dangerous curiosity.
"You smell…" he began, then paused.
The silence stretched unbearably.
Alpha Aldrich's grip tightened painfully.
"…different," Alpha Draven finished slowly.
My breath shuddered.
Different.
Not Omega.
Not Lyra.
Just… different.
A muscle flexed in his jaw as he studied me again, deeper this time, as though looking beneath the surface.
"You're shaking," he observed calmly.
"I—" My voice broke. I swallowed and tried again. "I'm nervous, Alpha."
A lie.
But not entirely.
His gaze did not soften.
"Nervous brides do not smell like fear alone."
The words sent ice through my veins.
He stepped closer.
One step.
That was all.
But it was enough.
My body reacted instantly knees weakening, instinct screaming submission. I had to fight not to bow at his feet.
Alpha Draven raised a hand.
I flinched before I could stop myself.
His eyes flickered.
Just for a fraction of a second.
Then his hand gently almost thoughtfully lifted my chin.
The contact burned.
His touch was warm. Steady. Possessive.
"Look at me," he said quietly.
I did.
The world narrowed to silver eyes and shallow breaths.
"Do you know what happens to liars in my domain?" he asked.
My heart nearly stopped.
"No, Alpha," I whispered.
He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering so only I could hear.
"They bleed."
Tears stung my eyes, but I forced them back.
"Do you intend to lie to me, Elara Vale?"
Before I could answer, Alpha Aldrich cleared his throat loudly.
"The ceremony—" he began nervously.
Alpha Draven did not look away from me.
"Silence," he said calmly.
Alpha Aldrich went rigid and silent instantly.
A shiver ran through the crowd.
Alpha Draven straightened slowly, releasing my chin.
He turned toward the host. "Begin."
The ceremony resumed, but I heard none of it.
My senses were still locked on him.
On the way his gaze returned to me repeatedly, sharp and assessing.
On the way my wolf stirred every time he looked at me afraid, yet strangely drawn.
When it was time for vows, my hands shook violently as It was been read to us.
"I accept," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"Do you, Alpha Lucien Draven Ashmoor of Ashmoor Dominion Pack, accept Elara Vale of Ironclaw Pack as your lawfully wedded wife?"
Alpha Draven's response was steady.
"I accept."
"Do you, Elara Vale of Ironclaw Pack, accept Alpha Kael Draven Ashmoor of Ashmoor Dominion Pack as your lawfully wedded husband?"
I hesitated.
Because I was scared.
Not just of him, though I did not yet know what he would do, nor whether he would be cruel or kind.
I was scared of the history I carried with me of every wound that had made me small, compliant, afraid to live as myself.
But what other options do I have?
This was just for formality sake. I was already his wife in book. It will only make matters worst if I say "no"
"I accept," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
The bond snapped into place like a steel chain.
I gasped softly, pain and warmth colliding in my chest.
Something ancient awakened inside me.
The crowd erupted into controlled cheers, but my world tilted.
Alpha Draven leaned closer, his voice brushing my ear like a blade wrapped in silk.
"Whatever secrets you carry, little bride," he murmured, "pray they are worth dying for."
My blood ran cold.
Because somehow
I knew.
This Alpha was not fooled.
And my true nightmare had only just begun