The Alpha’s Cursed Bride

CHAPTER 5 - THE RITUAL

The chamber was carved deep inside the mountain , cold stone walls slick with ancient runes that shimmered faintly under the blood moon’s

glow.

The cavern was alive with shadows and whispers. The ancient runes pulsed beneath my feet, glowing faintly like a heartbeat in the dark.

Ronan stood across the circle, the firelight casting wild shadows across his face. His gold eyes held a storm I could barely meet.

I stood in the center of the circle, barefoot, my heart pounding so loud I thought the whole mountain could hear it.

I was afraid. Afraid of the outcome. Afraid of the whole ritual thing.

But Ronan had assured me that I wasn’t alone.

I kept turning at any slightest sound.

Ronan didn’t say a word. His golden eyes burned into mine like wildfire, stripping away every lie I told myself.

“Are you ready?” His voice was low and rough.

I kept quiet. My legs were shaking, my hands too.

Ronan looked at me and nodded.

And that gave me back my confidence.

“Yes.” I swallowed hard.

“Once we begin, there’s no turning back,” he said, his voice low and steady. “Your blood will decide if you live, or if you burn.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and stepped into the circle.

I could hear voices. They surrounded me.

I could feel their eyes on me.

Cold air bit at my bare skin, but inside, my veins were aflame, and hands like lead.

With a swift motion, he sliced his palm with an obsidian blade, and crimson droplets fell onto the ancient runes etched deep into the stone

floor.

“Your turn,” he urged.

I pressed the blade into my skin, the sting sharp and raw. Blood welled up, warm and real.

He took my hand, lifting it to his lips. His breath was hot, his eyes darkening with something feral. His gaze as sharp as a knife.

He lifted his hand to his mouth, and drank his blood, mixing our bloods.

“Drink. Drink from my mouth.”

I hesitated. Then, the hunger inside me overpowered every doubt.

I leaned in, and our blood mingled on my tongue, a biter, burning kiss.

A kiss of blood.

Heat exploded inside me.

Fierce and wild.

The world tilted

Maybe twisted.

Ronan’s voice rose, his voice chanting words I didn’t understand, but that thrummed inside my bones.

I dropped to my knees, every muscle trembling.

The fire inside grew, dancing up my arms, through my chest, and setting my heart ablaze.

My vision blurred, and then clarity.

Visions, flashes of a life I never knew, yet felt in every fiber. Images flashed before my eyes:

A queen crowned in blood and moonlight.

A war that shatered skies.

A vow whispered in shadows.

The images were all blur.

Tears rolled down my cheeks.

My hand’s trembling, my heart racing.

I could feel the pains, though I was there. But…. It felt real.

And then, Ronan’s hands were on me, steadying me.

His eyes locked with mine.

“I’m here,” he said, voice breaking the storm, and giving me peace.

And just as the power peaked, I felt it. A tether, fierce and binding.

A link between us.

The bond between Alpha and mate.

Everywhere went silent.

***

I woke up, and found myself in a room. No chain. No guards. Alone. And dressed too.

I looked around, not knowing where or how I got here. I could only remember the Ritual and everywhere went quiet.

How did I get here?

Then the door opened. Maya came in with a tray of food. She looked happy, happier than last time.

“I was told to bring these to you.” She said, dropping the tray on a table.

“How did I get here? Why am I not locked up? What is all this?” I asked, with confusion writen all over my face.

“ You passed out after the ritual, and Alpha carried you. He ordered them to make a room for you. He said you are now one of us.”

“One of you? How?” I was more confused.

“ I don’t know, that was what he said. Although some people aren’t happy with you being here. They still claim you killed the boys that died. I

like you, because Alpha likes you.” Maya added

“What the hell is going on?” I murmured.

“I don’t know.” She replied and left.

Wait. I vaguely remember seeing someone carrying me.

Was that Ronan?

His biceps is one to die for.

What the hell am I thinking?

I was still lost in thoughts that I didn’t know when someone came in.

“I see you’re up.” The voice said.

Okay…. That startled me.

“God. You scared me.” I said. I watched him roam around the room, looking for nothing in particular. Touching everything he comes in contact

with.

“I heard you-“ I cleared my throat. “Carried me back.”

“Hmm.” He nodded

“Thank you.” He paused on hearing that.

Did he just smile?

I swear, I just saw a faint smile on his face.

“What am I doing here? Why didn’t you lock me up? And why did Maya say I’m one of you?”

“Because you are. Now.” He replied softly

“One of you like? A wolf? Or an ally? Do you mind explaining?”

“Both. And more.” His reply was short.

“Both? And more? Can you stop speaking in parables and say something I can understand. Please?”

Then he sat on a wooden chair by the window.

“By both, I meant you are a wolf, not just any wolf, but I think you’re older or your blood is. Which also makes you an ally.”

“What do you mean? Me? A wolf? You must be joking.” I scoffed and laughed at the joke, but the look on his face says otherwise. “You’re

serious?”

He raised an eyebrow

“Does it look like am lying? Though there are many mysteries surrounding you, but you are a wolf.”

“And by more, what did you mean?”

“You’re my mate.”

I blinked.

Twice.

“Come again?”

“You heard me.” His voice was calm. Too calm.

My chest tightened. “Your mate? How? That’s not possible. I….I’m human. I’m not one of you.”

He took another step. “You’re more than human. The blood agreed. The bond snapped in place the second we touched.”

No. No no no.

This had to be a mistake.

“You already know…. You can feel it,” Ronan added.

I stumbled back, my fingers brushing against the wall. “No. This isn’t real. I didn’t sign up for any of this.”

He watched me, unmoving,his jaw tight.

Then he said something else. Something I didn’t expect.

“I don’t want a mate.”

Ouch.

I mean…same, but… ouch.

“Good,” I snapped. “Then we’re on the same page.”

His eyes flicked to my neck, and for a second, his gaze burned there.

“But the bond doesn’t care what we want. If it’s you, then I want you.”

Not only being cursed, but I’m now the Alpha’s cursed mate?

From the hallway, Beta Reina stood frozen, her hands clenched into fists.

She had watched it all.

The ritual. The bond. The way he looked me..

I guess she’d never seen him look at anyone like that.

Her throat burned.

Her eyes narrowed.

And as she turned to leave, her voice whispered cold into the silence:

“I don’t share my Alpha.”