Alpha Kyor's Curse; Bound by fate.

Chapter 2: Mating ceremony.

Asteria's POV

Throughout the whole night, I couldn't sleep a wink.

My mother made me read books, scripts and scrolls just so I could satisfy the cruel Alpha in a single night.

I'd thought it couldn't get any worse, but my sister went blurting out the news to the whole pack, painting me as a loose woman who loved clinging onto men with several concubines.

My mother's maid, Helene, placed a small chain on my neck, but it wasn't enough to brighten up my face. Over the years due to the constant torture, my skin had lost its shine.

Compared to my elder sister I was a worthless piece of jewelry. On my pale skin were cuff marks, scars and small red blemishes. Even the make-up couldn't cover it all.

“As long as you don't anger the Alpha, you'll be fine. He's really not as cruel as they say.” Helene’s soft voice pulled me back to reality.

She was trying to make me feel better, to ease my tense muscles, but I knew better.

Alpha Leonard wasn't only a cruel man; he was a beast, someone who made women engage in several acts just to pleasure him.

He'd killed several women with his useless experiments. I was quite sure I wouldn't last a week.

“You don't have to lie.” I forced a smile, staring at the reflection of myself, “Everyone knows who he truly is.”

Helene’s eyes softened just the way I'd wanted my mother to look at me.

She wiped her eyes, her grip on my shoulders tightening, “I hope you survive this, child.” her voice trembled, and I nodded shakily, not daring to cry. If I did, I'd be ruining my make-up which might earn me more bashing words.

Slowly, I raised my heavy dress and stepped out of the chair. Helene wasn't just my mother's maid, she was the most talented woman in the pack—once it came to beautifying women.

With each step I took, my hands trembled, the golden bracelets making sounds which made my blood curl.

Deep down, I felt like tearing my dress in despair to make a run into the woods.

So what if my father caught up to me?

So what If I got starved for weeks?

A tear threatened to flow down my cheeks, but I was quick to wipe it off, inhaling a deep breath as I steadied myself down the stairs.

My red dress swept the floor, gaining the attention of everyone as I descended the wooden stairs.

My sister, Anastasia smirked, “You look like you're about to cry; it's your mating ceremony, cheer up.”

My father stretched out his hands, staring at me like he cared. I knew he didn't. I knew he never would.

Placing my palm on his, I followed him closely as he led me out of the pack house. Outside, his personal carriage awaited and I sighed, wondering if I truly deserved this misfortune.

Throughout the bumpy ride across the dusty streets, I avoided my father's gaze, clutching my dress as I gazed out the window.

Due to the distance of the Blackwoods pack, we'd left immediately after sunrise.

When we arrived at the Blackwoods pack, it was almost sunset. It was a beautiful sight, but I couldn't even admire it for long.

Just before I could step out of the carriage, my father tapped his feets, “Asteria, you're not allowed to make mistakes. If you do, I might never forgive you.”

I swallowed hard and nodded, used to his familiar harsh words.

The Blackwoods pack was completely different from mine.

Just from the large and sophisticated buildings, I could tell they were extremely wealthy and powerful. I kept staring as my father led the way, guiding me into the pack house of the Blackwoods pack.

“The bride is here.” Someone announced as some large doors were pushed open, followed by the soft murmurs of people as I made my way in.

I raised my head high, clutching my dress, trying hard not to fall. My father kept his gaze ahead, bowing at a few elders who his gaze met.

A young girl approached me, stretching her hands slowly and I placed mine on hers, calmly awaiting her next move.

She led me towards the throne and I gasped, noticing the Alpha's presence. I bowed slowly, parting my lips to announce my name, but my father beat me to it.

"Just like you'd requested, this is my first daughter, Anastasia.”

My heart skipped a beat, but I didn't dare raise my head.

A tear slipped down my cheeks as a cold and rusty laugh pierced my ears. “You did well, Alpha Maverick.”

I trembled, clutching my dress hard, trying to control my messed up emotions. My father had brought me in place of my sister. He betrayed me and kept his favorite daughter aside.

My father's excited voice rang out, “I would always be here to grant your request, Alpha Leonard. She's all yours now.”

“And your border shall be protected till the end of our pact.”

“Thank you for your generosity, Alpha Leonard.” My father blurted out and I sobbed, biting my lips as tears dripped down my cheeks.

"Raise your head, endowed one. I've heard several things about you.” knowing I was being referred to, I slowly raised my head, meeting the Alpha's cold gaze. His brown hair was pulled in a tight knot, his long beards almost reaching his neck.

Even through his robe, I could still see his bulging stomach and hairy chest. He was huge, frightening and just as hideous as the rumors. I swallowed hard, holding his gaze as I thought of the next words to say.

“You don't have to say anything.” He chuckled, stepping down the throne, “you only have to perform the ritual.”

My hands trembled, my eyes widening in terror, “a..a ritual?”

“Before the commencement of the mating ceremony, each bride is required to shift. It's tradition.”

My heart slammed hard against my ribcage, my gaze traveling towards my father. His eyes were wide as well, his face as pale as a blank sheet.

Wasn't he aware of the ritual?

Wasn't he aware of their ridiculous traditions?

I wiped my clammy hands on my clothing to rid them of sweat “I..”

Alpha Leonard raised a brow, urging me to continue and I nodded shakily, blurting out the words, “I can't shift.”

Just like rage dwelled in a person, Alpha Leonard rose from his throne and wrapped his fingers around my neck, raising me above the ground as gasps filled the air, “did you come here to humiliate me?!”

“She's not the first daughter, she's the second. The useless one.”

My eyes stung as I struggled to breathe, humiliating words settling in my ears.

“I should have known when she maintained eye contact with the Alpha. She's uncultured!”

“She has to die for humiliating the Alpha this way!”

“She has to be beheaded!”

My legs dangled in the air, my lungs constricting as Leonard tightened his grip on my neck.

I wrapped my fingers around his, trying to pull away, but he didn't release my neck. Instead, he tightened his hold, blaring his teeth, “You're going to pay for this. She's going to be beheaded!”