chapter one
AURORA'S POV
I stood in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection in the elaborate red wedding dress that my stepfather had chosen for me. I traced the intricate embroidery with my fingers, feeling the heavy weight of the jewels around my neck and on my wrists. I couldn't help but feel like a prisoner being paraded around for the world to see.
Today was my wedding day. The day I was to be married and fulfill that dream I had when I was a little girl of being with my prince charming and living happily ever after.
Only that, it wasn't going to happen that way, because not only was I not marrying the prince charming I envisioned myself already falling in love with, my life or story was not going to be a happily ever after.
My name is Aurora Mathews and I'm about to be sold in marriage to the Alpha King of my pack. Alpha Lance, the scariest and rumored to be the most terrifying Werewolf in all the lands.
I'm so sure, I'm going to die today.
"Would you prefer the sapphires or the emeralds, Milady?"
I turned to the side to see one of the maids assigned to me, holding a box to my face with a decorative hair pin in it.
I looked up at the girl and saw that she avoided my eyes, I could feel the pity.
"Whichever one you think is good." I said to her and turned back to the mirror wondering how I'd ever get used to this. I had been brought here, just yesterday night probably the night my stepfather made the deal.
I sighed, watching the maid bustled around me, adjusting the gown and the veil, trying to make me look my best for the Alpha King. But no amount of fine clothes or jewelry could hide the sadness in my eyes. I had never wanted this marriage, but my stepfather had made it clear that I had no choice in the matter.
I gazed at my reflection again, taking in my own features. Dark ginger hair fell in loose curls around my shoulders, framing my pale face. Hazel eyes, always filled with a spark of curiosity, now looked dull and lifeless. Freckles dusted my nose and cheeks, giving me an innocent appearance that belied the turmoil raging inside of me.
As the maid finished her work, I sighed and stood up, ready to face my destiny. I followed them out of my chambers and down the grand staircase, feeling the weight of the gown with every step. I tried to remind myself that it was just a ceremony, just a formality, but the thought of being married to the most feared Alpha in the northern kingdoms filled me with dread.
We reached the throne room, and I was escorted to the front by other maids, their eyes filled with sympathy. I kept my head down, trying to avoid the curious gazes of the courtiers who had gathered to witness the union. I knew they were all whispering about me, about how I had been forced into this marriage against my will.
"I heard she got sold for a thousand gold coins." I heard someone whisper.
"A thousand? I heard five thousand!"
"That's too much, by the looks of it she might not be worth it."
"Still, this is sad. Poor girl…"
I took a deep breath, fear engulfing me, my head still down and my heart heavy.
Of course, I was a nobody, my father was barely a recognized merchant in the pack, so I belonged to no noble families. Yet, I was marrying, forced to marry the Alpha. The irony.
I finally reached the front of the room, and I looked up to see the Alpha King sitting on his throne, his eyes fixated on me. He was a stern figure, with dark black hair and piercing gray eyes that seemed to see right through me. I couldn't help but shiver under his intense gaze, feeling a prickle of fear run down my spine.
My stepfather stood beside the Alpha King, in a row with other councilmen, a smug smile on his face as he watched me.
Of course. That was his plan, from a merchant to a councilman.
He had orchestrated this entire marriage, using me as a pawn to further his own ambitions. I was just a means to an end for him, a way to gain favor with the powerful Alpha King.
But how he did it, I have no idea. I'd have to give him points for his cunningness on that one.
As the ceremony began, I felt a sense of hopelessness wash over me. There was no escape from this fate that had been forced upon me. I was trapped, bound to a man who was rumored to be ruthless and cruel. I glanced at the Alpha King, feeling a surge of fear as our eyes met. I could see the hardness in his gaze, the power that emanated from him. He was every bit as terrifying as they said.
The Alpha stood up and we all bowed, I watched as he walked towards me and stood by my side. I didn't dare turn my head, I could feel the cold aura emanating from beside him.
A councilman stepped out from where they all stood, accompanied with who I belived was the Beta of the pack.
He had been the one who took me from my stepfather's house to the palace the day before. I just couldn't remember his name.
"People of Cresthowl pack, we have gathered here today to witness the royal wedding of her Alpha." The council man said, his little frame standing in front of us and holding a large book in his frail hands.
"The union of Alpha Lance Hale to Lady Aurora Mathews." He said and I noticed that everyone held their breath, wondering if this was really happening.
The man walked closer, holding the book to us and bowing, "Your grace, the founding book of Cresthowl. You must take a vow to cherish, protect and in your own words and in front of the noblities present that you are indeed marrying the person next to you."
I watched as the Alpha took a deep annoyed breath and places his hands on the book and turned to face me. He kept staring till I turned slowly to face him, my eyes still lowered.
