CURSED, BLOOD TO ASHES

PROLOGUE. The room was filled with the scent of rose that filled the air. I stared at the bouquet the maids of honor had set on the dresser. They were meant to bring joy, a blessing for the Luna-to-be, but all they did was choke me. My cheeks flushed with red as if I had allergies to them. My sweaty palm brushed against my wedding dress to smoothen the hem of my gown. Tonight, it would stain red if I let this go through. “Mother,” I called. My voice cracked even before the words left my lips. I reached for her sleeve as she walked into the dressing room. My knees gave out as I knelt at her feet. “Please.. talk to father for me. I don't want to go through with this.“ Her face faltered. “Mira..“ she called in a whisper, glancing at the closed door. “It's too late. You know this too.“ I shook my head, tears already threatening to fall. “No mother, it isn't. Not if you decide against this whole arrangement, mom. I can't marry the Alpha, please.“ But my mother looked the other way. “You know what everyone says about him, you know it too, yourself. Ruthless, controlling and you want me to get married to him?“ “Mira!“ Mother's voice sliced through the air like a stinging slap on my cheek. I continued still, crawling closer to her and letting my hands tug at the hem of her dress. “Mother, you and father know it too. I would be nothing but a possession to him and even father would just be his pawn!“ “Don't you dare!“ She warned as her palm slapped me across the cheek. I smirked, rose to my feet and walked towards the mirror with a small smile tugged to my lips. “Mira..“ her voice softened as if time could tick backwards and redo the whole thing. “You don't understand.“ I pressed on. My palm slipped towards my stomach instinctively before I held my mother's. “It's been decided, Mira.“ She said with finality, voice low. “The mood Goddess herself will bear witness tonight. Or would you want to spit in her face or defile the Alpha's authority?“ Her eyes glistened with worry and at the same time, helplessness. “I don't care.“ I choked out, my wolf snarling inside of me, caught between fate and will. I pressed my lips tight. I wouldn't cry. I won't show my weakness but mother's eyes glistened again, with more sadness as though she was already mourning me. “We cannot turn back the hands of time now, Mira. It's not a choice. You must survive. You cannot refuse this, it isn't just you who would pay.“ She paused, voice hoarse. “It is all of us. Your father, me, the entire pack. Alpha Darius does not forgive. If you try to save yourself this way, you'd ruin us all.“ Her words sank like iced water against my chest. My wolf whimpered again, torn but the fire in me wouldn't die. “Then let me be the sacrifice.“ I whispered as I let go of her hands. “I'm not giving myself to him. I do not want his mark, please, mother.“ Anger flashed in the eyes where fear had been. “You think I want this for you? That I would hand over my first daughter to some monster willingly?“ Mother's voice became harsh. “There is no choice, Mira. He chose you and the Goddess would bless it.“ My nails dug into my palms until they turned red. “But the Moon Goddess didn't put this child in me.“ I whispered, eyes focused on my stomach. “What did you say?“ Mother asked, lips twitching, eyes narrowed. “Nothing, mother.“ My whole body shook with terror. I couldn't tell now. I pressed my lips so tight, that they almost bled. “The drums have started now, and you'd walk to the altar to be claimed. Do not bring shame to us.“ She warned, teeth gritted as she spun away from me. I stared at the floor, my wolf stirred and I swore to myself with a will that would warrant death. I would not let Alpha Darius own me. Not tonight. Not ever.