The Lycan King's Runaway Bride

fate

ELENA

I tried to leave the mansion that night, my legs shaky as I made my way toward the door. I didn’t care who saw me. I just wanted to get out, to disappear. But the moment I reached for the handle, a strong hand grabbed my arm.

Theo’s golden eyes bore into mine, filled with something darker than hate. “You don’t get to just walk out,” he said, his voice low and threatening.

“Let me go,” I whispered, trying to pull free, but his grip only tightened.

“Not yet,” he sneered, turning to the crowd behind him. “We’re not done.”

Before I could react, two pack members stepped forward. Their cruel smirks sent a chill down my spine. They each grabbed one of my arms, holding me in place as Theo nodded to someone I couldn’t see.

That’s when I felt it.

Cold, thick liquid poured over my head, drenching me from head to toe. The rancid smell hit me instantly—rotten pig’s blood. Gasps and laughter echoed around the room as the metallic stench overwhelmed my senses.

My vision blurred with tears, but I refused to let them fall. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.

Phones flashed as people took pictures and videos, their mocking laughter ringing in my ears.

“Perfect for the family scrapbook,” someone jeered.

“Maybe she’ll go viral,” another added.

I tried to pull away, but the men holding me shoved me forward. I stumbled, falling to my knees.

“Get her out of here,” Theo ordered coldly.

They dragged me through the crowd, their hands rough as they shoved me toward the back door. With one last push, they tossed me outside. I landed hard on the dirt, scraping my hands and knees.

The door slammed shut behind me, leaving me alone in the cold night.

I sat there for a moment, my body trembling. My dress clung to me, soaked in blood and filth. The smell was unbearable, and my pride was in tatters.

Slowly, I pushed myself up, my knees buckling beneath me. I couldn’t stay here. I had to get back to the palace.

Each step was agony as I limped through the dark streets. The dirt stuck to my skin, mixing with the blood and sweat. My head pounded, and my chest ached, but I kept moving.

When I finally reached the palace gates, the guards’ expressions turned from confusion to disgust.

They let me in without a word, their judgment heavy in the air.

Inside, my father was waiting. His eyes widened as he took in my appearance, but it wasn’t concern I saw. It was anger.

“What have you done now?” he demanded, his voice sharp.

I opened my mouth to explain, but the words caught in my throat.

He shook his head, disappointment etched into every line of his face. “Go to your room, Elena.”

I lowered my head, shame washing over me as I obeyed.

In the safety of my room, I let the tears fall. I cried until my body ached, the events of the night replaying in my mind.

But just as I began to drift off, voices reached me through the thin walls.

“She’s a disgrace,” my stepmother said, her tone dripping with contempt. “Something has to be done about her.”

“She’s my daughter,” my father replied, but there was no warmth in his voice.

“She’s an embarrassment,” my stepmother snapped. “Anna is the one who brings honor to this family. Elena? She’s just a stain.”

Their voices faded, but the damage was done. I curled into myself, the weight of their words pressing down on me.

The next morning, I forced myself out of bed. My body ached, and my heart felt heavy, but I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.

I joined the kitchen staff as I always did, helping to prepare breakfast for the family.

But when I brought the dishes to the dining table, my father stopped me.

“Elena,” he said, his tone unusually soft. “Sit with us.”

I hesitated, unsure if I’d heard him right. I’d never been allowed to eat at the table. My place was with the maids in the kitchen.

“Go on,” my stepmother said with a forced smile, though her eyes gleamed with something I couldn’t place.

I sat down cautiously, my hands folded in my lap as I waited for the other shoe to drop.

My father cleared his throat. “We have important news to share.”

My stomach tightened.

“Anna,” he began, turning to my sister with a proud smile, “has fulfilled her role to this family. She has found her fated mate, and he has marked her.”

Anna beamed, her expression sweet and innocent, though her eyes flicked to me with a glint of triumph.

I clenched my fists under the table, forcing myself to stay quiet.

“With her bond to the Alpha Prince,” my father continued, “our family’s position in the pack is secure.”

I wanted to scream, to tell them what really happened, but I knew it would do no good. Anna was their golden child, the one they always chose.

“But there is still another matter to address,” my father said, his tone growing serious.

He looked at me, his eyes cold. “Elena, you will take Anna’s place.”

My heart stopped. “What?”

“You will marry the Lycan Prince,” he said firmly.

The room spun as his words sank in.

Anna’s smile widened, her expression smug. “Congratulations, sister,” she said sweetly.

I wanted to protest, to demand an explanation, but I knew it wouldn’t matter.

For them, I was nothing more than a pawn—a tool to secure their ambitions.

And now, they were sending me to a fate I hadn’t chosen.

I lowered my head, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Inside, my heart shattered all over again.