Bound to the enemy Alpha

CHAPTER 2

SABRINA

“Sabrina, please reconsider. With Lila missing, you’re my only sister.” Gideon said, his voice rough.

I could see the war weighed on his shoulders. His eyes pleaded with me to change my mind. I forced a smile, though my heart trembled.

“Don’t worry, brother. I will be fine.”

My words tasted braver than I felt inside. I knew the goddess would stand by me; I had to believe that. But I must do what must be done for the pack, and our people.

Before I was dismissed I had asked if there’s any news about Lila but the silence that followed was louder than any answer.

Their behavior was strange; my father’s face was stone, offering nothing. Not even the elder that had dismissed my beauty.

Why did Lila run? Did she know about Father’s plans to marry her off to secure an alliance? A sharp ache pressed against my chest.

As the sun sank lower, I folded the few belongings I would take with me. Each item is a reminder of who I truly am.

A soft knock sounded, and before I could answer, the door creaked open. Luna Anna stepped inside. I froze, never once had the Luna crossed her threshold.

Never once had she looked at me as more than a reminder of her mate’s betrayal.

But now, tears glistened in her eyes as she suddenly wrapped her arms around me. I stiffened, my body refusing to accept her gesture, the strange warmth.

“Sabrina… thank you for what you have decided to do for all of us.” she whispered, her voice trembling.

For a moment I just stood there, unsure if I was dreaming. Then I slowly pulled back.

“I’m not doing anything anyone else wouldn’t do, my Luna.” I murmured.

Anna’s hand lingered on my arms as she offered a smile, but it was fragile, brittle at the edges, never quite reaching her eyes.

“You are strong and brave, Sabrina. Everything will be fine.” she said softly.

“Thank you, Luna. I know Lila will be found soon.” I dipped my head politely.

Anna nodded, her eyes flicking briefly to the things on the bed before she turned and left.

As Luna left, Joyce entered carrying Lila’s beautiful dresses; fabrics fit for a true princess.

“Come princess, we must hurry, the guards are waiting.” she whispered as she started dressing me up.

The dress fit differently on me than they would on Lila. Where my sister was tall and slender, I was petite and curvy.

My stomach twisted painfully, this is real. It’s happening. I am to become the bride of Alpha William. Not as myself, but as my sister. A facade I must play until the true princess returns.

When Joyce finished, she embraced me with tears in her eyes. “Be safe, princess. I will pray for your safe return home.”

I hugged her back, “Thank you, Joyce.” I whispered.

I turned to the mirror, my chest tightening. What looked back at me was a bride, painted and perfect. But I wasn’t; this is Lila’s life staring back at me.

Outside, the air was heavy. A plain carriage, stripped of the Bloodmoon seal, waited in the courtyard.

I thought it was smart, no one would know our carriage on its way to Nightclaws.

“You look beautiful, sister. I can’t thank you enough for this sacrifice.” Gideon's voice cracked as he came forward, pulling me into his arms.

His embrace was tighter than normal, as if he was bidding me goodbye forever.

“Sacrifice? I will be back home once Lila is found.” I said softly, hugging him back.

Gideon’s gaze slipped away, his jaw tightened. “Yeah… you will,” he said, though his eyes never met mine.

I pulled back from Gideon as my eyes drifted to my father. He stood tall as usual, unreadable. I had known him as a man that never displays his emotions.

“You make a lovely bride, Sabrina. I’m sorry it's not the dream wedding a princess deserves.” he said, his lips curling into the faintest smile, almost a smirk.

My chest tightened. “It’s alright, Father. I will return and begin my service to the goddess, just as you wanted.” I said.

“You look like your mother. May she be with you.” His gaze lingered on me, cool and calculating.

I nodded and with trembling steps, I climbed into the carriage. The driver snapped the reins. The guards followed close behind in another carriage.

I looked back at my family, my vision blurred with tears. For a fleeting moment, I thought I saw my father’s lips curve again as he glanced at Gideon.

My heart squeezed. I must be mistaken, and then the packhouse faded.

***

We traveled the woods and forest all through the day. I clutched the edge of the seat, my body swaying with the carriage’s startling pace.

I knew we were eager to reach Nightclaws pack quickly, but the speed felt excessive, almost desperate.

At last, the carriage jolted to a sudden halt. I exhaled a sigh of relief. Finally, we must be stopping to rest. I straightened my gown, waiting for one of the guards to come open the door.

But no one came. Minutes dragged on, silence pressing against my ears. I frowned.

“Driver? Are we stopping here?” I asked.

No response came. My stomach tightened, I leaned forward, trying to peer through the partition that separated me from the driver’s seat.

The rein hung loosely, the driver’s seat was empty. There was no sign of movements, no voices, no footsteps. Only silence.

A prickle of fear slid down my spine. I slowly reached for the door and slowly pushed it open. The hinges creaked, and the chill of the evening breeze rushed in, biting against my skin.

Stepping down onto the dirt path, my eyes darted around. Both carriages stood still, the drivers and guards were gone.

There were no birds singing, no rustle of life in the trees; only the hollow moan of the wind weaving through the forest. My heart pounded.

“What in the name of the goddess is going on?” I whispered, my voice trembling against the silence.

My skin prickled, every hair standing on end as panic spread through my veins. I turned in a slow circle, hoping, praying for the sound of footsteps, the familiar sight of the guards figure emerging from the shadows.

But there was nothing. I was utterly terrifying alone. Then the truth slammed into my chest like a blade.

We hadn’t stopped for rest, they had left me. Abandoned.