Shadowed Bride of the Cursed Alpha

Chapter 5: A Temporary Reprieve

Elowen POV.

The heavy iron doors groaned as they were pulled open from within, revealing a vast entrance hall that seemed to stretch endlessly into shadows. The air inside was cool and still, smelling faintly of old stone, incense, and something sharp—like ozone before a storm.

I stepped inside, my heart hammering so hard I was sure they could hear it. I expected him to be there. I expected to see a tall, dark figure waiting, perhaps with cold eyes and a stern face, ready to claim me.

But the hall was empty.

Instead, a line of servants stood waiting, their heads bowed respectfully. They were dressed in simple, dark uniforms, their expressions polite but unreadable.

"Welcome to Gloomwatch Fortress, Lady Elowen," one of them said softly.

I blinked, looking around nervously. "Where… where is Alpha Theron?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"The Alpha is currently occupied with pack matters, My Lady," the maid replied smoothly, avoiding direct eye contact. "He instructed us to see to your comfort first. The ceremony will take place later this evening."

Relief hit me so hard that my knees almost gave way. I had to grip my skirt tightly to keep standing.

He is not here.

I wasn't going to see him immediately. I wasn't going to die the second I walked through the door. There was time. A few more hours. Maybe even a whole night.

"Please, follow us," the maid said, gesturing down a long corridor.

I walked behind them, my eyes darting everywhere. The fortress was magnificent but terrifyingly silent. The walls were lined with ancient tapestries and weapons, and the floors were made of cold, polished stone. It was nothing like the warm, bright house I came from. This place felt heavy, old, and full of secrets.

They led me up a wide staircase and down another hallway, stopping finally before a large set of double doors. The maid pushed them open and stepped aside.

"This will be your quarters for now, My Lady."

I walked inside, and for the first time in my life, I saw a room that was truly fit for a noblewoman. It was spacious and warm, with a large fireplace already lit, chasing away the chill. There was a huge bed with soft-looking curtains, a vanity table with a mirror, and everything a person could need.

It was a world away from my attic.

" We have prepared a gown for the ceremony. We will return later to help you dress," the maid said, and then they all quietly withdrew, closing the doors behind me and leaving me alone.

Click.

The sound of the lock or the latch sealing me in, but I didn't care. I stumbled forward, collapsing onto the edge of the soft bed, burying my face in my hands.

I am safe. For now.

My mind raced with frantic joy. If he wasn't seeing me right away, if he was letting me rest, it meant I wasn't going to be killed instantly. It meant I had bought myself some time. Maybe he didn't want to touch me yet. Maybe he was afraid too. Or maybe he just didn't care enough to hurry.

Whatever the reason, I was alive. I was breathing.

I looked around the room, at the warm fire and the comfortable sheets.

I am going to live through today, I told myself, my heart finally slowing down. And tomorrow? Well, I will worry about tomorrow when it comes.

For now, I was just grateful for this silence, this warmth, and this precious, stolen time.

I stood up slowly and walked over to the large mirror on the vanity table. For the first time, I could see myself clearly in glass that wasn't cracked or dirty. I looked pale, my eyes were slightly red from crying, and my hair was messy from the journey, but I was still here. I was still breathing.

I reached out and touched the soft fabric of the bedcovers, feeling the luxury of it. It was strange to be treated with respect, even if it was just because of a title I didn't really want. The maids had bowed, they had called me "My Lady," they hadn't looked at me with disgust or pity.

Maybe… maybe it won't be so bad, a tiny voice whispered in my head. Maybe he is just a quiet man. Maybe he will leave me alone. Maybe I can just live here, in this room, and be left in peace.

It was a foolish hope, I knew it. The curse was real. But right now, in this warm, safe room, I allowed myself to believe it. I had been given a reprieve. I wasn't being thrown to the wolves the very second I arrived.

I walked to the window and looked out. The fortress was built high up, and I could see the dark lands stretching far below, shrouded in mist. It was beautiful in a terrifying way.

I spent the next hour just sitting by the fire, warming my hands, listening to the absolute silence of the place. There were no shouts from Father, no mocking laughter from Calista. It was peaceful. It was heavenly.

Eventually, there was a soft knock on the door.

"My Lady? It is time to prepare."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. The moment was coming closer, but I felt stronger now. I had survived the journey. I had survived the fear. I could survive the ceremony.

The maids entered and bustled around me. They washed my face, brushed my hair until it shone, and helped me into the gown they had prepared. It was a deep, rich color, heavy and beautiful. I looked like a real bride, not the ragged servant girl I had always been.

When they were done, I looked in the mirror again and barely recognized myself.

" You look lovely, My Lady," one of the younger maids said softly, and there seemed to be genuine kindness in her eyes. "The Alpha… he will be pleased."

I forced a small smile, but my heart was pounding again. Pleased or not, it doesn't change what I am.

"Lead the way," I whispered.