Fated To The Lycan

Anna’s POV I stood half-naked at the podium. Noise filled the air, a chaotic mixture of shouts and murmurs, and I couldn’t make out any distinct voices. My leg throbbed from a fresh bruise, and the crowd that had gathered looked as though they wanted to devour me whole. Fear clawed at me, making me restless. Then Alpha Jaime entered, and the entire hall fell silent in an instant. The elders moved forward, taking their seats and fixing their stern gazes on me. “She has sinned greatly,” one elder declared, his voice dripping with venom. “She is a foe to the pack, and even death would be too kind a fate for her. May I propose that she be shredded into pieces?” The crowd erupted in approval, their shouts shaking me to my core. A stone flew and struck my shoulder, followed by another. Pain shot through me, but before the barrage could worsen, Alpha Jaime raised his hand. Immediately, the stones stopped mid-flight, and silence reigned once again. “She was once my mate,” Alpha Jaime announced, his voice deep, commanding, and heavy with disdain. “And because of that, I shall spare her unworthy life. Release her to the angry people. If she survives their wrath, banish her, and ensure she never dares set foot here again.” With that, he rose, his presence as cold and untouchable as the winter wind, and left the hall. The crowd roared, ready to tear me apart. I was half-dead already, my senses fading in and out. Sometimes I could see and hear, other times the world dissolved into nothingness. This was how it all began. ** Nine years had passed since Alpha Jaime made the vow to my father. I was twenty-four now, a virgin who had been trained and prepared for the day I would serve the Alpha. As the only surviving child of my father, I bore the responsibility of caring for him in his illness. Despite my youth, I was the lady of the Greyjoy house. “Milady!” It was Hailey, my maid. Her voice was bright, sonorous, so distinct that I could pick it out from a thousand others. I had heard her voice since I was five; it was impossible not to recognize it instantly. I turned towards her with little interest. “What is it?” “Your father…” Hailey’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Lord Baldwin Greyjoy has given up the ghost!” My heart skipped a beat at her words. Without making a sound, I began walking toward his chamber. He had been bedridden for six months, so I knew that was where his lifeless body would be. Strangely, I did not shed a single tear at first. His death didn’t come as a shock to me, yet my heart ached. I buried the hurt deep inside. The corridor leading to his room was lined with weeping maids. They stepped aside as I approached, their sobs echoing off the stone walls. When I entered and saw my father’s body, still and cold, I realized I had been holding my tears back all along. They came pouring out uncontrollably, my cries filling the chamber. Hailey joined me, her grief mingling with mine. “Take heart, milady,” Hailey whispered through her sobs. “Lord Baldwin has gone to a better place.” Her words struck me like a haunting echo. It was the same thing she had said when my mother and two elder brothers were murdered. That day, four years ago, remained etched in my memory. My father had taken me out to learn horse riding, but when we returned home at dusk, we found their lifeless bodies—my mother and both brothers, slain by assassins. That day had shattered my world. ** I stripped myself of fine clothes to grieve, as was our custom. My father was a respected man, well-known among allies and enemies alike, and his funeral was a grand affair. Many whispered that it would have been a more honorable death if he had fallen on the battlefield. I surprised even myself by how calmly I bore the loss. My father, who was my last remaining family, was gone, but I refused to let despair consume me. I was the last Greyjoy alive. I would inherit the mantle of lady of the house, as well as command of our small private army. “Milady,” Hailey said one morning, her voice careful. “Someone is here from the Alpha’s castle.” “I refuse to step outside to see a mere messenger,” I replied coldly. “Let him come into the hall to speak with me.” I assumed the Alpha had simply sent a note of condolence. He had not even attended my father’s funeral, though many believed he and my father were close. I entered the hall where the messenger waited. He bowed low, and I met his gaze without flinching. “Alpha Jaime wishes to extend his condolences on the passing of Lord Baldwin,” the messenger said respectfully. “He regrets being unable to attend the funeral.” “Tell the Alpha I accept his regards,” I answered, my tone flat and insincere. “The Greyjoy family is honored.” In truth, I longed to speak freely, to cast aside formalities, but restraint bound me. “You may tell him yourself, milady.” My brow furrowed. “What do you mean?” The messenger straightened, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Alpha Jaime has commanded that you prepare for your entry into the castle. Tomorrow, during the full moon, he will fulfill the vow he made to your father and take you as his mate.” His words struck me like a blow. Confusion swept through me, leaving me unsteady. I had always known about the vow, but I never expected its fulfillment at least not so soon, perhaps not ever. “I… I don’t understand,” I managed weakly. “There will be an envoy to escort you in six hours,” he continued, his voice brisk and final. “The Alpha expects you to put your affairs in order before then. Stay safe, milady.” With another bow, he turned and left, as though he had carried away the very strength in my body. Hailey ran to my side, her face alight with excitement. “I am so happy for you,” she giggled, almost childlike. “Happy? For what?” I turned to her, my face cold as stone. She recoiled slightly, startled by my expression. “Are you not excited, milady?” Hailey asked gently. “I am…” I lied, forcing out a sigh. The truth burned inside me. That was no joy, it was a lie straight from the pit of hell.