The cursed Alpha’s rejected bride

The Council Chamber of the Royal Palace in Ashford was unusually tense. A long ebony table stretched through the centre of the room, surrounded by the most powerful men in the Kingdom of Blackthorne. Portraits of former Kings watched from the walls while the silver crest of the Crown glimmered beneath the evening lights. At the head of the table sat King Lucas. Twenty seven years old, tall broad-shouldered. His black hair was tied loosely behind his head, and his piercing blue eyes rested silently on the reports before him. He hadn't spoken in nearly fifteen minutes. "...Three patrols from Red Moon Pack never returned," one elder announced gravely. Another elder from Howlers Pack leaned forward. "The rogues are becoming bolder. Last week they attacked two villages along the eastern border." "They're testing us," another council member added. "If we continue to remain passive, they'll begin targeting the larger packs." The room erupted into discussion. Lucas remained silent, his fingers tapped lightly against the polished table. Alpha Derek, the oldest on the Council. Alpha of one of the most influential packs, Howlers Pack spoke catching the King’s attention. "There is another matter that requires Your Majesty's attention." Lucas lifted his eyes, the elder cleared his throat. "The alliance with Silver wood Pack." Several members immediately nodded in agreement. "Their influence has grown considerably over the past decade." He continued. "They command one of the strongest packs in the kingdom." He stated looking at other council members who nodded in agreement. "A union between the Crown and Silver wood would strengthen Blackthorne." "It would reassure the people." Alpha Jedrek of Red Moon Pack intervened. "It would silence those questioning the stability of the throne." An elder spoke carefully. "And perhaps..." "...provide the kingdom with a Luna." He spoke lightly looking at the king, to see his reaction. "The people deserve hope, the Crown needs an heir." Lucas's expression remained unreadable. "I have already rejected this proposal." He stated. "With respect, Your Majesty," Alpha Damon of Golden crest pack replied, "this decision is no longer about personal preference." "It concerns the future of Blackthorne. The kingdom cannot continue without a queen, a Luna." "The people grow restless, The rogues grow stronger." Another spoke. we cannot afford uncertainty." Their voices overlapped, one after another. Every sentence pressed against him like another weight on his shoulders. Lucas lowered his gaze. Something wasn't right, a familiar heat spread beneath his skin His dingers curled. Not now...His breathing slowed deliberately. Outside the tall windows, daylight faded behind the mountains. The first silver light of the rising moon slipped across the marble floor. His wolf stirred, a low growl echoed inside his mind . His pulse quickened, his muscles tightened painfully. The itch beneath his skin spread through his arms and chest. He gripped the arm of the chair. The polished wood cracked beneath his fingers. "...Your Majesty? “An elder frowned. "Are you listening?" Lucas inhaled slowly. Hold it together, Just a little longer. "The marriage cannot wait...”Elder lawrence interrupted. "If Silver wood withdraws its support, other packs may follow. The kingdom needs a Luna." The elders pressed. "It needs...” Lucas slammed both hands onto the council table. The thunderous crack silenced the room. Several reports slid across the polished surface. No one moved, no one breathed. Lucas rose slowly from his chair. His blue eyes swept across every elder in the chamber. "Enough”. His voice was quiet, yet it carried through the room like thunder. Alpha Ronan swallowed before speaking again. "Your Majesty, if you would only..” "I said..."Lucas's breathing became uneven. "...enough." The room fell deathly silent, his jaw tightened. Veins ins stood out beneath his skin. Every instinct screamed for release. "This meeting..." He paused, fighting against the beast clawing inside him. "...is over." Without waiting for another word, Lucas turned and strode toward the chamber doors. The massive doors closed behind him. Only then did one elder release the breath he'd been holding. "The moon has risen." Another lowered his head solemnly. "May Selene have mercy on us all." Outside the chamber, Cassian the supreme beta was already waiting. One look at the King was enough. "It started early." Lucas kept walking. "I know." The two men moved quickly through the palace corridors. Servants immediately stepped aside, Royal Guards lowered their heads, no one dared ask questions. Lucas's breathing became heavier, his hands trembled. His nails dug into his palms until blood appeared, every step felt harder than the last. "We're almost there," Cassian said. Lucas nodded once, neither spoke again. They descended several flights beneath the palace. Past reinforced security doors, past ancient stone walls. Until they reached a massive steel gate engraved with silver runes. Cassian unlocked it. The heavy door groaned open beyond it lay a circular chamber built entirely from reinforced stone and silver alloy. Deep claw marks scarred every wall. Broken chains from years past remained embedded in the concrete like silent reminders. This place had been built for one purpose, to imprison the King of Blackthorne. Lucas walked inside without hesitation. Cassian picked up the heavy silver restraints hanging from the wall. One by one, he secured them around Lucas's wrists, then his ankles. The chains clinked softly as the final lock snapped shut. For a long moment, neither man spoke. Cassian stared at the floor. "I'm sorry." Lucas gave a faint, weary smile. "You've never had anything to apologize for." The King's breathing became ragged. His blue eyes flickered strangely, his wolf was winning. Cassian stepped toward the exit. Lucas called after him. "No matter what you hear..." Cassian stopped. "...do not open that door." He whispered For a brief moment, neither man moved. Then Cassian nodded. "I won't." The steel door closed. One lock, then another, then a third. Silence settled over the underground chamber. For several heartbeats...Nothing happened. Then a deafening roar exploded through the prison. The walls shook, the chains strained violently. Far above, inside the Royal Palace of Ashford, every servant froze where they stood. Every Royal Guard lowered his head. Another full moon had begun. And once again...Their King had become the monster he feared most.