Silver Oath

Chapter 5

KAEL

Dawn arrived without ceremony. It came faster than I had expected. It crept over the Voss lands in a thin grey wash, draining the night of its protection and leaving everything exposed.

The mist clung low to the ground as my car rolled through the outer gates. The sentries opened them without meeting my eyes.

A small smirk appeared on my face “this land is going to be mine”

I didn't bother bringing an army, I don't need one.

Only Ronan stepped out with me. The stone beneath my boots was cold, like it was reminding me that the pack hates me.

But who cares?

I chuckled at the thought of that. The Voss pack had gathered in the hall, they stood in a very arranged order, their heads bowed with their backs straight.

I walked through them without slowing, the hall had been dressed for a wedding, white clothes were hanging from the beams, there was silver thread woven into banners bearing the Voss sigil.

The attempt to beautify the hall felt desperate, like flowers being laid over a grave.

I strolled over to the front where I took my place while Ronan remained half a step behind me.

The priest arrived and he was looking older than I expected, his eyes were rimmed red like he hadn't slept for days. He set the ceremonial items in place with careful hands. The blade, the cloth and a bowl of blood.

I stared at the door, patiently waiting for my bride to enter, I wanted to see her face. To check if she was ready for what's laying ahead of her.

I felt like the time stretched thin, then the door opened.

Lyra Voss entered without announcement, the first thing I noticed was not her appearance, but the way the room reacted to her, the subtle shift in attention.

She was wearing a goddamn silver, the dress fitted her so well I almost confused her for a goddess.

She walked slowly towards me with her eyes fixed on mine.

I chuckled quietly wondering where she got her sudden courage from. She couldn't look me in the eyes without shivering a few hours ago.

She stopped beside me, close enough that I could feel the warmth of her skin through the thin air between us. My mark stirred, a brief irritation hit me.

I nodded for the priest to go on, he cleared his throat and began, he spoke of unity, bonds and of the bloodline joined to ensure peace, but none of that mattered.

Lyra didn't look at the priest, instead she stared straight ahead with her jaw set and her shoulders relaxed in a very strange calm way.

The binding cloth was wrapped around our wrist, I felt her accidental touch on my skin and I almost jumped. It was electric, something I have never felt before.

The blade was offered to me first, I took it and without a pause, I cut my palm and passed the blade to her.

She hesitated for a while before taking the blade from me and cutting through her palm too.

Her blood slid into mine, and I felt a deep pull in my chest. My mark burned too but I ignored the sudden pain and it was sealed and the bowl was removed.

Lyra Voss is now my wife.

The words settled in my chest like a curse.

The witnesses were dismissed quietly and not a single of them celebrated. A wedding like this does not invite Joy, it's just a mode of survival.

Lyra stood still beside me as the priest stepped back, I could still feel her presence, it was like a heat against my arm.

She didn't turn to look at me nor did I turn.

“I hope you'll truly hold on to your words,” she finally said, with a voice low enough that only I could hear. “And free my pack’s land.”

I turned my head just enough to glance at her. “As long as your pack holds on to theirs.” I replied.

Her mouth twitched and her eyelid fluttered “Finally married a monster.” she muttered under her breath but I caught the words.

“And don't forget to thank the Moon Goddess for that.” I said calmly.

Her eyes flickered to mine and I could see pure hatred written in them.

I liked it.

I love it when people show their hatred.

“You should prepare yourself,” I told her quietly. “ This is where you learn what life actually means.”

She didn't say a word but her face was hardened, I smirked before turning towards the door. “Are you ready to go?”

I didn't wait to her response and walked towards the exit door

The few important Voss pack members left in the hall bow as I passed, I could smell rage in them. The Alpha bowed last, he was slower than the rest, his head was dipping with reluctance that tasted like ash.

Behind me, I heard Lyra's footsteps as I stepped outside. The air had warmed slightly, the morning light broke through the mist in the gold vein, illuminating the stone courtyard and the waiting vehicles.

Ronan stepped beside me in a haste “I already called escorts,” he said casually. “Because I figured out, you and your newly wedded wife can go home alone and enjoy tonight.”

I stopped in my tracks and slowly turned my head. He met my stare with a look that suggested that he knew exactly how stupid that sounded and still said it anyway.

I considered smacking him for a second. “Say that again,” I said flatly.

Instead, he lifted his hands in surrender “You know, the tradition.” he winked making me snort “First night-”

“There will be no enjoyment.” I cut him short. “And if you ever volunteer commentary on my marriage again, I'll demote you to border patrol.” I threatened.

“Worth it.” he grinned instead.

I ignored him and resumed walking till I got to where the cars were parked. I moved to mine and the car doors opened, Ronan stepped back, signaling for Lyra to enter first.

She sighed deeply after a pause that made me assume she would turn and run away from me but she didn't, she stepped in without a word, I followed suit, shutting the door behind me.

I watched her from the corner of my eyes as the car rolled forward. I studied the way she held her arms tight against herself.

“Are you planning to kill me?” I asked quietly.

I saw her body stiffened instantly, the air inside the car shifted, she turned her head slowly with her eyes widening a little.

She smirked a little harder before whispering to my face “Guess, am I?"