HOW I BECAME ALPHA KARREN'S DEMON

Selena’s POV A soft breath escaped my lips as warm hands traced over my skin, igniting a fire deep inside me. I could feel pleasure at its peak. My fingers curled against the bare chest before me. It was Karren's. His touch was unfamiliar, yet it felt like I had known it forever. His lips ghosted over mine, teasing, waiting for permission I wasn’t sure I could give. But I did. I melted into him, letting his hands claim me. A part of me screamed that this was wrong, that he didn’t want me, that I was just a pawn in this game. But in this moment, under the silver glow of the moon, I let myself believe. That maybe… maybe he did. I kept on kissing him. Then, in the blink of an eye, everything changed. The warmth in his gaze turned to shock. Blood spilled over my hands. It was his blood. The dagger in my grip dripped with it. His icy blue eyes met mine, filled with betrayal, pain. My heart pounded as I stepped back, horrified, unable to comprehend what I had done. “No,” I gasped, dropping the blade. “No, I didn’t, what have I done?” His body collapsed before I could finish. I screamed. And then there was darkness. And I woke up. My chest heaved, and my skin was damp with sweat. My pulse was racing, my body trembling as if I had truly been there, as if I had truly held that blade and… killed him. I gasped for air, trying to calm my pounding heart. But then I heard a whisper. It was faint. Chilling and close. I held my breath, listening. Another whisper. This time, it came from beyond my door. Slowly, I pushed the blankets aside, my bare feet touching the cold floor as I rose. Every step I took toward the door felt heavier, as though something on the other side was waiting. I placed my hand on the knob and turned it. It was nothing. I didn't see anyone. The corridor outside was empty. Silent. As if I had imagined it all. A shaky breath escaped me as I turned to go back toward my bed. Suddenly I saw Karren standing there. I was startled. His icy gaze bore into me, the same as in my dream. Unreadable. Cold. I staggered back, my lips parting in shock. "You" His eyes darkened. I gasped. And woke up again. For real this time. The dim glow of candlelight filled the room, and I could feel the familiar presence beside me. Lilith. "You were shivering all night," her voice was soft, concerned. "Another nightmare?" I let out a shaky breath, nodding. "The worst one yet." I turned to her with a frightened look "Maybe it's a sign. Maybe I shouldn't go through with this marriage." Lilith scoffed. " You don’t have a choice, Selena. The demons have chosen you." “ I can escape to the human realm. No one will find me.” I argued. “Selena, you will risk humanity if you do that.” Lilith said. I swallowed hard, the weight of her words pressing down on me. I knew she was right. I sat up slowly, my body still trembling from the nightmare. The room was dim, illuminated only by the flickering glow of the candles placed along the walls. Shadows danced across Lilith’s sharp features as she watched me with an unreadable expression. "You will risk humanity if you do that," she repeated, her voice calm but firm. I swallowed the lump in my throat, my mind racing. "How can marrying a werewolf be the only solution?" I whispered. "There has to be another way." Lilith sighed, standing from her chair and walking to the window. The crimson moon cast an eerie glow over the demon kingdom, the darkened landscape stretching endlessly beyond. "You think I don’t understand your fear?" she asked, her back still turned to me. "You think I don’t see the doubt in your eyes?" I bit my lip, gripping the bed sheets. "You are not the only one who has sacrificed for our kind," she continued. "But you are the only one who was chosen. The elders decided this union would keep the peace. This isn’t just about marriage, it’s about balance. If you run, you doom not just yourself, but everyone." I clenched my fists. “ Demons and werewolves never loved each other. What if… what if I become the very thing they fear?" Lilith finally turned to face me, her red eyes unwavering. "Then prove them wrong." Silence stretched between us. I wanted to fight her words, to reject them, but deep down, I knew she was right. There was no escape from this fate. I was bound to Karren, whether I wanted it or not. A knock at the door broke the tension. Lilith’s eyes flicked toward me before she moved to open it. A servant stood on the other side, his expression cautious as he bowed. "The Elders request Selena’s presence," he announced. My heart clenched. So soon? Lilith turned back to me. "It’s time." I swallowed hard, pushing the sheets aside. My legs felt weak as I stood, but I forced myself to stay steady. The weight of my fate pressed down on me like chains, but I wouldn’t show fear. I was never summoned by elders until today. I was seen as a weakling. An abomination from the sins of my father, former ruler of demons. He mated with my mother who was human. Such an abomination. She died giving birth to me. My father couldn't bear the loss and murdered himself. I was left alone to cruelty. I would show no fear nor emotion. Not now. Not ever. Lilith stepped forward, her hand reaching for mine. I hesitated at first, but when her cool fingers wrapped around mine, a strange warmth spread through me, it was a silent reassurance. "You are stronger than you think, Selena," she murmured, her voice softer now. "You have endured more than most. You will endure this too." I looked up at her, searching her face for a lie, but there was none. Lilith had always been the closest thing I had to family. If she believed in me, maybe I could believe in myself too. I took a deep breath, gripping her hand tighter. "I’ll do it," I said, my voice steadier than before. "I’ll marry Alpha Karren." Lilith gave me a small nod, a rare flicker of approval in her crimson eyes. As we followed the servant down the long, stone corridors of the castle, I couldn't stop my thoughts from drifting to Karren. I had only seen him a handful of times from a distance, always stoic, always unreadable. The stories surrounding him were endless. Some said he was ruthless, a beast who had no mercy. Others whispered that he had once been kind, before something in him shattered. I wasn’t sure which version to believe. But one thing was certain, he was the strongest of his kind. A king among wolves. And now, he was to be my husband. I forced my feet forward, my heart pounding against my ribs. Whatever awaited me in that room, whatever fate had decided, I would not run. I would face it.