Married Off To The Savage Primordial Beast

Wolfless?!!

Elise's POV

For a few minutes now, I would stand under the full moon to receive my wolf. My chest tighten with that thought alone. For the first time, I would no longer be alone. I would finally have someone who would remain with me forever.

I put on the simplest white gown I could find in my wardrobe. It wasn’t new, but it was spotless and unadorned. On my head, I set a small floral wreath I had crafted myself. It was the only beautiful thing I possessed, and I wanted it on me when I met the Moon Goddess.

“Am I looking at a crown? Seriously? How pitiful, Elise.”

My heart jumped as Rhea stormed into my room without knocking. Her tone soaked in contempt.

“So, how is the little present I gave you yesterday? Did it finally open your blind eyes?” she asked, her voice slicing through me.

“Yes, thank you. It prevented me from wasting my affection on someone weak,” I replied honestly. At least now I wouldn’t pour my love into someone who was never going to stand and fight for me.

She sneered, stepping nearer. I could feel fury building on her face. “You’ve grown a mouth, haven’t you? Since when did you become so daring, you ungrateful wretch?” Her gaze narrowed as it landed on the wreath on my head. “Even that thing can’t conceal your ugly face.”

When she reached to rip it away, I caught her hand midair. “You don't dare do that, Rhea.” My voice shook, but my grip was steady. This wreath was for my mother. It was the only thing keeping her memory alive within me. I would not allow anyone to touch it.

“Touch it, and I’ll rip your hand off the moment I receive my wolf,” I warned through clenched teeth.

Her expression twisted in fury, shocked that I had stopped her hand. “How dare you threaten me?!” she screamed. “I’ll report you to my father!”

“Go on,” I shot back. “Tell him. What’s the worst he could do? Lock me away? Beat me again? Give me thirty lashes like he always do? Or maybe kill me this time?” I let out a hollow laugh. “Go ahead, Rhea, Tell him. I’m dying to know.”

She glared at me with intensity. “Just because you’re getting your wolf tonight doesn’t mean you’re untouchable.”

I gave a quiet laugh, shaking my head. “You think I spoke to you like this because I’m getting a wolf? You always amuse me.”

“Laugh all you want, Elise. When I tell my father, you’ll regret every word you spoke.”

“Nothing in this world frightens me anymore,” I said softly. “Not even death. I have nothing left to lose. If your father ends my life tonight, I’ll consider it mercy.”

Her jaw tightened. She wanted to say something more vicious, but nothing came. Then she smirked. “Enjoy your bravery while it lasts, Elise. When you meet that merciless Lycan king, you’ll wish we had killed you first.” With that, she stormed out.

Once the door shut, I released the breath I had been holding. My hands trembled. I didn’t even know where that courage came from. Maybe that’s what happens when you are this close to your end. Because after tonight’s ritual, I would be sent away to serve the Lycan king as his concubine.

I looked at my reflection one final time in the mirror. The girl staring back appeared exhausted, shattered, yet a faint spark still lingered in her eyes that refused to die. I inhaled deeply and stepped outside. The faint glow of torches illuminated the path ahead.

People had already assembled, forming a wide circle. Some greeted me as I passed, but their eyes carried no warmth. To them, I would always be the daughter of a traitor. I walked silently, trying to ignore their piercing whispers.

“Good luck, Elise” Oliver whispered as I walked past her.

I gave a small nod and murmured back, “Thank you.” Then I moved to the center of the circle.

Seven of us stood beneath the shining light of the full moon. “It is time!” one elder shouted. “Raise your heads and call upon the Moon Goddess! May she bless you with her strength!”

I lifted my head, staring at the moon glowing like a watchful eye above us. Around me, the others began shifting one by one as their wolves awakened.

I shut my eyes and whispered my prayer. “CThe glorious Moon Goddess, ruler of the midnight skies, I stand before you as your child. Bathe me in your radiance. Guide my path and fill me with your power. May your sacred insight light my way forward.”

Seconds became minutes. My heart hammered as silence fell over the circle. I tried again and again, but nothing came. I felt hollow. Frozen. The bond I had longed for all my life never arrived.

Then I heard laughter echo behind me.

“A traitor’s daughter, and now a wolfless wretch. It seems even the Moon Goddess rejects you,” Rhea said loudly enough for all to hear. Her words tore through me like blades.

“Shut up, Rhea!” Alpha Pascal roared. “The ceremony is finished! Everyone return home and celebrate with your families! And no one speaks of what happened here tonight, for the sake of the pack!”

The crowd began dispersing, but Alpha Pascal seized my arm and dragged me toward the house. The moment the door closed, his hand struck my face.

“You bastard wretch!” he shouted at me.

Aria hurried forward, her face etched with panic “What are we going to do now, Pascal? We can’t send her to the palace without a wolf. She’s just a useless human!”

“Calm down, my dear,” Alpha Pascal muttered.

“Calm down? My daughter’s life is at risk because of this!”

“Nothing changes,” Alpha Pascal said coldly. “We are still sending Elise to the Lycan king. Everything will be fine if this woman keeps her mouth shut.” Without warning, he pulled out his dagger and hurled it at me. It landed at my feet.

Aria’s eyes stretched. “And how do you know she won’t speak?”

Pascal’s voice sharpened. “I’ll make sure of it.” He stepped closer until his face was inches from mine. “Listen carefully, you useless creature. If you ever say a word about this to the Lycan king or anyone in the palace, I will make you wish for death. Do you understand?”

I met his gaze without flinching. “Do you think I care, Father? I am already dead. Why not take you with me?”

“You ungrateful wretch!” he snarled, striking me again. Blood filled my mouth. Pain exploded across my face, yet I didn’t cry.

I raised my head and looked at Roland, who stood silently in the corner. His eyes flickered with something—fear, pity, maybe guilt—but before he could move, Rhea stepped in front of him. She shook her head slowly, a cruel smile on her lips.

Pascal grabbed my face in his hand and squeezed until I could barely breathe. “Let’s be clear, Elise. You will not speak of being wolfless. Not a single word. If you care about your friend’s life, you will stay silent.”

Immediately, I felt a pang of fear clawing at me. I could die, but the thought of Oliver suffering because of me sent a chill through my spine.

He smiled, satisfied by my fear. “Perfect. Now you understand, don’t you, Elise?”

I had no strength left to resist. I gave a weak nod.

“Perfect,” he said coldly. “Rhea, dear, fix her before the palace delegation arrives.”

“Exactly, Daddy,” Rhea responded, her lips curling into a cruel grin.