Cruel Vows: Claimed by the Demon King

"What? No way, Father! There's no way I'll allow Bella to do it. I firmly object!" Tristan's voice echoed through the grand hall, freezing the surrounding air. The weight of his defiance hung heavy, a thunderclap echoing in the tense silence. George, the former Alpha king, the father of Tristan, sighed deeply, his gaze piercing through his son's stubbornness. "Tristan, I know this is difficult, but you must make your decision not just as Bella's mate, but as the Alpha of the Royal Crescent Pack. You must let her enter the land of the Demons!" Tristan's jaw clenched, a mixture of anger and desperation boiling within him. The thought of Bella—a fierce warrior, a light in his life—stepping into the dark domain of the Demon King made his blood run cold. "I am the Alpha King. I will protect my mate, and I will not send her to spy on that monster! How can you even think about this, Father? This isn't a child's game!" His tone sliced through the air, an electric tension lingering in the room. "Tristan, emotions are good, but until they don't make you weak! Stop being emotional and think about the pack, and your future!" George’s voice, though calm, was laced with urgency. "What future? A future that could cost me my love? No way!" Tristan's fierce declaration resonated through the cold corridor, a protective fire ignited within him. As father and son clashed, Bella stood to the side, her heart racing, feeling the storm of emotions swirling within her. The proposal of entering the Demon land as a spy felt like a dagger twisted in her gut. Spy? Betray the Demon King? The mere thought sent shivers down her spine, her hands trembling as fear danced in her heart. "Tristan," George continued, his tone softened, "This is about more than just you and Bella. The greatest Alpha King ceremony is just three months away. Derek Roger, the Rogue King, is gaining favor, and if he manages to win the council's support, he could snatch the throne away from you." Tristan’s frustration simmered beneath the surface. "Let him try. But I won't sacrifice Bella for power." Bella's heart ached at the sight of Tristan, the love of her life, his resolve etched on his face. She remembered their laughter, their shared dreams under starlit skies. He was her everything, but now she felt the weight of their future pressing down on her like an impending storm. "Tristan, calm down and listen!" George interjected, desperation creeping into his voice. "The rogue king is your biggest threat, but the real danger is the Demon King. You need to know what he is planning. If we eliminate that threat, you secure your throne, and your future with Bella." The silence hung heavy in the air as Tristan's expression hardened. George’s urgency ignited a fire in Bella’s heart. She felt compelled to act, torn between her love for Tristan and the looming danger that threatened their world. "Bella," George turned towards her, eyes earnest, "You're the only one I trust to do this. You know how much this throne means to him, to us. You have the strength to navigate the Demon lands. This isn’t just for you; it’s for the future of our pack." Bella swallowed hard, contemplating the implications of his words. Betrayal was not in her nature, but what if this was the only way to end the war? She stole a glance at Tristan, whose fierce protectiveness and anguish made her heart twist. "Father, you can't expect me to betray someone like that. The Demon King isn't just a name; he's a force of destruction. If I step into that realm..." Bella's voice trailed off, uncertainty mingling with her growing determination. George persisted, "It’s just for three months. If you can learn his plans, you can help Tristan secure his rightful place as Alpha King without bloodshed. It’s a small price to pay for peace." Tristan’s anger flared again, his eyes blazing. "You think I would ever let Bella step into that hell alone? She could die there!" "I’m not a child, Tristan," Bella interjected, her voice steady, filled with resolve. "I have responsibilities as well. I know you’re worried, but this could be our only chance to secure a future. If I can uncover what the Demon King intends, it could end the war." Tristan's heart raced, a maelstrom of emotions swirling inside him. "You’re talking about living in a den of monsters. You can’t be serious." "Do you think I want to go? No. But I want to protect you and our future." Bella's resolve shone through, her eyes locked on Tristan's with fierce determination. "I believe in our love, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the greater good." After a moment of silence, Tristan linked his mind with Bella. 'I can’t stand the thought of losing you,' he thought, desperation coating his words. 'You won't lose me,' she replied, her voice a calming balm in his chaos. 'Trust me, I will return. I promise.' "John, why are you silent? Do you also think I'm wrong?" George asked John, who was staring at his daughter and thinking, how can he allow her to leave alone? Bella also turned towards her father, and immediately her eyes softened after seeing him because just by his gaze, she knew he was hesitating but she couldn't back off now. Looking at him with her pleading eyes, Bella whispered please gently under her breath, which made John's heart ache by thinking, when did his little baby become so big! He raised Bella on his own after the death of his wife. Even though he's still a great warrior of Crescent Pack but Bella is his entire world; how can he put her in danger? Sighing helplessly, Bella turned towards George and said in her cold, dominating tone, "I'm going to do it, and that's final!" Tristan's eyes were bloodied, full of anger and pain, but he remained silent because he knew she would not listen to him. Two days later, the weight of impending separation loomed over them as they stood at the border of the dark Kingdom, the air thick with unspoken fears. Shadows danced menacingly around them, the landscape shifting like a beast poised to strike. "Bella, are you sure about this?" Tristan's voice was hoarse, laced with worry. Memories of their shared moments—laughter, whispers, stolen kisses—replayed in his mind like a haunting melody. He watched her, strong yet so vulnerable in this moment, the resolve in her gaze both inspiring and terrifying. "I need your strength, Tristan. Don’t let me waver," Bella replied, her determination etched on her features, though doubt flickered beneath the surface. Tristan clenched his fists, knowing that she was resolute. She had taken the potion to suppress her wolf, making her unrecognizable as a werewolf. The thought of her entering that treacherous realm, devoid of her powers, sent a chill down his spine. "Remember, Bella," George chimed in, urgency sharpening his tone, "Your mission is to gather information, to ensure the Demon King poses no threat. But if all else fails, don’t hesitate. You know what must be done." "Kill the Demon Lord?" Tristan echoed incredulously, his eyes wide with shock. "Father, that’s—" "Bella, you’re not to confront him unless absolutely necessary," George interrupted. "You are not a soldier in a war but a spy seeking peace." As they exchanged final glances, Bella stepped closer to Tristan, her voice low and firm. "I love you, Tristan. I will be back. I promise." With tears brimming in his eyes, Tristan whispered, "I love you too, my Amos." Finally, with a heavy heart, Bella crossed the border, the dark land looming before her like a beast waiting to pounce. The promise of her return echoed in her mind, a lifeline to hold onto as she delved into the shadows. As Tristan turned away, the weight of his father’s words hung heavily in the air. Just as he prepared to leave, a call broke through the silence, the urgency palpable. "Tristan, Bella can’t go to the dark Kingdom. She’ll die there! You have to stop her!" As Tristan turned away, a desperate voice called out from the woods. Tristan's heart dropped, dread washing over him. Had he made a mistake? He instantly turned back toward the border, desperation clawing at his chest. "Bella!" he shouted out of his lungs, but the shadows had already swallowed her figure, leaving him with nothing but the weight of impending doom.