Chapter 1 Vivian's POV I sit alone in my room, unsure what to do with myself. I still can't wrap my head around how things have ended up like this. The memory of the bloodshed is raw, like an open wound that refuses to close, and the faces of my dead friends flash before my eyes no matter how hard I try to push them away. My father isn't coping either. Our Alpha, Beta, and Gamma were slaughtered, their families wiped out completely during the attack. The only reason my father and I are still breathing is because he surrendered. Our pack is drowning in grief, and deep down I know we may never recover from the carnage. I'm only nineteen, and already life feels ruined. My father comes to check on me. He lingers in the doorway for a moment, clearly thinking over whatever it is he came to say, before stepping in and sitting down on the couch across from my bed. "Viv, how have you been holding up?" he asks gently. "All my friends are gone, Daddy. I don't have anyone left. I might never even meet my mate. This is a fucking nightmare." My voice cracks as tears sting my eyes. He moves over, sitting beside me on the edge of my bed, and wraps me in his arms. I let the grief pour out of me, sobbing until I can barely breathe, the images of that horrific day flooding my mind. "I know it's hard, and I can't promise it's going to get easier, my child," he says quietly, his voice heavy with the weight of truth. I keep crying, unable to stop. His sigh feels like it carries years of exhaustion. He's worn down to the bone. He'd been ready to die with the others, but he gave himself up for my sake. I don't know if I should be grateful for that or hate him for it. Many in the pack are thankful-his surrender kept the Ravenclan from killing all of us. But now they're already taking over everything. I've heard things about their Alpha. Orion. Controlling. Cold. A man who never smiles. Wealthy beyond reason, with multiple territories under his command. Ours is just another prize to add to his collection. Somehow, I doubt we'll be spared the kind of life that feels like slavery. "I hate to be the one to tell you this," my father starts, his tone low. That alone makes me straighten a little, my pulse picking up. Whatever's coming, it's not good. "For Alpha Orion to fully absorb us, I have to marry you off to him. It's the only way to show that our loyalty and surrender are real." The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I pull away from him so fast it's instinct, getting to my feet before I even register what I'm doing. "What?" My voice is sharp, almost a shout. My brain can't keep up-what the hell did I just hear? I'm nineteen. A virgin. I haven't met my mate, haven't had the chance to actually live. Now my life's supposed to be handed over like some bargaining chip? Panic sets in, my chest tightening as my breaths come too fast. "You need to calm down, Viv. This isn't my choice. He asked for you specifically. I'm sure it's just a way to test me, to see if I'm truly loyal. If I refuse, it'll be a sign we haven't surrendered." His voice is firm, but I shake my head furiously. "No, Daddy. My life is not a fucking peace offering." "And what do you want me to do? Say no, and watch him slaughter every last one of us? Because he can, Viv. He will." My fists clench. "That man doesn't give a damn about me, and I sure as hell don't care about him. I'm only nineteen, Father. He's twenty-nine-he's already lived, loved, been mated. How the hell is this fair to me?" But even as the words leave my mouth, I can see it in his eyes-this isn't up for debate. He's made his choice. So I do the only thing I can. I run. I bolt out of my room, out of the house, and don't stop. I refuse to shift-showing up naked isn't part of the plan-so I push my human body as far as it will go. I'm not even thinking straight. I just know I need to get to the Alpha's residence and make him reject me himself. If I can irritate him enough, make him see I'm not worth the trouble, maybe he'll back off. I've never laid eyes on Alpha Orion, but I'm certain I'd know him instantly. People say he's intimidating as hell. I run until my lungs burn, until I reach what used to be our Alpha's home-now just another property in Orion's collection. I'm gasping for air, but I don't slow. The front of the house is guarded by men who look like they'd rip me apart without a second thought. None of them are from our pack. This is it. I've come too far to turn back. I step out of the trees and head for the open space. The guards tense immediately, scenting me. Before I can even speak, I'm tackled to the ground, silver chains biting into my skin. The burn is brutal, but I grind my teeth and refuse to cry. "I demand to see the Alpha!" I shout as they hold me down. My voice echoes, defiant. "I want to see the Alpha!" I yell again, louder this time, and I hear some of them laugh like I'm a joke. They drag me into a waiting room, shoving me into a chair. A man approaches-big, broad-shouldered, with brown hair and green eyes that radiate danger. There's something in his gaze that warns me not to look away. So I don't. I meet his stare, unflinching, daring him to make the first move. The brown-haired man fixes his sharp gaze on me. "What do you want with Alpha Orion?" "I need to talk to him," I answer, keeping my voice steady even though my wolf is already second-guessing this whole plan. She's pacing in my head, whispering that we've made a stupid mistake by showing up here. Too late now. There's no turning back. "Do you have an appointment?" he asks. I simply shake my head. "Then make one," he says flatly, turning as if the conversation's over. "I can't," I shoot back, my tone edged. "My father intends to marry me off to him." That stops him. One brow arches, his eyes narrowing as he studies me like he's trying to catch a lie. When he realizes I'm dead serious, his expression hardens. "You're Blackwood's daughter?" "Delta Blackwood," I correct sharply. "Not anymore," he replies without a flicker of hesitation. My anger flares instantly. They've taken everything-our home, our titles, our pride. And now, apparently, my future. Why the hell would Orion want to marry me? I'm about to blurt out something I'll regret when a deep, commanding voice rolls from behind a closed door. The Alpha's voice. Even in my foul mood, I can't deny it's... well, it's the kind of voice that demands attention-rich, masculine, dangerous. "Follow me," the brown-haired man orders. I raise an eyebrow at him, and when he looks confused, I rattle my bound wrists. He removes the silver chains, using a glove so he doesn't have to touch me skin-to-skin. Coward. My wrists are raw and burned, and I know they won't heal for at least a day or two. I step into the office-and freeze. His voice hadn't lied. Alpha Orion is devastatingly handsome, the kind of man who would be every woman's fantasy if he weren't the enemy. Dark hair, darker eyes, sharp features that carry a perpetual scowl. He looks like a man who's never smiled in his life. My stupid heart skips a beat, but I force myself to stand tall. I am not here to swoon over him. "What do you want? I don't have all day," he says, each word clipped with disdain. "I don't want to marry you. Pick something else," I state bluntly. His gaze fixes on me, cold and unreadable. "Or else what?" The question throws me. I hadn't come to threaten him, but he's twisting my words like I did. My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. "Nothing," I admit finally. 'Stupid girl, we never should've come here,' my wolf mutters in my head. I shut her out. "A man like you shouldn't tie himself to someone like me," I say, my chin lifting. His brow arches, and the gesture somehow makes him look even more dangerous. "What exactly do you mean by that?" "I'm nobody," I explain. "I'm sure your pack is full of beautiful, capable women. You don't need to shackle yourself to a nineteen-year-old nobody. You already have our loyalty-you don't need me to make them obey." He shakes his head slowly. "The pack isn't the problem. I need to be certain your father stays in line." I frown. "Why are you so concerned with my father?" "Because he's the Alpha's brother, which makes him an Alpha by blood. The only reason he's still alive is because he surrendered. I don't hold a grudge, but I don't keep potential threats without putting them on a leash. And you're right-you're not good enough for me. You never will be. You're insurance, nothing more. I have no desire for women like you, and you couldn't handle what I want anyway. The wedding will happen, exactly for the reason I just told you. If you run, I'll wipe out your father and the pack. I don't need them." His voice is flat, final. "Now leave." I keep my face blank, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing how much his words sting. "You're not my type either. I only came here to try to save myself the misery of marrying an old man." I start to turn, but the brown-haired asshole blocks my path, grabbing my arm. 'You've really done it now, Viv,' my wolf says, her hackles rising. "I'm guessing you've never heard of me," Orion says, his face like carved stone. "I don't tolerate disrespect. If you ever speak to me like that again, you'll regret it." His tone is icy, calm, terrifying. "Now leave." I don't reply. I walk out without looking back, push through the building's doors, and the moment I hit the forest, I shift and run. Title: Crown of Vengeance In "Crown of Vengeance" by CrushReel, delve into a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. Unravel the intricate web of deceit as a woman's life is shattered by family secrets and a tragic twist of fate. Amid themes of revenge, family dynamics, and dark revelations, this ongoing drama unfolds within the walls of a mysterious mansion where past wrongs resurface to haunt the present. Discover the depths of human emotion as our protagonist navigates a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. What sets "Crown of Vengeance" apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the quest for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Available to read at CrushReel, this story promises a riveting journey through the shadows of the past towards a future where truth may ultimately prevail.