55 vouchers The sun was setting as two guards escorted me to my carriage . I had to concentrate on my balance while I descended the veranda steps . With the damn poison in my blood , every step was a struggle , but I ground my teeth and lifted my chin , refusing to show my weakness . " My dear niece ! " The fake sweetness in my uncle's voice made my insides twist . I turned around and saw him . walking toward me , followed by his mate , Aunt Nedra , and my two cousins , Astrid and Sereia . My aunt barely spared me a glance , as if I weren't worth her attention . My cousins , however , clearly enjoyed my misery . Their cruel grins proved it . I stretched my lips into a dry smile before giving them all an elegant bow . I hated lowering my head before my father's killer , but lives were at stake , and my uncle would use any opportunity to show his newly given authority . " Look at you ! You look nearly as stunning as your mother . " Uncle clasped his hands together . A sly smirk tugged at his lips as he examined my shoes , dress , and fur - trimmed cloak . " You'll make a marvelous bride , Orelia . " I didn't miss the mockery in his tone . Alpha Varian Bretomosa was known for his cruelty toward women . His three dead wives were a fine example of it . I was certain he hoped I would share their fate . It would have been another fixed problem for him . My hands curled into tight balls , my nails cutting the skin of my palms . I barely contained my rage as I raised my head and locked my eyes on his . " I hope to see you soon ... Alpha ." His smirk faded , and he cautiously looked around the courtyard , as if to check how many guards might have heard me . Then he inched closer and hissed , " Careful , niece . One might think your words were a threat . " I kept my eyes on his as I gritted out , " I wouldn't dare . " He jerked his chin at his Beta , and Vad walked over to us . " You will go with her , make sure the mating ceremony goes smoothly , and remind her of the consequences if necessary . " " As you wish , Alpha . " Vad bowed his head . My fists clenched harder . I looked at the guards surrounding us . Most of them had once sworn their loyalty to my father . How could they not see what was happening ? How could they believe that my father and others had been killed by some mere group of rebels ?! " Let's go ." Vad grabbed my arm and pushed me into the carriage . I sat on the cushioned bench , and the door slammed shut . I heard my cousins snicker . " Goodbye , Orelia ! " Astrid sang , pure mockery in her tone . Grinding my teeth , I turned to the small window . I knew it might have been the last time I looked at the Solamen Castle . To think I had dreamed of leaving this place . Guess the gods ridiculed my childish wish ... " One day , I will make them pay , " I quietly swore as the carriage began to move through the sandy road . " I will avenge my father ... even if I have to side with the worst demon in all three hells . " 7:59 Mon , Sep 22 Chapter 5 *** : ༢༩ 55 vouchers My uncle had done everything he could to limit my chances of escape . As if the damn poison in my body hadn't crushed my strength enough to even think of running away . Two warriors on horses rode at the front and two at the back . Vad , on his dark gray stallion , rode beside the carriage and kept tossing me cold glares every few seconds . It had taken us three days of riding to reach the Dark Shades Pack's territory . We had barely stopped on the way , and on those rare occasions , Vad had followed me even when I'd needed to relieve myself . The sun was setting when we crossed the border , and as soon as that happened , my ribcage shrank . I could almost taste the ominousness saturating the air ; even the sky here seemed gloomier . We followed a stone road leading uphill , and I heard several wolves howl . " They know we're coming . " Vad twisted in the saddle and dipped his head , looking at me through the window . " Your betrothed anticipates your arrival . " A dark grin curved his lips . I held his stare , refusing to show any signs of weakness , but truthfully , I was terrified . I'd heard stories about Alpha Varian , about his bloodthirst and savagery . My stomach churned each time I thought of what would happen after our vows . I would be forced to spend a night with him . I would have to bear his mark . He would force me to bear his child ... I turned away and clamped my hand over my mouth , fearing I might vomit . My wolf was still silent . I couldn't summon an ounce of my strength or even my shifter healing . I closed my eyes and drew a deep breath . I had to calm down and focus . Perhaps not all stories were true . Perhaps Alpha Varian wasn't as sick and cruel as the stories told . That was possible ... right ? The howling became louder the further we went . My insides twisted even more as the carriage stopped in front of a castle's main entrance . A dozen wolves prowled toward us , surrounding us . Vad opened the carriage door and grabbed my hand , pulling me out . " Time to go , princess . Don't let me drag you to your wedding ." I wished I could wipe the smug smirk off his face . Punching him , unfortunately , was not an option . I raised my chin and slowly walked toward the entrance . I began to ascend the stairs when two bulky guards in black mantles appeared on the threshold . One of them , a man with closely cropped ash - blond hair , nodded at Vad and smirked . " We'll take her from here . " I turned around and glanced at Vad and two warriors flanking him . For the first time , I hoped he would insist on supervising me personally , but he only chuckled and said , " She's all yours . " A heartbeat passed , and he and others hurriedly descended the stairs , heading to their horses . Fucking cowards . They couldn't wait to get the hell out of the Dark Shades Pack's territory . I was merely a package they delivered . The rage bubbled inside me , but I kept my expression blank as I turned to Bretomosa's warriors and slowly walked toward them . The one with the ash - blond hair scanned me from head to toe before giving me at mocking bow . " Welcome to Bretomosa's Castle , princess . " I gave him a curt nod and passed the threshold , entering the raw ascetic interior with bloody red carpets as the only element of decoration . I took another step into a gray stone hall , and all my fears began to surface . The massive doors on the opposite side creaked , and a tall , bulky man entered the room . He locked his golden , snake - like eyes on me , and one side of his thin lips curled up . A dark chuckle escaped him as he walked toward me , smoothing his brown - gray beard with his hand . 7:59 Mon , Sep 22 Chapter 5 87 55 vouchers " Well , well , well ... You surely are a stunning little creature . " He licked his lips as his eyes drifted to my cleavage . I struggled to control the nausea coiling within me . I slowly bowed my head , painting my face as neutral as I could as he walked around me . He hummed and nodded , appraising me like a newly bought mare . Finally , he straightened up and turned to the blond - haired warrior . " Tell the maids to prepare her , then bring her to my chamber ." My stomach dropped to my knees . I couldn't go to his chamber . I had to stall for time , hoping for the poison . to leave my body , hoping for a chance to escape . I was still too weak , too defenseless ... I couldn't stop my voice from trembling as I asked , " Alpha ... b - but what about our vows ? " The men in the room burst into cold laughter . Then Alpha Varian inched closer and forcefully grabbed my chin . " I'm an old - fashioned man . " A menacing grin stretched across his lips . " I don't believe in vows . Shifters don't need them ... " He lifted his hand and let the nail on his forefinger turn into a claw . Then he pressed the pointed tip against the crook of my neck . " They only need to mark what is theirs ." He leaned over my ear and whispered , " And you've just become my favorite possession ." 7:59 Mon , Sep 22 Chapter 6 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!