" And here I was led to believe I'd be marrying your younger daughter , the one whose wolf has actually awakened , " Cassian said , his voice seeping through Father's study like slow , suffocating smoke that demanded attention . A chill crawled down my spine . Beside me , Celeste's inhale hitched so softly I almost missed it . Celeste and I hovered outside Father's study , backs pressed to the paneled wall , catching scraps of the conversation through the half - open door . None of us dared to say a word , scared shitless that the Tyrant Lord would notice our presence . Inside , Father answered in a strained baritone I barely recognized , but I knew it sounded more caution than authority. I couldn't make out the exact reply , only the brittle edge under it . Cassian chuckled , a low , amused sound that seemed utterly out of place in our family wing . It sounded like a predator slipping unnoticed into a sanctuary meant for the innocent . The silence that followed was louder than any thunderclap . Then Father's alpha senses must have caught our scents as his next words rang out . " Atasha . Celeste . You may come in ." My stomach tightened . Celeste straightened first , smoothing invisible creases in her gown , schooling her expression into gentle concern . I forced myself to mirror the composure , my pulse hammering against my ribs . We stepped over the threshold together , the study's heavy oak door swinging wider behind us . Cassian Valemont leaned against Father's desk , gray eyes flicking from Celeste to me with sharp , measuring interest , like he was already deciding which lamb would season the stew best . Father gestured us forward , jaw rigid . " Lord Valemont wishes to clarify a few details before tomorrow's journey ." He looked at both of us , then he added , " Lord Valemont , this is Atasha Black , your bride and this is Lady Celeste Black , my daughter and future Luna of my pack . " Cassian pushed away from Father's desk and sauntered toward us . He gave us that half - lazy , half - predatory gait . He stopped a breath short of Celeste and angled his head , studying her as though she were a painting he might toss on the fire if the colors displeased him . " Tell me little one ... have you ever heard a bone break ? Your own , I mean ." Celeste swallowed . " I ... n - no , my lord . " " Mm . A shame . " He tilted his head , studying the unblemished line of her collarbone . " Unbroken things often forget how fragile they are . The first crack is always .... educational . " His 11:01 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 5 : : 81 55 vouchers smile thinned . " I've been told it sounds like dry wood snapping in the frost . One day I'd like to judge the melody for myself ." Father bristled , but Cassian merely shifted his attention back to me , as if the notion of testing that " melody " were nothing more than idle curiosity . " Lord Valemont , you will not taunt my daughter in her own home . " Cassian turned , amusement sparking . " Ah , Alpha Black , ever the courteous host . You did , however , dangle this daughter in front of me like fresh meat a week ago . Forgive me if I wish to inspect the cut before I pay . " Color rose in Father's cheeks . " You came for Atasha . The marriage contract is signed and on its way to the king . " Cassian's attention slid off Celeste and settled on me like an iron yoke . " Contracts are parchment . Wolves are blood . " He indicated the two chairs arranged side by side in front of Father's desk . " Come , little bride , sit . " I obeyed , my skirts whispering across the rug as I took the left chair . Cassian followed and claimed the seat on my right , close enough that our knees brushed when he angled toward me . Instead of reclining , he perched on the edge , hooking one arm along the back of my chair so his gloved fingertips grazed the nape of my neck . It almost felt casual , too casual . " There . Balance restored , " he announced , turning a faint , dangerous smile on Father . " See ? I can be reasonable . " Father's jaw worked . " Your idea of reason is cruelty ." " Only to those who miscalculate . " Cassian's smile cut sideways . " Nightfall offered up one daughter , then tried to bargain with another . I'm merely evaluating the exchange rate ." Celeste's hands clenched together , knuckles white . " My lord , I never- " He silenced her with a glance so disinterested it stung . " Relax , little sun . I meant no insult . You're flawless ... which is precisely the problem . A flawless jewel is ornamental , a flawed blade , however , is forged to bleed ." His fingers brushed my shoulder , light enough not to bruise , heavy enough to remind me he could . " This one bears interesting imperfections ." Father stepped forward . " You've made your choice . Leave Celeste out of your games . " " Games ? " Cassian laughed " Alpha , I conquered three city - states before breakfast. This is entertainment . Although ... " he looked at Celeste . " I wouldn't mind taking a concubine . The King would not be asking questions if I asked for another bride . " 11:02 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 5 : 81 55 vouchers Lightning flashed beyond the windows , briefly etching Cassian's profile in white fire . For a heartbeat no one breathed . Then he leaned closer to me , lowering his voice until only I could hear . " Sit still , Atasha . Listen carefully . One wrong answer tonight and I'll carve your father's pride to pieces before dawn . " I kept my spine rigid , eyes fixed ahead , every nerve screaming at me to flee . Instead , I folded my hands in my lap and obediently nodded . " If you value this alliance , you will show respect , " Father exhaled through his teeth . Cassian's smile widened . " Respect is earned , Collin Black . Pray you earn it before the wedding night ." Tension tightened around us as fiercely as the storm brewing outside . Cassian's thumb began to tap the back of my chair slowly , every beat felt like an executioner's drumroll before the blade falls . Then he casually smiled and looked at me . " What would you like to drink ? " Did he just - I turned to him , confused . " Just water ... " " Water ? " he frowned . " Do you not drink wine ? " " I do . " I just didn't mention it's been years since I had my last one . Wolfless Omegas like me aren't allowed near the pack's good wine . " Excellent ," Cassian murmured , then flicked a commanding glance at Celeste . " Bring wine for your princess and me . And I want the best . " Father immediately frowned . " My lord , my daughter is no servant- " Mind your tongue , Alpha Black . " Cassian cut him off . " You stand before the Prince Regent of Arecor and his chosen consort . Unless you believe your house outranks the royal bloodline , you will let the girl obey " 11:02 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 6 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!