Chapter Three

My heart sinks to my feet as we drive into Silver Glow territory. This is really happening. I've spent the last five days in a haze, my days passing in a blur as I prepared to leave. Each day, I waited for a messenger to bring a message informing me that he was no longer interested and wanted to terminate the bond….it never came.

"Are you nervous?". I jerk at the sound of my father's voice from beside me. He decided to travel with me for this trip and I don't know how I feel about that. I can't seem to erase the look of horror on his face when I had brought back our copy of the agreement. He hadn't even been aware that I went to Silver Glow for help…..because it was Mama who had sent me.

"What have you done, mi amor?". He had asked, his blood stained fingers trembling as he gripped the paper tightly. And I had said nothing. I might have made a bad decision, but at least my family and pack were safe….the only thing that mattered.

When he had said he'd follow me on this trip today, I had objected lightly. We have barely spoken since I brought back the agreement and awkward is all we've been towards each other. This is an uncomfortable trip for the both of us.

"No". I reply to his question, pasting a tiny, strained smile on my face. "I'm not nervous at all". When his hand reaches out to cover mine, I know he can tell I'm lying. I'm actually so nervous I'm this close to shitting myself. But I can't admit that to anybody. I brought this upon us, I must face it bravely.

"It's not too late to turn around, you know. I can go talk to him, work something out……".

"No". I snap. "The House of Heroux never go back on their word, Father. I'm not about to". I pull my hand away from his. "This is the last dignified thing I can do for the pack". The tears prickle my eyes and I quickly turn to the window, blinking them away rapidly. We are drawing closer and closer to my fate. My heart thumps in my chest and when the car finally comes to a stop in front of the sprawling mansion of the Ventura household, I'm practically a nervous wreck. But if there's one thing being raised as Lyon Heroux's daughter has taught me, it's to maintain a rigid spine in the face of despair.

An omega pulls the door open for me and I step out, my dress rustling underneath me. The color choice has been intentional. The red and gold of my dress are the Shadowflame colours and I wear them proudly and purposefully. Regardless of conditions, I'll always be a Shadowflame daughter, I hope they all understand my message.

We are led inside and I walk into the room with my father by my side. The whole council is once again present and are seated in two opposite rows, leaving a wide walkway in the middle of the grand hall. Once again, he is seated on a high seat at the head of the room..the alpha…my mate…my husband. All their eyes follow our every step till we come to a stop in front of Draaven. My father speaks first.

"Your Honor….". He says stiffly. "I have come with my daughter on this very important day. I bring her as my daughter, and will leave her behind as your wife. I also come to express my sincere appreciation for the aid in the war. We will uphold our end of the agreement and I look forward to all that this fruitful alliance has to offer".

Draaven doesn't say anything as his gaze bores into my father's intensely. They remain like that for a while longer than normal. It feels like some kind of silent exchange is going on and my brows furrow nervously as I glance at my father. 

"You say you've come to show your appreciation?". Draaven asks as he pushes to his feet. His voice is low and condescending as he slowly walks forward towards us. He stops a few feet away and thrusts his hands into his pockets. "Show it then. Get down on your knees". 

A silent gasp ripples through the room and my eyes widen in shock and anger. "What?". I ask in disbelief.

He turns to me, an eyebrow raised haughtily. "You heard me. Let Lyon Heroux get down on his knees to express his appreciation". 

"How dare you!!!!!". The anger courses through my veins in hot waves. "This is not necessary. We have upheld our end of the agreement!!!".

"If you are not happy having your father kneel down, you can kneel with him". He says matter of factly. The rage simmers under my skin and I physically have to clench my fists by my side to avoid punching him in the face. "No?". That annoying brow raises at my father again. "You are not going to do it?".

"Why are you doi…..". I'm interrupted by the feel of my father's hand on my arm and I turn to look at him. He has a small, reassuring smile on his face and when I look into his eyes, I know what he's telling me. "No….no you can't…..". But he's already on his knees. I feel a part of me deflate.

I stare in horror at the sight of my proud father on his knees before Draaven and in this moment, I want to crawl into myself and disappear. I did this, I signed that agreement, crippled myself and my people. It doesn't matter if I did it as a last resort. I still brought this upon us. 

"This is a gesture of my appreciation for the aid in the war. We owe Silver Glow way more than we'll ever be able to repay". My father says stiffly as he lowers his head in a bow. 

The angry tears blur my vision as I keep gawking at the horrific sight of my father on his knees. And the only thing that I can think to myself is…. I'm going to kill Draaven Ventura with my bare hands. 

"A detailed document further explaining the agreement will be sent to you in due time and I expect your full cooperation. For now, you are not invited to the welcome banquet for my wife. You may leave". My breath comes out in short, angry gasps. I can't attack him now, I remind myself as I resist the urge to leap forward and dig my claws into his skin. 

He claps twice and the grand door opens again to reveal a train of attendant omegas who rush forward in unison. "Show my bride to her quarters. And get her changed into something….". He eyes my red dress condescendingly. ".... presentable for the banquet. It's time for you to be welcomed into your new home".