Chapter Five

Chapter 5: The Fringe of Defiance

Elara's POV

The door shut behind Lucian with a soft click, right on queue, leaving me to my cold silence. My heart was pounding, my hands shaking at my sides. I so despised that he could affect me this much-the gnawing fear that always seemed to eat at the edges of my resolution. And yet I couldn't let it break me. Not yet.

I went to the window, staring out into the darkened forest, pale moonlight casting an eerie shimmer over the treetops. It was as if I peered into a cage. Every shadow, every spasm of movement outside, reminded me that I was trapped here. No matter how much I struggled, no matter how hard I dug my nails in to cling to the scraps of my freedom, Lucian had me bound. Not just through this preposterous marriage, but through the force of his will, through the fearful power he exerted over everything in his world.

And now, that world included me.

I leaned my forehead against the cool glass, trying to still the storm inside my head. The wedding had passed in a blur-a meaningless ritual, an interchange of vows I hadn't wanted to make. The second the minister pronounced us husband and wife, something inside me screamed, wanted to flee from it all. Yet there had been no getting away. Then or now.

It was an estate, a fortress, and guards patrolled day and night-keen-eyed men vigilant for anyone attempting an unauthorized exit. And even assuming I could get through them, where would I go? Lucian had resources, influence-he would find me. He always found what he wanted.

I drew back from the window wrapping my arms around myself. I couldn't give up. Not now. I had survived the cruelty of Darius, and I would survive this. I had to. But the question was, how?

The feel of Lucian's gaze on me throughout the binding ceremony flickered across my mind. He had regarded me as his possession, something to be constrained and manipulated. But there had been more, even then-something darker, deeper. It had almost seemed that he was… torn.

It caught me off-guard, that thought. Lucian didn't appear as a man plagued by his conscience. He was ruthless, cold. But if there was any part of him that hesitated, even for a second, I could use that. I had to.

I turned from the window and crossed the room. My footsteps made barely a sound upon the stone floor. The only light was that of the moon, casting long shadows over the furniture. It all served as a reminder of the power Lucian held-everything except me. I was the one thing he couldn't quite control. Not yet.

But for how much longer?

The next morning, I woke to the knock at my door. I sat up quickly, heart racing as the door creaked open. Standing in the frame was one of Lucian's guards: a tall, imposing man with a scar running down the side of his face. He didn't say anything, stepping inside with cold, unreadable eyes.

"The Alpha wants you in the dining hall," he growled.

I nodded, keeping my face neutral. Not that he should see the fear gnawing in the pit of my stomach, dread at having to face Lucian once more. But what use was that? I'd have to play along, at least until I could figure out my next move.

I trailed after the guard, my feet carrying me along the long corridor; the quiet between us was an uncomfortable thickness. My mind was racing, trying to prepare for anything that Lucian might do. Test me again? Try to break me down as he did last night?

We reached the dining hall, and the guard pushed the door open, motioning for me to enter. I stepped inside, my eyes immediately locking onto Lucian, who sat at the head of the long table, his dark eyes fixed on me with that same unnerving intensity.

"Sit," he said, his voice low and commanding.

I followed the instruction and sat down opposite him, hands in my lap. Somber silence filled the space between us as what was not being spoken pressed against my skin.

Lucian did not look away from me as he eased back onto his chair, tapping his fingers idly on the armrest. "You're quiet this morning."

"I don't have much to say," I replied evenly, refusing to let him see the fear still gnawing at me.

His lips curled into a subtle smile. "Not even after last night? I thought you might have something to share, given we are now… bound."

Bound. The word sent a shiver down my spine. I balled my fists under the table, curbing the urge to strike out. "What is it that you want from me, Lucian?

He did a slow survey of me, his face unreadable. "What do I want? Isn't that obvious?" He leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "I want to see how long you'll last. How far you'll go before you break."

My stomach twisted, but I forced my voice to stay even. "You underestimate me."

"Do I?" His smile broadened, though it never reached his eyes. "We'll see.

The silence hung heavy, choking the air out of the room. I felt his eyes on my skin, picking at the cracks to see if anything lay shattered beneath. But I just wouldn't give him the pleasure of watching me break. Not now. Not ever.

Finally, he rose, grating his chair back loud enough it echoed through the hall. "You'll join me at the pack gathering tonight. As my wife, you'll be expected to… play your part.

I felt the cold wave of dread wash over me. "What does that mean?"

"It means you'll stand by my side," he said, his voice hardening. "And you'll act like the dutiful wife you're supposed to be."

I bit the inside of my cheek as my mind started racing. It was another test. He wanted to see if I would acquiesce, bend to his will. But I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction.

"And if I refuse?"

His eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought he might strike. But instead, he stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You won't."

My heart was beating in my chest as he bent closer; the heat of his breath danced across my skin. "You can struggle all you want, Elara. But in the end, you'll see that resisting me is futile."

I was clenching my fists, the muscles of my body taut with the need to push him away, to scream that I would never bow to him. I did none of those things. I just looked into his eyes with every shred of defiance left in my eyes.

Lucian straightened, his face once more impassive. "The gathering begins at sundown. Don't be late."

With that said, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving me to sit in the chair, my heart racing while my mind was spinning with thoughts of escaping.

I went to my room and paced across the floor, my mind whirling in a panic of determination. Lucian was pushing harder now; he tested me at every turn, tried to bend me to his will. But I couldn't let him win. I couldn't let him think I was weak.

The gathering of the pack… it could be an opportunity. A ritual like this would be teeming with people, sounds. If somehow I managed to slip away without anyone chancing upon my departure, I just might succeed in a final escape. Just the prospect itself sent a quiver of hope through my veins. Of course, I knew it wouldn't go without its challenges. Lucian would not take his eyes off me, and guards would be everywhere.

But I had to try.

I was biding my time, playing my part, and when the perfect moment came, I would run.