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57. The Ceremony
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Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 58. The Blindfold
I can't see, and my head feels a little woozy. There is a blindfold around my eyes, and when I try to remove them, I realize that I can't move my hands either.Or my feet. I will bind your hands and feet, and you will spend the remainder of the night confined. In here. In our bedchamber.I shudder irritably and begin shuffling, yanking my hands and feet back and forth, but I only end end up hurting myself as what feels like ropes cut into my skin.Cool breeze drifts in from somewhere and kisses my skin. I gasp when it touches areas of me that should be covered.I am naked."Rune?" I call out into the space beyond, shifting on the soft mattress below me. Soft sheets rub against my skin, and Rune's scent fills my senses. I yank at the ropes again, needing to look around, but hands and feet are tied apart from each other, making moving impossible.I twist and pull, grunting. Hitting my head against the mattress in hopes of slipping the damn blindfold off doesn't seem to work either
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 59. Chaos
I wake up alone.The bed was utterly cold. I had only a few moments of clarity before the maids stormed the room, claiming that I had been summoned for breakfast. By the King.I stayed in instead, defying the order. He is not my King. No one tells me what to do in this foreign land. I didn't ask about Rune either. I didn't wish to know. Waking up alone was a loud enough message. He's back to being the bastard that he is, and frankly, I was too tired to care, to hungry to think. There was fatigue in my bones and I wanted nothing more than to close my eyes.So I buried my head in the soft, fluffy pillows and drifted off into dreamless sleep. Upon awakening the following day, shouts reverberate outside my door. Squinting, I witness the door being violently flung open, and my mother storms into the room, her eyes brimming with anger.Blinking, I push myself up from the bed and manage to croak, "Mom?"Her gaze fixes upon me, and for a fleeting moment, she freezes, scrutinizing my form. H
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 60. Scarred
It's been a month since my wedding. Rune didn't show up, and the treaty between our races is broken.In the early days, I would often find myself gazing out the window, subjecting myself to the torture of waiting and hoping to catch a glimpse of him. I would imagine him galloping across my father's lawn, his pale hair dancing around his exquisite face. Sometimes, I pictured him bursting through my bedroom door, whisking me away like a thief in the night.But the pain became unbearable, and I had to stop.Now, I spend my days holed up in my father's vast libraries, devouring books of any kind, since I can no longer go to school. At night, I scrub my body raw, tearing at my skin to inflict wounds on Rune's mark that can keep it hidden.Nothing works. It stands out so starkly, I can no longer wear revealing clothings. I walk around my castle in coats and cloaks, and they watch me with pity. They look at me like I am helpless, like I have been violated and I have lost my mind due to it.P
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 61. Dilemma
When I was fifteen, a disease plagued the poorer and destitute parts of Wolvendom. Father thought it would be good if I came with to see the people. That they would get to see me and know who their future queen was.Or, at least, that was what he told me. In truth, Father wanted me to see them, and understand the repercussions of his mistake in overlooking the cities himself, having handed their welfare over to a member of a council who thought it would be better to fill up his coffers than attend to the needs of the people.He was executed the moment we returned, but it did nothing to recover what had been lost.I got taken by rebels that day. I had gotten separated from my father's entourage when an angry mob--relatives of the sick and dead--attacked us.They took me and stripped me of all of my belongings, but it was the least of my worries, having found myself in a place I knew nothing about, surrounded by men, women and children who were either ill or dead. I was held hostage at
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 62. I loved you
I wrench my hand away from Rune's touch, my voice laced with venom as I address him. "Don't touch me. Don't talk to me. Don't fucking look at me. You are their guest, not mine." Turning my fury towards my parents, I continue, "I can't believe you. The both of you."“Boris!” I yell at my guard who my guard who seems oddly content in conversation with two lycan males by the door, dressed as regally as Rune. . .Is that Cass?The idiot winks at me and his companion waves, snickering. What the hell is happening? Did everyone suddenly forget what happened at Lycanthia? Why does it seem like they are all in bed with him? I spend the next few hours growling and pacing restlessly in my room, my frustration growing. I bite my fingers in my agitation, unable to contain my outrage. "He literally kidnapped me. I—I fainted, woke up in a room—I mean, he could've at least taken the ropes off... and the blindfolds too, though they were kinda nice and..." I shake my head, trying to dismiss the conflic
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 63: The Outrageous Lie
For supernaturals like us, love is a farfetched term. Having a deity choose who she thinks you are more compatible with saves you from a truckload of shit.Like falling in love. Being bound to someone and being in love with them are two different things.For wolves, our bonds are sacred, a gift from the Goddess. Love...love is discovered and built in the aftermath.That's why I know he's lying to me.Suddenly, laughter bubbles up from deep within me. It's unhinged, hysterical, and tinged with darkness. I jerk back, forcefully pushing my chair away. "Enjoy your dinner. We're finished here."Rune's fingers tighten around mine, attempting to stop me, but I wrench free, baring my teeth at him. "I'm not having your bullshit. You touch me one more time, and I swear by the Goddess that I'll fucking end you.""Astrid!" Mother scolds, her disapproval evident. "Don't speak to him in such a manner."I turn to her, my gaze piercing. "Remember what you said to me in the bathroom that day. What hap
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 64: The Treaty
I shouldn't have said that, but in my defense, I didn't think he would care enough to steal a horse from my father's stable and storm to Gamma Frostclaw's home.Now, I look so stupid trying to explain why there was an angry ass ten feet tall fully turned Lycan trashing their home, bellowing Theron's name with fury."Have you any idea how many men it took to put him down? He almost killed my son. Surely, this is not a funny matter, princess," Gamma Frostclaw growls when my lips keep twitching. It is not his words that I find hilarious. It is the sight of Rune baring his teeth at the guards escorting him back, in a pair of trousers that are four times his size. The shift must have ripped his clothes. The lot of them look like they prefer to be anywhere else but beside him. They keep a safe distance from him, walking several feet behind him. If he so much as stops moving, they take more steps backward. Their eyes are filled with horror and a few of them have torn armor. Ju
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 65. Goodnight Rune
I am far from thrilled to be here.As Rune hands my luggage to the guards, their lowered heads betray the pretence. Why bother?They address me with titles like 'Your Highness' or 'Your Grace,' going out of their way to make me feel uneasy. The discomfort only intensifies as we enter the King's Hall, and the guards open the doors for us.My eyes immediately land on the dais, where the King and Queen are seated, their attention fixed on a woman venting her grievances.As we step inside, the entire hall turns towards us, their gazes piercing and judgmental. They greet us with bows, their heads bowed low as we pass by.My feet stumbles, so does my heart, and I resist the urge to grasp Rune's fingers to steady myself.The King's gaze is fixed on me—I can feel it—just as I keep my eyes on him, peering through lowered eyelashes. His icy green eyes track every step I take towards him. When we reach the foot of the dais, Rune inclines his head, and the grieving woman steps away, giving us a w
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Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 78. Bye, For Now.
*Rune*Father holds up two bottles in front of me, stopping me in my pacing. "Come drink with me."I wish to refuse, but panicking and pacing frantically outside the room does nothing to reduce Astrid's screams.It is all I can do to not lose my mind."Make that three," Ronan Blackwood chimes in, snatching my bottle before my fingers can even grip it. "Four, perhaps."I let out a ragged sigh. "Astrid--""Will have your head for drinking while she delivers your child, but I assure you, you do not want to be in that room with her right now." Ronan pulls down the collar of his regal jacket, revealing an old scar across his neck. "This was her mother's gift to me when I thought to ease her of *the pain* by staying by her side."Father snickers, leading us to his receiving chambers. "Zephyr..." He shakes his head, voice trailing off into silent laughter.Minutes span out into hours, and the slow burn of the alcohol in my throat has become somewhat soothing, lulling me and hazing my thoughts
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 78. After
*Hekate*I had always pondered on the possibility of Astrid taking after Lorna in appearances. The Goddess must have a cruel sense of humour. I brush back the silky strands of hair that cover her profile and Astrid stirs, murmuring something in her sleep.It is one of the many things I enjoy--watching her sleep. The lack of tension in her body, the unguarded look about her, her slightly parted lips and the rare smile that graces her face when she dreams—perhaps of me.The bandage around her head starts to slip off and I reach for her, putting it back in place. Her brows furrow and her eyes flutter open.Her blue gaze meets mine, a little unfocused, and it takes a few moments for recognition to register. "Hekate.""Why, you don't seem pleased to see me, princess," I purr, a smirk forming on my lips as she blinks rapidly and licks her own lips, trying to hide her flush."I'm not. Considering you bailed on me and--" She suddenly groans, her head sinking into the pillows as she tries, un
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 77. Suicide Note
Hekate"Going somewhere?" I ask, gaze dropping to the packed luggage.The woman jumps at my voice, turning immediately to find me leaning against the door. Her eyes widen with fear and surprise. "Prince Rune--""Atlas."One word. One name. Stories untold, secrets buried. A friend. A foe. I have never been able to decide which of them Atlas Moonburn was. The staff in her grasp clatters to the ground and her complexion turns blotchy. Pale. She looks much older now, her allure as a maiden nearly gone. Her grey eyes widen to the side of saucers and she stumbles a step back, reaching behind her for the candle stand.She hurls it at me, trembling with fear. "Oh, Goddess."Displeasure curls my lips and I catch the golden stand, squeezing it hard in my grasp. "That is no way to treat an old friend.""You are no friend of mine!" she scream, hurling a book at me next.My lips kick up as I cross the distance between us. "That isn't what you said when you begged me to kill your sisters.
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 75. Rune
*Rune*She jumped, if I am to believe what I have been told.I stand motionless outside the infirmary, listening to Priestess recall what lead to her jumping off the railing for what seems like the umpteenth time."For the past few days, I noticed the dark aura about her. Her sadness and growing anger. I tried to help her. I tried to make her comfortable enough to confide in me. She finally opened up today. She told me she hated being here. She hated him and couldn't stand being married to a monster and sharing his bed." The Priestess' voice breaks and sadness overwhelms her features. "She said she couldn't take anymore of it. I tried to stop her, but she was too fast for me."It doesn't sound like Astrid. I know that all of it has been weighing down on her. I could see the depression and helplessness, and often times than not, I had made sure to convince her otherwise.None of what the woman speaks sounds like my mate.But it was she who had spoken to her last and called for help whe
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 74. The Fall
The next days were hectic. The news spread like wild fire and all of Lycanthia wanted to see the 'pregnant wife' of the prince.More than half of my day was spent in the throne room, listening to the people talk about how radiant I looked and how much better it might have been if I was fully Lycan now.Apparently, the reason I haven't shifted completely is because of the child. My body's defense mechanism to protect it. There will be complications from a shift at this stage.There are gifts, tons of them that I have absolutely no use for and end up giving out to the maids once the revelries are over. I see very little of Rune. He spends most of his time in the villages, helping in whatever way he can.At night, he returns covered in gore and soot. He heads straight to my room, jarring me from sleep as he slips in bed beside me, shaking and holding me tightly, like he fears he might lose me.Sometimes, he spends the night, other nights, I wake up alone.The latter hurts, but I understa
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 73. Yearnings and Cravings
My lips are swollen and tingling when Rune pulls back, and I am left breathless and stunned. His hands rest on either sides of me, and he remains suspended above me, peering down at me with barely leashed desire. “You are unbelievable,” he tells me, laughter evident in his voice. “You’re welcome,” I reply, trying to shake off the lingering heat. "Are we going to address the issue or pretend it didn't happen?" His brows rise. “I never asked Gin to spend the night with me. These grounds are not suitable for women. I sent her home.” A weight I hadn't realized was there lifts from my chest, but I maintain a narrowed gaze. “She sure seemed to have a different idea.” I pout. “You have a thing for lingerie?” A mischievous smile plays on his lips. “Only if you’re wearing it.” I shrug, fighting the upward tugging of my lips. “I’ll consider it. Not for you, of course. Might take a stroll around your gardens in it, just because I can.” He leans f
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 72. It Hurts
The atmosphere is grim, and halfway through to the town, my anger dissipates. The captain of Rune’s guard—Queen Zephyr wouldn’t let me head out alone, since I am carrying the ‘royal baby’—leads us through the towns and we go from bedazzling buildings high enough to touch the skies to the ruins left behind by the Void. There is darkness, smoke and rot and I wheeze at the putrid stench of it all. A few onlookers notice my group as we pass by—myself, Boris and a maid who holds all of our supplies—and they watch with bleak, fatigued gazes. I have seen this before, and it takes me back to the plague. Shivers run down my spine as I see uniformed guards lifting the wailing children into carriages. There are burning piles and the stench of incinerated flesh greets me as we ride deeper into the village. The situation worsens, and I can't help but gag, hurriedly covering my mouth to stifle the urge to vomit. “We could turn around, Your Grace. You should not h
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 71. Closure
"I had no choice," I sigh, my voice filled with weariness and regret. "Tell me you believe me at least, Boris."Boris remains silent, his gaze fixed on something beyond the railing. Lost in his thoughts, he seems distant, oblivious to my presence. I follow his line of sight, drawn to the crowd of maids in the gardens, their chatter blending with the sound of flowing water. He looks positively lost, staring at one in particular. Brown hair, meek and pleasant faced."Like her?" He blinks, returning to the present, and a blush spreads across his face. "No," he stammers, his embarrassment evident.I give him a knowing look before releasing an exasperated sigh and turning my gaze back to the castle gates. Rune has been absent all day, and uncertainty gnaws at me. Guilt is eating me up from inside, even if I know I had every right to keep the truth from him.Today, for the first time, I attempted to reach out through our bond, seeking connection, but only silence greeted me. Not anger, jus
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 70. Cat Outta The Bag
Rune loves me.I spent the better part of my night pacing my room and scolding myself. I shouldn't have reacted that way. But then...what was I supposed to do? Smile, tell him I love him too and move my things to his room?*Yes,* Sloan chides. She's mad at me, has been since last night. I scowl as I take the staircases down to the dinning hall. After my epic flop last night, I thought I'd honour Rune's invitation for breakfast with his family.I'm not ready to be all lovey dovey with them--though, I doubt they would be welcoming as well, but...this isn't for them.I feel the tug on the bond as I draw closer to the hall, and my insides twist in complicated knots. I suck in my bottom lip, biting lightly on it nervously.And when the guards let me through the door, heads turn in my direction. King Fenrir, Queen Zephyr, Rune, Gin...my heart slams into my chest when I see a familiar dark haired male, seated next to Gin. Darian's here.Why is Darian here?My steps falter and my palms go cl
