chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Azalea remained seated near the window, gazing at the moonlit forest outside of the pack house. The night was eerily silent, yet her thoughts were far from calm. Recollections of her past vibrant existence replayed continuously, teasing her. Her dreams were once filled with visions of a future where she would find a loving partner, a soulmate who would value her and see her true self, beyond the complexities of family dynamics.

However, destiny had different intentions.

Her life fell apart like sand slipping through her hand. She lost everything due to a single mistake, a moment of anger and arrogance. Reflecting on the time before the betrayal, she remembered a world brimming with hope. She had always been a little bit of a dreamer, eagerly waiting for her soulmate to show up soon. Azalea had frequently envisioned the instant she would make eye contact with him - her genuine match - and experience the attraction, the connection that linked them. It was the solitary commitment she held on to, the sole conviction that regardless of how dismal circumstances got, her destined partner would locate her.

That dream was now lifeless.

Recalling her mother's calm voice, she found comfort in the reminder that the Moon Goddess always had a plan, no matter the circumstances. One day, Azalea would comprehend the reasons behind why everything unfolded as it did. Once a firm believer in destiny, Azalea's mother was now deceased, leaving Azalea to be wedded off as a pawn in a situation beyond her control.

This is not what I desired. This is not how it was meant to be.

Her grip on the window frame strengthened, her knuckles becoming pale due to the pressure. The girl, once full of life and aspirations for love and family, was now trapped in her existence, bound by choices made by someone else. Mack and Ophelia didn't offer her an option. She had no choice in deciding if she desired to marry the Lycan Prince. To them, she was simply a means to an end - a sacrificial piece to guarantee the pack's continued existence. And maybe hers too, although that was still uncertain.

She was unable to retaliate, which was the most awful aspect of the situation. She had her hands bound. If she turned down the marriage proposal, she understood the repercussions. Mack would never be able to forgive her. During dinner, his silence made it evident that he felt defeated, as he sat there quietly. Azalea understood everything she needed to know from Ophelia's self-satisfied smile. This wasn't only about establishing a partnership. This was a form of discipline. What is the purpose? Why not forgive? Why would you not accept their betrayal? Azalea was no longer certain.

She had engaged in combat, she had opposed, but now it appeared she was defeated.

She would not be reunited with her partner.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought them back before they could spill. Crying won't make any difference. She was by herself, and she had to confront it. If this was destined for her, she would bear it quietly, like she had with all other things.

She found her thoughts drifting to the Lycan Prince, Federico. All she knew about him were the rumors depicting him as merciless, perilous, and having no desire to build alliances through matrimony. She suspected he had no more interest in this partnership than she did. However, even that provided little solace. Entering unfamiliar territory, she had no clue about what lay ahead.

Azalea let out a deep breath and shifted her gaze from the window. She would struggle to fall asleep tonight, but she understood the importance of getting some rest. Whether she approved or not, tomorrow marked the start of a fresh chapter.

The man quickly ran towards the bus stop to catch the last bus of the night.

The following day - Mack's group

Mack anxiously walked back and forth in the meeting room, twisting his hands while waiting for Federico's guards to arrive. Ophelia remained composed at the table, wearing a peaceful smile on her face, as if she had already achieved victory in a game that Mack had no interest in joining. He felt unsettled by her confidence but understood not to doubt her during these times.

"They will agree," she declared with absolute conviction in her voice. They do not have any other option. This is the sole option available.

Mack suddenly halted and faced her. "What if they refuse?" What will happen if he declines to escort her?

Ophelia squinted. "He will not reject." Although we might not think highly of Azalea, a Lycan Prince sees worth even in a Luna from a declining family. Federico will acknowledge that. He is not stupid.

Mack took a gulp, attempting to calm the gnawing anxiety in his belly. He was uncertain. Federico was not one to be easily influenced, and the idea of sending Azalea to someone so unpredictable terrified him. However, Ophelia had explicitly stated that this was the only course of action remaining.

A sudden knock on the door released the tension in the room. One of the guards from the pack came in, looking tense.

"The guard declared the arrival of two of Federico's guards, stepping out of the way for them as they entered the room."

They were tall and muscular, exuding authority with their imposing presence. One of them advanced, extending a sealed letter.

"The message is from the Lycan Prince," the guard stated, with a deep and formal tone.

Mack paused before accepting the letter, feeling slight tremors in his fingers as he opened the seal. He quickly scanned the page with his eyes and felt the color drain from his face.

"What's the news?" Ophelia inquired with impatience in her sharp voice.

Mack glanced upwards, his face showing seriousness. "He has given his approval."

Ophelia's grin grew larger, yet Mack couldn't feel happy like her. He understood the implications of this. The wedding was imminent, approaching rapidly.

"Federico insisted the wedding happen within the week," Mack whispered. "He is not interested in wasting time."

"Excellent," Ophelia declared as she stood up victoriously. "Everything is coming together perfectly."

However, Mack did not feel like a winner. He was empty, feeling like their choice was a curse rather than a blessing.

The guard moved and coughed to clear his throat. The Prince's men will come back tomorrow to get ready. He anticipates that Azalea will be prepared by that time.

Ophelia gave a nod. Certainly. Inform him that everything will be fine.

The guards departed, and an awkward silence descended upon the room. Mack dropped into a seat, his complexion appearing ashen. "He said this is wrong to himself rather than to Ophelia."

Ophelia gave him a piercing glance. "Mack, what other option do we have?" If you had approached the situation in another way, maybe we wouldn't be in this predicament.

Mack reacted to the accusation, but he chose not to dispute it. He was aware that she was correct, to some extent. However, this did not alter the reality that they were still forcing Azalea into an unjust life.

Ophelia walked over to the door, speaking in a calm and collected manner. Ensure that Azalea is prepared for tomorrow. We cannot tolerate any interruptions.

Mack remained seated in the vacant room, gazing at the letter held in his hands. Deep inside, he had wished that Federico would decline, that there would be a solution to escape from the situation. However, at this point, there was no option to reverse the decision.

The marriage would take place, and they had to accept the outcomes.

The cat was chasing the mouse through the house.

Azalea is set to depart the following day. Whether

she was prepared or not, her life was on the brink of a permanent transformation.