Shadows of Alpha's fate

ept. How could she? The cold, nothing good exists room she'd been shoved into after signing her life away was more prison than safe place.

e silence. A servant entered, carrying a silken gown of

ent," the servant said, her gaze fixed on the floor as

pain. Every thread screamed of wealth and power, a stark contrast to the tattered dress she

slightly. "Then the Alpha will have your f

s. Her nails bit into her palms, but she barely noticed the

the door closed, Elara sank to her knees, her body trembling. Silent tears rolled down her c

in their finery, filled the room, their eyes glittering with curiosity and malice. At the center of it all stood Kaelen Blackthorn, the Alpha, his figure draped in ce

ilk and jewels that weighed her down with every step.

ut a villager,"

possibly offer?"

ormy gaze cutting through the haze of voices. "Step f

, but she forced herself to move, her chin lifting in a

en said, his voice echoing through the hall, "but to

nges making a deep, long sound of suffering under the force. sudden, short breaths in rippled through the crowd as an old man, covered and hid in beat-up

ed sharply to Lyria, her

ave you come unbidden?" he dem

bride carries the mark of fate," he rasped, his voice a haunting whisper that seemed to

d, his gaze flickering to Elara as though searching for someth

his frail form trembling with each step, until he stood before

hand instinctively moving to

is voice reverberating through th

his impatience clear.

e fabric of her gown aside to tell about a rough and sharp scar etched across her upper back

oking like a very old sigil. "What is this?" he demanded, his tone

whisper. "It is no mere wound. It is a key-a curse and a blessing intertwined

. "You speak in riddles, old

ur scar is tied to the prophecy. A child born of fire and shadow, blood of the cursed and the chosen, wi

e snapped. "Guar

, their faces pale with fear. "You cannot silence fate, Kaelen Blackthorn," the seer

out of the hall, leaving a heavy

ara felt the weight of every gaze as she repeated the vows forced upon her, her voice hollow. Whe

his voice resonating through the hal

ut Maria and Lyria remained silent

close, her voice a venomous whisper.

d, but it felt more like a gold-covered, showy cage than a safe place. She paced without much s

ce filling the room. "You will begin your duties as m

yes blazing with defiance.

calm. "No, you're my responsibility. And I al

uard entered, his face pale. "My lord, there's been an

by a scowl. "Prepare the warriors,"

s expression hard. "Stay he

ing. The seer's words echoed in her ears, and she couldn

eyond the palace walls. Elara's fingers brushed against the scar on her back, her mind a whir

e: she would uncover the truth-about Kaelen, the proph