Archie's POV
However, as I was about to enter Blood Dawn, a shout suddenly came, "Stop!"
I followed the voice and found Gray. I frowned and then calmly explained, "I'm here to attend... to attend the wedding." It was really hard for me to speak out this answer.
Gray hurried over, shook his head at me, and said, "Today is an important day for Alisha. I don't want to fight with you at this moment. So be sensible and leave on your own."
His voice was cold and full of hostility. I knew about his relationship with Alisha, so from his perspective, he had a reason not to like me. But regardless, today I must see Alisha, and no one, not even her brother, can stop me.
"I mean no harm. I know my actions hurt Alisha, and I just want to see her and apologize."
"Put away that disgusting face of yours. Alisha is about to start her new life, and she doesn't need your apology or to see you again. Leave immediately!"
Though I was prepared, hearing this response was still painful. "No, I want to see Alisha in person..."
Before I could finish, Gray interrupted me directly, "If you don't leave on your own, don't blame me for not being polite." With a wave of his hand, the guards of Blood Dawn raised their spears, pointing them at me.
Other guests who had come for the wedding noticed us, some even stopping to talk lowly.
I frowned, "Gray, I don't want to use violence; don't force me."
"Hmph, who do you think you are talking to? If it weren't for Alisha's words, I would have taught you a lesson already! Since you came here today, I will settle both new and old scores with you today!"
Though guilty about Alisha, I couldn't tolerate Gray's repeated provocations. Today, no one could stop me. Ignoring the spears and Gray's threats, I stepped into Blood Dawn.
As soon as my foot touched the ground, Gray's face changed drastically. He roared and was about to charge at me. I, the Alpha of Golden Crest, was ready for a fight. The anger suppressed in my heart, the outlet I needed for so long, was finally there.
However, just as we were about to clash, Shuanda's steward Samuel suddenly appeared, standing between Gray and me. After a slight nod to Gray, he said, "Mr. Dyess, I accompany my master to attend the wedding. Please don't be overly sensive."
Gray squinted at Samuel, then seemed to remember his identity and looked behind him. Seeing Shaunda, Gray's expression became more serious. Shaunda smiled at him.
Gray replied in a gentle voice, "I didn't expect you to personally attend the wedding. On behalf of Blood Dawn, welcome to your arrival." Gray had visited Shaunda on the island before and knew her identity. Shaunda had been secluded on the island, and Silent Witch hadn't appeared in public for a long time.
Speaking for Shaunda, Samuel said, "I am very pleased to have the opportunity to attend Alisha's wedding. Archie is here with me, so please understand."
Gray frowned, glanced at me, and then firmly shook his head. "Sorry, today is a very important moment for Alisha. I absolutely cannot tolerate anyone disrupting her wedding."
"No, sir, no one wants to disrupt anything. We are here only to attend the wedding and offer our blessings."
"I respect you, but I'm sorry, I do not approve of Archie, and I won't allow him to step on the land of Blood Dawn."
Hearing this, my anger was instantly ignited. Today, I must see Alisha, even if it means a battle. I looked at Gray, my gaze full of determination, and he glared at me fiercely. I could tell he really wanted to beat me. We both looked forward to a fight.
Unfortunately, Samuel's voice sounded again, "Well, Mr. Dyess, you owe me a favor. I believe, with your character, you won't forget. Today, I need you to fulfill your previous promise. I hope Archie can have your permission to enter Blood Dawn for the wedding, can he?"
On the way to Blood Dawn, Shaunda had told me about Gray and Alisha's relationship and mentioned that Gray had asked her for help with a prophecy about his lost sister. So, Gray owed Shaunda a favor.
I would prefer to fight Gray, but obviously, Shaunda didn't think so.
Hearing Samuel's words, Gray seemed troubled. He looked very reluctant, but he seemed unsure of how to refuse Shaunda's request in public. He frowned and began to speak, "I appreciate your past help, but..."
"This is my only request." Samuel's voice sounded again.
Gray seemed very difficult, clenching his fists and glaring at me. But in the end, he couldn't figure out a solution, only gritting his teeth and saying, "If it has to be this way, then..."
But before he could finish, a cold female voice suddenly spoke up, "Hold on!"
Gray turned around when he heard the voice and said, "Mom, why are you here?"
"I heard the news and came to see who is so bold and shameless, daring to hurt my daughter and come here without any remorse?" The woman who had just appeared spoke while looking at me with eyes as cold as ice.
I suddenly realized her identity—Alisha's mother, Orathe Dyess, the infamous Carnage Queen, the former Alpha of Blood Dawn.
When facing Gray, I could feel a fiery rage because I still resented him for taking Alisha away from me. But when I saw Alisha's mother, I felt like a criminal entering a courtroom. I had hurt her beloved daughter, and I couldn't even look into her eyes, feeling anxious and guilty.
I opened my mouth with my extremely dry throat and said hoarsely, "I... I'm very... very sorry. Please... please forgive..."
But before I could finish my words, she interrupted me, "No need! Your apology means nothing to me. I don't care. In my eyes, only the enemy's blood can appease everything."
From her, I seemed to see Alisha's shadow. Hearing her words made me incredibly sad. Was Alisha thinking the same way?
"Is this the hospitality of Blood Dawn, to treat your guest in such a terrible way?" Samuel spoke again, representing Shaunda. Clearly, Shaunda was angry.
"He is not a guest of Blood Dawn. If we must say, he is our enemy. Right now, I allow him to stand here alive only because I don't want his blood to stain Alisha's wedding."
Shaunda squinted, clearly dissatisfied with Orathe's response. Indeed, Samule questioned, "So, is Blood Dawn planning to betray the vows? You owe me a favor, but you don't intend to repay it?"
Upon hearing this, both Orathe and Gray's faces instantly darkened.
At this moment, another voice spoke up, "It's okay, let him in, please."