Cassandra’s POV
Tonight was the night I had dreamed of for so long. The night when Adolphus would finally be mine, bound to me in front of the entire pack. I could hardly contain my excitement as I stood before the mirror, dressed in the finest silk gown, shimmering like moonlight against my skin.
My maids flitted around me, adjusting my veil, pinning my hair into elaborate curls, and dusting my cheeks with soft rouge.
“My Lady,” one of the maids spoke, bowing slightly. “The ceremony has begun. The guests are waiting.”
I took a deep breath, feeling the rush of power course through me. “And Adolphus?”
“I checked on him as you requested. He is ready.”
A slow smile stretched across my lips. Perfect.
I turned toward the mirror one last time, admiring the picture of elegance and control that I had become.
No one would dare question my position after tonight. No one would dare to defy me again. Adolphus would be mine in every way, bound by the sacred oath of the mating ceremony.
“Let’s go,” I said, my voice steady.
The moment I stepped out, I was met with a cool night breeze, the scent of pine and burning torches filling the air.
The courtyard was illuminated with golden lanterns, casting a soft glow on the pack members who had gathered to witness the ceremony. Music filled the night, soft drums and melodic flutes, setting the perfect tone for what was to come.
As I walked toward the grand hall, my heart pounded in anticipation. Then, just ahead, I spotted him.
Adolphus stood at the entrance, dressed in ceremonial black robes embroidered with silver patterns that symbolized strength and unity.
His broad shoulders were tense, his golden eyes unreadable as he stared ahead.
I quickened my pace, my heels clicking against the stone pavement. When I reached him, I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice so only he could hear.
“Smile,” I whispered through gritted teeth.
He hesitated for a moment, his jaw tightening before forcing a small, strained smile onto his face. It wasn’t real, but it was enough.
I hooked my arm through his, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine, and together we entered the grand hall where our fate would be sealed.
The hall was grander than ever, decorated with white roses and gold-trimmed banners.
My father sat at the head of the long table, his royal chair positioned higher than the rest, a goblet of wine in his hand. He looked pleased and proud even as he watched us take our places before him.
Silence fell as he raised his hand.
“Tonight,” his voice boomed across the hall, “we celebrate the union of my daughter, Cassandra, and Adolphus. May the Moon Goddess bless their bond and strengthen our pack through their unity.”
A murmur of agreement swept through the crowd, and I turned to Adolphus, giving his hand a small squeeze. He barely reacted.
It didn’t matter. He had agreed to this. That was all that mattered.
The time had come for the oath-taking.
I grinned up at Adolphus, my heart racing with excitement. “Ready?”
His lips parted, but no words came out. He only nodded stiffly.
I frowned slightly and tugged at his hand. “Smile,” I whispered again.
He did, but it was hollow. I ignored it.
The priest stepped forward, holding the sacred scroll, and began to chant the ancient words of the mating bond. I inhaled deeply, feeling the energy in the room shift as the magic of the ceremony took hold.
Adolphus and I turned to face each other, hands clasped.
“I, Cassandra, vow to stand by your side, in battle and in peace, in strength and in weakness. I bind myself to you, Adolphus, as my mate, my equal, my protector.”
The room was silent, all eyes on us. I turned to Adolphus expectantly. It was his turn.
But before he could speak, the ground beneath us rumbled. A vibration spread through the hall, shaking the chandeliers above. Gasps echoed as the guests looked around in confusion.
The torches flickered wildly, the flames sputtering against the sudden force that had entered the room.
Then, the doors burst open.
A wave of warriors flooded into the hall, their dark indigo cloaks billowing as they moved with lethal precision. The Indigo Pack.