Chapter 5
Three days later, Mother suddenly pushed open the door, a tall man at her side.
“Emily, come meet your future mate.”
I froze.
The man’s features were sharp, his presence commanding, his midnight-blue eyes deep as the night sky. Even dressed in a tailored suit, the aura of battle clung to him—he didn’t look like a simple Warrior at all. He looked like someone born to lead.
He curved his lips into a faint smile, his voice low and warm.
“Princess Emily.”
I rose too quickly, my gaze betraying me as it fell to his leg. His steps, however, were steady, powerful—without a hint of weakness.
Colin’s eyes glimmered with a flicker of amusement.
“Is Princess Emily… staring at my leg?”
Heat rushed to my face, and I tore my gaze away, embarrassed.
His tone softened.
“Yes, I was wounded in battle once at the border. But thanks to the Pack Doctor, I’ve healed. It no longer troubles me.”
His voice was calm, steady, filled with quiet strength. Slowly, the walls around my heart eased. We began to speak of the Bonding ceremony the next day.
Colin told me of a house he owned in the northern lands—remote, tucked within Bayport, yet close enough to Coyote territory so I could always visit my parents.
Then his eyes lit up, that midnight blue glowing brighter.
“It will be our home, Emily. You can make it yours, decorate it at your will.”
With a trace of awkwardness, he drew something from his pocket—a bracelet strung with rare blue pearls, each carved with delicate rose patterns.
“This blue pearl was gifted to me by the Alpha Council for my service in war. I shaped it into a bracelet myself. The carving is crude, but it carries my heart. I only hope Princess Emily will accept it.”
My chest tightened, fingers brushing over the cool pearls, every touch filled with quiet tenderness.
At dawn the next morning, the maids dressed me. My hair was twisted into an elegant knot, the veil pinned into place.
The strapless white gown made me look every inch the bride. Mother held my hand, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice trembling as she whispered her last words of blessing.
The long path from my chamber to the Pack’s gate—I had walked it countless times. But today, every step felt unbearably heavy.
Drums thundered. Horns blared. The wedding procession gathered at the border, banners whipping in the solemn wind.
And then—a black car cut through the line of wedding carriages.
Barry stepped out, his aura blazing like wildfire.
“Elder!” His voice was sharp, furious. “How dare you set the Bonding date without my knowledge? Do you mean to force me into making a choice today?”
Even now, he still believed I belonged to him.
The crowd fell silent. Dozens of eyes shifted between us, breathless with tension.
Barry’s gaze locked on me, cold and unyielding.
“Emily, I didn’t expect you to stoop this low, scheming just to drive Evelyn away. And without my consent, did you truly think a Bayport Warrior could claim you?”
His voice dropped, sharp with arrogance, as though the world itself revolved around him.
“Forget it.” He let out a laugh, dismissive, almost indulgent, as though granting me mercy. “If you’re so desperate to Bond with me, then let’s go to the Elder Hall now. No feasts, no ceremony. One vow is already more grace than you deserve.”
His words struck like knives, his tone dripping with condescension. To him, my pain was nothing but a childish tantrum.
But inside me… there was nothing left.
The love I once clung to had burned to ash.
I clutched the hem of my wedding gown, my heart numb, my resolve unshakable.
From this day forward, I would stand at Colin’s side.
And Barry—Barry would forever remain behind me, a shadow of the past.
