THE ALPHA'S CURSED BRIDE

***VERA***

The night felt long. The moon was bright and full, shining through the trees. Crickets chirped softly, and the wind rustled the leaves. The sound was calm, steady. It gave me a bit of comfort, even though my heart stayed restless.

"Bear with me. We'll be there soon," Alpha Conry whispered close to my ear. His voice was crisp, like dry leaves brushing the ground. My pulse jumped when his lips brushed my skin. I'd never felt that kind of warmth before. It scared me, but it also drew me closer without asking.

"Okay, sir," I said quietly. I turned my head away and pressed my fingers to the spot his lips had touched. It burned in a way I didn't want to admit.

"Do you know why I bought you from Blake?" he asked, holding my chin and making me look at him. His eyes were sharp but calm, like he could see everything I was hiding.

"No," I whispered. My voice was too weak for more.

"Your strength caught my eye. You don't bend to pressure," he said. His words hit harder than I expected. Then he moved ahead, spoke quietly to one of his men, and returned.

The man he spoke to looked strong. Tall, dark hair, scars running down his arm like stories written in skin. I could tell he had seen war.

"We're here," Conry said, patting my back lightly.

The mist grew thicker, wrapping everything in white. I couldn't see the castle at first. Then, slowly, its shape appeared through the fog-tall walls, dark stone, towers that seemed to touch the sky. The moonlight made it look alive. Warm lights glowed behind the windows.

Even though it was late, the castle wasn't asleep. Voices filled the courtyard. Merchants moved goods. People talked and laughed. It felt strange to see so much life at night. My old pack was never like this.

One building stood taller and brighter than the rest. That was his. Conry held my hand and led me forward with a faint smile.

"Welcome to my castle," he said with quiet pride. There was no arrogance, only confidence.

We stepped inside. The air was warm and smelled of wood, smoke, and something sweet. The walls were lined with old carvings, and the torches made them glow gold. Servants moved quickly, eyes curious but respectful. I lifted my head higher. I was used to stares.

For a moment, I thought about all I had left behind-Blake, the way he looked at me like I was less; the way my sister was chosen instead; the shame, the anger; and the night I ran until my legs gave out.

Conry squeezed my hand, pulling me back to the present. "You didn't break tonight," he said softly. "That's rare."

I didn't know what to say, so I whispered, "I did what I had to."

His eyes stayed on mine. Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead. The touch was light-not like Blake's rough hands, not like the people who only saw me as nothing.

The castle buzzed with life. The mist still hung outside, but for the first time in a long while, I didn't feel like I was standing alone in the dark.

I didn't know what would happen next, or if I could trust him. But right there, with his hand in mine and the castle lights on my face, I felt something shift inside me-something quiet, something new.

"Clean her up and prepare her for the banquet," he told one of the maids who greeted us at the door. His tone was soft but firm.

"Yes, sir," she said, taking my hand gently. "My name is Rachel. Tell me if you need anything." She smiled brightly.

"Sure... thank you," I replied, still unsure of the kindness. Going from being a reject to someone treated with care felt unreal. I only hoped it wasn't another illusion.

The scent of roses filled the bath chamber; steam drifted from the half-open door. Everything smelled rich and warm, and my chest thudded as I stepped inside. When she opened the door fully, I gasped. Two wide tubs waited, filled with hot water and petals floating on the surface.

"Get in. I'll bring you clean clothes," Rachel said with a smile before leaving.

I hesitated, then dipped my foot in. The warmth spread through me, soft and soothing. Soon, I sank under the surface. The night's pain seemed to melt away. Only the sting of bruises remained, but even that faded slowly. I closed my eyes and stayed there for a long while.

When I stepped out, Rachel returned with two dresses-one red, trimmed with silver beads, and another black, simple yet elegant.

"Which would you like for the banquet, milady?" she asked, bowing playfully.

I smiled faintly. "The black one."

"Good choice," she said with a grin.

The dress fit perfectly, as if it had been made for me. When I was ready, Rachel led me to the dining hall.

The hallway was quiet except for the sound of my steps. The air carried the smell of roasted meat and herbs. My palms grew damp as we reached a tall oak door.

"Go in," she said softly before stepping aside.

I pushed it open.

The room was dim but warm, lit by golden candles that flickered along the walls. A long table stretched between us, but only two plates were set-one for him, one for me. Alpha Conry sat at the far end, calm as ever. His dark eyes followed me as I walked closer.

"You came," he said, voice low and steady.

"Yes, Alpha," I replied, bowing slightly.

"Sit."

I sat down. The servants filled our glasses, then slipped away, leaving only the soft crackle of fire.

"You clean up well," he said.

"Thank you," I murmured.

He leaned back, studying me. "You're not what they say."

"What do they say?" I asked, curious.

"That you're fragile," he replied. "But I've seen you stand when others would fall. You don't break easily. That's rare."

The words caught me off guard. No one had ever said my strength was something good.

"I just do what I must," I said quietly.

He smiled faintly. "That's what strength really is."

The food arrived-roasted meat, bread, and a thick, sweet sauce. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I began to eat.

"Do you like it?" Conry asked.

"It's good," I said honestly.

He chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

The silence that followed was calm, almost comforting.

"I didn't bring you here out of pity, Vera," he said at last. His tone was firm but kind. "I brought you because I want you to be my Luna. Since I first saw you, there's been a pull I can't explain."

I looked up at him, heart pounding. His eyes were steady, sincere.

He lifted his glass. "To a new beginning," he said.

I raised mine slowly. "Cheers," I whispered. Our glasses touched softly, the sound echoing in the quiet hall.

I searched his face for a crack in his calm, but found none. Then he stood and patted my back gently. "Think about it and give me your answer tomorrow," he said before walking out of the hall.

Could he truly want someone like me as his Luna? Or was I just another piece in a game I didn't understand?

Questions filled my mind as I walked back to my room. Each one heavier than the last.