Like a silent trumpet, the first rays of morning poured across Barduff Castle, golden, anticipatory, and observing.
Usually a center of strategy and governance, the throne hall was now a changed place. The stone walls were lined with pack leaders, courtiers, and advisors, their voices muffled by the tension of expectation. With her heart racing, Leah stood next to Jacob at the head of the hall, her gaze focused on the archway. Little Tobin sat on a bench, swinging his legs, while Nicholas and Amelia stood by her, wide-eyed and interested.
Jacob's face was unintelligible. Father and Alpha were at war in his blood, and only those closest to him could feel the tension in his shoulders.
The doors then opened.
Serafina came in, looking royal in a deep-purple gown with silver trim. Her steps were light but firm, and her raven-black hair was braided down her back. She had the poise, strength, and unwavering demeanor of a Nightwind princess. But there was a tempest of emotion beneath the steel.
Thomas trailed behind her, wearing the same colors as her. He did a good job of hiding any conflict on his face. They stood in front of the court together.
With a voice that echoed throughout the vaulted room, Serafina declared, "I have made my decision." "I will wed Thomas Shaw in order to preserve the alliance between Nightwind and Silverwind and to commemorate the many years of friendship between our families."
It was a thunderclap of an announcement.
A moment of stunned silence fell. Waves of whispers erupted, some relieved, some shocked.
Despite having worried eyes, Leah moved forward and gave Serafina a hug. She muttered, "You have courage, but I hope this path brings you peace."
With pride and sadness in his eyes, Jacob acknowledged his daughter with a single nod. Then let's start getting ready. Before the moon sets, it will bless the union.
The betrothed backed away from the hall as the court began to move, with some already celebrating and others whispering. Beyond the commotion, in a silent hallway, Thomas let out a long sigh.
He whispered to himself, "She did it." "Yes, she did say yes."
He was not pleased by the words.
In search of peace, he strolled by himself down the western wing toward the garden. But his steps took him to the side path where the servants frequently went, and Susanna was standing there, wiping petals off her apron.
The mask came off as soon as his gaze met hers.
Startled, Susanna glanced up and then down. "Alpha Thomas," she curtsied, whispering.
He said in a painful voice, "You don't have to do that." "Not with me."
She didn't respond. There was too much silence between them.
He acknowledged, "I believed that I would be free if she rejected me." "I'm free to decide what I really want." However, now…
He reached for her hand but stopped himself.
"I'm not sure if I've just condemned you or myself."
Susanna smiled at him tenderly and sorrowfully. "Thomas, you're not the only one with a burden."
He was left with the icy realization that love, once denied, never goes away when she turned and left. It waits. It laments.
And occasionally, it develops into something much more harmful.