*Storm POV*

There was a knock on the door, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I'm sure my father was here to make sure I was fully dressed for the binding ceremony. He wouldn't mess up the wedding for anything. This was his final attempt to reclaim his former glory.

I stood in front of the mirror, critically examining the white dress I was wearing. It fitted perfectly and revealed all my charms.no doubts, I'd make a very beautiful bride.

I've always always wanted a mate and be taken out of this hellhole, one day, but not just anyone. certainly not to a man that killed my sister.

I heard the sound of the door being unlocked behind me.

"It wasn't hard to comply, or was it?' Scott whispered behind me. I lifted my eyes to meet his in the mirror, undaunted even when I knew Scott was no king to mess with.

I turned immediately and took a single step forward, in order to get a better look at the face of the man who cost me so much pain. And who, oddly enough, intrigued me. My curiosity made me bold. "I will happily slit your throat if I get the chance to," I'm muttered out loud even before I could stop myself.

he had a face that looked as though it had been sculpted with a knife, rather than molded with loving hands. there was a harshness in the sharp features that was not relieved by his humorless smile, and was only intensified by the keen gleam in his green eyes. His eyes were dark green and seemed as though they belong deeply too evil.

"I see," he breathed in a low voice.

he grinned again, showing me straight white teeth for some reasons I couldn't explain made me shudder.

"You should put a smile on your face, gush! You look like death." He muttered loud enough for me to hear before leading me out if the room forcefully.

We approached the hall and everyone one was excited. They electrified the air with excitement as the guests, all of whom are lycans, start to arrive. Some of them were in their human form, while others were already in their wolf form.

We got to the arch, where my father stood ready to perform the ceremony. My father recited a few words in our native language, honoring the commitment of our union, a union I don't want to be part of. The guests howl in excitement.

It startled me when I heard a loud scream from the congregation. I spun around recognizing the voice.

"She's mine!" The voice was loud, loud enough to make every turn towards the direction.

Oh no! It was Hermes. What was he doing here? My father will kill him. This is not a fight he could win.

"If you wish to die brother, so be it." Scott grunted, leaving me standing in this spot as he made his way to the uninvited visitor.

I froze in that particular spot, unsure of what to do. Part of me wanted to dash to the King and beg him to spare Hermes, yet I realized it was a hopeless curse.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at Hermes. I have waited an eternity for him to tell me how much he loves and wants me. And here he was, an hour late. And maybe I don't need him anymore.

The whispers in the crowd continued, but I heard nothing more, and saw nothing except the tall man with a hank of dark hair falling over his forehead, the man whom I'd once labeled skinny but wasn’t anymore, the man who’d held my heart. Surprise held me frozen until a slow anger warmed me up.

It was only when I reached the end that my personal lightbulb blazed, illuminating the truth I'd hidden so well. I, too, still had a lot of love to give and to share. It flowed through me with promise and warmth. I could no longer block the feelings l'd held frozen in place, preventing her from reaching for a full life. Only me had that power. Perhaps he’d actually done her a favor by showing up. He did own her heart, every bit of it.

I watched him, and by his stillness, identified the moment he spotted me. One second, two seconds. He waited, but made no move toward me, as though afraid I'd disappear.

My hands clenched into fists as he finally approached.

No! Taller, bigger than in my memory. And his eyes, still so dark, darker than a moonless night is how i used to think of them. A kaleidoscope of remembrances hit me at once, and my initial anger ebbed, replaced by an eon of past loneliness and disappointment. And right now, fear. I wouldn’t survive anything happening to Hermes.

I guess maybe it's my fate. I guess maybe I don't deserve anything good.

****

Scott started shaking uncontrollably as his bones elongated and cracked. His eyes widened with pain as fur began to sprout all over his skin, his vivid green eyes began to swirl with intense blue, going almost opaque, his teeth grew into sharp fangs, and his fingers stretched into long claws. Soon, he had transformed into a massive, powerful wolf. His howl echoed through the hall, sending shivers down the spine of anyone, including me. The sight of him was so dreadful, I stood there trembling.

Hermes was already in his wolf form. Their eyes glowed with an intense anger, and they locked eyes in a stare-down. Scott let out a ferocious growl, and the fight was on.

Scott lunged forward, teeth bared and claws extended. Hermes was ready, and the two collided with a loud bang. Their two grappled with each other, each trying to land a decisive blow.

Scott managed to sink his teeth into the shoulder of Hermes, drawing a loud howl of pain. But the Hermes was quick to retaliate throwing Scott off with a mighty shove. The two circled each other, both panting heavily and ready for the next attack. Hermes jerked with pain, staggering, but staying upright.

I was shaking and hoping Hermes would be alright

Just then, Scott launched himself at Hermes, snarling and slashing his face with his massive claws. Hermes dropped to the floor immediately.

Nothing. Scott felt absolutely nothing. He didn't feel a twinge of guilt. He bowed his head and sank back on his heels, looking around him as he walked pass Hermes. what he wanted or even needed, he didn't know, but there was no flood of emotions. No elation. No disappointment. Not even despair. the cities looked bleak and grey with twisted malevolent shadows waiting for him. The endless circle of his life remained. kill-or-be-killed

I ran straight to Hermes. He was weak, bleeding seriously from his wounds. I held him in my arms, hoping I could absorb the pain that he felt.

"Stand up," Scott said behind me, with fiery in his eyes.

"I said stand up!!" He yelled. "You worthless being, you should be happy I took you as a mate. Now get out and get in the car. We're leaving this place."

I stopped right in front of my father and glare at him with so much hatred "I will make you pay, even if it's the last thing I do," I groaned with pain as I walked past him.

"See you in hell, little princess!"