The Alliance of Wolves

agement

ge. Around her, the guests whispered to each other, their eyes heavy with judgment or curiosity. The tension in the air was almost palpable, like an invisible pressure weighing on the

a moment. She hated him, and yet there was something in his posture, in the confidence he exuded, that intimidated her. Their families we

ost made her cry out in despair. She was still in shock from signing the contract, an act she had done without truly understanding the extent of its significance. But now, faced with the reality of this m

e stage. Clara felt the heat of the moment invade her, a vice around her throat. She was the puppet, and Elias the manipulator. He reached out to her, without a word, like a king demanding his part o

look of relief, as if she had just made the ultimate sacrifice, the one that would save their pack, their name. That look stung her more than anything. She

distinct, almost opposing worlds. On one side, Clara's family, more discreet, more reserved, and on the other, Elias's family, all

never wanted

ather found themselves alone. It was the first time, since the wedding announcement, that they were trul

ot a choice, but a necessity," her fathe

Father. You decided for me." She clenched her fists, trying to hold back the huge ball of rage that was forming inside her.

idn't even have the courage to look at her. "I didn't know how else to do

ad to face this agreement that would seal her fate, her future, without even having control over it. She felt crushed by the weight of her situation. She had asked for nothing, but

thoughts, a voice spoke behind

d by the whole charade. It was there, in his gaze, that she saw his power most clearly. Elias was no

ut I'm going to protect you. No matter what you feel, no matter what you think, I'll be there fo

is was not the protection of a loving husband he was offering her. No, this was the protection of a man who wanted to make sure his o

u are nothing but a master in that cage." Her voice trembled slightly, but she held firm. "Yo

ry corner of her soul. A heavy silence weighed between them. Then he

The freedom not to run away. What I'm offering you is not submission. This is not a prison. Th

t he couldn't quite grasp. Then he added in a softe

at she couldn't decipher. She knew there was something more behind that promise. But

er her thoughts. But one thing was certain: he wasn't just the alp