Chapter 5

　　Amelia's POV

　　The world was blanketed in a thick layer of white snowballs. The air was cold and still, with only the occasional sound of a distant bird breaking the silence. I gently wrapped my scarf tightly around my neck and stepped outside, wheeling my suitcase through the snowy landscape as I saw Dad standing outside the porch like a statue.

　　I had earlier declined my Dad's offer to escort me to Dark Wood pack, I didn't want to come off like a helpless little girl and watch him hand me over to the unknown Alpha. So I tossed my suitcase into the black Mercedes and slammed the door forcefully. The Mercedes bounced and creaked in protest and the chauffeur winced from his place behind the wheel.

　　I hopped into the car, buckled my seatbelt as the deep wound of betrayal festered in my mind. Every curse word known to man and wolf was running through my mind as I crossed my arms over my chest and glanced out the window. I saw my twin sister Freya standing on the porch next to my father looking lost and hopeless. Even from a distance I could see her crimson red swollen eyes leaking out a fresh batch of tears.

　　She had cried and pleaded with me not to go all through the night but for every one of her pleas, I had to remind myself that I was doing it for her. I had to marry Hades and endure whatever hell comes out of this charade of a union. Freya was soft-hearted and cheerful for this kind of agony, I had to protect her even at the detriment of my happiness.

　　I watched as Freya raised her hand and gave me a small sad wave as the car pulled away. Dad did nothing. He just stood rigidly as if he wasn't sending his daughter to the abyss. Such an unfeeling human.

　　I brooded through the long drive, lost in my dark thoughts. A few times my hand went to the door handle and I had to suppress the urge to jump from the moving vehicle each time it slowed for a turn. I don't mind going rogue but the thought of Freya taking my place as Hades's mate made me refrain from my thoughts.

　　We slowed down as we approached the gold-plated gate, a mansion loomed above, its stone facade casting long shadows across the lawn. A fountain splashed in the courtyard, surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges.

　　A uniformed warrior leaned into the window to give me a curious stare before he signaled for us to go through. We pulled into the garage, and I sucked in deep breaths trying to suppress my anger and put up a sham serenity of bliss.

　　I saw some men standing on the porch ready to receive me. I mustered up courage and came down from the vehicle before the driver could assist me. I masked my face into a neutral expression, a habit I had learnt to use anytime I feel unease. I kept my shoulders squared as I approached the mansion. The air was thick with the scent of blooming roses and the gurgles of the waterfall filled the air carrying the scent of damp earth.

　　There was an elderly man with grey hair and a wrinkled face, smiling as if he had won a free lottery. To his left was a tall, well-built young man with brown eyes and a neatly trimmed beard. To the right was a fat not-so-tall man with a cold gaze that pierced into mine like he was trying to stare me into compliance.

　　Immediately he started descending the stairs, and it dawned on me that he was Alpha Hades, the man my Dad had pushed me off to as my future mate. I felt a sinking sensation in my stomach, it's one thing to be known for evil and then it's another thing to be facially unattractive. I sighed inaudibly and gazed back at him.

　　His eyes scrutinized over my body like I was some sort of parcel waiting to be delivered. "Not so bad, but I expected more from the daughter of Alpha Edward Jones. I guess the pretty face will make up for other lacking places." He said, with a devilish smirk

　　"What fixes yours if I may ask?" The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them.

　　The elderly man with grey hair made a choking sound and covered up with a cough in an attempt to hide the fact that he had just laughed at him.

　　He glared at the older man and turned to me, his teeth gritted in annoyance "Young maiden, you're standing before Alpha Hades and I won't tolerate any form of disrespect from you. So I would advise you to bridle your tongue and only talk when you're asked to. Bear in mind that failure to keep to these rules, will only put you in harm's way. So the choice is yours." he turned and walked into the mansion, leaving me and the others to follow behind.

　　We followed him inside the mansion and it was as if I had been transported into a world of opulence. The grand entrance led to a spacious foyer with a crystal chandelier and a grand staircase curved before me, its marble banister gleaming like alabaster. The living room was decorated with a plethora of artwork and a fireplace that crackled with warmth.