Chapter 4

Brynn's POV

I know exactly what's going on. The Wolf Empire wasn't just humiliated in front of every envoy, they lost a fortune in mithril profits. And Asher cares about power and resources more than anything, so he takes all that rage out on Adelaide.

Adelaide goes pale, immediately changes the subject. "You're so worried about me? Maybe you should worry about yourself instead. Look at you, running yourself into the ground trying to run a kingdom. No partner. Nothing. At least I have a husband and a child on the way. What do you have? No one."

She shakes her head like it's something I could never have.

An image flashes through my mind. That sharp face, those eyes that crinkle at the corners, that low voice.

Why is the Dragon King still here instead of back in his own empire? He should be busy. Why does he always have time...

My heart picks up. I shove the thought away.

A while later, the banquet hall doors burst open. Asher strides in with several wolf guards at his back.

I set down my glass. "This is a private family dinner. Why are you here?"

Father stands immediately. "Asher is Adelaide's husband. That makes him family. I invited him."

Father won't meet my eyes.

Dinner continues in this strange, tense atmosphere. Asher sits beside Adelaide, but his gaze keeps drifting toward me.

After dinner, Asher and I head to the study. Trade agreements, supposedly. Wolf guards post themselves outside the door.

The door closes. Asher drops the act immediately.

"You're smart. You know the Human Empire needs us." He moves too close.

I step back. "Get to the point."

Asher smiles. "Adelaide's pregnant now. Can't do everything she used to. But someone still needs to maintain the alliance. Become my mate and I guarantee the Wolf Empire won't touch yours. Fair trade."

He reaches for my face.

I slap his hand away, frost gathering in my palm. "Are you out of your mind?"

Asher's smile turns cold. "It's a fair deal. You cooperate, your empire stays safe. Besides... I know how to treat a woman better than you think."

Images from my past life flash through my head. Rage burns through any sense of restraint.

The next second, magic explodes from my hands. Ice spikes shoot straight at Asher.

Asher moves fast, wolf instincts saving him from a killing blow, but the ice still tears a gash across his shoulder. He roars, golden eyes flashing in the dim light.

I don't stop. Fire, frost, blades of wind, one after another.

But he's still the Wolf King. That tough wolf constitution keeps the damage light.

"You crazy bitch!" Asher clutches his shoulder, murder in his eyes.

The study door slams open. Father, Mother, Adelaide rush in.

"Have you lost your mind?!" Adelaide shrieks, running to Asher to check his wound. "That's your brother-in-law! Are you trying to destroy the alliance? You've always hated seeing me happy, and now that I'm pregnant, you want to kill my husband?!"

I let out a bitter laugh. "He made a pass at me first. Father, call the palace guards. Get these intruders out."

Father stays silent.

There's guilt in Mother's voice. "Brynn, Asher has a point. You'll need a marriage alliance eventually. To keep things stable between our empires. If you became his mate too... the Human Empire would be safe."

Cold crawls up my spine.

I can't believe what I'm hearing. "What are you saying?"

Adelaide acts like she's making some hard choice. "I'm doing this for you. I'm your sister, I'm not going to stand by while the Wolf Empire swallows us whole. Since Asher... wants you, fine. Wolves can have multiple mates. You join the Wolf Empire, help me become a real Queen. Saves the alliance, saves the Human Empire. This is all for your own good."

I can't believe this.

I look at Father. "Father?"

Father stays silent.

That silence is deadlier than any words.

Asher clutches his shoulder, sneering. "You heard them. Your whole family agrees. Why fight it? Without the Wolf Empire's protection, the kingdoms around you will tear you apart!"

My mind races.

At the celebration, Adelaide offended the Dragon Empire. The Wolf Empire lost the mithril mines, lost a fortune.

Asher doesn't want me. He wants control of the Human Empire. If I become his mate too, he can control the entire empire through me.

Adelaide's scared of losing favor while she's pregnant. She needs someone to keep Asher occupied. Someone she can control. Like her little sister.

And my parents? They only care about the empire's safety, about keeping the alliance intact. What happens to their daughters? They saw the bruise on Adelaide's ankle and looked away. They don't care.

To them, daughters are just tools. Bargaining chips. Pieces to sacrifice.

So they decided. They'll sacrifice me.

I look around at this so-called family.

Father won't look up. Mother looks guilty but resolute. Adelaide wears that fake "for your own good" expression. Asher clutches his wound, waiting for me to give in.

I reach for my waist, pull out the dragon-marked crystal.

Asher's face changes. "Stop her!"

Wolf guards rush toward me.

I clench my fist. The crystal shatters. Shards glow bright in my palm.

I close my eyes, push out the words with what's left of my strength.

"I need your help."