Chapter 4 Missing but not forgotten

‘Relax Penola. He’s dead anyway, you don’t have to worry.

But honestly, this wasn’t how I had imagined marriage.

Not that I had imagined it often. But if it ever happened, I had thought it would be with someone alive. Someone who actually wanted me.

Not a ghost.

The doors behind me immediately slammed shut. Every wolf turned, some bringing out their swords.

The sword on the empty chair moved. Just a little. Like someone touched it.

The black cloak fell to the floor with a loud thud. Everyone in the room held their breath.

“It’s just the wind!” Ria spoke. “Continue with the ceremony.”

I raised my head a little to look at Ria. Why was she in a hurry for the ceremony to be finished?

The elders looked at each other, their eyes widened. Elder Mira’s hands shook. Even elder Thorn who was next to her frowned deep.

Some wolves in the crowd fell to their knees. “A sign,” a young man said. “From the Moon Goddess.” His voice shook. 

Other wolves shook their heads. “No,” an old woman said. She pulled her shawl tight. “It’s an omen. Bad luck. The dead don’t move unless they’re angry.”

The whispers got louder.

“Is he watching us?” 

“Is he mad we married her off?”

Ria’s face went pale. She took one step back. Her hands gripped her pink dress too hard. Her eyes moved fast from the chair to the doors to me. She looked nervous. Sweat showed on her forehead even though the hall was cold.

“Continue,” she said. Her voice was too high. “Elder Mira, just continue. It’s nothing. The wind did it.”

Lord Victor stepped forward fast. “The ceremony must go on,” he said loud enough for everyone present to hear.

He looked at Elder Mira. “Laws are laws. He’s been missing for three years and the pack needs a Luna. We cannot stop for tricks and wind.”

He turned to Penola, grabbing her wrist again. His nails dug in. “Say it again,” he hissed. Only I could hear. “Louder this time. Finish it.”

The pressure on my wrist brought back old memories.

Victor rarely raised his hand against mine.

He never needed to; a look, a threat and a grip like this.

That had always been enough

I stared at the chair, at the sword and at the cloak on the floor. My heart beat hard in my chest but I did not say anything.

Victor squeezed harder. “Say it, Penola. Or I swear…”

My throat felt tight. For twenty years I was called useless, wolf-less, trash. Now they forced me to marry a dead man to save their pack.

I took a deep breath. “I, Penola Vareth,” I began. My voice came out small at first, then stronger.

“I take you, Alpha Kylde Aurelian,” I said louder. I looked straight at the empty chair. “Missing but not forgotten.”

The hall was quiet. Only the sound of my voice could be heard.

 Nobody had ever chosen me, not my family, or my pack.

Not even fate.

Yet somehow I was standing here making vows to a man who wasn’t even present to reject me himself.

“As my mate,” I said. “Until death.” I paused.

For a second, Ria stopped breathing.

Penola swallowed. Then she said the last words. “And beyond.”

For one strange second, I felt something. A feeling I couldn’t explain.

Like somewhere far away, someone had heard me.

The moment the last word left my mouth, the ring flashed.  It wasn’t so bright, just a quick gold light.

But the air got cold. So cold every wolf shivered. Some wolves fell to their knees again. “The bond,” one said. “She sealed it.”

Others crossed their arms and looked scared. “You don’t seal bonds with the dead,” an old man said. “That’s forbidden.”

###Present Day

Victor looked too shocked to move. Within a minute, the crowd outside gave way as the queen stepped forward…. Carrying no other person than the king…… wait. King DARIOUS!

…………………..

“So, you’re the bride that was chosen for my son.” Queen Lara said.

She was now dressed in royal gown, her face though still dull and had a bit of scratches from the war was still radiating. The king was in his chambers resting. The rumors was that he couldn’t live for long. He was severely injured and not even the  healers in the kingdom could heal him.

I didn’t utter a single word, I just simply bowed. Ria immediately fell to her knees.

“My queen, please do not blame her. It’s entirely my fault. If I hadn’t fallen for prince Derek, she wouldn’t have been in this situation.” She continued, sobbing. “If you want to punish anyone it should be me.”

Queen Lara said nothing. She just kept her gaze fixed on me.

“It’s been so long since I last saw you,” the queen continued, “I heard you went to the human world.”

“Yes, my queen. The humans are accommodating and business isn’t so bad there.” I replied.

“Business?” the queen repeated.

“Yes. I own a small business” she replied.

“Interesting…” the queen said.

Derek suddenly strolled in, his hands clasped behind his back. I took a glance at him. Indeed he had grown to be a fine handsome young man.

‘No wonder Ria fell for him.’ I thought.

Derek had always been handsome. Even as a teenager, girls followed him with their eyes. The difference now was that he carried himself like royalty.

“Mother!” he exclaimed, running towards Ria and lifting her up. “Are you okay?” he asked her, his gaze fixed on her lovingly. Ria only nodded, sniffing.

I secretly rolled my eyes. How come she always gets the good things?

Oh, well. It had always been like this, If Ria wanted something, she’ll get it; Better tutors, better clothes and a better future. And apparently the handsome prince too.

For a moment I wondered what it felt like to be someone’s first choice. Then I immediately hated myself for thinking it, I don’t need anyone to choose me anymore. I'm no longer fifteen.

At least that’s what I told herself.

“Mother, how could you make her kneel? She’s….” he trailed off, realizing he almost blew their cover.

‘Come on Derek, tell her.’ I smiled.