Chapter 4 In my head

Thane's account

I halted the moment my eyes met hers. Strangely, her gaze wasn't on me but on Kaida, the female by my side. She knew. She didn't need to be told, but it was clear she was deeply affected. Her grayish hazel eyes held a mix of pain and shock that made my heart clench. I hated it. I hated the effect she had on me, especially on my wolf.

Clenching my fists, I allowed Kaida, my soon-to-be Luna, to touch my body, even though I loathed the feel of her skin against mine. It was a necessary evil for my kingdom. Lycans were difficult to control, and even the females were hard to manage.

Kaida, my soon-to-be Luna, possessed a robust beauty, her athletic build and curves coveted by our kind. Her strong wolf and beta status commanded respect, but her features, though pleasing, left me unmoved. Her skin, a warm olive tone, seemed dull compared to Emberlyn's luminous complexion.

Emberlyn however was like her name-she stood out. Her ethereal beauty captivated all who laid eyes on her. Her golden hair cascaded like sunset hues, framing her heart-shaped face.

Despite her blindness, her features shone with an otherworldly radiance. Full lips, delicate nose, and porcelain skin seemed almost fragile, yet her presence commanded attention.

When she entered a room, her gentle grace drew gazes like a magnet, leaving a trail of mesmerized Lycans in her wake. Even in tattered clothing, she exuded an aura of quiet strength, her beauty piercing the darkness like a beacon.

By the goddess' bones, I was doing it again, fantasizing about the one person I hated most.

She stood there, moping at us with her moist, beady eyes, and I knew it wouldn't be long before she burst into tears. I wanted that. I wanted her to suffer for being my mate.

"We don't hate her," Odin's growl came with a certainty that annoyed me. "We want and need her." I ignored him; he was my wolf and the only part of my personality that liked Emberlyn .

"Why are you just standing there? The king needs to eat, taste the food, and get out," Kaida berated.

I gave her a look that made her swallow hard, but I looked away, a sign of my wolf protesting. Kaida had been coming to the castle for ages, so she knew Emberlyn , but she also hated her. Her reasons? I didn't know, but I knew she loved showing her superiority over Emberlyn .

Emberlyn responded by lowering her head, picking up a saucer, and tasting the dishes. "I am so honored to be the chosen Luna and queen of our kingdom. Thank you, your majesty," Kaida said loudly.

I knew she wasn't speaking to me; she had said it a thousand times already. She was trying to provoke Emberlyn . It seemed she knew that Emberlyn was more important than I made her look.

Hearing Kaida, Emberlyn stiffened. She tightened her grip on the plate, continuing to taste the meals. She kept her head lowered, but I caught a glimpse of a teardrop falling into the food. My wolf rumbled in my chest, causing it to ache, but as usual, I ignored him and looked away.

After a few minutes, Emberlyn spoke, "The food is safe for eating, Your majesty." She bowed and picked up her cane, making her way out of the hall.

"Stop right there," Kaida barked. Her voice was so brittle it scratched the inner walls of my ears, making me grind my jaws, but I didn't stop her. Emberlyn halted, knowing she was the one being addressed but refusing to turn to Kaida. "How dare you leave before the king permits you-?"

"Know your limits, Kaida. Don't you dare speak for me," I warned through our mind link.

Kiada instantly fell silent, lowering her gaze in shame. I used the mind link intentionally to prevent the other lycans at the table from thinking I held Emberlyn in high regard.

The lycans present were my immediate subordinates-beta, gamma, generals, and other important figures. There were only three other females at the table, the most powerful in the kingdom, Kaida included. To them, Emberlyn was just a worthless slave I pitied. I didn't want that perception to change.

When Kaida kept silent, Emberlyn resumed walking, pretending to use her cane as a guide. To everyone, Emberlyn was fully blind, but I knew better. I was the one who caused her condition, so I should know. No matter what happens to a dragon's eyes, it can still see through heat signatures, but Emberlyn chose to hide that secret.

Emberlyn . Emberlyn . Emberlyn . Every fucking time.

That was all I thought about whenever she was present. I hated it. I lifted the chalice before me. "A toast to greatness and my soon-to-be Luna, who will make it easier to rule."

The room erupted in cheers. They congratulated Kaida more than me, as it was more of an achievement for her than for me. I was marrying her out of obligation.

Kaida could handle the affairs of females and pups in the kingdom, among other miscellaneous duties, while I managed the administrative part and the kingdom's protection. She had been prepared for this role since birth; she was betrothed to me, but I had only recently accepted her.

She was all smiles, her joy bubbling over at marrying a king who wasn't her mate. She irritated me because I knew she was just power-hungry and desperate, but she was necessary. Before the evening ended, we would perform the wedding rituals, which Emberlyn only appeared briefly for. I refused to give her my attention and focused on the ritual.

Once it was over, it was time to honor the wedding vows-by mating with Kaida. The thought of it made me shudder involuntarily. My fists clenched the arms of my throne; I had never felt this way, at least not until Emberlyn rejected me. As my mind grappled with reality, the banquet hall erupted. Shadows surged through the windows, and guttural snarls echoed.