Chapter 8 8: Instincts Never Lie

Chapter

Samuel Kan

Before heading to the grand hall, I asked my father to prepare everything and quickly went up to the penthouse, where half of the wolf guard was stationed. I knew that entire garden was under surveillance, so I figured they might have seen something.

But I couldn't get anything. How could they have missed someone so peculiar? Then again... she didn't smell like a wolf. Still, I don't believe she was human either. I didn't feel anything that would tell me she was human. It was something familiar, but unusual. Unfortunately, the potion they gave me creates an aggressive block for wolves like me-those who can only be with their mates. It prevents us from sensing or interacting with other she-wolves. That means it also disables my ability to identify my mate, and as a result, I ended up being able to be with someone like that stranger.

"I want you to check the guest list and every woman who was here today. Seal the gates and don't let anyone leave until I'm at the exit, inspecting everyone with the elders," I ordered, and they nodded, heads bowed.

My stay up there didn't last long. I waited for the elders, then quickly descended and joined everyone in the hall, heading straight for the altar to await the bride.

Everyone was anxious-but not more than me. They had no idea who I was about to marry, or why I finally agreed to take a wife after over a hundred years of refusing-hoping one of Maya's rebirths would succeed.

I stood at the altar. The great hall was filled with anticipation.

Finally, she appeared at the grand door, accompanied by her father. I let out a small sigh, feeling a flicker of frustration. After all... she was wearing a different dress. But I was sure it was the same girl from years ago. Still... it was strange not to feel our bond like that day. And yet, we were so close-and Maya was so weak I could barely sense that she might even be a wolf. But I knew it was that dagger-draining her power. That thing carried an ancient energy that had been leeching every drop of strength from its wielder. That's why it took Maya so long to be reborn. I don't know how many times she tried, only for the pregnancy of her would-be mother to fail every time.

Maya's price for saving me was to have her birth interrupted again and again by that dagger slowly killing her from within.

But there she was-walking toward me. The only man who could free her from her torment and make her immortal by my side.

I kept my focus on her as she walked slowly toward me, a bitter smile tugging at my lips as I tried to accept it while receiving disapproving looks from the other leaders. That dress wasn't even close to the one I had given her. And it wasn't just me who chose that dress-it had been crafted by a monarch tailor, someone deeply influential in my family. He was the man who housed the goddesses of fate. This was extremely offensive to him. That dress wasn't just a garment-it was a celestial jewel, not something to be ignored. He was among those eagerly waiting to see the bride in that dress.

I tried not to dwell on it. After all... there were bigger concerns than a simple dress irritating me right now. But how could I explain that to the monarch tailor?

If Maya wanted to make a statement, she'd just made the worst possible one-to the most important people in the room. But it was nothing I couldn't handle later.

She walked toward me slowly as the wedding march played. My heart pounded with every step she took. I vaguely remembered her face, her features. Even though she had been so young and fragile back then, now I could confirm without a doubt-it was her. Her appearance confirmed it. But that wasn't enough for me. I needed her to hold my hand so I could be sure it was really her.

At last, we stood face-to-face. After over a millennium, I had waited for her. Finally, I could lift her veil-and there she was. The same girl I had seen years ago, now grown into a beautiful woman. Her eyes met mine in confusion, showing intense nervousness. Still... it felt like she was someone else. Maybe the dagger was draining her in such a way that it masked everything.

"It's okay," I whispered gently to her. She exhaled in relief, as if I'd just confirmed something she desperately needed to hear.

The ceremony was brief, and in that moment, all I wanted was to free Maya from what imprisoned her.

After the dance in the center of the hall and the introductions, I was finally able to lead her to a table a bit away from the other guests.

But, as nothing is ever perfect, the triplets dared to crash the celebration.

The wedding hall still buzzed with the joy of the festivities when I saw the triplets rise in the middle of the crowd.

The silence was immediate.

It was obvious-nothing good ever came from them.