Bride Of The Beast

"We have received a missive from the king of wolves." My father began, each word precise, as my siblings and I stood before him in his library. "He has decreed that one of my beloved daughters is to wed the beast of Northshore."

A sharp collective intake of breath followed his voice, my own breath caught in my throat, remembering all the rumored whispers I'd heard about the beast of Northshore.

They said he was one of the three princes who went feral during the war, brought back by magic or sheer will, but never quite the same. Some whispered he was stuck in a half-wolf transformation, locked away in his castle. Others claimed he was a monster, his presence enough to drive humans mad and wolves feral.

I flinched when my father's gaze slid to mine, and I immediately lowered my head. "Raven, you will go as a replacement to your sister as the beast's betrothed."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The room spun around me, my vision blurring at the edges as my father's words sank in.

Kaden shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting between our father and me. Mirabel's face was pale, her hands clenched into fists in her lap. She was the one who was supposed to marry the prince, not me.

"But Father-" Kaden began, his voice hesitant.

My father's hand sliced through the air, the sound cutting through the tense silence like a whip. The scent of old books and leather bindings seemed to intensify, heavy with disapproval. "You will do as you're told, Raven. You'll disguise yourself as a woman, which I'm quite sure wouldn't be hard for you to do." His voice dripped with disgust.

I felt a surge of humiliation, but I kept my face expressionless. Danica's voice was the only sound in the room, her words dripping with sarcasm. "What's the point of this, Father?"

Lord Dierna narrowed his eyes on her. "Those vile creatures have no respect for our customs or traditions, even our very lives are being controlled. Why then should we honour theirs?" His eyes settled on me again. "You shall be his bride and that's final."

My siblings seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for me to react. But I just stood there, frozen in shock.

"If the king were to discover your identity before the wedding he would slaughter us all to set an example, do you understand the gravity of the role you play in this?" My father's voice was cold, detached.

I nodded, my throat constricting with fear. "Yes, Father."

He waved his hand dismissively. "Pack your things, the king has sent an escort to take you to the palace, you will be wed within the week." His gaze swept over me again, the disgust evident in his eyes. "Never reveal you're a boy, do not try to run, I'll make sure you regret it."

I knew all too well he meant his words.

Danica's voice was a low murmur. "And after? What happens when the beast wants to claim what's his?"

He shrugged, his expression indifferent. "The king can do as he likes. We've fulfilled our part, we were asked to provide a bride and we did, whatever happens after the wedding is of no business to us, if the king decides to see it as a betrayal then Raven will be on his own."

Like she was being controlled Mirabel spoke up. "Stop this," she whispered fiercely, her knuckles white as she clenched her skirt.

He sneered at her. "Would you rather take his place? I hear the beast adores virgins the most, the taste of something unripe and pure would appeal to him more."

She flinched, her eyes going to the ground.

"Leave my sight, all of you." The words were low, menacing, and brooked no argument.

We all hurriedly exited, the library doors closing behind us.

Kaden's laughter was low and bitter, a stark contrast to the concern he'd shown earlier. "Guess it's your turn to be the sacrificial lamb, little brother." His eyes gleamed with amusement.

Ricky's grin was unmistakable, his eyes lighting up with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "You're the beast's next snack, Rav." He chuckled, but his voice wavered slightly.

Calani-my attendant, who had been waiting for me, nudged me gently as she whispered in my ear. "Ignore them, we need to get ready."

Trembling like a leaf, I gently extracted myself from their presence, my legs weak and heart thumping in fear as the weight of all their words crashed down on me.

In the hours that followed my father's decree, Calani decided it was her turn to add to my sorrows as she helped me pack.

"They say his eyes glow red during the full moon," Calani's voice dropped to a whisper, her breath tickling my ear. "And he turns into a terrifying creature, his wolf's head as big as a lion's, jaws wide enough to snap a man in two."

The words painted a vivid picture in my mind, the shadows on the wall seeming to twist into snarling beasts, I suppressed a shudder. "How fascinating." I muttered. "The better to maul me with."

She was more than happy to supply more info. "I heard his manhood is as thick and long as a horse's."

"Oh that's great, his wife would be a happy woman." I answered, the sarcasm clear in my voice.

"Don't you worry, I'll go with you, I took an oath to be by your side forever."

I sighed. "Thank you, I don't know what I'd ever do without you."

---

Hooves clattered on the cobblestone, announcing the arrival of my escorts. I peered out from beneath my veil, its delicate fabric a poor shield against the fate that awaited me.

My escorts waited outside, their piercing gold eyes the only giveaway beneath their human-like attire. Wolves, every one of them."

"My lady." One of them spoke up. "If you please." He gestured at the carriage. I looked behind me, hoping even just one member of my family had come to say goodbye, but I saw none, the servants were the only ones gathered to witness my spectacle.

Calani nudged me gently, urging me towards the entrance of the carriage, with one last look towards the castle I grew up in, I realized I was truly unloved and alone.

As the carriage moved, my palms slickened on the seat, my mind was racing with images of sharp teeth and clawing hands.

It was a terrifying reminder that by the end of the week, I might be dead.

EILÍS

"You would have me wed to a human?" I asked my father–the king. I wasn't one to show emotion but I was sure my face conveyed my disbelief.

"Not an ordinary human, a noble." He explained, like that made it different.

"Why! For power?fear? For respect? You already have that."

"For you, I intend to curb the rumours flying around about you, and with a human bride some of the rumours might seize." He twirled the wine cup in his hand, gold eyes flashing in suppressed anger. "And it wouldn't hurt to see if she can cure you."

"I thought you'd given up on finding a cure?" I asked in surprise.

He looked at me like I was stupid. "Why would I give up on helping you? You think I'm just going to give my crown to any of your wayward brothers?"

"Ah..., of course that's the only reason you keep me sane and locked up, sending every available woman you can find to me." I spat.

"And now I'm giving you a wife, don't be a bore Eilís, Lord Dierna's daughters are a thing of beauty from what I've heard, so they'll be pleasing to the eye."

"Would you have me ruin an innocent human's life to find out if she can cure me?"

"Stop nitpicking and just accept the decree, you will be wed by eve, we must delay the wedding no further for I fear what your actions might lead to."

I bowed my head, knowing I had no say. "As you wish my king."

RAVEN

As Calani tightened the corset, I could feel my soul leaving my body. My hands tightened on the dressing table as I tried to breath through the aches in my ribs.

"Perhaps you seem to be forgetting I'm a man, I assure you my waist won't cinch past this."

Calani shushed me. "You look beautiful, like a goddess."

I should hope so, considering the fact that underneath the dress, Calani had put in silk clothes to show the impression of breasts.

We arrived two hours ago and were escorted to a room. Calani was told to get me ready because the wedding date had been moved, I was to be wed on the eve. I wasn't even given a chance to rest or look around.

I turned to look at the mirror, my breath catching in my throat at the beauty that stood before me.

Lady Raven Dierna. A delicate beauty that bore my name, the gown I wore belonged to my mother, which my father was kind enough to grant me.

It was a gorgeous creation, a fitted kirtle of sapphire silk embraced my torso, flowing into a full skirt adorned with intricate geometric embroidery in silver thread. While the overdress, crafted from materials I couldn't name, draped around my shoulders with wide, bell shaped sleeves. Its low square neckline highlighted the porcelain pallor of my skin.

My hair was left unbound, cascading down my neck like a waterfall.

The artfully applied cosmetics only enhanced my feminine allure, dark red lips, blushed cheeks, and thick dark lashes framed my bright blue eyes.

The overall look gave me an angelic appearance that was both beautiful and unsettling. I was a doll, the very picture of noble grace, I couldn't help but imagine if this was what I'd still look like dying, I couldn't stop the sobs that escaped me at the thought.

EILÍS

The hall reeked of fresh paint and wilted flowers, the hastily arranged bouquets casting a sweet, clover-like scent that clashed with the musky tang of the stone walls.

The nobles, who had been given last minute invitations, chatted nervously, eyes lowered and head bowed, too scared to make eye contact.

Not that my towering height and huge build did anything to make them less scared.

I shifted my foot and watched with grim satisfaction as they collectively flinched.

They saw me as a ticking time bomb, one that could explode at any moment, believing I could go on a killing rampage if mistakenly triggered.

They weren't wrong, it was part of the perks of being feral.

The priest who was to officiate the wedding maintained a distance, but not so far that he could not be heard. I scoffed, like that would give him time to run.

The doors of the hall swung open, it was time.

My bride was brought into the hall with her attendants. Three veiled figures made their way up the aisle in quiet procession. I knew she was in the middle, the gown she wore was blinding in its brightness, it dragged across the grounds with each step, the fabric catching the light as it swayed in perfect harmony with her delicate movements.

She was led up the steps and placed before me. She hesitated a moment, her hands trembling beside her, she was crying. The sound behind the veil irritated something deep in my chest. Weakness had a scent, and it clawed at my nerves.

She was afraid of me.

The priest cleared his throat pointedly, sending me a meaningful glance. It was time.

With anger in my heart I reached for the veil and lifted it slowly.

The shock was palpable, like a wave crashing down over the entire congregation, rippling from the front of the hall to the back where some civilians stood.

There was a sudden intake of breath, a collective gasp as the veil was lifted completely.

The king was the first to break the silence, his voice harsh and undignified as he let out a squeak of disbelief.

He had said she was pretty, but now that the moment had arrived, even he couldn't hide the shock that laced his voice.

She was absolutely, impossibly beautiful.

The priest however didn't seem to notice or care. As soon as I had lifted the veil and revealed the swollen tear streaked face, he resumed his recitation.

"We gather here today." He intoned. "Under the watchful eyes of the celestial deities, the moon goddess, Luna, and the shadow god, Nyx..." I couldn't help the anger that continued to fill me at the sight of her still trembling body.

"And may the eternal flow of the moon river bless this union..." the priest droned on.

His voice suddenly sharpened.

"Prince Eilis Caravia, Feral wolf of levia. Do you take Lady Raven Dearna to be your lawfully wedded wife? To cherish and to protect, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." My voice was firm and clear.

"And do you, Lady Raven Dearna, take prince Eilís of Caravia, feral wolf of levia, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To honour and support, to love and to cherish in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

The silence was loud as she hesitated, mouth moving but no sound coming out, she gripped her dress, seeming to summon courage and then she squeaked out "I do", her voice barely audible.

"By the power vested in me, by the celestial deities, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I watched as Raven stiffened, eyes slamming shut, hands tightening on her dress and body trembling as she waited for a kiss.

My chest stung, I had to fist my hand to keep from rubbing them. I hated the look of fear on her face. I bent slightly and placed a kiss on her cheek, completely avoiding her lips, I retracted and turned to the audience.

I was married to someone who didn't want me, and was petrified of me. My skin felt tight, my hands started to tremble, I knew it was a sign my wolf wanted out.

I took the steps in two, gliding past the congregation as they attempted to flee out of fear.

I could feel my clothes ripping, the shift already upon me.

I snarled at the people in my way as they hurried past me, trying to run in the opposite direction, but I was faster, my wolf bursting forth.

The evening shadows seemed to swirl around me, fueling my transformation. I threw my head back and let out a fierce howl, the sound sending shivers through the fleeing crowd.

I knew what I looked like in that moment– a beast unleashed, eyes glowing like embers, fur bristling with power. The crowd's fear was palpable, a heady scent that only fueled my wolf's ferocity.

I bared my teeth, a snarl twisting my muzzle, and took a step forward. The people pressed against each other, trapped between panic and fascination.

My nose twitched, I could smell something intriguing, earthy yet sweet. I sniffed the air, my wolf's instincts on high alert, and my gaze locked onto a figure standing frozen at the altar.

She was terrified yet she didn't move, her fear-scent mingling with the sweet notes of cedarwood and honeysuckle, creating a captivating aroma.

Her eyes met mine, and I could see the realization dawning on her. She was trapped with a monster.

RAVEN

I was doomed. It was the only thought that ran through my head as the wolf locked eyes with mine. Could it smell my fear? Could it smell that I was lying about my identity? He was huge, easily reaching almost five feet.

It prowled towards me, gaze unmoving, I forced myself to move but my foot stayed rooted to the ground.

It growled suddenly, body jerking to the side, I noticed it had been hit with a dart. Another shot, and it jerked again, its descent slowing.

That was when I noticed the king holding a dart gun and a displeased expression on his face. He fired another and finally the wolf went down, its head hitting the ground with a loud thud.

"Escort her grace to the prince's chambers." The king's voice rang out.

I flinched back in surprise as two men appeared before me.

"If you please, your grace." They gestured for me to follow. With one look back at the feral wolf laying on the ground, I turned and followed.

Was I a bad person if I wished for him to remain that way towards the foreseeable future?

The men escorting me stopped at a door after passing several in the hallway.

"This is the prince's quarters, your grace, please make yourself at home." One of them pushed the door open.

I took hesitant steps into the room as I admired the dark walls and the black leather chairs that adorned the living room, of course the floor was made of marble.

"Yes it looks depressing, but wait till you see his room." I flinched, jumping back in alarm as a figure emerged from behind me.

"Pfft, I'm not that scary am I?" A boy about the same height as me, stood before me, his pale gold eyes twinkling as he smiled.

He ran a hand through his hair and jumped on a couch. "I'm the one who's supposed to be staring you know." On instinct I tried to apologize. He waved it away. "It's nothing, I'm Denis."

He looked at me expectantly. "I'm Raven.' I said, trying to make my voice sound as feminine as possible.

"Now that that's out of the way, let's get down to business." His playful gaze turned serious.

"After the ruckus you experienced, you must have some questions so here's the run down. Yes prince Eilís has no control over his shift, yes he is locked up in the castle every full moon, and yes he might hurt you but not on purpose."

I just stood there, not knowing how to react.

"Prince Eilís will be back in a few hours after he wakes up and this is what is expected of the both of you. "He is to claim you...yes, that means bite you, don't worry you'll be okay and that's if you survive it, you're expected to consummate the marriage before you would be considered part of the pack. I'll leave you to rest, and by tomorrow morning I'll come to get you started on your wolf royalty training." He made air quotes. "I'll be your guide, your go to guy for any troubles you might have, I'm basically your wolf attendant."

I managed a thank you and Denis beamed. "I like you already, and I really do hope you survive." He waved his hand as he exited, the door clicking shut behind him.

The beast was going to bite me, he was going to claim me.

A shiver ran down my spine as the wolf's glowing eyes lingered in my mind, its hot breath still seeming to mist the air

EILÍS

As I pushed open the door to my chambers I was surprised to see it empty, after I had woken up from my forced slumber, I was told my bride was waiting in my room. I narrowed my eyes at the door leading to my bedroom, could she have run away? Did I terrify her that much? I walked towards the door and pushed it open, my breath hitching at the sight of her sitting on the edge of the bed, head lowered and hands held between her legs.

I frowned at her posture. "What are you doing?"

She flinched like she hadn't expected the sound of my voice. "I'm at your service my prince."

My frown deepened. "Why do you sound like that?"

Her hand went to her throat, coughing a little, she replied. "My lungs did not develop properly, my voice has been like that since I was little."

"Oh." I sighed, wondering how I was going to bring up the conversation of claiming. I had sent Denis here to prepare her as much as he could.

"I won't touch you without your permission, I'll only go as far as you allow, but you have to take the bite, it's no exception."

Her head snapped up at my words, the surprise evident in her gaze.

I couldn't help the disgust in my voice. "What? Did that come as a surprise? Not being the brute people assume I am?"

"No my-"

"It's alright." I cut her off. "I took no offense, let's just get this over with." I approached her slowly, feeling grateful when she tilted her head to the side. With my expression tight, I bent down and knelt before her.

She jerked back, eyes widening in alarm. "What are you doing?"

"This is part of the ritual." I answered.

"I submit myself before you Raven of Dierna now Raven Caravia and ask that you give me the honour of accepting both the man and the wolf before you as your mate and husband."

She just stared at me. "You're supposed to say you accept."

"I accept,"she answered.

I held back her hair as she tilted her head to the side.

I swallowed at the sight of her pale and fragile neckline, The scent of cedar wood and honeysuckle even more apparent, I resisted the urge to breathe in her scent.

I could feel her holding her breath as I bent my head towards her neck. "I'll try to make it less painful." I whispered as my fangs descended.

With no preamble I pierced her skin, not stopping until my fangs connected. She screamed, her body trashing as she tried to push me away.

I held her down using my other hand. "It hurts!" She cried. I ignored her getting lost in the feeling of her blood trickling down my throat as I accessed her memories. It was one of the main reasons for the bite, the power to enter the mind of one's mate, ensuring that mates couldn't keep secrets from each other.

I froze as I came across a memory of her -no, him, standing before his father and was told to take the place of his sister to become my bride.

The pressure behind my eyes pulsed - the familiar fracture spreading. I had seconds, maybe less.

I jerked back, my fangs releasing his throat as I took two steps backward, staring at him in disbelief. "You're... a boy,"I whispered, the words feeling like they'd torn their way out of my throat.