Chapter 6: Chapter 6: reunite with fiance

Amelia didn’t answer. She remained curled on the floor, one arm wrapped protectively around her aching stomach while she struggled to steady her breathing. Every inhale burned.

Rue could have another answer. She wasn’t getting one.

Don’t look at her.Don’t let her see you break.

Her fingers dug into the fabric of her gown as another wave of pain rolled through her body. Rue watched her for a long moment before a slow, satisfied smile spread across her lips.

She crouched again, resting one elbow casually on her knee. Amelia kept her eyes fixed on the floor.

Rue clicked her tongue.

"So stubborn." She leaned closer until Amelia could feel her breath.

"We’re leaving today."

Her smile widened. "It’s going to be quite the surprise."

Amelia’s eyelashes fluttered. Leaving?

Before she could think further, Rue continued. "I heard there’s a grand wedding taking place in the Blacksmith Territory."

A deliberate pause.

"You know..."

Her voice turned almost playful. "The territory you came from."

Amelia’s head lifted before she could stop herself. Rue laughed softly.

"There it is. I knew that would get your attention."

A knot tightened in Amelia’s chest.

A wedding...?

Whose?

She searched her memories. No one came to mind. Rue studied every flicker of confusion crossing Amelia’s face.

"We know everything about you now." She gave a mocking sigh. "You endured two weeks of torture trying to protect your little secrets."

Her smile became sharper. "What a waste."

Amelia lowered her gaze again. The words stung more than she wanted to admit.

They know... How much do they know? Did they discover why I came?

Her pulse quickened. Rue slowly rose to her feet, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from her dress.

"We’ll be attending the wedding." She spoke so casually it made Amelia’s stomach twist. You should consider it a farewell gift."

She looked down at Amelia with open contempt. "The last taste of freedom you’ll ever have."

Her eyes hardened."Because this estate..." She stepped toward the door. "...isn’t big enough for both of us."

Without another word, Rue walked out. The door closed behind her. Silence returned. Amelia remained motionless for several moments.

Her thoughts refused to settle.

A wedding...

Who could possibly be getting married?

The door opened once more. The maids entered quietly. None of them acknowledged what had just happened. Working together, they carefully helped Amelia to her feet.

She winced as the movement pulled at the bruises spreading across her stomach. One maid disappeared briefly before returning with another gown.

This one was even finer than the last.

Deep crimson silk. The fabric shimmered beneath the light, clinging softly to Amelia’s frame like flowing wine... or fresh blood.

She stared down at it. A prisoner dressed like nobility.

The irony wasn’t lost on her. After helping her change, the maids brushed her hair until the fiery strands fell neatly over her shoulders.

An hour later, they escorted her through the estate. Outside, an elegant carriage already waited. Its polished black exterior reflected the morning sunlight. The coachman climbed into position while the maids helped Amelia inside. She settled quietly against the cushioned seat.

The ache in her stomach hadn’t disappeared. Neither had the fear. Yet somewhere beneath both...

A fragile spark refused to die.

If Dylan sees me...

Her fingers slowly intertwined in her lap. He’ll save me.

She closed her eyes briefly. He has to.

She remembered every promise they had made beneath the stars. Every dream they had shared.

The carriage shifted. Someone climbed inside. Amelia opened her eyes.

Rue.

She sat across from her without saying a word, crossing one leg over the other. The disgust on her face wasn’t even disguised.

Their eyes met briefly.

Rue looked away first.

Enjoy your hope while it lasts, she thought, satisfaction curling inside her. The brothers gave me a mission. And you’re standing right in the middle of it.

She folded her arms. They never said I couldn’t have a little fun.

Anticipation flickered in her eyes. I can’t wait to see your face when you realize whose wedding we’re attending.

Amelia had already turned toward the small carriage window. The estate slowly disappeared behind them.

Yet the invisible chains wrapped around her heart remained just as heavy. She rested her forehead against the cool glass.

Hold on. The words echoed quietly inside her mind. Just a little longer.

Outside, forests gave way to open fields before the landscape slowly began to change. The gentle rocking of the carriage became almost hypnotic.

Her eyelids grew heavier. She hadn’t truly slept in weeks. Every time exhaustion had claimed her, pain had dragged her awake again. Now, despite everything weighing on her mind, sleep finally won. Her head tilted against the wooden wall of the carriage.

Darkness claimed her.

*

Smack.A sharp blow struck the side of her head.Amelia jerked awake with a startled gasp.Pain stung her temple. She instinctively lifted a hand to the sore spot.

Rue lowered her hand without the slightest hint of remorse.

"Better wake up."

Her voice carried its usual cold edge. "We’re here."

Still dazed, Amelia blinked several times before turning toward the carriage window. The sight outside stole her breath.

The familiar winding roads.Home. The Blacksmith Territory. Her chest tightened. For the first time since her capture, something inside her softened. A fragile warmth spread through the fear.

I’m home...

She hadn’t realized how desperately she had missed it. The carriage continued forward. Then Amelia noticed the decorations.Golden banners fluttered proudly between rooftops.

Deep crimson ribbons wrapped around pillars and archways. Fresh flowers decorated every street corner. Musicians could be heard somewhere farther ahead.

Laughter drifted through the air. She frowned. They weren’t exaggerating. This really is a grand wedding.

The carriage slowed before finally coming to a stop. Rue opened the carriage door without waiting for anyone else. "We’re here."

She stepped down gracefully.Amelia followed more carefully. The bright afternoon sunlight struck her eyes immediately. She squinted, raising one hand instinctively until her vision adjusted. Her legs still felt weak beneath her.

She steadied herself against the carriage door before taking a slow breath. The familiar scents wrapped around her again.

For one impossible moment...

She almost believed everything would be alright. A commotion stirred ahead. Amelia looked up. The grand double doors of the event hall slowly swung open. Guests gathered outside immediately straightened. A wave of applause rippled through the crowd.

A bride stepped out first. Her white wedding gown shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, flowing elegantly behind her with every step. A groom followed close beside her.

They looked...

Happy.

Amelia’s gaze lifted.The smile lingering on her lips disappeared. Her breathing stopped.Everything around her seemed to fade.All of it vanished beneath one impossible sight.

The bride... Was Jade.Jade’s radiant smile lit up her face as she held tightly to the man beside her.

The groom... Was Dylan.

Her Dylan. Her fiancé.

Dressed in ceremonial robes befitting the Alpha King. Standing proudly beside another woman. Her best friend.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!

Report chapter

Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter