The sunray preyed its way in like a thief, slipping through the thin cracks of the black curtains. The golden ray flickered on Elias's face, and he stirred, groaned, then yawned softly. His muscles ached, his throat begged for water, and his head throbbed like a beating drum. He blinked once… twice.
The ceiling was unfamiliar. The softness of the duvet was soothing but strange against his touch. The walls carried decorations of unfamiliar paintings.
"Goddess," he croaked.
He tried sitting up, but his muscles screamed in protest, and a little groan escaped his thin, pale lips. His legs felt too heavy. He turned to the side—only then did he notice the size of the bed. A king-size bed with soft silk sheets, but the headboard was rather peculiar. Engraved with strange ancient markings. Something about the place unsettled him, but he did not have the luxury of time.
How long had he been out? He pondered.
"Consort Elias," a voice called from behind the door.
"Consort?"
Before Elias could even process the word, the door creaked open. A familiar sound echoed, and soon the mighty figure presented himself. Prince Rowan's presence commanded as always. The maid from earlier pushed him from behind.
"You're just in time," Rowan said, his voice calm, almost too calm for Elias's liking.
Elias blinked rapidly. "Did I miss… anything?"
Rowan's eyes glittered. "Only everything," he grinned.
Elias opened his mouth, but his words were held back by the train of servants who lined in. Their arms carried royal robes, expensive jewelry, embroidered sashes, scented oils, and perfumes that hovered in the air with sweetness.
"Wait… hold on." Elias protested, pushing the sheets off and attempting to sit up. "What is all this?" he asked innocently.
"Your attire," Rowan said simply.
Laura pushed Rowan forward, closing the distance between the men.
"The wedding is in two hours," Rowan announced.
"Wedding?" Elias choked. "I haven't even agreed to—"
"You did when you accepted protection under my name," Rowan cut in smoothly. "Do not worry. You will look quite stunning as my consort, Beta Elias."
Elias's mind gambled. His thoughts went wild, his mind searched for words, but nothing came. He was as blank as a whiteboard. Before he could protest, he was stripped, bathed, and dressed like a doll. The maids worked in a perfect algorithm.
His skin, once tanned and filled with scars, now radiated beauty and charm. Staring at himself before the huge mirror, he was nothing short of royal property.
"Perfect." Rowan's eyes lingered longer, and his thin lips stretched.
Elias braced himself for what was to come. Time ticked fast, and two hours were over before he realized it.
At the entrance, he stood in a trance, his legs weak and his body heavy. The giant golden door before him felt like a gateway. An escape from his past. Beneath the red veil, a silent tear dropped. He felt rushed, but everything at this point in his life was already urgent.
The door creaked open, and the march began.
The wedding hall was nothing short of exquisite—its long white drapes highlighted with red, the mirror-like decor, and beautiful sunflowers. Elias's steps felt heavy, but he walked forward. Turning back was not an option.
From the corner of his eyes, he could feel their intense gazes. Some cold… others curious.
The ceremony was fast… too fast. The priest spoke words that Elias barely heard. And when the ceremonial binding cloth was wrapped over his and Rowan's joined hands, his throat felt tight. He was barely present.
Rowan was far more focused on entertaining guests. This wasn't just their marriage—it was a political event.
Elias's eyes wandered around. He had always had sharp hearing, and his wolf was an active Beta. Until he heard it.
Two nobles just off the side of the altar spoke in hushed tones. Elias caught a word… his name.
"Consort Elias is nothing but a pawn; he won't survive the night. The same poison should work again…"
Elias felt a cold rush of wind sway his body to the side. Again?
His fists tightened, and his body trembled. His wolf stirred, fangs bared beneath his skin. He turned slightly, his lips parted, his eyes desperately wanting to warn Rowan or demand answers, but a sharp pain stabbed through his gut like a blazing volcano.
Elias's fingers trembled, his head drummed with a heart-wrenching ache. His face instantly heated up, and sweat dripped.
"Rowan," he managed to call out, breathless.
The prince turned his head just as Elias collapsed, catching him before he touched the ground.
"Don't you think we should wait till the bedroom?" He joked, but Elias was fast losing himself.
His face was suddenly too pale, his hands cold as the morning dew.
"El…" Rowan touched his soft, cold cheek.
Elias had so much to say. His head and mind were bombarded with questions, but the words wouldn't come out. His body felt like a foreign entity—nothing worked to his command.
Warm blood sprayed out from the corners of his thin lips, and the hall erupted into chaos.
Elias's gaze lingered longer on the man before him. But then, darkness swallowed everything.