The day my world shattered began like any other. I was in my room, surrounded by wedding plans, thinking about centerpieces and floral arrangements. For six months, I had been engaged to Harvard, and despite the challenges our pack was facing, I believed we’d find a way through—together.

The faint buzz of my phone interrupted my thoughts. It was my mom.

"Hey, Mom," I answered, tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder.

"How’s the planning coming along?" she asked warmly, though there was a familiar thread of worry in her voice.

"It’s going… okay," I replied, sifting through papers. "The pack’s situation is rough, but I’m optimistic. Harvard’s stepping up."

Her sigh was heavy. "Saffire, you’re doing too much. Let Harvard shoulder some of the load—that’s his role as Beta, and as your fiancé."

"He is," I said quickly, though the words felt hollow. "Things will get better. They always do."

She didn’t sound convinced, but I didn’t press her. If only I could convince myself.

That evening, the pack house was alive with chatter. A gathering had been called to boost morale and address the financial strains the Blackthorn pack had inflicted on us.

Harvard had insisted on taking the lead tonight, determined to prove himself as more than just the Beta—he wanted everyone to see him as my equal, as someone worthy of me.

I stood by the refreshment table, sipping water and stealing glances at the stage where Harvard would speak. Amelia, my cousin—the girl my family had adopted when she was just a child—floated toward me in a pale blue gown.

"You look beautiful, Saff," she said, her voice sugary sweet.

"You too, Amelia," I replied, though I couldn’t shake the unease creeping up my spine.

Before I could analyze it further, Harvard stepped onto the stage, his tall frame commanding attention.

The room fell silent. He looked polished, confident—the man I’d loved for years. My heart swelled with pride.

"This is it!" I thought. "He’s going to show them he’s ready for this role—for us.”

Harvard cleared his throat, his dark eyes scanning the crowd. When they landed on me, he hesitated for just a moment before moving on.

"My fellow Hawthorne pack members," he began, his voice steady. "We’ve endured hardships, but we are resilient. Tonight, I have news that will secure our future."

The air buzzed with anticipation. My fingers tightened around my glass.

"He’s going to announce our wedding date." My mind screaming.

But when he spoke again, my entire world tilted.

"I’m honored to announce my engagement… to Amelia."

The glass slipped from my fingers and shattered against the floor, its sharp crack echoing the sound of my heart breaking.

Gasps filled the room.

Time seemed to freeze as I stared at him, unblinking. I turned my head, almost in slow motion, to Amelia. She stood beside me, her hands clasped in front of her, a satisfied smile curling her lips.

Harvard descended the stage and walked straight to her. The room blurred around me.

"Harvard," I finally managed, my voice trembling. "What are you doing?"

He didn’t meet my eyes, his expression cold and detached. "I’m doing what’s best for the pack, Saffire. This alliance is necessary."

"Necessary?" My voice cracked. "You’re humiliating me! In front of everyone!"

"This isn’t about you," he snapped, wrapping an arm around Amelia’s waist.

I felt like I was drowning, the whispers of pack members swirling around me.

Amelia turned to me then, her voice soft. "I didn’t want you to find out this way, Saffire."

I blinked at her, a bitter laugh spilling from my lips. "Find out this way? You’re standing there with him, wearing that smug grin, and you expect me to believe you’re sorry?!"

"You’re overreacting," Harvard cut in.

I wanted to scream, but my voice was gone. I stumbled back, feeling the walls closing in around me.

***

By the time I reached my room, anger had begun to replace the shock. I slammed the door shut, breathing hard. My hands shook as I grabbed my phone and dialed my mom.

"Mom," I choked out. "I’m coming home."

"Saffire, what’s wrong?"

"Harvard’s engaged to Amelia," I spat, the words tasting like ash.

There was silence on the other end. When she spoke again, her voice was low and steady. "Come home, sweetheart. We’ll handle this together."

I hung up, tossing my phone onto the bed. Before I could start packing, there was a knock at the door.

"Go away," I muttered, but the door creaked open anyway.

Amelia stepped inside, her smugness replaced with a weak imitation of pity. "Saffire, I didn’t mean—"

"Don’t," I said sharply, turning to face her. "Don’t pretend to care now."

"It wasn’t personal," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

"Not personal?" I snapped. "You were my family. My cousin who almost like a sister to me. How long have you been planning this?"

She didn’t answer, and her silence told me everything.

"You should leave," I said through clenched teeth, pointing at the door.

For once, she listened.

As I threw clothes into a bag, tears streamed down my face. But beneath the heartbreak, something else was growing.

They thought they could break me. They thought I’d crumble.

They had no idea who they were messing with!

The betrayal clung to me like a bruise that wouldn’t fade. I spent the next morning holed up in my room, lying on my bed and staring at the sunlight cutting through the curtains.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, over and over, but I ignored it. I didn’t want to hear anyone’s pity or gossip about the mess my life had become.

A soft knock broke the silence. "Saffire? It’s Dad."

I sat up reluctantly, pushing my hair out of my face. "Come in."

The door opened, and my father walked in, his usual commanding presence slightly dimmed. There was a heaviness in his expression I hadn’t noticed before. He shut the door behind him and sat at the edge of my bed.

"How are you holding up?" he asked quietly.

"How do you think?" I muttered, hugging my knees to my chest.

He sighed, his jaw tightening. "I know it hurts, but we can’t dwell on it. The pack is restless, Saffire. They’re questioning us."

I looked away, guilt coiling in my stomach. "Because of me."

"No," he said firmly. "Because of Harvard’s betrayal and Amelia’s schemes. Don’t put their choices on yourself."

The mention of Amelia’s name made me feel sick. She wasn’t just another pack member. She was family—my cousin, practically my sister. We’d grown up together, shared everything. And now, she’d shattered everything we’d built.

"How long?" I asked, my voice barely audible. "How long have they been planning this?"

Dad hesitated, and that pause told me everything. "Months. Maybe longer. I’m still figuring it out."

Months. All those times they smiled at me, acted normal—had it all been a lie?

"It’s worse than betrayal, Saffire," Dad continued grimly. "They’re aligning with the Blackthorn pack."

I blinked at him, disbelief thick in my throat. "The Blackthorns? The same pack that’s been trying to destroy us for years?"

He nodded, his face etched with frustration. "Harvard thinks joining forces with them will solidify his position. And Amelia… she’s been feeding them our weaknesses."

My fists clenched. "How could she do this? To me? To us?"

"I don’t know," he admitted. "But we can’t focus on why. We need to figure out how to stop them."

I stood, pacing the room. "What’s the plan? Do we call them out? Strengthen the borders? There has to be something—"

"There is," Dad interrupted.

I stopped mid-step, his tone sending a chill down my spine.

"You’re not going to like it," he said, meeting my gaze.

I frowned. "What is it?"

He let out a long breath, rubbing a hand over his face. "We need an alliance. A strong one. And there’s only one family with enough power to protect us right now—the Lancaster."

The room seemed to tilt. "The Lancaster?" I repeated, my voice almost a whisper.

Dad nodded. "Their influence is unmatched. If we join forces with them, it’ll send a clear message to the Blackthorns—and Harvard—that we’re not weak."

I laughed bitterly. "And by join forces, you mean me, right? You want me to marry one of them."

Dad didn’t answer, but his silence spoke volumes.

"No," I said firmly. "Absolutely not. The Lancaster are monsters, Dad. You’ve said it yourself. And Sebastian—"

"Alpha Sebastian Lanaster of Ashenvale is not a monster. He's in vegetative state," he cut me off sharply. "He once a man trying to lead his pack through impossible circumstances. And you’re strong, Saffire. Together, you two could save the Hawthornes."

I shook my head, disbelief bubbling up in me. "You can’t just hand me over like some pawn. I’m your daughter, not a bargaining chip!"

"This isn’t just about you," Dad snapped, his voice rising. "This is about the survival of our pack. Of our family. Do you think I want this? Do you think this is easy for me?"

Tears stung my eyes, but I turned away, unwilling to let him see them. It wasn’t fair. None of this was fair.

That night, I wandered the pack’s borders, needing air, needing space. The cool breeze did little to calm the storm raging inside me.

As I walked, a familiar scent drifted on the wind—one that made my blood boil.

"Amelia," I growled, stepping into a clearing where she stood, her arms crossed.

She turned, her expression unreadable. "Saffire. Didn’t think I’d see you here."

"Cut the act!" I snapped. "I know what you’ve been doing. I know everything."

Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Do you? Or are you just guessing?"

My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin, my claws itching to break free. "Why, Amelia? Why betray your own family?"

For a moment, something flickered in her eyes—regret, maybe? But it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"You wouldn’t understand," she said quietly.

"Try me."

She exhaled slowly, taking a step back. "You had everything, Saffire. The title. The respect. Harvard’s love. And what did I have? Nothing. I was always in your shadow."

"That’s not true," I said, though her words cut deep.

"It doesn’t matter now," she said coldly. "What’s done is done. If you’re smart, you’ll let it go. It’s the only way you’ll survive this."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, shaking with anger. If marrying Sebastian Lancaster the cursed prince was the only way to save my pack, then I will do it!

The Lancaster estate was exactly what I’d expected—big, cold, and intimidating. The gates loomed high as they slowly opened for our car. I sat in the backseat, my fingers gripping the hem of my sweater, watching the mansion come into view.

“Are you okay?” Dad said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

I met his gaze, trying to keep my voice steady even though my insides were in turmoil. “Yes, I am. . . For the pack.”

We drove up the long driveway, passing perfectly trimmed hedges and towering stone statues that seemed to be watching us. At the top of the hill stood the Lancaster mansion, its dark stone walls casting long shadows in the afternoon sun.

When we parked, a tall man in a sleek black suit greeted us. His piercing blue eyes and sharp features were unmistakable—Killian Lancaster, Sebastian’s younger brother.

“Alpha Alex,” he said, his voice smooth. “And this must be Saffire.”

I stepped out of the car, straightening up. “Yes.”

Killian’s gaze lingered on me for a moment, like he was sizing me up, before he nodded toward the house. “Come inside. My father’s waiting.”

The inside of the Lancaster mansion felt as imposing as the outside. High ceilings, dark wood paneling, and an air of old money filled the space.

We were led to a grand sitting room where Victor Lancaster, the head of the Lancaster pack, was sitting by the fireplace in an ornate chair. He stood up when we entered, his presence demanding attention.

“Alpha Alex,” he greeted my dad, shaking his hand. Then his eyes turned to me. “And you must be Saffire. Thanks for coming.”

I gave a small nod, unsure of what to say.

“Please, sit,” Victor said, motioning to the leather couches.

Once we were settled, he got straight to the point. “You know why you’re here. Our families stand to gain a lot from this arrangement. Your pack needs resources, and we need… hope.”

My dad spoke first. “Victor, I’ve told you before, we appreciate the offer. But I want Saffire to hear everything from you. No surprises.”

Victor’s gaze softened a little when he looked at me. “Of course. I won’t sugarcoat it, Saffire. My son, Sebastian, is alive, but he’s cursed by a rogue witch. He’s stuck in a sort of limbo—unable to wake up, unable to heal.”

I swallowed, the weight of his words sinking in. “And you think… our marriage will fix that?”

Victor leaned forward, looking serious. “The curse is tied to isolation. The witch’s last words were cryptic, but we believe forming a strong bond—especially a mate bond—might break it.”

“Or it might not,” I said, blunt as always.

Victor didn’t flinch. “True. But if it works, it will save him. And in return, we’ll save your pack.”

I glanced at my dad, who gave me an encouraging nod.

“What happens if it doesn’t work?” I asked.

“Then we keep our promise,” Killian chimed in. “The alliance stands either way. You won’t be left alone.”

His words were meant to reassure me, but the knot in my stomach didn’t loosen.

After the meeting, Victor suggested I visit Sebastian.

“Take your time,” he said. “You should see what you’re agreeing to.”

Killian led me down a long hallway to a set of double doors. “He’s in here,” he said, opening them.

The room was dim, the curtains pulled tight over the windows. In the center of the room was a big bed, and lying on it was Sebastian Lancaster.

He was nothing like I’d imagined. Even unconscious, his presence was powerful. Dark hair framed a chiseled face, and his broad shoulders made the bed look small. But it was the scar along his jawline and the tension in his expression that told the story of a man who’d fought—and lost.

I hesitated in the doorway. “Does he… know anything? Can he hear us?”

Killian shook his head. “We’re not sure. Some say those in his condition can hear everything. Others think it’s like being trapped in a dream.”

I took a step closer, my heart racing. “What was he like? Before the curse?”

Killian’s expression softened. “Sebastian was complicated. Strong, loyal, but shut off. He carried the weight of the pack on his shoulders. Never let anyone get close.”

“Why?” I asked, more curious than I wanted to admit.

“He thought it made him a better leader,” Killian replied. “But I think it just made him lonely.”

I looked down at Sebastian, wondering if this was the life I was about to walk into.

Later that evening, I found myself in the estate’s library, staring out at the darkening sky. My dad came up to me, a concerned look on his face.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

I sighed. “I’m thinking this is crazy. I don’t even know him, Dad. And he’s—” I gestured vaguely. “Like this.”

“I know,” he said gently. “But I also know you, Saffire. You’re stronger than you think. And this could be the chance we’ve been hoping for.”

I turned to face him. “Do you really believe that? Or is this just about the pack?”

“It’s both,” he admitted. “But I wouldn’t ask this of you if I didn’t believe you could handle it.”

I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of his words.

“Okay,” I finally said. “I’ll do it.”

It felt like stepping off a cliff, but there was no turning back now.