I took a deep breath, pulling myself together as best as I could before heading downstairs. The dress Regal chose for me was simple but elegant, yet it clung to my body in a way that made me feel I was trapped. My mind raced with doubts and fears, as I came down the staircase.
Regal waited for me at the end of the stairs, his expression was mysterious. "Regal, why did you..." I failed to finish my sentence as my heart sank seeing the beauty standing beside him. My best friend, one person I thought I could trust in this wretched place, Tiara.
"Serena, meet my destined mate Tiara," Regal said, his voice devoid of emotion. The words struck like a dagger to my heart as Tiara's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Oh, Serena, what a surprise! I thought you were dead." she mocked, her tone laced with venom.
"Tiara, why?" I whispered, the betrayal cutting deep. "You were my friend."
"Friend?" Tiara laughed, a cruel, sharp sound. "You were always so naive, Serena. I was never your friend. I was only fulfilling Regal's wishes."
I felt a burning anger rising within me, but it didn't make any sense! Tiara is the princess of Shadow Pack which makes Regal her brother! It can't be...
"But you two are brother and sister! How can you two become mates?!" I questioned her.
"Regal and me we were never blood related! Don't tell me you don't know the truth?!" Tiara hissed.
"Enough, Tiara," Regal commanded, his voice icy. "I think I told you to keep your mouth shut." Before I could know the truth Regal intervened. Tiara's eyes flashed with fear, and she said nothing more. Regal took my arm, his grip firm and painful and led me away from the scene. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions-betrayal, anger, confusion.
He guided me back to my bedroom, closing the door behind us. "Rest," he said, his tone softer now. "You'll need your strength for what's to come."
I looked at him, trying to understand his motives, but his face revealed nothing. As he turned to leave, I called out, "You're a filthy beast!" He paused at the door, and glared back to me. "You should think twice before saying anything, Serena because soon you'll be carrying the child of this filthy beast!," he smirked before stepping out and closing the door behind him, leaving me terrified. What did he mean by I'll carry his child?! None of this makes any sense!
Left alone in the silence, I sank onto the bed, tears streaming down my face. The weight of Tiara's betrayal and Regal's statement were crushing me down inside.
The hours dragged on, each one heavier than the last. The sun had begun to set when the door to my chamber creaked open and Regal stepped inside.
His expression seemed cold and emotionless. "Get up," he ordered, his voice cutting through the thick silence like a sharp blade.
I rose from the bed slowly, my body trembling. "What do you want from me, Regal?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he crossed the room in swift strides and grabbed my wrist, dragging me toward his chamber. Terror surged within me as I struggled against his painful grip while panicking. "Let me go!" I cried and screamed, but my pleas fell on deaf ears.
He pushed me onto his bed, his body looming over mine. His eyes were dark, filled with lust and a predatory hunger that made my blood run cold. "Stop fighting, Serena," he growled, pinning me down with his weight as he released his pheromones. I knew in my heart what was coming! I never could have dreamt that my first time with Regal will be in a heart-breaking situation like this.