Bang Chan's words ring throughout the cell, hitting me with a force I never truly expected.
"What?"
He doesn't back down, his grip on my shoulders tightening.
"I love you, (Y/N)."
My breath catches as I stare into his eyes, at the sheen of gold against the grey cell.
"For how long?" I ask.
"As long as I've known you, (Y/N). Since we were children. And I fell in love with you all over again when you came back into my life."
His eyes burn, reflecting his words.
"This might be our last night together, and if it is, I want you to know. I love you, (Y/N)."
Waves of emotions crashes over me like a storm on the sea.
"I love you. I always have, and I always will."
My heart wrenches in my chest, overwhelmed with the conviction of his words.
"Bang Chan...I love you, too."
"You don't have to say that just because I–"
I cut him off before he can continue.
"I'm not just saying it, Bang Chan. I mean it." I smile, staring into his eyes.
"(Y/N)..."
"Seeing who you are, what you've gone through..."
My feelings well up in my chest, tears rising to my eyes. I force them back.
"I've never met anyone who cares as much as you, who fights as hard as you do. And I..."
I struggle to get the last few words out, my tears falling freely now. Bang Chan reaches out a chained hand, taking mine, the gentle and soothing stroke of his thumb bringing me back.
"If we get out of this, I want to grow old with you. I want to see what you lead this pack to become."
He softens, lifting my hand to his lips to gently kiss it.
"You'll be a better leader than I would have ever been."
I looks as though Bang Chan's about to say something else when the sound of footsteps echoes down the hallway. At once, Bang Chan pushes me toward the door.
"Guards. You need to get out of here. If they find you, they'll kill you." he warns me.
"Bang Chan...I'm not going to leave you."
"Listen. If you survive, there's still a chance you can find a way to save me. That chance goes out the window if you stay here and die with me."
I can feel desperation pounding through me now. I look for something, anything that will save Bang Chan. I search the ground, finding only a small twig. I dig it into the lock in an attempt to shift the tumblers. However, as hard as I try, it doesn't budge. The twig snaps.
"Shit."
"You, for the last time, stop."
His words halt me in my tracks.
"I can't... If I do, then...then..."
My voice wavers in the dark cell. It's only then that I notice my own hands trembling.
"It's okay."
He gently puts his strong, calloused palms over mine.
"(Y/N), all I've ever wanted is to protect you. It's all I've ever known. And if I die today, then...at least I'll die knowing that I've done that. That you're safe."
"Bang Chan..."
My voice breaks as tears splash against my chest.
"I love you. I always will."
My heart breaks as I stare at the man before me. The man who took me, who irritated the hell out of me, who saved me... The man who never stopped loving me.
"Goodbye, (Y/N)."
Bang Chan cups my face in his hands, wiping my tears away. He leans in, his mouth parted. I lean in, meeting Bang Chan's kiss. I mean for it to be a gentle soft, final kiss, but I press against him, passion overtakes us both. I pull each other close, putting everything I have into this one, final farewell. There's something desperate in it, a need to hold on. I can't let go yet. Losing myself in his lips, in his embrace, I wrap my arms tight around his neck, arching my back. A sound likes a growl eeks from his throat, his tongue plunging into my mouth, tangling with mine.
"(Y/N)..."
He wraps his arms tight around me, backing me up against the door with a surge of passion.
"Just one more minute."
"Bang Chan..."
I lose myself in the feeling of him over me, this man that loves me with all that he has. He kisses my neck, his hands traveling up under my clothes.
"Just one more minute with you. That's all I ask." he begs.
"One more minute. I want that, too."
"Yes."
Bang Chan thrusts me up against the door. He tangles his hand in my hair and gently pulls my head back, exposing my neck to him. When he presses his lips to the hollow of my throat, my skin prickles with the tender kiss.
"One more mark here."
A mark I hope will never fade. Bang Chan's teeth graze my neck, catching my skin between his lips. He sucks hard, teasing my skin until it aches. My knees buckle, overwhelmed with pleasure. I moan.
"I love you. Never forget that."
"I won't, Bang Chan."
Bang Chan crashes against my mouth one last time, running a thumb over his mark. I lean into him, returning every ounce of longing. I feel him wedge a powerful knee between my legs, and I gasp. He catches my open mouth. As his tongue searches me, taste me, his knee presses harder against me, raising me off the ground.
"God, if we only had more time."
I inhale sharply, caught between the cool door and the heart of Bang Chan's body. The footsteps grow closer now. Bang Chan gently eases me back to the ground.
"Bang Chan, don't give up. Please, for me, don't give up." I beg.
"Only if you promise to do whatever it takes to live."
"I promise."
I kiss him again and his grip around me tightens, a warm heat building between the two of us that feels like home. Far too soon, he opens the door, pushing me through.
"Now go."
I give him a firm nod before tearing out of the dungeon, fresh tears falling fast down my face. I arrive back in my room in the nick of time, reattaching my collar just as Hyunjin opens the door.
"I hope you rested well last night, (Y/N). You've got a big day ahead of you."
He gestures to his upscale tux, turning dramatically for me.
"What do you think? Fitting of this pack's future leader?"
"You're no leader."
"The wolves here do whatever I say."
"Out of fear, not out of respect. That makes you a tyrant. Not a leader."
Hyunjin claps sharply. Two servants enter the room at once holding a selection of fine fabrics.
"These are for you. A few options to wear for the coming ceremony."
He rifles through them, lifting up a particularly revealing dress.
"This one is quite enticing."
He holds the dress up to me with an unsettling smile. It barely covers my thighs.
"Yes...I'd love to see you in this, (Y/N)." he said with a nasty smile
"I'd rather die."
He lets out a low, knowing laugh.
"I'd love that, as well. But for now, let's make you pretty for me, hm?"
Hyunjin unclamps my collar and shoves the barely-there white dress into my arms.
"The whole clan will be watching us, so pick something that makes me look good."
He leaves without another word, the door slamming behind him.
"Ugh" I growl out loud.
I glance through the dresses. Most of them are just as bad as the one Hyunjin picked. Then, something catches my eye amongst the fabric. From the pile, I pull out a beautiful glittering gold dress. I run my hand over the dress, molten gold like Bang Chan's eyes. The style is elegant, strong. It's everything Hyunjin will hate. It's beautiful.
As soon as I'm dressed, Hyunjin's servants escort me out of the room to my waiting groom. When I step into the foyer, Hyunjin's eyes widen in outrage.
"What the hell is that?"
It takes a lot not to smirk at his indignation.
"A wedding dress."
"The color. Why did you choose that color?"
I meet his gaze head on and give him a winning smile.
"Why do you think?"
He growls, stalking forward until he's close.
"I will make you pay for this. And I'll make that pup pay, too. Don't you see, (Y/N)? You've lost. Your so-called mate will die, and I'll rule." he gives a devilish smile.
"Then why is there fear behind your eyes?"
Hyunjin flinches back, outrage mingled with fear. I smile triumphantly in your golden, glittering gown. Hyunjin leans forward, just close enough for his warm breath to waft unnervingly into my ear as he speaks.
"Do you know what's going to happen to you after we're wed? I've got big plans for you."
"Are you going to kill me?" I ask sarcastically.
"Oh, you wish."
He lifts a single finger, trailing it across my neck.
"But no, how will I be able to use you if you're dead? You'll be my wife in name only."
Hyunjin walks behind me, brushing my hair away to sniff my neck.
"In truth, you'll just be my tool. You'll be locked away, available for me to siphon power from whenever I choose."
He drags his finger down the dip of my skin there. My stomach turns.
"Enjoy the sun while you can. This will be the last day you'll ever see it."
"Hyunjin...I'll find a way to bring you down."
He lets out a grating laugh.
"Oh that's cute. Look at you, this pretty little thing all collared for me. I do love a good fight. When it leaves your eyes, it'll be so sweet."
Hyunjin's clammy hand skates down my arm, before wrapping tightly around my waist.
"Let's get on with the show, shall we?"
Hyunjin pushes open the door to reveal a vile wedding aisle carved out straight from the doorstep, leading to an imposing looking altar.
"Do you like it, my pet? This is all for you."
"Go to hell."
I can see Taecyeon's entire pack gathered in waiting, all of them watching the two of us with bated breath. The weakest members of the pack look dirty and ill fed, as though they've been all but abandoned. It's only as I get a better look at the alter Hyunjin and I are slowly approaching that I see him. Bang Chan, beaten even worse than when I last saw him, strapped helplessly on his back atop the alter. And there, standing behind him, is Taecyeon, smiling serenely as he fiddles with a dagger, gleaming silver in the daylight. They're going to sacrifice him. I open my mouth to call out to Bang Chan, to say something, to do something, but a rough hand clamps on the back of my neck.
"Now, now, (Y/N). Don't embarrass me."
I growl, wrenching from Hyunjin's grip, my eyes never leaving Bang Chan. All eyes are on Hyunjin and I, watching. waiting for my next move.
"Isn't it every girl's dream to walk down the aisle with her beloved? Get a move on."
Hyunjin reaches out to take me by the arm, but I pull away from him. He reaches for me again but I stride confidently forward, keeping aggressively out of his reach.
"Still playing games, I see? Well...you're too slow."
Hyunjin growls in my ear as he approaches me before grabbing my arm and tugging hard. I pull against him, but he drags me forward and down the aisle. The crowd around me watches as he pulls me along, and my eyes lock with Bang Chan's.
"Come on, my little bride. Time to learn obedience."
With a quick and sudden force, I tug back at Hyunjin's grip.
"What?"
He pulls on me again, but I strike out with my leg, kicking him in the back of the knee. With a cry, he tumbles headfirst to the ground in a heap. Crossing my arms over my chest, I stare down at him.
"Oops."
Laughter erupts from the crowd, and I smirk triumphantly. Hyunjin snarls, scrambling to his feet. His hair is disheveled, his perfectly pressed clothes rumpled and dirty.
"You bitch."
"Enough."
Taecyeon's commanding voice rings through the air, stopping all action. Clearing his throat, Hyunjin dusts himself off and stalks up to the alter. I follow behind at a leisurely pace, catching a few smiles from the crowd around me. I lock eyes with Bang Chan, and I can see a smile beneath his bindings. Taecyeon looks me up and down as I approach the altar with mock fatherly pride.
"You two are the perfect matching pair. What do you think of the wedding present I got you?"
One of his hands moves down to caress Bang Chan's still bound face.
"Let him go."
I demand. He chuckles darkly.
"Relax my dear daughter. This is a happy occasion. We're doing away with your so-called true mate. You'll be so free without him distracting you from your destiny. But first, the vows."
Hyunjin glances at me before looking out to the gathered crowd.
"Today is a great day, for today our clan's power will increase tenfold."
He holds out a hand to my face, stroking it slowly. A shiver of dread runs down my spine.
"(Y/N) has returned to us. And once I've mated her, none will oppose us. And I swear to keep her alive, as long as she still has her uses."
Bang Chan growls from his place on the altar, his eyes glowing with rage as he snarls at Hyunjin. With a sneer, Hyunjin kicks Bang Chan hard in the stomach, and I wince.
"Bang Chan, it's okay."
His eyes snap to me, the rage in him fading as he sees me.
"I'm going to be okay."
"Yes, Bang Chan. She'll be bred good and proper by me. Doesn't that comfort you?"
I recoil in disgust as Bang Chan snarls again. But Hyunjin only smirks as Taecyeon turns to me.
"It's time for your own vows, (Y/N)."
My throat closes as I look from Taecyeon to Hyunjin.
"(Y/N)..." Suddenly, I feel a pulse of power, a surge of sudden warmth. Shocked, I turn to Bang Chan, whose golden eyes are locked on me, his voice reaching the corners of my mind. And I remember my vow to him.
"Together."
"Together."
I reach out to my bond, holding it close. The warmth spreads around me like armor. Then, resolute, I straighten my back, glaring into Hyunjin's lifeless eyes.
"Hyunjin, I vow...to love Bang Chan for the rest of my life."
"You little..."
Hyunjin growls, but I glare up at him, continuing.
"I vow to love him as I have never loved anyone. I vow to keep him in my heart, to keep him in my soul."
I look back to Bang Chan, smiling at him.
"He already knows, but I solemnly vow it. I love you."
Hyunjin bares his teeth.
"You won't give up, will you?"
Hyunjin leans in closer, gripping me tight by the hips.
"What makes you think you can overpower me? What makes you think you're stronger than me?"
I square up to him in turn, never once breaking down.
"Isn't it obvious? My love for Bang Chan."
I feel Bang Chan's eyes burn into me. Hyunjin bares his teeth once more, looking as though he's about to say something, but Taecyeon cuts in.
"Do you both accept one another in holy matrimony?"
"I do. Though it seems I'll have to break her down a little more later tonight." Hyunjin answers.
"And you?"
He then turns to me and asks.
"Go to hell."
Taecyeon grabs me roughly by the throat, his eyes glowing red as he commands me.
"Say. It."
My throat convulses as his power forces my words.
"I...I do..."
He releases me with a smile.
"There. That wasn't so hard, was it?"
Tears fill my eyes as I stare at Bang Chan, still bound and held captive against the altar. Taecyeon grins, stripping the gag off of Bang Chan's mouth.
"Any last words, boy?"
Bang Chan looks at me.
"I love you, (Y/N). It's going to be okay."
"We're going to get through this." He smiles sadly.
"I'm sorry"
Taecyeon flashes the silver dagger, brandishing it over Bang Chan's exposed chest.
"Remember this, boy?"
Bang Chan's eyes widen as he stares at the weapon. It glints in the low light, a strange sheen to its metal.
"The same one I used on your mother and father."
I remember what Bang Chan told me. How with one sure stab of wolf's bane, it burned through his parents like acid. Taecyeon flicks the dagger, slashing a light cut over Bang Chan's chest. Blood blooms and smokes. Bang Chan arches his back, writhing in pain.
"Bang Chan!"
Taecyeon lifts the dagger again, higher, ready to strike. I lunge for him. However, instead of stabbing down, Taecyeon grabs my hand, pulling me to him.
"What are you–"
Then, Taecyeon opens my hand and places the dagger there, closing my fingers around the hilt.
"You'll be doing the honors, my child." he grins.
"No... No, you can't make me do this." I beg.
"Can't I?"
Taecyeon's eyes glow blood red, and my body lurches against my will.
"No..."
"It's okay, You. It's okay."
Bang Chan smiles sadly at me. My hand shakes around the hilt of the knife, slick with blood.
"Do it."
Bang Chan whispers. Silhouetted by the rising sun, Bang Chan is bound before me like a sacrifice–damaged, but still beautiful. I step closer to the altar, my wedding dress dragging me down like a weight.
"I can't." I cry.
"You have to. Do it, (Y/N)."
I meet his golden eyes, which glow and pulse with power. I press the blade to his throat.
"I'm sorry–"