Chapter Two
Melody's mind went blank.
Marry the new Alpha of Tharenos? It couldn't be. Her father had to be joking, but the stern expression on his face said otherwise.
"Father, you can't be serious," she said, trying to keep her voice from shaking. "I've never even met the Alpha, let alone agreed to marry him."
His gaze didn't waver. "It's not about what you want, Melody. It's about what's best for the kingdom. And marrying the Alpha of Tharenos is what's best for Lyrius."
Her heart pounded. Marry a stranger? A wolf? It was unthinkable.
"Why?" she demanded, desperation creeping into her voice. "Why me?"
Her father sighed, his voice carrying a rare trace of emotion. "Because Tharenos is powerful. Their alliance will secure our kingdom's safety. This marriage seals that alliance."
Melody felt trapped, as though the walls of the throne room were closing in around her. She knew the decision had already been made.
"What if I refuse?" she asked, her voice quiet but defiant.
His expression darkened. "You won't. You'll do your duty, even if it costs your happiness."
The words hit her like a blow. Sacrificing her happiness. Was that all she was worth?
"I understand," she whispered, the fight in her chest dying down.
The king nodded. "Good. A ball will be held for your birthday tomorrow. We leave for Tharenos the day after."
Melody gave a silent nod and turned away, her heart heavy with dread. Her life was changing, and not for the better.
She left the throne room in a daze, only to find Mira waiting just outside.
"You knew about this, didn't you?" Melody asked, a flicker of betrayal in her eyes.
Mira feigned innocence. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't lie, Mira. You knew about Father's plan to marry me off to the Alpha of Tharenos."
Mira shrugged with a smirk. "Of course I knew. They wanted me at first, but I told them I'm more important to the kingdom than you are."
The words stung more than Melody expected. Why did I ever think I belonged in this family?
It wasn't just her father's coldness or Mira's cruelty. It was the way she looked.
The fae of Lyrius were known for their radiant wings, striking green eyes, and the power to heal and control the wind. But Melody had never been able to command the wind. Her hair was dark, nearly black, and among the fae, that made her an oddity. A flaw.
Yes, she had emerald eyes and retractable wings, an ability rare even among fae, but none of it mattered. She was different, and different meant forgotten.
Her chest tightened as tears burned at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Not in front of Mira.
Without another word, Melody turned and walked away.
Back in her room, she leaned against the door and let out a long, heavy breath. Her secrets clawed at her from the inside, secrets she had buried for years. Secrets that could destroy her if they ever came to light.
Now she was being forced to leave Lyrius, to enter a new world, to marry a stranger.
How can I protect my truth in a place like Tharenos?
She sat on the edge of her bed and ran her fingers through her dark hair, thinking. She was done being passive. She might be going to Tharenos, but she would not go helpless.
If she had to marry the Alpha, then she would make sure it benefited her.
She would survive. She would adapt. And she would make sure her secret remained hidden.