Chapter 57

I froze. My heart jumped into my throat as panic surged through me.

"Arin?" It was Lucien's voice, loud and impatient. "Open the door! I know you're in there." 

Rowan pulled back slightly, his expression hardening. "Don't open it."

"What?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

"If you open the door now, he'll know something's wrong. Do you want him to meet me here?" Rowan asked quietly, his voice firm but calm.

"But—"

"Trust me," he interrupted, his hand gripping my arm gently but with enough strength to steady me. "He'll leave."

Another knock. Louder this time.

"Arin!" Lucien's voice was sharper now, tinged with suspicion. "Are you in there?"

I bit my lip, my mind racing. My body was frozen, caught between fear and the lingering heat of Rowan's presence.

"Just stay quiet," Rowan whispered, his eyes locked onto mine.

I nodded, barely able to breathe.

After a few moments of silence, Lucien knocked again, his voice lowering slightly. "Fine. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

The sound of his retreating footsteps finally broke the tension in the room. I let out a shaky breath, realizing I'd been holding it the entire time.

"He's gone," Rowan said, his voice soft now.

I stepped away from him, my mind spinning. "This... this was a mistake," I blurted out, my voice breaking.

Rowan's brow furrowed. "A mistake?"

"Yes," I said, pacing the room to put some distance between us. "What we did... it was wrong. I'm engaged to Lucien. And you... you're..."

"I'm what?" he asked, his voice low and challenging.

I turned to face him, frustration bubbling up. "You're the Alpha King. This isn't right!"

Rowan took a step toward me, his eyes dark and intense. "I can't help it, Arin. I'm drawn to you. I can't explain it, but it's like..." He paused, searching for the words. "It's like my wolf knows you. Like you're meant to be mine."

His words sent a shiver through me, and I hated how they made my heart race.

"That doesn't make this okay," I said, my voice faltering. "You can't just... do this. We can't do this. This must never happen again." 

Rowan's jaw tightened. "Do you truly feel nothing for me?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but the words wouldn't come. I hated that he could see through me so easily.

"This isn't about what I feel," I said finally, my voice soft. "It's about what's right. And this... this isn't right."

Rowan stepped closer, and I backed away instinctively until my back hit the wall. He reached out, his fingers brushing my cheek.

"I don't believe you," he said quietly.

"Your Majesty, please," I whispered, my voice shaking. "Just leave. Before someone sees you."

For a moment, he didn't move, his eyes searching mine like he was trying to find some hidden truth. Finally, he sighed and stepped back.

"I'll leave," he said, his voice filled with reluctance. "But this isn't over."

He turned and walked to the door, pausing with his hand on the handle. "You can tell yourself whatever you need to, Arin. But I know you feel it too."

Before I could respond, he opened the door and slipped out, leaving me alone.

I sank onto the bed, my head in my hands.

What was I doing? What was he doing?

The memory of his touch, his kiss, lingered, no matter how much I tried to push it away. And the way he looked at me... like I was the only thing that mattered.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. This wasn't part of the plan. This wasn't supposed to happen.

And yet, a small, painful part of me couldn't help but wonder.

How had Rowan forgotten me so quickly? Forgotten Ariadne?

It wasn't even up to a year already, and he already let me in his bed without knowing who I was. Or what I was doing?

Was that how little he truly cared for me? 

The realization twisted something deep inside me, but I pushed it down. I didn't have time for this. I couldn't afford to let my emotions get in the way.

I was here for revenge. Nothing more. Nothing less.

……………

I had spent the entire morning trying to steady my nerves after last night's encounter with Rowan. The lingering warmth of his touch, the intensity of his words—they were like a shadow I couldn't shake. But I had no time for distractions. Not now.

When I finally gathered the courage to face Lucian, I walked to his study, rehearsing the perfect excuse for avoiding him the previous night. The knock on the door felt heavier than it should have.

"Come in," his voice called from inside.

I pushed the door open, and Lucian looked up from the documents spread across his desk. His expression softened when he saw me.

"Lady Arin," he said, standing and motioning for me to sit. "I was starting to wonder if you were avoiding me."

I forced a polite smile as I entered, keeping my composure. "I wasn't avoiding you," I said, my voice calm.

He raised an eyebrow. "Then why didn't you open the door when I came to see you last night?"

My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly masked my panic. "I was tired," I said casually, shrugging. "I didn't feel like talking."

Lucian studied me for a moment, then nodded. "You're still upset about yesterday, aren't you?"

"I'm not upset," I lied.

"I shouldn't have pushed you about the initiation ceremony," he said, stepping closer. "It was wrong of me, and I'm sorry."

I looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. "You're... apologizing?"

"Yes," he said with a small smile. "I've realized that I don't need you to do the ceremony. I don’t care if you are initiated or swear allegiance to my brother. I want to marry you, Arin, with or without your oath to the pack."

His words should have eased my mind, but they didn't. Something about his eagerness felt... off.

"Thank you," I said, keeping my voice neutral.

Lucian's smile widened, but I didn't return it. I just wanted this conversation to end.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. "This came for you," he said, holding it out.

I blinked, my heart racing as I recognized the seal of Braam, my home country. I reached for the letter, but Lucian pulled it back slightly.

"Wait," he said.

"What?" I asked, trying to keep the impatience out of my voice.

"I want to make sure you've forgiven me first," he said, his tone light, but there was a firmness in his gaze.

I clenched my jaw, biting back a sharp retort. "I forgive you," I said, the words stiff and forced.

"Do you mean it?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Yes," I said, sharper this time.

He finally handed me the letter, and I had to fight the urge to snatch it from his hand. I was desperate to read it, but before I could excuse myself, Lucian spoke again.

"There's one more thing."

I looked up at him, struggling to hide my irritation. "What is it?"

"I've decided that we shouldn't wait any longer," he said, his voice steady. "The wedding will take place in three days."

My breath caught. "Three days?" I repeated, my voice rising slightly.

"Yes," he said, watching my reaction carefully.

"Why the rush?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"It's for the best," he said vaguely.

"That is not an answer," I said, crossing my arms.

Lucian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We've delayed long enough, Arin. It's time to make things official. The faster we get married the better, nobody will have the time to oppose our marriage.” 

His evasiveness only fueled my suspicion. But before I could press further, he stepped closer, placing a hand on my arm.

"Trust me," he said softly. "This is what's best for both of us."

I forced myself to nod, even though my mind was screaming at me to question him more. "Fine," I said, pulling away. "Three days, then."

Lucian smiled, clearly pleased with himself. "Good. I'll leave the details to you and the queen. I'll see you at dinner later."

I didn't bother responding. Instead, I clutched the letter tightly and hurried out of the room, my thoughts racing.

Three days. Why was he so eager to marry me?

And what secrets would this letter reveal?