9: Iris
Thad thought that the next full moon was still at least weeks away, but as it would turn out, while my life had come to a standstill, the world had kept
rotating
I stared at my reflection in the huge decorative vanity as maids continued their work on me. I was to be wed to him today. A man whose name I did not even know. A man that would forcedly sleep with me and have him bear his child, in exchange for my freedom.
The pearls around my neck felt like a noose rather than an adornment. My hands were clammy and my heart was thumping so hard, I threatened to break my ribs.
Once the maids were done, they left the room without a word. Leaving me to my thoughts. I had to get through this. I had made it this far, alive. I had to stay strong for thour I still had
My skin was flushed against the obsidian silk gown was made to wear. It was ironic that I, a criminal of my own pack, was the one the moon goddess deemed worthy of surviving the Lycan Alpha’s deadly touch.
I took another look at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a black gown for my wedding. Like I was going to a funeral
Then the door was opened and I turned to see a familiar face.
lone took me in, seemingly in awe. “You are ethereal*
The way she said it was so genaine, that every cell in my body wanted to believe her.
I managed a shaky smile. “Thank you.”
“No need. I wore this same dress for my wedding.” Her eyes became glassy and her gaze distant as though looking at a memory. She blinked her sorrow away just as I was about to reach for her and ask if she was alright.
“Let’s get going. He is waiting for you.” lone said, pulling me along, I followed her through decorated corridors. I had believed that the wedding would a solemn event because of my affiliation with a rival park, but it seemed I was wrong
We reached the entrance of an obviously large hall lose halted and I did the same. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” I lied
She booked her arm through mine and only then did I realize that she would be the one to give away. She was filling in for my mother. “Don’t look sideways. Just look forward.”
The large doors were opened, just as strange melodic music began to play. I took tone’s advice and only looked forward, yet I could feel the burning intensity of their eyes on me.
But I moved forward with lone. My eyes were on the adjar here my groam stood waiting. He did not look in my direction and I found myself glad
for it.
Soon we reached the foot of the altar and lose let me to walk to the rest of the steps. The tempo of the melody changed just as the priest began to speak. I fixed my eyes on the ground until it was our turn to say the vows. They were simple, unlike the ones I was used to in Ashfall
- Cassian Obsidian, vow to protect you with all my strength, to stand by your side through every storm, and to guard our bond with unwavering loyalty.” He said with barely any feeling.
His name was Cassian
It was my turn. “I, Iris Hawthorne, vow to protect you with all my strength, to stand by your side through every storm, and to guard our bond with unwavering loyalty.” The words tasted like sawdust in my mouth.
We exchanged rings. His skin was still as cold as I remembered, his peculiar inked hands still visible despite the long leather sleeve he wore, and it sent a shiver down my spine. His ring was a simple black band, while mine was silver adorned with a black gem.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the priest announced.
My mouth went dry instantly. I had been so sure that they would skip this part. My heart was racing and I refused to move.
Cassian raised my veil and my eyes were instantly drawn to his. I held my breath as his face came down to meet mine. I raised my head to meet him halfway and our lips touched briefly before he began to pull away. Then, without warning, his lips were on mine again. This time, his kiss was urgent, as though he lost control. I gasped against his mouth when he wrapped a muscle arm around my waist and pulled me to him. He used the “opportunity to explore welala liis tongue. He devoured me like a man starved.
Just as fast as it had occurred, he pulled away, and I was left sleiking and able to fully process what had just happened. Yet, I could not ignore the buzz of excitement that singled my skin with his touch. It was the mate band and nothing else. thad to remember that
The ceremony concluded swiftly after that intense kiss. The priest’s final words blurred in my mind as Cassian took my hand and led me down the aisle. The eyes of the crowd were still upon us, but my focus was solely on the man beside me, whose touch sent conflicting waves of fear and sunexpected exciteiners throughme,
We exited the hall and entered a smaller, more intimate room. Cassian released my hand and stood by the window, his back to me. The silence between us was thick and heavy like a storm waiting to break.
Teyed the bed but refused to go anywhere near it.
“You must be finished he suddenly said.
2052
- Iris
I took a pause, his words stunning me. “Food will arrive shortly:”
“Food” I had been expecting that he would have his way with me tonight since the last time we had spoken. Maybe he had drugged the food so that I would be easy for him to take advantage of, “I am not hungr
My words were cut short by a loud growl that resounded throughout the room. My stomach had spoken for me. My face must have been red as a
cherry
There was a knock on the door and three servants filed in with food of different varieties. My mouth began to water before I could stop myself. All the trays were laid before me and as they had come in, they left. I looked down at the fool, not picking up the utensils. It had to be poisoned, I told myself. Just as I was contemplating whether to risk it or sleep on an empty stomach. Cassian appeared in front of me. I had not even heard him inove from his spot.
Without a word, he picked up a spoon and scooped up
himself.
some custard, which he ate. With the same spoon, he took another scoop and fed me
“It is not poisoned. Ext.” And just like that, he pulled off his shirt, I promptly averted my eyes, and he lay on the bed to sleep.
