Chapter 4 A Spark In Shadow

|| Lilac’s POV || "May I?" Kael asked, extending his hand. I forced a smile. The crowd cheered as Kael led me to the dance floor. His grip on my hand was tight, like he already owned me. The music was soft, but I felt nothing but anger. I hated this. I hated his fake smile, his hand on my waist, his pretend love. Every step felt like I was betraying myself. How did I end up here again? I had a second chance to change things, but here I was, dancing with the man who ruined me. Memories of my past life came rushing back— Kael’s betrayal, his cold words as he left me to die. “You dance well,” Kael whispered, his breath hot on my ear. I shivered, disgusted. “Practice makes everything perfect," I said, keeping my voice steady. In my past life, I’d learned to pretend to enjoy your company. The music dragged on, each note a reminder of what I’d lost. When it ended, I walked away, leaving the cheers behind. In my past life, I’d been naive. That version of me died betrayed and broken. This time, I'ld be stronger. But how could I, a beta with no power, stand against the future Alpha King? I wandered into the garden, away from all the eyes. My mind racing. It was peaceful here than in the hall. Exhausted, I stumbled, but someone caught me. The scent of pine filled the air. I looked up, my breath catching in my throat as my eyes met his. A pair of piercing grey, like storm clouds gathering on the horizon, filled with a quiet intensity that made my heart skip a beat. His face was sharp, his features carved with a rugged handsomeness that was both intimidating and captivating. This was Alaric. The forgotten piece of this kingdom. I had heard the rumors, of course. Everyone had. They whispered through the halls like a ghostly echo, growing darker with each retelling. Alaric’s mother had been the first mate of Alpha King Darius. She had been beloved by the pack, a Luna that inspired devotion and awe. But her life had been cut short in a tragedy no one dared to speak of openly. Some said illness had claimed her, others believed treachery had been involved, though no one ever pointed fingers. Not publicly, at least. Her death had left a void in the castle, one that Darius had filled almost too quickly. Cassandra, the woman who would become the new Luna, had stepped into the role without hesitation, her delicate hands gripping the crown that once belonged to another. And just like that, Alaric had been cast aside, his presence fading into the shadows while Kael flourished under Cassandra’s reign. They never called him a prince. He was the firstborn son of the Alpha King, yet his name was never spoken with reverence or admiration. Instead, it was whispered in hushed, fearful tones, a cautionary tale for those who dared to question the natural order. "His soul is cursed," they said. "His mate will die before she ever gets the chance to love him." He was nothing like Kael, no golden child, no rising Alpha. Where Kael was fire, burning bright and dazzling in his brilliance, Alaric was ice. A cold, creeping force, slipping through the cracks of the castle’s walls, lurking in places no one dared to look. "Stay away from the king’s firstborn," the castle maids had warned in whispers, their hands clutching their aprons as if warding off some unseen force. "His touch brings only death." And yet, as I stood there, his hands still gripping my arms, I felt no fear. Only a strange, electric warmth that spread through me, igniting something deep within my chest. His touch was firm but gentle, his presence both calming and exhilarating. I couldn’t look away from his eyes, those stormy grey eyes that seemed to see straight through me, past the façade I had built, past the pain and the anger, to the core of who I was. A spark ran through my skin where he touched me, a sensation so intense it left me breathless. I had never felt anything like it before, not with Kael, not with anyone. It was as if the world had shifted, as if the very air around us had changed. What was this feeling? This strange, overwhelming connection that seemed to pull me toward him, as if some unseen force had tied us together? For a moment, neither of us moved. The garden was silent, the world around us fading away until it was just the two of us, standing there in the moonlight. My heart raced, my mind struggling to make sense of what I was feeling. But one thing was clear: this was different. This was real. And it terrified me. The garden was peaceful. Or it would have been—if not for the voice cutting through the night. “I wonder what my sister-in-law is doing out here all alone.” I stopped. My pulse kicked up, but I turned slowly. Alaric leaned against a tree, half in the shadows, smirking like he owned the place. His grip was still there on my arms as he pulled me a bit closer. Moonlight caught in his gray eyes, sharp and unreadable. I pulled my hands free from his grip, hating the way my skin still tingled. “I’m not your sister-in-law.” He chuckled. “No?” He stepped closer. I didn’t move. He was way too taller than me, too close, too damn smug. “I could’ve sworn I saw you in my brother’s arms tonight, dancing in joy,” His tone was light, but there was something else under it. “I didn’t have a choice,” I said. “Queen Cassandra decided that for me.” He tilted his head. “So you’re just a victim? No fight left in you? Poor, helpless Lilac.” Anger flared hot. “I’m not helpless.” His smirk widened. “Of course not.” His voice dropped lower, almost amused. I stepped back, my shoulders hitting the rough bark of a tree. He moved in, filling the space between us, bringing the scent of pine and leather with him. “Regretting your decision already?” His breath was warm against my cheek. I forced a steady voice. “I don’t regret anything.” His eyes flickered. “Liar.” He reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. My breath hitched. Too close. My eyes fell on his full lips and suddenly all I wanted to do was kissing him, running my hands in his soft dark hair. "What are you thinking so deeply about, sister-in-law?" He said and I saw a dangerous smike over his lips. Focus Lilac! He was one of the Reventhorns. STAY AWAY FROM THEM AND YOU MIGHT LIVE LONGER! I yelled in my head. "None of your business," I replied. I ducked under his arm and put distance between us, my steps quick. I could feel his gaze on my back, but I didn’t turn around. The path stretched ahead, bathed in silver light. I needed to think. To get out of this mess. There had to be a way. But first, I had to deal with this engagement. And I had a feeling that wasn’t going to be easy.