Chapter 3
Elena's POV
Moonlight filtered through the iron bars into the dim cell. Drake sat against the wall, eyes closed, but I knew he was awake—his breathing too measured.
On my way to the prison, I'd passed through a secluded garden and accidentally witnessed Kane and Sava in intimate conversation under the moonlight. I should have left immediately, but found myself rooted to the spot, eavesdropping against my better judgment.
"It's not your fault," Sava said softly, her fingers tracing the scar on Kane's face. "What happened to your father wasn't something you could control."
Kane sighed deeply. "I owe her an explanation... but this is the only way."
"The time isn't right," Sava replied. "For now, we must continue with the plan."
These words left me more confused and hurt than ever. What plan? What explanation? But they also strengthened my resolve to pursue my crazy idea.
Drake opened his eyes as I approached, that blue even deeper in the moonlight. "The Silver Moon princess visits," his voice tinged with sarcasm. "Surely not just to comfort a prisoner."
"I have a proposition, Northern Alpha." I met his gaze directly, approaching the bars.
"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow, slowly standing. "Magnus's daughter proposing to a prisoner. How unexpected."
"A temporary mating bond," I said bluntly. "We mate, and as your partner, I can request your release, preventing war between our packs. Meanwhile, I avoid being forced to marry someone I don't want."
First surprise, then scrutiny crossed his face. "This is... unexpected. Why choose me? An enemy of your pack?"
"Because it benefits us both," I moved closer to the bars, looking straight at him. "You gain freedom, your pack withdraws; I avoid a forced marriage and gain choice."
Drake stepped forward, his meaningful gaze making me uncomfortable. "I see pain in your eyes, Daughter of Silver Moon. This isn't just politics—it's about your heart. That Iron Claw Alpha... he hurt you."
I flinched involuntarily, hating how easily he read me. "My reasons don't matter. What matters is whether this plan can work."
After a moment's silence, he finally spoke, "I accept, with conditions: this is an equal alliance, not possession; I need freedom to investigate vampire activity; once our purpose is fulfilled, you're free to stay or go."
I reached through the bars. "Deal."
The sacred stone circle gleamed silver under the half moon. Pack members and Northern representatives lined both sides. Blue-silver ceremonial flames danced in the center, reflecting on everyone's wary faces.
My father officiated with a grave expression. Drake and I stood facing each other in the center, each wearing traditional ceremonial robes—his adorned with ancient Northern runes, mine with the Silver Moon emblem.
"This is merely formality, Silver Moon daughter," he said quietly. "I won't ask anything beyond our agreement."
My heart raced as we exchanged the traditional mating bites. When Drake's teeth touched my neck, then pierced my skin, I gasped—not from pain, but from the unexpected strength of our connection. A warm current spread from the bite throughout my body.
When I returned the bite, this strange feeling intensified. Our eyes met in confusion.
"Did you... feel something?" I whispered.
"Some kind of connection," he answered, equally confused. "Unusual."
The Northern representatives confirmed their acceptance of the bond, promising to withdraw their forces. As the ceremony ended, my father approached, saying softly, "Elena, I hope you understand what you're doing. The Northerners... they're different from us."
I nodded, wondering myself what vortex I'd stepped into.
As the crowd began to disperse, Kane suddenly appeared before us, his face dark. He grabbed my arm with painful force.
"Do you know what you've done?" he growled. "This isn't a game! You've bound yourself to a complete stranger!"
Drake almost instantly positioned himself between us, prying Kane's fingers away one by one. "I suggest you let go, Iron Claw Alpha," he sneered. "For whatever reason, she's my mate now."
The two Alphas stood face to face, their power colliding in the air. I watched their eyes begin to change—Kane's turning amber, Drake's becoming that intimidating ice blue.
"If you hurt her, Northerner," Kane said through clenched teeth, "I'll tear your throat out myself."
"How touching," I scoffed. "After publicly dumping me, you suddenly care about my safety?"
"Enough!" I squeezed between them. "Kane, this was my choice. You made your decision, now it's my turn. You have no right to dictate my life."
Kane's expression changed, something complex flashing in his eyes. "Elena... you don't understand. Some things... aren't what they seem."
"Save it," I said coldly. "Keep your 'explanations' and 'plans' for your new flame."
His eyes widened in shock, clearly surprised I knew about this. Before he could respond, I turned and pulled Drake away.
Our small stone cabin was simple but warm. Moonlight poured through the window, painting silver patterns on the floor. The air hung heavy with awkwardness and uncertainty.
To my surprise, Drake began laying furs by the hearth. "You can have the bed," he said without looking up.
"This isn't the arrangement I expected," I admitted, watching him make his temporary bed.
"Our bond is based on mutual benefit, not coercion or possession," he stopped to look directly at me. "I respect your space and hope you'll respect mine."
I sat on the edge of the bed, studying this strange Northern Alpha who completely shattered my preconceptions of "savage Northerners." In the firelight, his chiseled features appeared even more attractive, his primal charm impossible to ignore.
Later that night, a nightmare jolted me awake—the scene of Kane's rejection, but more painful, more real. I sat up gasping for air, noticing Drake was already awake, watching the dying embers.
He silently handed me a small leather pouch. "Northern herbs," he explained, his voice surprisingly gentle. "They calm the mind."
I accepted it, sniffing—an unusual fragrance like wildflowers and pine. "Thanks... I didn't expect a Northern Alpha to..."
"To care? To respect boundaries?" His lips curved slightly. "Perhaps your view of 'savages' needs adjustment."
In that quiet darkness, we began sharing traditions and stories from our respective packs. He spoke of the Northern aurora dances; I described Silver Moon's full moon rituals. Gradually, the initial tension dissipated.
I found myself gaining unexpected benefits from this desperate arrangement—not just escape from a forced marriage, but potentially a true ally. Whether friend or foe remained uncertain, but for the first time since Kane's betrayal, I felt something besides pain.
Perhaps this was a good beginning.