Cassia's POV
The walls of this palace were closing in on me.
Three days had passed since my arrival in Varyon, and with each moment this place became suffocating, everything made me realize that I did not belong here, I will never truly belong here.
I was paraded through court like a prize, everyone whispered about me, they stared at me like an animal in a cage. Not a wife. Certainly not a person.
"A test."
That's what Supreme Alpha Hadrian had called me.
"The princess should prove herself."
The words came from a nobleman as he leaned back in his seat. We were in the grand hall, surrounded by nobles, warriors, and pack leaders, all watching me like hungry wolves.
Darius sat beside me, his expression as usual was unreadable and he didn't protest.
"She's human," another man scoffed. "She wouldn't last a second in a real fight."
The gathered nobles chuckled, their eyes glinting with somewhat hatred or dare I say pity. I guess pity was the beginning of hatred? Not sure.
I knew what this was. They wanted to see me humiliated. I swore to all the King's that had ever ruled my kingdom that I would not like them to continue to treat me like trash.
"Enough." Before I could speak, Darius finally muttered. His voice cut through their laughter. "Cassia is a guest of this court. There is no need for insults."
A woman who was older but quite regal smirked. "But isn't she to be your mate, my lord? A mate must be strong. Should we not see what she is capable of?"
My stomach twisted. Mate? They were using werewolf customs against me? If it was a game, they were not even playing fair.
"If you refuse," the noblewoman paused and continued, "it will be seen as an insult. And the court will question whether this alliance is as strong as we claim."
I felt weird. This was a trap. If Lord Darius refused, it would make him look weak. If I refused, it would confirm I was unworthy of his cold heart.
"I accept." I didn't give Darius a chance to speak before I stood, pushing my chair back with controlled ease.
The murmurs in the room turned to genuine surprise. Darius' gaze snapped to me and for a moment I saw something flicker in his amber eyes.
"Excellent."
The nobleman grinned, showing sharp fangs? Maybe it was something they did in excitement?
I should have been afraid. I should have backed down, but I had been underestimated my entire life, and I was done being their pawn.
"Well then. Everyone to the courtyard!" She echoed and in no time the courtyard was packed with spectators as I stepped onto the circular stone arena.
Darius stood at the edge, watching in tight-lipped silence.
"Choose your opponent."
I turned and saw three warriors standing before me, all towering, broad-shouldered men with predatory smirks. Each one looked like they could break me in half.
The first was a brutal-looking warrior with funny looking scars lining his arms.
The second was leaner but from his movement he was fast, his hands twitching.
The third... was already shifting.
His body twisted, bones cracking as fur spread over his skin. Within seconds, a massive black wolf stood before me and immediately a hush fell over the crowd.
"She's human," Darius said sharply. "A wolf is an unfair opponent."
"Let's see how well she adapts."
The noblewoman from before smirked.
I knew what this was. I refused to let them see my fear but who was I kidding? The gods? I was so scared.
"I choose the wolf." I didn't know when these words left my mouth, and a ripple of shock spread through the spectators.
The wolf growled; his blue eyes locked onto me. My heartbeat pounded in my ears, but I kept my breathing steady. I had fought before. I had survived worse.
The moment the match began, the wolf lunged, and I dodged to the side, barely avoiding his claws. He was fast. Too fast. Think! Cassia, think!
The wolf circled me, waiting for an opening. I needed to use his own strength against him.
When he lunged again, I dropped low, grabbing a handful of dirt and tossing it into his face.
The wolf snarled, momentarily blinded. I used the distraction, grabbing a fallen wooden staff from the edge of the arena. I spun and slammed it against his ribs.
The wolf yelped in pain and the crowd went silent.
The wolf staggered back, his breathing became heavy, and it hesitated, but I didn't. I used the opportunity.
With every ounce of strength I had, I swung the staff across his muzzle, knocking him to the ground.
"Is that enough?"
I turned to the nobles, my breathing was ragged, but no one spoke.
Then to my surprise Darius smiled. It was small, almost hidden, but it was there. I saw it and I swear I wanted to jump in happiness.
He probably expected me to fail, but I proved him, I proved them all wrong.
That night, I couldn't sleep. The fight had exhausted me, but something felt... off.
The palace was too quiet.
A chill ran down my spine as I lay in bed, staring at the high ceiling. Just then the door creaked open.
"Greetings?" I bolted upright.
A figure stood at the edge of my bed, a dagger glinting in their hand.
I barely had time to react before they lunged. I twisted away, the dagger slicing through my sheets.
I grabbed the nearest object, a silver candlestick from the bedside table and swung. It connected with a sickening crack and the person staggered back, but before I could see their face, but another shadow appeared. this one moved faster. Stronger.
Before I could blink, the second figure slammed a dagger into the first's throat.
Blood sprayed across the floor.
I gasped, stumbling back.
The second figure turned to me, with eyes that gleamed in the darkness.
Darius.
"Who sent them?" My voice came as a whisper.
Darius exhaled, wiping his blade. "That's what I intend to find out."
I looked at the body, nausea twisting in my gut. Someone just tried to kill me, and Darius saved my life.
"Than…" Before I'd finish my statement, he disappeared.
I sat for a long time and just like that it was morning. I overheard two guards whispering outside my chambers.
"The princess barely survived last night."
"The assassin was silenced before we could get answers. But if the Alpha Prince finds out—"
"Hush! We don't speak of him."
My blood ran cold. There it was again.
The Alpha Prince.
The man I had never seen. The man whose name they refused to speak aloud.
Why did I suddenly feel like my fate was tied to him? And why did the thought send a shiver down my spine?
Coming to this kingdom sure made me feel insane. But for how long?