Chapter 6: Ovelia's Wedding Day: A Journey of Love, Betrayal, and Fear

[Evening]

•Ovelia's Room•

Ovelia's POV

The forest loomed in my mind, dark and endless. Was I dreaming again? My feet moved as if guided by an unseen force, the crunch of leaves beneath me echoing in the stillness. Ahead, four shadowy figures emerged, their forms flickering like candle flames in the wind. I recognized them—they were the exact figures from my dream earlier.

"Why should I help your daughter?" The voice of the black shadow figure was cold, almost cruel, its tone dripping with disdain.

"The elder saw in her dreams that we would all be killed by the werewolves. There's no escaping that fate," replied the blue shadow figure. His voice was softer, tinged with desperation. If I wasn't mistaken, his name was Oliver.

"But our child can change her fate. She can live... if I seal you inside her Lady Firera," said a green shadow figure, her voice trembling with a mother's plea. Viana—that was her name.

"I'm aware that if you all die, as the goddess of your tribe, I'll perish as well. You want your daughter to live so that I may survive," the black shadow figure retorted, her voice sharp and accusing.

"Yes," Viana admitted, her voice breaking. "And I want you to share your power with her, Lady Firera. I know it's selfish to ask this of you, but we can no longer protect her. Please... protect her."

"If you seal me inside her, there's a risk," the black shadow figure warned. Her gaze suddenly shifted, her red eyes piercing through the darkness—straight at me.

I jolted awake, my heart pounding in my chest. The room was dim, the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. I hadn't even realized I'd fallen asleep. My skin was damp with sweat, the remnants of the dream clinging to me like a second shadow.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. The door creaked open, and Ann stepped in, her cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the heaviness in my chest. She flicked on the light, and I blinked against the sudden brightness.

"Lady Ovelia, it's time! You need to get ready—your wedding to Sir Ace is just around the corner!" Ann's voice was bubbly, her smile wide as she held up a delicate white gown. The fabric shimmered under the light, but the sight of it made my stomach churn.

I forced a smile and scrambled off the bed, the cool tiles of the bathroom floor sending a shiver up my spine as I hurried inside. The sound of running water filled the room, but it did little to drown out the thoughts swirling in my mind.

So, this is really happening. I'm going to marry someone who doesn't love me—someone who loves another. And I... I don't love him either. This is all for peace, my duty as a sacrificial bride. 

Wait love? I know the word 'love,' but I'm unsure of its meaning and feeling.

I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around myself. My reflection in the mirror looked pale, almost ghostly. Ann was waiting by the bed, the wedding gown laid out like a symbol of my impending fate.

"Lady Ovelia, you're done! Let me help you into your wedding gown," Ann said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She reached for the towel, but I hesitated, clutching it tighter.

"Wait, Ann," I said, my voice trembling. She paused, her expression softening.

"There's no need to be shy, Lady Ovelia. We're both women, and it's my honor to serve you," she said gently. Before I could protest further, she carefully lifted the towel away. Her eyes widened as they fell on the bruises marring my skin.

"Lady Ovelia... what happened? Did Sir Ace do this?" Her voice was a mix of shock and anger.

Her question cut deep. It was Ace who had caused the deep bruise on my back, but I couldn't bear to confess that. Instead, I chose to deflect. "It's nothing; this comes from my non-biological parents, who constantly belittle me," I replied, forcing a smile even as the pain ached within me.

Ann furrowed her brow; concern etched on her features. "But what did sir Ace say when he saw these?"

I swallowed hard before responding, "He was shocked but didn't ask about the bruises." The unspoken words hung heavy in the air, my heart aching with each passing moment.

"He should have called a doctor," she muttered, her tone laced with frustration.

"That white dress is beautiful, but I don't think it can cover the bruises," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Don't worry, Lady Ovelia. I've got this!" Ann said with determination.

Ann opened a drawer and put out the makeup kit and carefully applied foundation over the bruises on my body, ensuring I looked perfect for the ceremony.

"We can't have any distractions today," she said with a reassuring smile, her gentle touch making me feel cared for. After the foundation dried, she helped me into the beautiful, white sleeveless gown, its fabric shimmering under the light.

Once dressed, I sat at the table adorned with a mirror filled with anticipation. Ann began applying my makeup with the same finesse that an artist uses to create a masterpiece. "A little more here and a touch of glamour there," she murmured, focusing intently.

"Wait, Lady Ovelia... Sir Ace hasn't marked you yet?" Ann asked suddenly, her voice tinged with surprise.

I forced a smile. "No, he hasn't. I think it's because he's still in love with someone else."

Ann's expression became sad. "Sorry Lady Ovelia, I need to make a fake mark. If the royal family from the Amethyst Kingdom sees that Sir Ace hasn't marked you, there could be trouble." She worked quickly, her hands steady as she created the illusion of a mating mark on my neck.

After perfecting my look, she styled my hair, every strand falling into place magically. Then, she adorned me with sparkling diamond earrings, a delicate bracelet, and a necklace that caught the light beautifully.

"All done, Lady Ovelia! You look absolutely breathtaking," Ann beamed, her eyes shining with pride.

I stared at my reflection, utterly dumbfounded. I couldn't believe how stunning I looked and the fake mark looked so real.

Suddenly, there was another gentle knock at the door. It remained closed as a voice called out, "Lady Ovelia, it's time to come out. Your wedding to Sir Ace is about to begin." I heard the soft patter of footsteps retreating down the hallway, leaving a tense silence behind.

My heart raced at the thought of what was to come. With one last look in the mirror, I took a deep breath, feeling anxiety swirl within me. "This is it," I whispered softly to myself, preparing to take the next step forward into my future.

I stood up and embraced Ann, my voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Ann. I'm older than you, yet you have this incredible talent. I could never manage to look this good on my own."

With a gentle smile, Ann replied, "I appreciate that, Lady Ovelia, but remember, I'm 25 years old. Werewolves have long lifespans, which is why I still look youthful."

Her words took me aback; I had assumed I was four years older than her. As we exited my room, I spotted Ace across the hallway, walking towards the staircase. He looked breathtaking in his white tuxedo and matching slack. When he saw me, the surprise on his face mirrored my astonishment.

"Lady Ovelia, I can only stay here until the wedding ceremony is over. I'll head downstairs afterward," Ann said, her voice a mix of professionalism and warmth.

I responded to her with a smile, then walked towards Ace. As we met at the stairs, I glanced down and couldn't believe my eyes—so many guests had gathered. I even saw a priest waiting at the bottom, ready to officiate the ceremony.

Ace grasped my hand. "Ann did a great job making that fake mark," he said. I nodded and smiled.

We began our descent down the stairs, wearing our fake smile. As we stood before the priest, he spoke solemnly, "Ace Draven, do you accept Ovelia Ashford as your beloved companion for the rest of your lives?"

"Yes, I do, Father," Ace replied confidently, sliding a ring onto my finger.

Hearing Ace's affirmation filled my heart with immense joy, a warmth spreading through me like sunlight, even though deep down I knew his words were an act.

"Ovelia Ashford, do you accept Ace Draven as your steadfast partner for the rest of your life?" the priest continued, his voice resonant.

"Yes, I do, Father," I replied, my voice trembling with sadness as I slid the ring onto Ace's finger.

"Now, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the priest declared with a smile.

As Ace leaned in and kissed me, applause erupted from our guests. My heart raced furiously. No matter what happened, I needed to smile at all of them.

Turning to our guests, the Alpha King Raymond stood, his commanding presence silencing the crowd. "Today, we celebrate the union of Ace and Ovelia—a bond that transcends the boundaries of our worlds. Together, they embody the hope for peace between humans and werewolves. May their love inspire unity and understanding among our kind!"

After a moment, the guest applauded, and Ace turned to me, his tone suddenly cold. "You're not Ovelia Ashford anymore; you're Ovelia Draven, my wife. But it will take time for me to accept you as my mate."

With that, he walked away, leaving a sting of disappointment in his absence. I tried to ignore the ache in my heart, reminding myself how good we felt just moments ago when I had given him cookies.

I stood amidst the opulence, my eyes wandering over the lavish spread of food—golden pastries, glistening fruits, and steaming dishes that filled the air with tantalizing aromas.

The guests, a sea of vibrant colors and glittering jewels, mingled with an ease that felt foreign to me. Their joy was palpable, yet I felt like an outsider in my own wedding celebration.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the crowd, commanding attention without uttering a word. He was tall, his short purple hair catching the light like amethyst, and his eyes—a striking shade of violet—locked onto mine. His attire was regal, a symphony of purples, blues, and golds, each thread woven with precision. There was no mistaking him: Prince Zephyr Amber of the Amethyst Kingdom.

He stopped before me, his presence both imposing and gentle. "Lady Ovelia," he began, his voice smooth but tinged with regret. "I am Prince Zephyr Amber. My father couldn't attend your wedding, but we deeply apologize for the circumstances that led you to this path. It's a heavy burden to bear for the peace between our kinds." He bowed his head, a gesture of respect that felt almost too solemn for the occasion.

"Prince Zephyr, please," I said softly, my voice trembling slightly. "There's no need to bow." He straightened, his lips curving into a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Before I could say more, a voice called out to him from across the Hall.

"Forgive me, Lady Ovelia," he said, his tone apologetic. "I must take my leave." With a final nod, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving me with a lingering sense of unease.

I sighed, my gaze drifting to the guests around me. They were all here, celebrating a union that was more political than personal. A prince of the Silverhowl Kingdom had married me, a human, to secure peace between our kinds. But what of the other women who had been sacrificed for this fragile truce? What about their dreams and their hearts?

As I made my way to the dessert table, a sudden collision jolted me from my thoughts. A woman—stunning, with cascading brown hair and piercing brown eyes—bumped into me, her glass of wine tipping precariously. The crimson liquid splashed across the delicate fabric of my wedding gown, staining it like a wound.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Ovelia," she said, her voice dripping with faux concern. Her lips curled into a smirk that betrayed her true feelings.

"Lady Eliana, you've ruined Lady Ovelia's wedding dress," Ann remarked with indignation as she rushed over. 

Eliana shot Ann a withering glare, her eyes narrowing like a predator sizing up its prey. "It was an accident," she said coolly, her tone daring anyone to challenge her.

The room seemed to hold its breath, the whispers of the guests swirling around me like a storm. I could feel their eyes on me, their judgment and pity pressing down on my shoulders.

•Ovelia's Room•

Ann and I retreated to my room, where I changed into a beautiful sleeveless blue dress. She styled my hair to complement the outfit, adding a touch of elegance. 

"You look beautiful, Lady Ovelia, " Ann said softly, her eyes filled with admiration.

I managed a small smile, though it didn't reach my eyes. "Thank you, Ann."

As we exited the room, I felt a rush of anticipation.

•Palace Hall•

Descending the stairs with Ann by my side, I noticed the guests gasping and gazing wonderfully at us. A wave of joy washed over me; I felt beautiful.

Ann excused herself momentarily, claiming she had something to attend to. I headed toward the dessert area to grab a cupcake. But as I approached, my heart sank when I saw Ace sharing a kiss with Eliana.

So Eliana is his girlfriend.

Why did it hurt so much? I had known from the beginning that Ace loved someone else. Yet, seeing him with her—his hands tangled in her hair, his lips pressed to hers—felt like a betrayal I hadn't prepared for.

The conflicting emotions churned inside me—jealousy and longing—all colliding in a single moment. I stood frozen, trying to process the whirlwind of feelings that consumed me.

I heard the whispers of the guests around me, wishing that Ace and Eliana were the ones getting married. Their murmurs pierced through me like a thousand tiny daggers.

A man spoke loudly behind me, "Eliana has always been Ace's desire. I think they've been together many times. But Ace can't make Eliana his mate because his wolf doesn't accept her. As a future Alpha king, he must marry a human for the peace between humans and Werewolves."

I knew that but his words crushed me, each syllable like a stone thrown at my heart. I turned to face him, holding back the tears that threatened to spill over. I saw his face, marked by age and experience.

"There's a garden outside the palace. I can take you there to breathe in some fresh air," he offered kindly.

I nodded, grateful for the escape. The palace hall felt suffocating, and I needed a moment to gather my thoughts. As he began to walk, I followed him.

•Palace's Outer Garden•

As I stepped outside with an older man from the palace, the soft glow of the round moon illuminated our surroundings. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of various flowers, especially the vibrant hues of roses, each petal shimmering in the moonlight.

"If you didn't notice, the guests earlier were werewolves from other packs and humans from the royal family," he remarked, his gaze fixed on the shadows dancing around us.

He turned to me, his gaze lingering on my neck. A sly smile crept across his lips as he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "A fake mark," he murmured, his voice low and knowing. "So, Prince Ace hasn't claimed you yet."

I stiffened, my breath catching in my throat. How did he know?

"He doesn't want you as his mate," he continued, his words cutting deeper than any blade. "His heart belongs to Eliana."

My heart shattered at his words, hot tears spilling down my cheeks. The pain was unbearable; the thought that the man I married had feelings for someone else was a torment I couldn't endure.

Now I realize why it hurts so much: I cling to the hope that a kind werewolf will choose me as his bride, caring for me and easing the pain in my heart.

"If you head straight into that forest," he pointed, "you'll find the exit from this kingdom. You still have time to escape. You won't find happiness here." He turned away, leaving me alone in the garden, surrounded by darkness.

My tears continued to fall, each dropping a reflection of the hurt I felt. I wasn't angry with Ace—I had grown used to feeling unloved since childhood. Pain was a familiar companion; perhaps this was my chance to break free and find happiness.

"Already in pain? Escape already!" A voice hissed in my mind,

"Can you please tell me who you really are?" I whispered, my voice trembling, but she didn't respond. 

I wiped my tears and took off running toward the forest he had indicated, the air thick with urgency. As I entered the woods, a faint whisper of the wind brushed against my ears, but the message was lost to me. Deeper into the forest, illuminated by slivers of moonlight, I spotted a massive werewolf in the distance. Its fur was a deep, haunting black, and its eyes glimmered maliciously.

Paralyzed by fear, I could barely move as the enormous creature began to approach. My mind raced, realizing it wasn't the kind of werewolf one could sweet-talk or charm. I sensed its intent: it hungered for my demise.