(AMARI'S POV)
Talon was still speaking. Casually too. Almost like he was telling a story.
He explained that his Uncle's death was predicted due to prior attacks and that it was important that his empire was protected. Through a wife. Through me.
"He had no mate nor pup, that means the council will take everything—the territory, the accounts, the alliances. But a widow holds it all until she remarries or dies. That's why I had to marry you for him."
I remained silent.
"We will get married after some time has passed. But for now, you need to know that you are the widow of the late Alpha Kaelen Blackwood and act accordingly." He said reaching for my shoulders.
I pushed him back. Hard
"Oh, Goddess." My lips trembled.
He stepped closer. "Calm down."
"You used me." I moved back until my spine hit the wall. "You killed him—the real Kaelen."
"I didn't kill him."
Then, he grabbed me. I fought—shoved, clawed, tried to scream. His hand clamped over my mouth, muffling everything. His other arm locked around my waist.
"Quiet." His breath was hot behind my ear. "He has enemies. People wanted him dead."
Desperately, I bit his hand.
He yelped and let go. I scrambled towards the door but he was faster. Blocking it. Rubbing the red mark on his palm.
"I'll scream my lungs out." I warned, chest heaving.
He smoothed his clothes. "Scream. I'll make it look like the plan was yours."
A chill ran down my spine.
"You have nothing, Amari." He rolled his eyes. "I can deny everything. The only people who met me were your family. And with your debts… you'd do anything for money."
My knees wobbled. I grabbed the wall.
He stepped close again and shoved a phone in my face.
My stomach sank as I recognized Al.
Two men held him. His head hung low.
My knees gave out and I slid down the wall.
"Jets are faster than trains." Talon said softly. "I got to your brother in time for his involvement in a local gang robbery."
I curled inward, my forehead nearly touching the floor.
"He's home now. Don't make me do things I'd rather not do."
I saw a flash of cruelty in his sharp brown eyes.
"Please." I whispered.
"Here's what you'll say. Kaelen Blackwood met you three days ago during a project in your village. He fell in love and married you. He promised to return by weekend. Anything more or less, and you will have a brother to bury."
I said nothing.
"I'll be back in the morning. Be ready to cooperate."
He turned.
"Why?"
He stopped.
"Why did you do this to me?" My voice cracked. "You said you'd be kind. You promised."
Silence. Then, he walked away. I didn't scream after he left. I didn't cry either. I just lay there, cheek against the cold floor, and I made a list.
One. My siblings are in danger.
Two. Talon needs me alive
Three. A little patience and I can plan an escape. If impossible for me, then at least for Rudina and Al.
I got up, limbs heavy, I dragged myself from the room. A shadow in the living room made me freeze.
Rudina stood. Sleepy eyed. Messy auburn mane and a lingering yawn.
I crossed the room quickly. "Ru, are you alright? Did something happen?"
"I thought I heard noises. Then I woke up and you weren't there." She didn't finish speaking when I pulled her in to a tight hug.
Rudina pulled back and eyed me.
"Are you alright?"
I opened my mouth. Then shut it. How could I break the news to her? Tell her that we were in a big mess.
"Kaelen is—"
A sharp knock interrupted my sentence, then the door opened.
Vanessa, the woman from last night, stood at the doorway. Her clothes were the same but something in her face had shifted—less composed. Her eyes weren't calm. They were urgent.
"Come with me."
My heart kicked against my ribs. Beside me, Rudina stirred.
"Where?"
"You'll see." She crossed the room in three quick strides and took my arm.
"My sister-"
"This is only for you. She will be fine." She didn't even glance back as she spoke; she just pulled me quickly out the door, behind her.
I looked at Rudina. Her eyes were open now, wide and scared. I squeezed her hand once. She nodded back in understanding.
Vanessa pulled me out. I used my free hand to clutch my veil tight over my hair.
We stepped outside and the cold air hit my face. Then she stopped—and I nearly crashed into her back.
Then she turned to me, her eyes bright, still puffy.
"Your husband survived the accident."
The words didn't make sense.
"Kaelen…is alive." She announced.
My heart stopped.
Alive?
Vanessa stepped aside.
And I saw him.
He stood in the courtyard, Tall. Still.
Dark Haired. He had bandages wrapped around his forearm,his head and his chest, but he looked more like one who caused an accident than survived it.
Few steps more and our eyes met.
My heart started racing again. Too fast.
I wanted to look away but I couldn't.
As I approached, his gaze held mine. Unreadable, dark and as thick as spilled ink.
We stopped about two steps away. Close enough for me to feel his presence—heavy, like a hand on my chest.
He looked at me once. Head to toe. Then his gaze flickered to Vanessa, beside me.
"Mother," he said. His voice was lower than Talon's but rougher. "I'd like to be alone with my wife."
The air stilled again. My knees felt weak. I just stood there, holding my own weight as I looked back at him.
He's alive. The real Kaelen is truly alive.