Bound to the cursed lycan king

AGAINST HER WILL

Long ago, before Lycans tore down the heavens and Werewolves betrayed the gods, there was a curse—spoken not in words, but in wrath.

"When the moon bleeds black and the child of ash is born,

The cursed king shall wake, and ruin will rise with him.

Only the Unfortunate One shall silence his madness—

But to save the beast, she must break.”

They say the king was once a savior.

A warrior born of night and war.

Until he loved the wrong soul.

Until betrayal split his heart in two.

And the gods cursed him—no shift, no mate, no peace.

Only endless hunger and rage.

***Eleanor HAWTHORNE***

SMACK!

“You’re getting married to Kylian Quin — and that’s final.”

That was the first thing Eleanor heard as her father’s words shattered the morning air like glass. No greeting. No warning. Just a brutal order, dropped like a blade.

She tasted the blood that threatened to come out of her tongue.

The sun that once kissed her skin now felt like it was scorching her alive. Her breath caught in her throat. Her heart sank. She stood frozen, staring at the man who just set fire to her future.

He didn’t even offer her a seat.

“But father, I—”

“It is not up for debate.” His voice cut through her like a whip. “Pack your things. You leave by sunset tomorrow.”

Not a conversation,Not a choice. Just another command — the kind she’d been raised to obey.

The kind she's pitifully become familiar with.

“But I have a mate—” she pleaded, desperation cracking in her voice.

Lord Richard let out a cold, bitter laugh. “A mate? You mean that rogue?” He spat the word like it burned his tongue.

“An untamed stray with no name or honor?...a dog, and You’ve already stained this family with your foolish bond. This marriage will wipe it clean.”

Eleanor dropped to her knees, hands trembling as she clutched her dress. “Please. Don’t do this to me…”

“Get up and stop embarrassing yourself,” he snapped, his tone devoid of warmth. “This isn’t punishment, it’s an honor. It will restore the Hawthorne name — something you’ve failed to do.”

His mind was made up. It had been the moment she was born a daughter and not a son.

He leaned in, voice low, dangerous. “You are to spy on the lycans. Learn their every move. No one must know. Especially not the king.”

She blinked. “What if I’m caught? Father, the lycans—”

“If it means your death… so be it.”

The words hit harder than any slap. Her own father would sacrifice her like a pawn in a war she never asked for.

“I won’t do it.” She stood. It was the first time she’d ever defied him. Her voice shook, but she didn’t back down.

“I’m afraid you don’t have a choice…you breathe because I allow it.”His eyes gleamed with something darker than duty.

“Refuse and I’ll put an arrow through your filthy mate’s heart myself. I’ll burn his pack to the ground.”

She staggered back, like the threat was a physical blow. Maybe he was bluffing. Maybe it was another cruel mind game. But she’d seen what he did to traitors. And rogues.

This would just be a means to rid Eldrida of rogues.

“You’re dismissed,” he said, turning his back like she meant nothing. “Get out.”

Eleanor walked out of the room on numb legs. Her world felt like it was spinning, collapsing under her feet. Each step was heavier than the last.

How would she tell Cedric? How do you break someone with words? Could her father really do something like that?

Back in her room, she collapsed onto her bed. The tears didn’t come. They never did. Crying wouldn’t save her. No one cared anyway.

A knock came. Gentle. “My lady, may I come in?” It was Theresa.

No reply, her lips sealed shut.

Teresa slowly opened the door. “My lady… it’s time for your bath.” Her voice was soft, but when she saw Eleanor’s empty stare, her expression changed.

“Eleanor, what’s wrong?” She crossed the room and touched her shoulder.

She looked up, eyes filled with tears she was desperately holding back.

“He’s selling me off, Ter.” Her voice cracked. “He’s marrying me to the lycan king.”

“Oh gods…” Teresa hugged her, arms wrapping around her like a shield. Eleanor let the tears fall just for a moment — before choking them back down.

“I need to know,” she said suddenly, pulling away. “Tell me what you’ve heard about the lycan king. What is he like?”

“Are you sure you want to hear that?” Teresa asked gently.

Eleanor nodded,she needed to know what kind of monster awaited her.

“They say he’s ancient. The oldest lycan alive, but still looks like a young lad. He drinks blood,kills without blinking… Murders children. The six other kingdoms fear him like death itself.”

Eleanor stared at the wall. Her fate had already been sealed, but now it had claws. Fangs.

She’d heard his name whispered since childhood, always followed by silence. No one really knew the man. No one dared.

And now… she’d be his bride. And her father’s spy.

That thought alone already sent shivers down her spine.

“Eleanor?” Teresa said, breaking the silence.

“You went quiet.”

Eleanor looked up, eyes burning. “I need you to do something. But it might get you in trouble.”

Teresa hesitated. “What is it?”

“I need you to lie to everyone… to my father. I need to see Cedric one last time. Just to explain. Please, Ter.”

A long pause, looking at Eleanor's pity eyes. Then Teresa nodded

“Okay.”

Eleanor clutched her tightly. “Thank you…”

•••••••••

NIGHTFALL.

The moon was hiding behind clouds, casting the kingdom in shadows. Perfect.

Eleanor slipped through the secret tunnel, the one only she and Teresa knew — heart racing. When she reached the edge of the forest, Cedric was already waiting.

He turned the moment he saw her, relief washing over his face. She ran to him. They kissed, desperate and aching.

“I thought you weren’t coming,” he whispered. “I thought they caught you…”

“I wish they had,” she murmured.

His face darkened with a frown. “What’s wrong?”

She couldn’t say it. So she just looked away.

“My father… he’s marrying me to the lycan king.”

Cedric froze. “What?, No.”

“I’m sorry…”

“This is because I’m a rogue, isn’t it?” His voice cracked. “I’m not good enough.”

“No, Cedric… that’s not it. I love you, but…”

“Then run away with me. Now. We can leave. Disappear.”

Eleanor shook her head. Tears blurred her vision. “I can’t. If I do… the lycans will burn Eldrida. I’ll be the reason this kingdom falls.”

“You’re denying our bond?”

“I’m protecting you,my father will have your head.”

She took a step back, letting his hands fall out of her hands like a leaf.

“We can fight through this.Eleanor, don’t—”

THWACK.

An arrow buried into Cedric’s thigh. He dropped to one knee, pain twisting his face.

“No!” Eleanor screamed.

Another arrow hit his shoulder. Guards emerged from the trees, blades drawn.

And then… she saw them.

Her father. Her stepmother Camille. Her half-sister Catherine.

And Teresa standing behind them.

The betrayal sliced deeper than any blade.

She was speechless with only one word.

“Teresa?” Her voice cracked.

“I warned you,” Richard said, stepping forward. “I told you what would happen.”

Eleanor’s whole world tilted. “Please. Don’t kill him. I’ll do whatever you want. Just let him live.”

“Shut up, wench,” Camille hissed. “You’ve humiliated this family enough.”

“We should kill him,” Catherine said, eyes gleaming. “End this problem permanently.”

“No! Please!”

“Enough!” Richard barked. “I’m a man of my word. He lives…only if you obey every command I give.”

“I will,” Eleanor whispered. “I swear it.”

“Good. Take her away.”

As the guards dragged her off, she looked back one last time at Cedric. The wolfsbane venom was already taking hold, weakening him. He’d survive. But she knew she’d never see him again.

She burned Teresa with a stare so cold it could turn stone to ash.

---

Back at the mansion, her father was waiting.

“The carriage is outside,” he said. “You leave tonight.”

“But you said sunset tomorrow…”

“I changed my mind. The lycans arrived faster than expected. Your things are packed.”

He clenched his jaw.

It wasn’t a farewell, It was an execution.

“Goodbye now,” Camille sneered.

“One last hug, sister?” Catherine stepped in close, lips to her ear.

“This is no longer your home. Kalyndra is where you’ll die.”

Then she stepped back, smiling like the viper she was.

---

The carriage ride was silent.

Eleanor didn’t cry. She couldn’t,her eyes were a drought of tears.

She just stared out the window, watching her kingdom disappear behind her.

Her home and Her love. Her freedom or the little she had at least.

All taken in one day.

As they neared Kalyndra, the air turned bitter and sharp. Cold clawed at her skin.

The castle loomed like a shadow from a nightmare.Towering,black,silent.

Even the moon refused to shine on it. The stars disappeared.

She stepped down, her breath fogging the air.

Her hands were trembling.This was the end of her old life.

And the beginning of something far worse.

Facing the castle kalyndra as it stood tall over the clouds,it was obvious she was a prey in the predators play ground.

“Goddess help me.” She whispered.