ALPHA CAMERON'S POV

　　I waited for Lydia to wake up so that I could make my next move. I have sacrificed so much already for this day. First, my mate Judy, the Luna of this pack. She was a hard nut to crack; I knew that as long as she was alive, I couldn't marry Lydia. Lydia was mine the day I realized she was the most beautiful wolf in the pack. Her beauty only grew as she grew older, but unfortunately, I couldn't do anything until she received her wolf and rejected her mate.

　　Her being the queen is just a cherry on top for me; if I marry her, the throne will also be mine. If I had known that she was a royal heiress, then I would have treated her differently. I would have given her a better life so that she doesn't hate me as much as she hates me now. This is why I had to sacrifice half of my soul and my mate to the demons. It was hard to contact them in the first place and even harder to strike a deal with them.

　　I glanced at Lydia's unconscious form, bound and helpless. The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls, mirroring the darkness of my soul. The power coursing through me was intoxicating, a gift from the demons in exchange for Judy. I was no longer just Alpha Cameron; I was something more, something stronger, something terrifying.

　　I paced the room, my mind racing with plans and possibilities. The throne was within my grasp, but I needed Lydia to comply. She was stubborn, strong-willed, just like her father. But I had patience, and I had power. I would break her if I had to.

　　I was impressed with her willpower, though. She even defeated Oleg. He was an old player, a good planner, and a truly evil person. After me, if I thought someone deserved my true friendship, then it was him. I had a good time with him. He promised me great things, but unfortunately, Lydia spoiled everything. But not anymore. I will make her mine, and she won't be able to resist my power. Even though she dislikes me, she will have to love me. I will make the queen bow down to me.

　　LYDIA'S POV

　　I woke up in a dimly lit room, my arms strained and heavy. The haze of confusion began to clear, replaced by a cold realization. I was back in my room, but it felt foreign, almost sinister. My mind raced, piecing together fragments of memory. The abduction, the men, the silver cuffs—they all came rushing back.

　　Panic clawed at my insides, but I forced myself to stay calm. I had to think, to plan. Cameron's face flashed in my mind, his twisted smile, the dark power radiating from him. He was behind this. He had to be.

　　I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. The room was eerily quiet, save for the distant murmurs and footsteps echoing through the corridors. I tested my restraints, feeling the burn of silver against my skin. The cuffs were tight, but they weren't unbreakable.

　　I needed to maintain my composure, to pretend I had no means of escape. If they thought I was helpless, they might let their guard down. I could use that to my advantage.

　　The door creaked open, and I quickly closed my eyes, feigning unconsciousness. Heavy footsteps approached, and I felt a hand roughly shake my shoulder.

　　"Lydia," a voice hissed. "Wake up, beautiful. I can tell that you are awake."

　　I slowly opened my eyes, trying to appear groggy. Cameron stood before me, his expression a mix of triumph and impatience. All the old memories of him torturing me, the sleepless nights, the pain, and the grueling days of hard labor came rushing back.

　　"Finally," he muttered. "You're awake."

　　I glared at him, my hatred evident. "What do you want, Cameron? Let me go, or you will pay for this badly."

　　He smiled, a chilling sight. "You, Lydia. I want you. And I want the throne, which is honestly just a bonus for me."

　　"You're insane," I spat, struggling against my restraints. "I hate you."

　　"Perhaps," he conceded, "but insanity is a small price to pay for power. And soon, you'll see that resistance is futile."

　　That's when I realized he seemed different. His face and body looked youthful, but his eyes and cheeks had taken the shape of a beast. His transformation was unsettling, a grotesque blend of man and monster.

　　"What have you done to yourself?" I demanded, trying to mask my fear.

　　He chuckled darkly. "I've embraced my true nature, Lydia. I've gained power beyond your comprehension. And now, you will see just how unstoppable I am."

　　"You think you can force me to be with you? That I'll ever love you?" I asked, my voice trembling with anger and disgust.

　　His smile widened, revealing sharp, inhuman teeth. "You will. I will make you. You won't have a choice."