The day had finally come. Kimberly was devastated as she stood before the mirror, dressed in a deep maroon gown, the heavy fabric clinging to her as if the sheer weight would bury her.

Her reflection stared back, pale, hollow-eyed, and lost. Behind her, Renee adjusted her zip, her fingers steady, even as Kimberly trembled.

“Mum, please. "Don't agree to this." Kimberly begged once again, like she'd been begging for the last two weeks leading up to the wedding.

“It’ll be fine,” Renee murmured, smoothing down her daughter’s hair. “You’re doing this for the family, for yourself." And for the future of all mergers.”

Kimberly’s eyes filled with tears, and she turned, gripping her mother’s hands. “I can't,” she croaked out, "Please, don’t make me do this. I don’t love him. I don’t even know him. "You can’t just hand me over to a savage, he's a deadly werewolf.”

Renee sighed, her expression softening. “I know this isn’t easy, but it’s what’s best. This marriage will secure our future. You’ll unlock your bloodline’s gift, Kimberly. You’ll be powerful, like what a true merger should be.”

“There are other allies, mother. I will have a husband, please, not him. Don't consent. Help me beg, father, please." 

Renee cupped her cheeks softly, placing her thumb just underneath her eyes so she could wipe away the stray drops of tears.

“But I don’t care about the gift!” Kimberly’s voice was raw, broken. “Mom, I’m begging you." Don’t let him take me away. I can’t do this!”

Renee looked away, her face tight with unspoken sorrow. “We all have to make sacrifices, Kimberly."

At that moment, Bomah entered, his face stern, his posture rigid. “It’s time.”

“Father, I know you must refuse, please."

Bomah shook his head, “He is our strongest ally against the rogue wolves and lycans. If we lose him, we lose everything. You must marry the alpha." 

Kimberly’s face crumpled as he took her arm, practically pulling her from the room. “Stop crying,” he hissed, his tone unforgiving. “You are a Merger." Show some strength. Don’t let those beasts see your weakness.”

“But, Dad—”

“Enough,” he barked, his grip tightening. “You’ll bring honor to this family." Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

They moved through the stone corridors, the air filled with a murmur of voices as the ceremony began. Kimberly’s stomach twisted as they approached the main hall. She could see the werewolf guards waiting, their eyes like predators as they stood in their ceremonial armor.

She froze, feeling the weight of her fate closing in around her. Bomah gave her a nudge, but her feet wouldn’t move. 

And then, the announcement echoed through the hall. “Presenting the bride, Kimberly of the Mergers.”

Ogar stared down at her, leering, his tongue stuck out, wetting his lips as he gawked at her. 

Kimberly knew she couldn't do that. She couldn't stand the touch of the vile man. That was it—her final chance. In one swift motion, she tore herself free from Bomah’s grip and bolted. Gasps erupted around her, but she didn’t stop to look back. She ran through the corridors, almost tripping on her dress as she stumbled, desperate to escape.

Kimberly tore the dress without a second thought. 

“Kimberly!” Bomah’s roar echoed through the hall, but she was already outside, sprinting toward the mountains. She heard shouts behind her, the guards scrambling to follow. Her heart pounded, her lungs burned, but she kept going, pushing herself harder, faster.

She glanced over her shoulder, her breath hitching as she saw Ogar among them, his face twisted in fury as he led the chase. She pushed herself forward, slipping on loose rocks as she scrambled up the rugged mountain path. The forest grew denser, the shadows deeper, but she didn’t dare slow down.

“I will make you regret this disrespect!" Ogar called out.

It was supposed to be the biggest ceremony in the entire province. The marriage of the infamous ruthless Alpha Ogar and a merger.

The howls echoed behind her, closer now, and her fear spiked. She slipped, hitting the ground hard, and her hands clawed at the dirt as she struggled to get back up. She could hear them now, snarling, footsteps closing in.

“Run all you want, Kimberly,” Ogar’s voice boomed, taunting. “You can’t escape me!"

“Please, my parents won't let you. "Please, I can't!" She yelled out defiantly.

Ogar laughed cruelly. "Your parents sold you out, you're mine now. We've made a truce, and I am your alpha. Submit or perish." 

She stumbled again, her heart racing, every muscle in her body aching. The wolves were closing in, their shadows looming over her, when suddenly, a deafening roar split the air.

A hulking figure leaped from the trees, landing between Kimberly and the werewolves. She gasped, staring at the silver eyes' beast of the beast.

Ogar’s eyes widened as he stared at the creature. It was a Lycan

“Kill him!” Ogar barked at his men. 

The werewolves attacked, lunging forward, but the Lycan tore into them with savage fury. Kimberly scrambled back, watching in stunned horror as claws and fangs clashed, blood spraying across the forest floor. One by one, the werewolves fell until only Ogar remained.

The Alpha was panting, his face twisted with rage as he glared at the Lycan. 

Ogar tore his shirt, growling as he tried to attack the Lycan, but the creature was much stronger, grabbing him by the paw and tossing him up a tree. 

“This isn’t over,” he snarled, before turning and disappearing into the trees.

Kimberly sat frozen, her body shaking. She looked up, her eyes meeting those of Lycan as he transformed, shifting back into the form of a man. His dark hair was matted with blood, his eyes fierce as he stepped toward her.

“Get up,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

She stared at him, bewildered, terrified. “W-what are you going to do to me?”

The strange man looked at her closely and, with one swift motion, yanked off her matron dress. The ceremonial attire of the werewolf bride. He leaned down and whispered into her ears. “You're my prisoner."

Kimberly’s legs gave out and darkness consumed her.