Zaraith's POV

My chamber was so quiet it literally felt like it was sharp enough to cut me open. I sat there, staring at my reflection in the mirror, my gaze scanning my now pale face, my hair tangled up in dark waves that clung to my sweaty, damp skin.

I lowered my eyes to my cracked lips, but none of these could compare to the heaviness I felt pressing down on me from inside.

My hand was pressed saving my stomach and no matter how much I tried to convince myself it was just a fragment of my imagination, I couldn't deny the feeling, like an alien with a pulse that didn't belong to me. It had started two nights ago, twisting my insides like something was trying to make my inside its home.

My breath hitched, my throat tightening, making it almost difficult to swallow.

This wasn't random, no, neither was it weakness. Rather, it was him; Razek.

That bastard demon Lycan lord who had left something behind, it wasn't just bruises and claws marks, no, but it was a seed I had no will to carry. And Demon Lycan seeds quickened in a few days and not months.

And it affected my magic which was usually fierce and bubbling with life. I could feel it now slipping through my fingers and each time I tried to use it to my full potential, I felt something pool low to my belly instead, as though it already obeyed whatever that was inside me, instead of me.

I bit down on my lower lips so hard it cracked, leaving a metallic taste on my tongue. No one could know of this, at least not now.

I couldn't let my sisters find out or else they'll find more ways to break me even more.

Just then, a knock snapped me back to reality, followed by the voices of my sister's, smooth as poison. “Ahh…sister” the eldest, Raven, spoke up as they approached me. “You've been smiled upon by the goddess. An honor awaits”

I cleared my throat, straightening the wrinkles on my dress as I stood, forcing a brief smile on my lips as I tried to ignore the wave of nausea that hit me like a goddamn wave.

My legs wobbled beneath me, unsteady, but I still straightened my spine and stared at them.

They bowed slightly, greeting me with a pretentious, practiced smile, their predatory eyes scanning me.

“The Fae prince is here” the second breathed, a look of excitement etched on her face, her hands clasped together. “Tonight, the goddess would personally write you into eternity!”

I squinted my gaze, the corner of my lips curling into a smile that felt more than just bared teeth. “Then the goddess shouldn't wait, right?”

When we walked into the temple, it was bubbling with restless energy. Around were incense burning even more thicker and suffocating than usual, its scent making my stomach churn violently until I had to slowly breath without being noticed through my mouth.

Every tug of fabric over my waist seemed as though it made the slight swell of my stomach noticeable.

I bit my tongue to stop myself from passing out. Just then, the air in the temple suddenly shifted and almost immediately, I realized he had arrived.

The Prince of the Fae, Vaelith.

He strode through the huge, heavy oak gates, draped in light silk, his golden hair glittering under the sun, his robes flowing like feathers on water.

His presence made something inside of me twist, but I couldn't ignore the beauty and grace that radiated off him. His eyes met mine as he stared at me almost exactly like men looking at properties they wanted to own.

And I? I wanted to escape from this bit unfortunately, my sisters preying eyes never left my sight.

“Lady Zaraith” his voice boomed through the temple, smooth as silk and composed. He approached me, then took my hand in his and bowed slightly and placed a soft kiss on it as though it was some cherished treasure.

He brushed his thumb against my skin, the heat from his touch making me almost nauseous but I quickly masked it with a smile.

“The honour is mine, Prince Vaelith” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady although instead, panic clawed at my chest.

Just then, his gaze suddenly shifted to my stomach, lingering longer than it should have which made my pulse rate spike, did he know? Did he feel it like I did?

Thankfully, he was interrupted by a guard who led him out of the hall to the chamber prepared for him in advance. The temple returned to normal, bubbling with chaos. Laughters echoed in the ball, the preparations swelling into frenzy. My sister's never left my side even as they ensured everything went as planned.

I tried playing my part, but I couldn't ignore the symptoms which gutted me almost every minute.

The scent of roasted meats of all kinds made bile burn my throat, my body burned, my skin prickling with sweat, soaking the heavy silks at my back.

When I stood too long, my chest tightened and when I bent to lift the hem of my gown, a sudden dizzy spell almost made me fall to the ground but I caught myself just in time before anyone could grow suspicious.

I had to get out of here. My sisters thought I could be caged with heavy silk and preceremonial activities, but I put every restraint to test.

At one point, when they weren't looking, I slipped away into the shadowed corridor, then whispered an enchanted spell under my breath to summon a blade.

And for a brief moment, the air flickered with something faint, like the shimmer of steel forming, but almost immediately, it fizzled away, dissolving into sparks.

The energy used made my knees buckle, and I pressed a hand against my mouth to muddle the groan. Whatever was growing inside of me sucked my power like water, leaving me empty and weak.

I dragged myself through the main halls, still trying to compose myself, but when I passed the high chamber, I suddenly froze. Voices could be heard from within, sharp, but low, whispering amongst themselves.

My sisters.

“It's not marriage,” one muttered. “But a binding”

"Yes," another said with a mean voice. "Through him she will be tied down. The temple will use her power, and she will burn for us till nothing's left."

"The Goddess wants obedience. By morning, she'll kneel."

The words hurt me badly. My hand went to my stomach again, anger rising till I thought I'd open the door and hurt them. But I walked on, my face like stone, the anger locked in me like a trapped animal.

They didn't want to give me to a prince as a gift. They wanted to use me up, tie me through him, wipe me out till I was just a thing they controlled.

By nightfall, the big feast was finally in full swing. Torches burned high, throwing gold on marble, music filled the room, goblets spilled wine.

I sat beside Vaelith, my body heavy, my stomach tight, my skin wet under the silks. I made myself eat though every bite turned to ash. My sisters watched, smiling, like they could already taste me giving in.

Then Vaelith stood up. The court got quiet, their eyes shining as he turned to me. For a moment, I thought he'd do the usual fairytale, get on his knees and say nice words.

He did get on his knee, but instead of talking, he took a knife, cut his hand, and pressed the bleeding part against my stomach. His blood was hot, burning through cloth and skin, going into me like fire on oil.

His eyes locked on mine, colder than ice, his lips curved, not like he was being nice, but like he knew something.

"You think you've hidden it well," he whispered so low only I heard, "but you carry a monster's child.”