Serene's blood boiled as Vael brought his lips closer. Vael didn't back down at all. Instead, he stared at Serene's face sharply, like a knife. Then, he smiled, causing Caelan and Dreven to freeze. They knew all too well that such a smile never meant anything good.

"If you want to mark me," Serene whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Do it in front of the entire kingdom. Let everyone know who truly controls this game."

Vael tilted his head, both surprised and captivated. "Are you daring enough?"

"More than you think," Serene replied, snapping her chin free from Vael's grip. Then, she walked past Caelan and Dreven without looking back. "If you want to fight, wait in the hall. I'll invite everyone to watch."

Caelan's gaze darkened. "What are you planning, Serene?"

Serene stopped at the doorway, glancing back briefly. "The truth."

***

The hall was filled with guests. Nobles, soldiers, and representatives from every foreign clan were present to witness the important announcement, which was supposed to be the official announcement of who would be Luna's partner in the ancient matchmaking ceremony. Crystal lights sparkled, and soft music filled the air. Everyone whispered, wondering who would be announced.

Serene stepped forward, wearing a black dress that hugged her body perfectly. The dress was not an official royal choice. Its color alone was enough to send a message of rebellion. Caelan stood on the left side of the stage. He wore a silver Alpha robe. Meanwhile, Dreven stood on the right side in his characteristic dark Lycan attire, and Cael stood in the middle of the crowd. He was barely visible to most of the attendees present. But Serene knew precisely where he was.

The old king stood and prepared to begin his speech. "Tonight, we will announce—"

"Excuse me," Serene interrupted, her voice echoing throughout the hall. All heads turned toward her. "I will make the announcement."

The king stared at her in shock. "Serene, this—"

"I will not belong to any of them," Serene replied in a clear and firm voice. Her words pierced like arrows.

Chaos erupted in the room. Nobles whispered, soldiers exchanged glances. They were utterly shocked, as Serene had once again disrupted the sacred gathering for the second time.

"What has she done?" everyone whispered.

Caelan stepped forward. "Serene, stop. This isn't the place for this."

"This is precisely the right time to say everything," Serene said with a gleam in her eyes. "You all need to know that this arranged marriage isn't about love. It's a power game. I will never agree to be a prize for the winner."

Dreven smiled thinly, realizing this would create chaos that would benefit him. "You've just started a war, Serene."

The old king tried to control the situation. "We'll discuss this privately."

"No," Serene protested. Her voice grew sharper. "They need to know. Even Alpha Caelan, the leader they so deeply respect and admire, tried to lock me away in the dungeon like a slave! And Dreven? He's no more than a snake exploiting the opportunity to wrap himself around my neck."

Gasps echoed from all directions. Shocked and disgusted glances swept the room. Caelan stepped forward, his face dark. But before he could defend himself, Serene erupted with her final words.

"If you think Vael is a savior, you're terribly mistaken. He's just another monster who sees my body as a tool to mark his territory." Serene gasped for breath after her outburst.

The atmosphere was frozen in silence. All eyes turned to Vael. However, Vael just stood there casually sipping his wine. It was as if he were watching a drama he had written himself. The event ended in chaos. The guests were dismissed early. Gossip spread quickly like wildfire. Serene was confronted by Caelan, Dreven, and Vael in the strategy room. The door was locked with tight security outside the room.

Caelan still couldn't believe Serene's actions. His emotions were uncontrollable. His hand slammed the table spontaneously. "What were you thinking?"

Serene replied, "Saying what I believe is right." Her gaze was firm and direct toward the man.

"The truth?" Dreven approached, his tone smooth. "You've just made the entire council question Caelan's ability as a leader. And that—" He glanced at Caelan and smiled at Serene. "Opens the way for me."

Caelan turned sharply. "You won't be able to touch her."

Vael, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. "Funny. You think you can control this? Yet Serene just gave me an advantage."

Serene glared at him with piercing eyes. "Is that what you think?"

Caelan grabbed Serene's shoulder, forcing her to look at him. "You've ruined everything. The ancient pact—"

"That pact means nothing if I'm the one being sacrificed," Serene replied quickly.

Dreven laughed softly. "I like your courage. But you must realize that tonight you've made three enemies. None of us will let you go free."

Serene narrowed her eyes, then stepped back toward the door. "We'll see who's locking whom in."

Her hand touched the doorknob. But before she could open it, Vael was already standing there, blocking the exit. He bowed his head slightly with a strange look in his eyes.

"You won't be leaving here tonight. Unless you have your mark on your neck!" Vael threatened.

Serene deliberately slapped Vael's face. She was startled by the hardness of his face, like stone. Though her hand ached terribly, she was satisfied she'd done it.

"You can only do that in your dreams!" Serene left without caring about the consequences of her actions.

Serene returned to her residence to calm herself. The night air outside the palace felt heavy. The sky was shrouded in dark clouds. The moon, which was usually a symbol of pride for the wolf tribe, was now only faintly visible behind the haze. She stepped down from the horse-drawn carriage with a steady stride. The Aeryndor family residence stood majestically, surrounded by tall stones with ancient carvings. However, the house felt more like a prison than a place of refuge.

As Serene passed through the gate, her father, Lord Aldren Aeryndor, was waiting at the main door. His face was stern, his silver hair now filled with the lines of age, his gaze not just angry but also heavy with worry.

"Serene," he called in a low, trembling voice.

Serene bowed her head slightly and stepped inside. The main hall was lit by torchlight. It displayed paintings of their ancestors hanging on the walls. The portrait of her mother, Lady Evelyne, seemed to stare at her from the golden frame. The gentle smile on her mother's face reminded her that she must not falter. As soon as the door closed, Aldren stared at his daughter's face for a long time.

"Are you aware of what you've done today?" he asked flatly.

Serene straightened up. "I am fully aware, Father."

"You haven't been back to this house for several days," said Aldren.

"I told everyone at the meeting. I was locked up by Caelan and Dreven, who kept intimidating me." Serene sighed heavily, stopping her words after seeing the reaction of the man beside her.

"You don't realize you've challenged Vael. You've thrown yourself into a blood trial in front of the entire kingdom. Do you know the consequences?" Aldren slammed the table, his voice rising.

Serene held her breath, but her eyes did not waver. "If I back down, they'll call me a coward. They'll say my blood is tainted. At least now they can't be sure of anything."

Serene bowed her head briefly. Then she raised her face again. "Father, I can't apologize to them. That would make me look weak. They'll trample me completely."

Aldren fell silent. His breathing grew heavier. "You sound just like your mother."

Aldren closed his eyes, as if trying to suppress his inner turmoil. His hands clenched on the table, and in the silence, Serene could hear her own heartbeat quickening. Aldren rarely mentioned his wife's name in conversation.

"Your mother was also very stubborn. She always refused to submit," Aldren said, sighing heavily. "I loved her for that. I also lost her for the same reason."

Serene stepped closer. "Father, what do you mean? Did Mother really die from an illness? Or was there something else?"

Aldren didn't answer directly. He turned away, his gaze dark and heavy. "There are things I couldn't tell you when you were young. But after what happened today, maybe it's time you knew part of the truth."