The Blood Prince's Seventh Bride

“No,” I said, voice steady as ice.

“I’ve been pledged to an alliance marriage.

Leaving is the only smart thing to do.”

Lucian’s eyes narrowed. “An alliance? Your brother never said a word.”

“Of course he didn’t,” I said flatly.

“It’s not necessary, since you never trust us.”

He scoffed.

“Fine. Since the spider barely scratched her, I’ll let it go.

But bury that pathetic hope of yours.

I’ll still call you ‘sister’,if you behave.”

His voice dropped, colder than winter stone:“Hurt Seraphina again, and I’ll break you myself.”

I met his gaze, clear and steady.

“I'm not lying. And I don't love you anymore.

If I ever made you uncomfortable, I'm sorry.”

For a heartbeat, he looked stunned,

“Then prove it. Don't lie to my face again.”

As I walked past the stables, I saw them.

My horse—the one Lucian gave me, the one we raised together—now carrying Seraphina like a queen.

And he held the reins for her like she was fragile. Like I never mattered.

He spotted me. Took a step forward.

I turned sharply and left,before I saw the venom in Seraphina's eyes as she watched me go.

At evening, just as Amy set dinner on the table, the door burst open.

Lucian overturned the table. Boiling stew soaked my dress, burning through the fabric.

“You heartless viper!” he snarled.

“Seraphina only wanted to ride your horse, you tried to kill her!

You poisoned the horse with dreamroot!”

He grabbed my hair and dragged me through the streets.

My knees bled. No one moved to help.

In the castle, Seraphina lay in bed, arm bandaged, tears on her cheeks.

“Lucian, maybe we should call off the bonding rite.

First spiders, now this. What if I die next time?

I've lost my purity to you, but if I can't be your mate, I'd rather die!”

“I didn't do it!” I cried. “I swear!”

A stable boy dropped to his knees.

“My Alpha, I saw Lady Elise sneak into the stables before she left.

She poured something into the feed bin.

The horse went mad hours later!”

Lucian's hand cracked across my neck.

“Still lying? Being wanted by you is my shame!”

He hauled me to the hunting grounds behind the keep.

He threw me into the hunting grounds. A dozen starved wolves circled—green eyes, bared fangs, drool on the snow.

Ice flooded my veins. “What are you going to do?”

I’m innocent! And if you kill me, my brother...”

“lier!” he cut in.

“Even your brother would thank me for ridding our bloodline of you.”

“I told you,I don't love you anymore! Why would I risk everything for a man who sees me as filth?”

“I’m already prepared for the marriage alliance.”

Seraphina stepped forward, playing the gentle dove.

“Don't blame Lucian, Elise. He only protects what's his. ”

She leaned in, whispering so only I could hear:

“You think he looked at you because he still cares? Dream on.

I'd rather see you torn apart here than let you walk into the Blood Prince's castle alive. And your brother?

Don't worry, he'll join you soon enough.”

Rage burned through me. I shoved her. “You snake!”

“Ahh! She attacked me while I tried to help!” Seraphina gasped.

Lucian caught her, then barked: “No remorse. Bind her. Throw her to the wolves. She stays there until she begs for forgiveness!”

The pack lunged.

Just as fangs flashed toward my throat—two voices thundered through the night:

“Release my sister!”

“Touch my future bride,” came the second voice.

“And you answer to the Blood Prince.”