He gestured calmly. “Sit. Let’s speak properly.”
I lowered myself back into the seat. A server appeared with a bottle of lunar wine, but Marcellus waved him away.
“I’ll accept the union,” he said, voice dropping to a private growl meant only for me. “An alliance between our families strengthens every territory. And I give you my oath—I will protect the Rustpire line with everything I possess.”
My breath caught. So easily? It couldn’t be. There must be something.
“But…” He leaned forward, eyes dark and intense. “I want something in return.”
Of course. There were always strings—territory, power, dominance.
“What do you want?” My voice stayed firm.
Marcellus tapped one finger against the table, the only sign of tension. Sunlight filtered in through enchanted glass, casting sharp shadows along his jaw.
“Well?” I pressed. “What’s your price?”
A slow smile curved his lips, “I won’t ask for much. Fall in love with me.”
“What?” The word burst from me. My glass trembled in my hand.
“You heard me.” His gaze held mine. Steady. Fierce. “I want your real love, Isolde. Not just a pact between packs.”
My mind reeled. Of all the demands—a territory claim, sovereignty rights, blood-oaths—this wasn’t even close.
“I don’t understand,” I whispered. “You could ask for anything. Why this?”
“Because I know you’ve settled for someone you didn’t deserve.” He reached across the table, stilling my fidgeting hand.
Warm. Certain.
“You can’t order someone to fall in love. Love doesn’t work like that.” I breathed.
“I’m not asking for instant devotion.”
His thumb brushed circles over my wrist. “I’m asking for a chance. Real moments. Real honesty. No power games. No politics. Just us. Getting to know each other”
“And if it doesn’t happen?”
“Then at least we tried for something real.”
His eyes softened. “Aren’t you tired of unions built only on advantage?”
His words hit with the force of truth. Five years with Axton had hollowed me out. And now here was Marcellus, asking for the one thing I thought I’d lost the ability to feel.
“So, what’s your call?” he murmured, giving my hand a gentle squeeze, “will you give us a real chance?”
I looked at Marcellus’s hand resting over mine, my pulse thundering like distant war drums at his unexpected binding offer.
Before I could speak, my moonstone communicator vibrated. A glowing rune from my father pulsed on the screen.
“Wintermoon Pack just breached the harbor territory.”