Bride of the Cursed Alpha (Auren and Lucien)

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Aurch

As the night deepened, silence filled the room, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves outside the window and an occasional howl from patrolling wolves. I didn't want to sleep. What if the nightmares came again! The thorns, the blood, the echoes of laughter that turned into screams, the feeling of being trapped? And worse, what if I screamed in my sleep' Lucien would hear me. He'd think I was weak, just another broken girl who couldn't handle her own fears. I didn't want him to see me like that.

So instead of sitting on the warm and comforting bed, I decided to sit on the floor away from the rug. I hugged my knees tighter, leaning my back against the wall.

As the right settled in, 1 sat on the cold floor, bugging my

y knees. The cold from the

the floor

seeped into my skin, making me shiver, but I didn't care The fear of closing my eyes weighed heavier than the chill in the air. So the chill was welcome. It would keep me awake.

But I didn't realize when exhaustion claimed me. I rested my head on my knees, promising myself I'd stay awake. Just for tonight. My eyelids grew heavier, and I fought against them. pinching my arm to stay alert. But no matter how hard I tried, exhaustion overcame me. My breathing slowed. and my head lolled to the side...

And nightmares revisited. They faded again as soft hands stroked my hair, my back, my hands. I wanted to wake up and see who was there, or whether I was dreaming it, but my eyes remained shut.

When I woke up, afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, and I felt warm. I blinked in confusion. I was on the bed, covered in a thick, sot blanket that smelled faintly of pine and something earthy.

What!" I whispered, sitting up quickly. "How did 1

as I stared at the neatly tucked blanket, trying to make sense of it

both flustered and uneasy. But that wasn possible because the door was locked. I had locked it myself before going to sleep. Goddess! I placed the back of my hand on my forehead. It was stupid to think that Alpha Lucien would enter my room somehow and bring me to bed. My eyes darted to the window where the curtains were Bluttering in the soft breeze. Shaking my head to push those ideas out, I

at noon. There were loud voices coming from the kitchen. I walked into the kitchen only to see that the place was utter chaos with so many people talking

food tray. "Alpha Lucien hasn't eaten his breakfast, blasting Tom for not preparing it nicely. He left in rage.

I'm so sorry. Can I

her work and began shouting at Toin their

I had my lunch, she said, "Now let's get you that dress I mentioned for

plenty of dresses.

from them.

the stylist for

Whe

I jerked my head in surprise. "Did you ask Alpha Lucien about

me out of

Lady Auren," she scoffed. Then she muttereid. "This is the worst nightmare of my life. Turning an omega into a princess! Or rather Cusderella My checks turned red. "T-I can

the Celestial Soirée because you are the queen beel" She

boxes of shoes, and a dizzying array of accessories. She clapped her

approved in seconds by Dahlia like an expert. "Something sexy, but elegant,"

was a deep emerald green that shummered subtly under the light, clinging to the body like a second skin. The neckline plunged, revealing just enough to be alluring, and the back slipped low, exposing the curve of my spine. If someone put their hand at the hack of my back, they could easily reach my hips. The fabric hugged my waist before faring slightly at the hips, allowing easy movement.

2:43 PM C

Chapter 22

one side

stood frozen as Dahlia's team worked their magic-styling my hair into soft waves, enhancing my features with